A Single Fiscal Policy in the Euro Area: Vision or Utopia?

EMU has a unique macroeconomic framework that combines a single monetary policy with coordinated national economic and fiscal policies. Since the coordination process has some serious weaknesses despite having been modified several times in recent years, the idea of a single economic/fiscal policy is being discussed as a potential alternative solution for the euro area. On the one hand, there are reasonable economic arguments in favor of a single fiscal policy, such as the need to formulate an aggregate fiscal stance for the euro area as a whole, the need to ensure sustainable macroeconomic stabilization within EMU, and the need for a kind of insurance against asymmetric shocks. On the other hand, establishing the context for a single fiscal policy would require significant changes to the present political, institutional, and macroeconomic design of the EU. Such a context could include full political union with a federal structure, and federal institutions, including an economic government or central fiscal authority for the euro area, with a much larger and restructured general budget at the EU level, and possible abandonment of the rule that the budget must be in balance every year. Currently, neither the political will nor the social support exists in the EU for transferring further national authority to a supranational, European level. Therefore, while it may be desirable, a single fiscal policy in the euro area can only be considered for the long run; it is not an option for the short or medium term.EMU, the euro area, economic policy coordination, fiscal policy, fiscal federalism, central/federal budget, federation, political union

Biocénose pélagique du lac oligomésotrophe de Poméranie (Pologne) : étude des communautés de la boucle mocrobienne et du pytoplancton

Cette étude présente des résultats concernant l'abondance et la biomasse des principales communautés de la boucle microbienne (bactéries hétérotrophes, picoplancton autotrophe, flagellés hétérotrophes, protistes ciliés) et des nano- et microalgues dans le grand (525 ha) et profond (48 m) lac oligomésotrophe Bobifcigskie Wielkie situé en Poméranie de l'ouest (Pologne). Les échantillons d'eau ont été prélevés en zone pélagique, en 1996. Dans la classe de taille du picoplancton, ce sont les bactéries hétérotrophes qui constituent le groupe trophique le plus abondant. Leur biomasse couplée à celle du picoplancton autotrophe beaucoup moins abondant (de 3,5 à 5,4 µg·C·L-1), constituait de 15 % à 22 % de la biomasse microbienne totale. La biomasse des protistes flagellés hétérotrophes et celle des protistes ciliés étaient proches (3,0-3,8 µg·C·L-1) et constituaient, en fonction de la profondeur de prélèvement, de 8 % à 24 % de la biomasse totale. Le phytoplancton de taille supérieure à 2,0 µm représentait la plus grande partie de la biomasse totale, à savoir de 50 % à 78 % (8,4-27,5 µg·C·L-1). Il était dominé, en ce qui concerne la taille des organismes, par le microplancton. Dans les couches supérieures du lac, les diatomées et les cryptophycées étaient les plus nombreuses, alors qu'en profondeur c'était les cyanobactéries filamenteuses du genre Planktothrix qui étaient les plus abondantes.This study presents results of investigations on abundance and biomass of the main communities of the microbial loop (heterotrophic bacteria, autotrophic picoplankton, heterotrophic flagellates, ciliated protozoa) as well as nano- and microalgae in the large (525 ha) and deep (48 m) oligo-mesotrophic lake Bobifcigskie Wielkie located in West Pomerania, Poland. Samples were taken from the pelagial zone in 1996. Within organisms of picoplankton size the heterotrophic bacteria were the most abundant trophic group. Their biomass, together with the much lower abundant autotrophic picoplankton (3.5 to 5.4 µg·C L-1), constituted 15% to 22% of the total microbial biomass. The sum of biomasses of heterotrophic flagellates and ciliated protozoa was similar at all depth (3.0-3.8 µg·C·L-1), ranging between 8-24% of total biomass. Phytoplankton organisms larger than 2.0 µm represented the biggest part of the total microbial biomass, i.e. from 50% to 78% (8.4-27.5 µg·C·L-1). The microplankton constitutes the largest part of the phytoplanktonic biomass. Whereas the diatoms and cryptomonads were the most abundant in the upper layers of the lake. The filamentous cyanobacteria of the genus Planktothrix dominated in the deeper waters

Distribution du picoplancton autotrophe dans la zone pélagique d'un lac méromictique (Lac Czane, Pologne)

La composition, l'abondance et la biomasse de la communauté du picoplancton autotrophe (PPA, 0,2-2 m) ont été examinées dans un lac situé en Pologne et récemment considéré comme méromictique, le lac Czarne. Les échantillons d'eau ont été prélevés tous les mètres dans la colonne d'eau, en mars et en juillet 1998. Pendant ces deux dates, le PPA se caractérisait par des changements significatifs de densité dans la colonne d'eau. Au printemps, l'abondance la plus forte a été observée à 9 m (2,1·105 cellules·mL-1) tandis qu'en été elle est observée à 5 m (3,1·105 cellules·mL-1). À toutes les profondeurs, le PPA était dominé par des Cyanobactéries. Au printemps, dominent les cellules libres de picocyanobactéries, contrairement à l'été où les cellules coloniales étaient prépondérantes. La contribution des cellules eucaryotes était faible en termes d'abondance (10 µg C·L-1 were recorded to the depth of 14 m, while during the second session biomass clearly concentrated in the upper part of the water column, to a depth of 7 m. Within PPA, usually Pcy dominated in terms of biomass. In March their contribution to the total PPA biomass varied from 35% to 88% (mean: 67%) and in July from 65% to 100% (mean: 88%). PEA biomass was higher in March than in July and mean values were respectively 3.0 µg C·L-1 and 0.3 µg C·L-1, accounting for 33% and 12% of the total PPA biomass. In July, PAE biomass was everywhere lower than Pcy biomass. In contrast, in March, PAE biomass exceeded Pcy biomass at some depths in the lower part of the water column. The contribution of PAE to the total PPA biomass was higher than to the total PPA abundance, especially in March, when PAE were the most numerous. Generally, the contribution of eukaryotic cells was smaller in terms of abundance and much higher in terms of biomass, because of the larger mean size of cells

A Finite Element Analysis of a Carbon Fiber Composite Micro Air Vehicle Wing

Micro-air vehicles (MAV)s provide a valuable and low observable way to do the jobs that the Air Force deems to be dull, dirty and dangerous. Basing the design of an MAV wing on that of a biological counterpart will provide a proven design that is capable of achieving the mission requirements. This research is designed to analyze the design and manufacturing of a wing based off the Manduca Sexta. Inaccuracies in the fiber orientation can result in substantial changes in the material properties. Experimental vibration data of composite material samples manufactured using a three-ply [0/90/0] small non-homogenous fiber composite provided results that varied over 33 percent from analytical results. Since the material was to be used in the manufacturing of a biologically inspired MAV, it was important to understand the cause of the variance in the measured material properties so that they could be taken into account for the design and manufacturing of the MAV wing. An analysis was performed on the material to verify that it matched specified material properties. Inaccuracies in the manufacturing of the composite samples were taken into account; specifically ply orientation, cut angle, and material thickness were examined. Using finite element analysis (FEA), it was determined that a misalignment in fiber orientation of less than five degrees combined with resulting short fiber effects accounts for the difference between analytical and experimental results. Using an optical microscope, variances in the ply orientation was observed confirming the FEA results. Possible inaccuracies in the composite material were taken into consideration during the design and construction of the MAV wing

Actual and potential impact of EMU on economic and budgetary policies of the EU

EMU and the euro have been existing for more than seven (almost eight) years. As it is known, EMU –and in particular the proper functioning of the single currency – requires the appropriate policy mix. But there is the significant macroeconomic and institutional imbalance within the euro area stemming from the coexistence of the single (centralized) monetary policy and nationally-oriented (decentralized) economic policies that are merely coordinated. Besides the EU economic coordination process and the policy mix have many other serious weaknesses. For that reason, in recent years there have been numerous proposals of the strengthening the economic policy coordination within the EU, which could be implemented in the nearest or a bit later future. They were related to improving coordination of economic, employment and budgetary policies within the EU or the euro area (including the Stability and Growth Pact – reformed in 2005). But those proposals and reform seem to be more or less enough to resolve some current problems, but they do not propose the complex and ultimate framework of economic policy within EMU in the long-term perspective. For that reason, at the present moment the EU still needs a serious debate on its future. The debate on the future of the EU started in 2000 – just a year after the introduction of the euro. After some years it might seem that the debate was over and the necessary solutions were found and adopted in the Constitutional Treaty. But following the last year’s events (of May and June 2005) – related to the rejection of the Constitution for Europe and initial non-agreement on the Financial Perspective 2007- 2013 – the debate on the future of the EU was reopen. Taking into account this crisis situation within the EU as well as the fact that the previous economic and political solutions have not been regarded as effective, it is worth to consider (or reconsider) some potential solutions that could be implemented in the EU in the longer future. For example, in the case of potential economic reforms, it would be interesting to consider whether the idea of the single economic/budgetary policy in the euro area is feasible (and desirable) in the long run. On the one hand, this idea is an extremely sensitive and controversial issue and there is strong opposition related to such a vision in the EU. But on the other hand, it seems to be very logical and natural because the logic and cumulative character of the integration process indicate that the evolution from the coordination of national economic and budgetary policies to the single economic/budgetary policy (coexisting together with the single monetary policy) seems to be an inevitable consequence of EMU in the longer term. In general, this study argues that EMU will have a serious impact on the further integration process within the EU, exerting in the course of time stronger and stronger pressure on its deepening – in both political and economic spheres (e.g. by complementing a monetary union with a political union).EMU, the euro, policy coordination, policy mix, economic policy, fiscal/budgetary policy, fiscal federalism, federation, political union

Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome scenarios - the making of a decision

Thesis (M.A.)--Boston UniversityIntroduction: Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is a prenatal condition affecting 10-20% of monochorionic – diamniotic (identical) twins and is defined by unbalanced blood flow from one twin to the co-twin. TTTS is staged using the Quintero Staging System (I-V) based on ultrasound and Doppler findings. Even with the staging, TTTS does not have a linear course of progression and lacks predictably in the outcome of the pregnancy. If it does progress and is left untreated, TTTS has a 100% mortality of both twins. There are various treatments for TTTS including septostomy and serial amnioreductions, but the optimal treatment for TTTS is laser ablation of the communicating placental vessels between both twins. These anastomoses are the pathophysiological cause of the syndrome and LASER treatment allows the twins to recover in utero. LASER treatment is associated with risks, including preterm rupture of membranes and preterm labor in 4% of pregnancies and short-and long-term morbidities in 13% of the twin, with the main cause of all morbidity in TTTS infants being prematurity. Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome’s associated unpredictability, lack of linear progression, and various risks and outcomes cause decision-making in TTTS to be problematic for both physicians and parents. Methods: A six-month observational period from July 2012 through January 2013, a cohort of women pregnant with monochorionic – diamniotic twins were referred to the Fetal Treatment Program of New England for assessment of TTTS in their twins by ultrasonography. If diagnosed with TTTS, the twins were staged (I-IV) and treatment recommendations were discussed. At Stage I, patients were recommended for observational, conservative management of weekly ultrasounds. If the patient's ultrasound findings were consistent with Stage II, III, or IV, they underwent LASER treatment. During LASER treatment, communicating anastomoses between both twins were ablated using a diode laser. The women were discharged 2 days post-op and were recommended to have at least weekly ultrasounds for the first two weeks after surgery and then every other week ultrasounds thereafter, to monitor each twin’s health. [TRUNCATED

Expected and actual impact of EMU on growth, public finances and structural reforms in the euro area

EMU, the euro, euro-area, growth, public finances, budget deficit, public debt, ageing of populations, structural reforms, labour/product/financial markets

Chromate conversion coatings and their current application

This paper describes formation, composition and possible production technologies of application chromate coatings. Summation of common examples of applications of these coatings in corrosion protection of metals and alloys is provided. Individual chromate coatings are divided by their dominant anions either with CrVI or CrIII. Restrictions of chromate coatings with dominantly CrVI and related toxicity of hexavalent chromium is discussed in detail. In conclusion, examples of both chromium and other, alternative coatings are summed up. Application of these coatings as a protection for concrete hot-dip galvanized reinforcement is also reviewed