Export surges : the oower of a competitive currency

How can countries stimulate and sustain strong export growth? To answer this question, the authors examine 92 episodes of export surges, defined as significant increases in manufacturing export growth that are sustained for at least seven years. They find that export surges in developing countries tend to be preceded by a large real depreciation-which leaves the exchange rate significantly undervalued-and a reduction in exchange rate volatility. In contrast, in developed countries, the role of the exchange rate is less pronounced. The authors examine why the exchange rate is so important in developing countries and find that the depreciation leads to a significant reallocation of resources in the export sector. In particular, depreciation generates more entries into new export products and new markets, and the percentage of new entries that fail after one year declines. These new products and new markets are important, accounting for 25 percent of export growth during the surge in developing countries. The authors argue that maintaining a competitive currency leads firms to expand the product and market space for exports, inducing a large reorientation of the tradable sector.Currencies and Exchange Rates,Emerging Markets,Debt Markets,Economic Theory&Research,Achieving Shared Growth

Patterns of export diversification in developing countries: intensive and extensive margins

This paper uses highly disaggregated trade data to investigate geographic and product diversification patterns across a group of developing nations for the period from 1990 to 2005. The econometric investigation shows that the gravity equation fits the observed differences in diversification across nations. We find that exports at the intensive margin account for the most important share of overall trade growth. At the extensive margin, geographic diversification is more important than product diversification, especially for developing countries. Taking part in FTAs, thereby reducing trade costs, and trading with countries in the North are also found to have positive impacts on export diversification for developing countries.export diversification, intensive margin, extensive margin

Pre-switching bifurcation of a slender jet

In this work, we study the near-field of the jet flow exiting a slot-model with aspect ratio 7.5:1. The core of the slender jet separates into two streams which subsequently merge recomposing a single core jet. Axis switching occurs downstream following self-similarity rules. In order to unveil the 3D dynamics of this pre-switching bifurcation, stereo-PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) measurements are performed and a phase-locking technique is implemented using surface dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators. The device forces the flow with low-amplitude localized disturbances to produce a lock-on phenomenon. The symmetric modes of the Crow instability, developing between the counter-rotating vortex tubes formed at the slot exit, are found to account for the bifurcation process.Fil: Audier, Pierre Marcel Roger. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ingeniería. Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica. Laboratorio de Fluidodinámica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Sciamarella, Denisse. Université Paris Sud; FranciaFil: Artana, Guillermo Osvaldo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ingeniería. Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica. Laboratorio de Fluidodinámica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Hydrogen sulphide regulates inward-rectifying K+ channels in conjunction with stomatal closure

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is the third biological gasotransmitter and, in animals, affects many physiological processes by modulating ion channels. H2S has been reported to protect plants from oxidative stress in diverse physiological responses. H2S closes stomata, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here we report the selective inactivation of current carried by inward-rectifying K+ channels (IKIN) of tobacco guard cells and demonstrate its close parallel with stomatal closure evoked by submicromolar concentrations of H2S. Experiments to scavenge H2S suggested an effect that is separable from that of abscisic acid, which is associated with water stress. Thus, H2S appears to associate with a new and as yet unresolved signalling pathway that selectively targets IKIN

Pluralidad de rasgos y diversidad de representaciones sobre la enfermedad en los usuarios de curanderismo del gran San Miguel de Tucuman, Argentina

El presente trabajo constituye parte de una investigación mayor vinculada al estudio de las prácticas terapéuticas populares –puntualmente aquellas relacionadas al quehacer del curanderoen el campo terapéutico del Gran San Miguel de Tucumán. En este artículo concentro mi análisis en las diversas representaciones respecto a la práctica del curanderismo que circulan entre los usuarios de la misma y en las concepciones de salud y enfermedad ligadas a estas representaciones. Los elementos que configuran una práctica cultural adquieren sentido en las subjetividades de los propios de los propios practicantes. Son ellos quienes le otorgan valor y significado. Es por esto que estimo necesario, para acercarnos al estudio de las mismas, hacerlo en referencia a las subjetividades de los agentes que las efectúan y, desde allí, intentar proponer generalizaciones. En este sentido, advertimos que las personas utilizan múltiples caminos terapéuticos ante el padecimiento y que los mismos están motivados por diversas circunstancias y convicciones. Nuestro punto de partida son los datos provenientes de entrevistas realizadas a personas que han acudido alguna vez al curandero. Los entrevistados constituyen un grupo heterogéneo a partir del cual se intenta dar cuenta de la complejidad de representaciones y creencias que subyacen al curanderismo.This article focuses on popular therapeutic practices performed by curanderos or traditional healers, in the Metropolitan area of San Miguel de Tucumán City, located in the Tucumán Province (Argentina), which is part of the North Western Argentine region. The author analyzes users´ diversity of representations associated with the curanderismo procedures and knowledge, and the conceptions on illness and health linked with those representations. Meanings of cultural practices are supported on subjectivity of practitioners and users, who endow to their own practices of value and significance. From this point of view I will try to propose some general insights. In order to treat illnesses, people overlap different medicines searching for their own health, making actual therapeutic itineraries based on different life circumstances and cultural convictions. The paper is based on the data, gathered among people, who at least once, visited the curandero. It is from social, economic, and cultural perspectives a heterogeneous group, due to the author try to show the complexity and diversity of representations and beliefs associated with curanderismo.Fil: Oliszewski, Denisse. Universidad Nacional de Tucuman. Facultad de Filosofía y Letras. Instituto de Historia y Pensamiento Argentinos; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Sol-gel incorporation of organometallic compounds into silica: useful precursors to metallic nanostructured materials

Indexación: Web of Science; ScieloLa inclusión del MLN organometálica = HOC 6 H 4 CH 2 CN • Mo (CO) 5 (6) en sílice amorfa con los precursores TEOS gelificante y N 3 P 3 {NH [CH 2 ] 3 Si [OEt] 3 } 6 permitirse los geles (MLN) ( SiO 2 ) n . Los nanocompuestos híbridos inorgánicos-orgánicos se piroliza bajo aire a 800 º C para dar óxidos nanoestructurados metálicos y / o pirofosfatos de metal (fosfatos) incluidos en las matrices de sílice. La morfología de los nanocompuestos monolíticas exhiben una fuerte dependencia con el precursor del gel utilizado es principalmente laminar para aquellos preparados utilizando N 3 P 3 {NH [CH 2 ] 3 Si [OEt] 3 } como gelificante. Las imágenes de TEM muestran la forma y tamaño diferentes, tales como nanopartículas circulares, nanocables y aglomerados en algunos casos con tamaños de 20 nm para las nanoestructuras circulares y de diámetro aproximadamente 25 nm para los nanocables.Inclusion of the organometallic MLn = [HOC5H4N•Cp2TiCl][PF6] (1), HOC5H4N-W(CO)5 (2), HOC5H4N•Mo(CO)5 (3), [HOC6H4CH2CN•Cp2TiCl][PF6] (4), HOC6H4CH2CN•W(CO)5 (5) and HOC6H4CH2CN•Mo(CO)5 (6) into amorphous silica using the gelator precursor TEOS and N3P3{NH[CH2]3Si[OEt]3}6 afford the gels (MLn)(SiO2)n. The inorganic-organic hybrid nanocomposites were pyrolyzed under air at 800°C to give nanostructured metal oxides and/or metal pyrophosphates (phosphates) included in the silica matrices. The morphology of the monolithic nanocomposites exhibited a strong dependence on the gel precursor used being mainly laminar for those prepared using N3P3{NH[CH2]3Si[OEt]3} as gelator. TEM images show different shape and size such as circular nanoparticles, nanocables and agglomerates in some cases with sizes of 20 nm for the circular nanostructures, and diameter about 25 nm for the nanocables.http://www.scielo.cl/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0717-97072012000200021&nrm=is

OBTENCIÓN DE LA PLANTA COMERCIAL VARIEDAD HASS, MEDIANTE LA TÉCNICA DE PROPAGACIÓN CLONAL DESDE LA EVALUACIÓN DE LA PLANTA NODRIZA HASTA LA INJERTACIÓN DEL CLON.

Con la finalidad de conocer la eficiencia de diferentes donadores de semilla al ser utilizados como plantas nodriza durante el proceso de propagación clonal de portainjertos de aguacate, se evaluaron 17 diferentes fuentes de semilla. Se observó que las plantas provenientes de la especie Persea floccosa tienen potencial para ser empleadas como plantas nodrizas, así como las semillas del genotipo “Filtro Negro” por su uniformidad y vigor. Se dió seguimiento al desarrollo en vivero de 3 clones; Thomas, Derrumbe y Duke 7, se observó que después de ser desprendidos de su planta nodriza, existieron diferencias significativas en cuanto a los incrementos en su desarrollo (altura) 45 días después de la aclimatación del portainjerto clonal siendo los mejores Derrumbe y Thomas a comparación con Duke 7. En lo referente a los incrementos del portainjerto clonado en diámetro no existieron diferencias significativas entre los genotipos Thomas, Derrumbe y Duke 7. Con respecto a la variable altura del clon hasta su injertación con Hass, no hubo influencia al usar cualquiera de los dos tipos de nodriza “Filtro Negro” y “Floccosa 10”, pero si la hubo en el diámetro de la planta clonada al utilizar “Filtro Negro” lográndose un mayor incremento con respecto a “Floccosa 10”, esto probablemente a que la semilla de “Filtro Negro” es más grande con respecto a “Floccosa 10”. Se propone a Persea floccosa como una especie a utilizar como donador de semilla por ser una especie distinta de Persea americana Mill., por su productividad y compatibilidad de planta (variable altura) como fuente de semilla. Se pudo evaluar el incremento final del desarrollo de la variedad Hass sobre los tres portainjertos clonados; Thomas, Derrumbe y Duke 7, en los cuales no se observó diferencia estadística en ninguno de los tres portainjertos usados. Sin embargo en las semanas de medición 6, 10 y 11 Thomas logró un mayor porte (altura) en comparación con Derrumbe y Duke 7. Se identificaron las etapas e intervalos de tiempo necesarios para la generación de planta clonada de aguacate “Hass”, desde la siembra de la semilla nodriza hasta el desarrollo final del injerto comercial

Success and failure of African exporters

Using a novel dataset with transactions level exports data from four African countries (Malawi, Mali, Senegal and Tanzania), this paper uncovers evidence of a high degree of experimentation at the extensive margin associated with low survival rates, consistent with high and middle income country evidence. Consequently, the authors focus on the questions of what determines success and survival beyond the first year and find that survival probability rises with the number of firms exporting the same product to the same destination from the same country, pointing towards the existence of cross-firm synergies. Accordingly the evidence is consistent with the hypothesis that those synergies may be driven by information spillovers. More intuitively and consistently with multi-product firms models, the analysis also finds that firms more diversified in terms of products, but even more in terms of markets, are more likely to be successful and survive beyond the first year.Markets and Market Access,Microfinance,Economic Theory&Research,Debt Markets,E-Business

Export entrepreneurs : evidence from Peru

This paper examines firm entryand survival in exporting, and in products and markets not previously served by any domestic exporters. The authors use data on the nontraditional agriculture sector in Peru, which grew seven-fold from 1994 to 2007. They find tremendous firm entry and exit in the export sector, with exits more likely after one year and among firms that start small. There is also significant entry and exit in new markets. In contrast, such trial and error in new products is rare. New products are typically discovered by large experienced exporters and there is increased entry after products are discovered. The results imply that high sunk costs of entry are of concern for product discovery, especially for products that are not consumed domestically. In contrast, the tremendous entry and exit in exporting and in new markets suggests that initial sunk costs are relatively low. The authors develop a model that explains how entrepreneurs decide to export and to develop new export products and markets when there are sunk costs of discovery and uncertainty about idiosyncratic costs. The model explains many features of the data.Markets and Market Access,Microfinance,Access to Markets,Economic Theory&Research,Debt Markets