Direct Inflows Research Articles

The Use of Stable Isotope-Based Water Age to Evaluate a Hydrodynamic Model

Transport time scales are common metrics of the strength of transport processes. Water age is the time elapsed since water from a specific source has entered a study area. An observational method to estimate water age relies on the progressive concentration of the heavier isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen in water that occurs during evaporation. The isotopic composition is used to derive the fraction of water evaporated, and then translated into a transport time scale by applying assumptions of representative water depth and evaporation rate. Water age can also be estimated by a hydrodynamic model using tracer transport equations. Water age calculated by each approach is compared in the Cache Slough Complex, located in the northern San Francisco Estuary, during summer conditions in which this region receives minimal direct freshwater inflow. The model’s representation of tidal dispersion of Sacramento River water into this backwater region is evaluated. In order to compare directly to isotopic estimates of the fraction of water evaporated (“fractional evaporation”) in addition to age, a hydrodynamic model-based property tracking approach analogous to the water age estimation approach is proposed. The age and fractional evaporation model results are analyzed to evaluate assumptions applied in the field-based age estimates. The generally good correspondence between the water age results from both approaches provides confidence in applying the modeling approach to predict age through broader spatial and temporal scales than are practical to assess using the field method, and discrepancies between the two methods suggest aspects of both approaches that may be improved. Model skill in predicting water age is compared to skill in predicting salinity. Compared to water age, salinity observations are shown to be a less useful diagnostic of transport in this low salinity region in which salt inputs are poorly constrained.

Delineation of groundwater provenance in Arctic environment using isotopic compositions of water and sulphate

Little is known about water–rock interaction related to deeper groundwater flows along tectonic discontinuities in the Arctic glacial catchments. Therefore, we analyzed oxygen and sulfur isotope compositions (δ18O, δ34S) of dissolved sulfate (SO42−) to better understand this process in groundwater from mineral and thermal springs and subglacial outflows of southern Spitsbergen. Our results show that coupled δ18O-δ34S of SO42− is a useful measure of groundwater provenance and its relation to water–rock interaction along flow paths in different lithologies. In the studied area, groundwater-rock interaction with carbonate and crystalline rocks contributes two different sources of sulfide-derived SO42− with distinctive isotope compositions and leaves similar isotopic signature as in shallow surface environment (e.g., proglacial lakes and streams). The sulfide-derived SO42− from Paleozoic carbonates has lower δ34S (+5‰) and higher δ18O (−5‰) compared to higher δ34S (+10 to +15‰) and more negative δ18O (−10‰) in the Precambrian crystalline rocks. Minor contributions of SO42− are from sea spray. Conversely, direct inflows of seawater appear to be negligible, if any. Moreover, the more negative δ2H and δ18O values (−85 to −70‰ and −12 to −9‰, respectively) suggest that majority of the studied groundwater and surface water is from melting of snow/ice formed in fall/winter months compared to lower contributions from spring/summer precipitation with higher δ2H and δ18O (−65 to −55‰ and −8 to −6‰). Interestingly, the water-soluble SO42− from the Antarctic soils with high δ34S (+12 to +16‰) and negative δ18O (−15 to +5‰) is remarkably similar to the sulfide-derived SO42− from the Precambrian crystalline rocks analyzed by us in southern Spitsbergen. This implies that sulfide oxidation might be a widespread process in polar environments, even under extremely dry conditions as in Antarctica.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and its Impact on Hotel and Tourism Services in India

The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is required for a country, when domestic capital is inadequate for the purpose of enhancing economic growth. India needs substantial foreign capital inflows to achieve the economic growth and development. In an emerging economy like India, the Hotel & Tourism services contributes significantly to the country’s GDP as well as Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE). India has significant potential to become a preferred tourist destination globally. Its rich and diverse cultural heritage, abundant natural resources and biodiversity provides numerous tourist attractions. Since 1991, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the developing countries has been the leading source of external financing and has become a key component of national development strategies for almost all the developing countries in the world. Foreign Direct Investment up to 100 percent is allowed in Hotel and Tourism sector under Automatic route. The contribution of FDI in Hotel & Tourism sector is stimulating the economic growth or not, this knowledge thrust of researcher creates the interest in conducting this study. In this paper, an attempt is made to review the concept of FDI and its impact on the Hotel & Tourism sector in India. The study is based on only secondary sources of data and it covers for the period of recent ten years. The study shows a positive correlation between Foreign Direct Investment Equity inflows and Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Hotel & Tourism sector in India during the period of the study.

The Impact of Remittance on Economic Growth of Ethiopia

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not international remittances enhance economic growth in Ethiopia. Data for the period 1984-2017 from World Development Indicator and Ethiopia Ministry of Education annual statistical Bulletin was used. To investigate the impact international inflow remittances, foreign direct investment net inflow, inflation, general government final consumption expenditure, gross fixed capital formation, openness to international trade, human capital and population growth were also included. The study employed an aggregate Cobb-Douglas production function. Augmented Dickey Fuller tests were used to test for non Stationarity of the variables. It was found that all variables were integrated of order one. In addition, Johansen Cointegration test was employed to determine whether or not the variables were cointegrated. Error correction model was employed to estimate short – run and long run relationship using ordinary least square technique. The study found that in the long run General government final consumption expenditure, openness to international trade, human capital and Population growth where as in short run foreign direct investment net inflow had both positive and significant impact on economic growth. Additionally in the long run Inflow remittances, Inflation and foreign direct investment net inflows and in the short run inflation, Openness to international trade and Human capital (secondary school enrolment) had both negative and significant. This was in contrast with the expected result of positive and significance impact on economic growth rate. Gross fixed capital formation in long run where as remittance inflow, general government final consumption expenditure and human capital (secondary school enrolment) were found to be insignificant and no impact economic growth. Keywords: Remittances, Economic growth, Error Correction Model (ECM), Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) test DOI : 10.7176/JESD/10-17-01 Publication date :September 30 th 2019

The role of skilled migrant workers in FDI-related technology transfer

In this paper, we analyse the role of skilled migrant workers holding managing and expert positions in the effective transfer of technology by multinational enterprises (MNEs) to their local affiliates. In the context of multiple treatments, i.e. foreign ownership and skilled migrant worker appointment, and based on propensity score matching and the difference-in-differences approach for matched employer–employee Slovenian firm level data for the 2002–2010 period, it is established that foreign-owned firms which, along with foreign direct capital inflow (FDI), appoint foreign skilled workers to managing or expert positions indeed perform better in TFP growth terms than firms that only experience FDI. The results are even more robust and significant where FDI activity is followed by the employment of a parent-country-national (PCN) manager, suggesting that expat managers play a key role in effectively transferring knowledge within MNEs. PCN managers and foreign experts appear to be crucial in explaining the productivity advantage over the domestic counterparts, with the former having a more immediate effect and the latter becoming important over a longer time. In contrast, no evidence was found regarding the technology transfer associated with either direct capital inflow alone or in connection with the employment of foreign unskilled workers.

Rural-Urban Population Growth, Economic Growth and Urban Agglomeration in Sub-Saharan Africa: What Does Williamson-Kuznets Hypothesis Say?

The study analyses the dynamic effect of rural-urban relationship, economic growth and urban agglomeration in sub-Saharan Africa with a view of testing the validity of the Williamson-Kuznets hypothesis. The study utilized panel data analysis with pooled ordinary least squares with secondary annual time series data ranging from 1970 to 2017 and sourced from the World Bank database. The study equally employed both homogeneous and heterogeneous panel unit root tests to verify the stationarity of the panel data variables before estimating the model. However, the estimation result revealed that both rural and urban population growth has a negative impact as well as a statistically significant result on urban agglomeration in sub-Saharan Africa. The result equally showed a negative impact but statistically insignificant relationship between urban agglomeration and foreign direct investment. Also, a statistically significant and positive relationship was recorded between economic growth and urban agglomeration, thereby validating the Williamson-Kuznets hypothesis in sub-Saharan Africa. Based on the findings, the study among other numerous policy recommendations calls for a critical review of policies in the economies of sub-Saharan Africa to ensure effective utilization of the foreign direct investment net inflows towards initiating more and robust development projects both in the cities and rural areas, as well as expand the provisions of the basic infrastructural facilities and development projects. This would aim to curtail any perceived and unwarranted influx to the urban areas by the rural dwellers, hence they do not contribute significantly to growth in urban agglomeration.

On ground truth in cross-border ozone transport

ABSTRACT Cross-border transport of ozone is one of the most contentious issues of air pollution management in the U.S. Yet, both the modeling and observational studies are lacking. Models are normally validated by comparing predicted and observed ozone concentrations. However, proper validation of cross-border transport model requires a comparison of predictions against observation-based benchmarks of cross-border ozone transport. Such benchmarks are unavailable, as published observation-based studies always deal only with a combination of local production and cross-border transport, not a cross-border transport itself. We show how to extract necessary benchmarks from observations of rural monitoring sites near state borders. On example of the western border of New York, we find that in about two-thirds of the most polluted days all the ozone came in a steady cross-border inflow after previously passing over one or more large urban areas to the west. In all the enumerated days with direct cross-border inflow, daily maximum 8-hr concentrations of ozone just upwind of the border were over 60 ppb, with an average value of 68 ppb, just short of the 70 ppb ozone regulatory threshold, information also useful to state air pollution authorities. Implications: The purpose of the cross-border ozone pollution models is to predict cross-border transport of ozone, so the ability of the model to accurately represent observed ozone concentrations is necessary but not sufficient for model validation. The accuracy of predicted ozone concentrations is not necessarily the same as the accuracy of the predictions of ozone transport. Proper model validation requires comparisons against observation-based benchmarks of cross-border transport. Such observations, so far absent, can be obtained from rural monitoring sites near state borders, as illustrated by the example of western New York.

Economics of wastewater management in China's industry

AbstractThis article provides an economic investigation into the underlying causes of industrial wastewater emissions. We examine the direct and the structural break-induced effect of national environmental regulation on industrial wastewater emissions. The results show that strict environmental regulation can partially offset the energy-induced effects imposed by the scale effects of foreign direct inflows and cause positive behavioral responses by either limiting coal usage or improving upon coal usage technology and shift towards clean energy sources. We find the absence of scale economies in the provision of environmental services in the industrial sector due to the poor nature of the technical processes of industries. We further highlight the importance of raising the investment in environmental treatment and embracing trade liberalization in the improvement of industrial wastewater management.

Macrofaunal spatial distribution and community structure in a lagoon without a river discharge (the Oualidia lagoon, NW Morocco)

AbstractThe assemblage structure and spatial distribution patterns of macrobenthic communities according to environmental conditions were analysed through five samplings carried out at 14 intertidal soft sediment stations in the Oualidia lagoon (NW Morocco). A total of 89 macrobenthic taxa were collected, amounting to 55.188 specimens. Molluscs, polychaetes and arthropods were the most species‐rich groups. The snail Peringia ulvae was the most dominant species, especially abundant in the mid‐ and upper lagoon sections (nearly 64% of the total specimens gathered), followed by the mollusc Scrobicularia plana (10%). Diversity values were generally low (<3 bit) pointing out the high dominance by few species. Multivariate analyses clearly distinguished three distinct macrobenthic assemblages, successively distributed from lagoon inlets towards inner parts. Nevertheless, each assemblage was found in particular habitat types and had a specific species composition in response to different environmental characteristics. (a) The Scolelepis fuliginosa community occupied sandy substrates at the lower section of the lagoon with stronger marine influence and, (b) the P. ulvae community lived in sandy‐muddy substrates, including two sub‐communities dominated, respectively, by Cerastoderma edule, S. plana and Tritia pfeffeiri inhabiting the middle section and S. plana the upper section. The combination of salinity, temperature, pH and silt content was identified as the major environmental variable subset with the highest correlation with the observed macrofaunal patterns and silt fraction as the single best correlated variable. The results demonstrated significant spatial differences in macrobenthic assemblage structure and composition along environmental gradients in spite of the absence of direct freshwater river inflow.

Analysis of Macroeconomic Indicators on Economic Growth: Empirical Studies of Nigeria and China

Nigeria and China rediscovered themselves in the late 70s and put in place a sustainable economy trajectory to take a leadership position 40 years later. After independence in 1960, Nigeria in the same vein had a strong economic plan, but unfortunately, still revolves around the same position 50 years later. This analysis examines the major development indicators and compares the two countries to appreciate empirical trends and put in place strategic efforts where necessary. The study focuses on the following macro-economic indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP growth (annual %), AVD= Agriculture, value added (% of GDP), FDI= Foreign Direct Investment net inflows (% of GDP), IFR = Inflation consumer prices annual %), IVD= (Industry Value Added annual % growth), MVD = Manufacturing, Value Added % of GDP), TRD= Trade % of GDP, UMP= Unemployment (% of total labour force). Using a 22-year time series data from 1994-2015, a test of stationarity was done using the Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) to determine if the mean and variance of the data are consistent over time as a non-stationary data can be said to give a spurious result. The macroeconomic variables selected for this study were then subjected to the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) towards ascertaining the extent of relationship existing between the macroeconomic indicators selected being a time series data and examine the impact of macroeconomic variables on economic growth. Ordinary Least Square (OLS) was considered appropriate for its ability to deal with economic data. The study therefore concluded with empirical evidences that trends in macroeconomic variables can be used to predict the economic growth of the countries.

Stormwater inflow loading of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons into urban domestic wastewater treatment plant for separate sewer system.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are common contaminants present in wastewater, and determination of their sources is important for their management in the environment. In this study, stormwater loading of PAHs during rainfall periods was evaluated for sewage inflow into a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) for a separate sewer system. To accomplish this, sewage inflow volumes, suspended solid concentrations, and PAH concentrations were measured during eight rainfall events and on two no-rainfall days at the inlet of the plant. Based on a comparison between the rainfall and no-rainfall loading quantified by the measurements, excess PAH loadings with stormwater were evaluated for the rainfall events. The relationship between rainfall intensity and stormwater loading was then used to evaluate long-term stormwater loadings of water and PAHs. Their contributions to the sewage inflow were 0.7% and 1.0% for 1 year for water and the sum of 16 measured PAHs, respectively. Our measurements and estimates demonstrate that direct stormwater inflow is not a primary source of PAHs to the plant for this separate sewer system.

Graphic method of calculation of the direct solar radiation received on the facade with available opposing building

Introduction. An approach to the development of a method for taking into account the influence of a single opposing building on direct solar radiation inflows to the building under study, taking into account all the irradiation periods of the facade under study, is presented. When calculating the consumption of thermal energy for heating and ventilation of a building in accordance with the method presented in regulatory documents, it is necessary to perform calculations of heat gain to the building from solar radiation. These calculations are carried out without taking into account the influence of the opposing building, what reduces the accuracy of the results. In foreign and domestic literature sources not found suitable for construction calculations and taking into account all periods of exposure methods. The objectives of this study are: the mathematical substantiation of the method, the possibility of its practical application, the formation of the calculation algorithm. Materials and methods. Calculations of the angular height and azimuth of the Sun by astronomical formulas, trigonometric calculations, construction of graphs of the tangents of changes in solar coordinates from the true solar time are applied. Results. The graphical method is proposed for determining irradiation periods by direct solar radiation of a facade of any orientation. The method is based on consideration of the formulas of the solar coordinates and the location of the opposing building. In this case, the graphic field is used to plot the changes in the tangents of the angular height of the Sun and the tangents of the difference between the azimuths of the Sun and the normal to the surface of the facade from the true solar time. The parameters of the building are applied to the graphic field and, in accordance with the proposed recommendations, the periods of irradiation of the facade are determined. Then the summation of direct solar radiation for the periods of irradiation of the facade is made. The algorithm of calculations on the example of a building in the presence of an opposing building is presented. The decrease of incoming direct solar radiation is shown. Conclusions. The developed graphic method is mathematically justified, has a practical orientation, which makes it relevant to the purpose and easy to use. The calculations for the presented method showed a significant decrease in the received direct solar radiation compared with the calculation without taking into account the influence of the opposing building, which shows the need to apply the method. The implementation of the method will contribute to an increase in the accuracy of calculations of direct solar radiation received on the facade and, therefore, the accuracy of calculations of energy consumption for heating and ventilation of the building.

Capital flows and exchange rate volatility: experience of emerging economies

In the recent past, there has been a significant rise in the cross-border capital flows and a large chunk of it is being attracted by emerging economies. This poses an important question, whether the capital flows, especially foreign portfolio flows, are responsible for the increasing volatility of exchange rate in emerging economies. This study is an attempt to answer this question. To this end, we estimated a Panel Vector Autoregression model using quarterly data of ten emerging economies for the period 1997Q1–2017Q1. The evidence from impulse response indicates that exchange rate volatility significantly increases in response to the shocks in portfolio capital flows than to shocks in foreign direct inflows. The forecast error variance decomposition also suggests that shocks to foreign portfolio investment flows exert significant impact on the exchange rate volatility. The foreign portfolio flows are responsible for more than 7% of the variations in exchange rate volatility, while current account balance, stock prices and interest rate together explain only around 4% of the variations in exchange rate volatility.

Role of Splenic Artery Embolization in Gastric Variceal Hemorrhage due to Sinistral Portal Hypertension

AbstractSinistral or left-sided portal hypertension is a localized form of portal hypertension usually due to isolated obstruction of splenic vein. Most commonly, it is secondary to pancreatitis. Rarely this can present as life-threatening gastric variceal bleeding. In such patients, splenectomy is traditionally considered as the treatment of choice to relieve venous hypertension. Unfortunately, a surgical operation may not be safe in most of the patients because of the unfavorable operative field. Splenic artery embolization (SAE) is an effective method, theoretically akin to splenectomy, blocking the direct arterial inflow to the spleen and thereby reducing the outflow venous pressure. The authors demonstrate a case of a 58-year-old man who presented with severe gastric variceal hemorrhage due to sinistral portal hypertension (SPH) secondary to an episode of pancreatitis, which he had 1 month back. He was successfully managed by SAE and remains symptom-free. The authors bring to the fore the potential curability of gastric variceal hemorrhage secondary to SPH using SAE, which is a safe and effective interventional radiologic procedure.

The Impact of FDI Inflows, Exports and Domestic Investment on Economic Growth in Africa

The topic regarding the impact of foreign direct investment net inflows, exports and domestic investment on economic growth has resulted in mixed research findings across the globe. Literature related to the above variables in five selected African countries drawn from the five sub-regions is critically reviewed in this article. Furthermore, an econometric analysis of these variables is done to ascertain their impact on economic growth. The findings are compared to previous findings in other studies. The researcher found similar results in some variables when compared to previous researches in other countries. The study found that the independent statistical variables significantly predicted gross domestic product, with F (3, 63) = 5.84, P > F 0.0014, R2 = 0.2176, adjusted R2 = 0.1804 and root mean squared error (RMSE) = 0.54976. The independent variables added significantly to the prediction of p < 0.05. The researcher challenges the notion that the impact of foreign direct investment net inflows, exports and domestic investment on economic growth should always be positive and significant. This study provides a refreshed appreciation of the relationship between foreign direct investment net inflows, exports, domestic investment and economic growth in light of rapid socioeconomic changes in the sampled countries. The article also proposes some critical considerations regarding this relationship.

Estimate of transient and persistent energy efficiency in Africa: A stochastic frontier approach

This article identifies the sources and determines the convergence and causes of energy efficiency in Africa. In terms of contribution, it provides the first cross-country evidence. This study applies the stochastic fixed effect, true fixed effect and the Kumbhakar-Heshmati (K-H) models using a panel data of 22 countries for the period 1988–2014. The result reveals that: (1) the problem of energy efficiency in Africa is more structural in nature. Removing transient inefficiency and minimizing persistent inefficiency will save 5.7% and 84% of total energy consumption, respectively. Thus, energy security and carbon emissions will benefit more from policies aimed at the long-term than the short-term; (2) overall energy efficiency is low and hyoid in nature. While it declined from 1988 to 2006, the trend has reversed after 2006; (3) economic growth, urbanization and population density promote efficiency but price, foreign direct inflows and service and industry output reduce it; (4) energy efficiency convergence is conditional in nature, driven by country-specific factors such as the level of technology; (5) energy intensity is not a good measure of energy efficiency and should not be used as a policy indicator for energy efficiency enhancement.

The Landscape of Economic Growth: Do Middle-Income Countries Differ?

ABSTRACTWe review the growth experience of middle-income countries. Economic factors associated with growth appear to differ between middle-income and other countries. The efficiency of the financial system is importantly related to the growth rate in low- and middle-income countries, but appears to matter less as one moves up the income scale. Demographic variables also matter importantly in low-income countries. In middle-income countries, in contrast, measures of the financial system no longer appear to matter as importantly, as if inefficiencies in banking and financial systems are no longer as binding a constraint as at earlier stages of financial development; nor are demographic variables as important as before. At this point, other variables gain a growing role: these include whether the country experiences a banking or currency crisis, the extent of non-foreign direct investment capital inflows, and government debt as a share of gross domestic product.

Cross-Border Banking and the Circumvention of Macroprudential and Capital Control Measures

We analyze the joint impact of macroprudential and capital control measures on cross-border banking flows, while controlling for multidimensional aspects in lender-and-borrower-relationships(e.g., distance, cultural proximity, microprudential regulations). We uncover interesting spillover effects from both types of measures when applied either by lender or borrowing countries, with many of them most likely associated with circumvention or arbitrage incentives. While lender countries' macroprudential policies reduce direct cross-border banking outflows, they are associated with larger outflows through local affiliates. Direct cross-border inflows are higher in borrower countries with more usage of macroprudential policies, and are linked to circumvention motives. In the case of capital controls, most spillovers seem to be present through local affiliates.We do not find evidence to support the idea that additional capital inflow controls could interact with macroprudential policies to mitigate cross-border spillovers.

Cross-border Banking and the Circumvention of Macroprudential and Capital Control Measures

We analyze the joint impact of macroprudential and capital control measures on cross-border banking flows, while controlling for multidimensional aspects in lender-and-borrower-relationships (e.g., distance, cultural proximity, microprudential regulations). We uncover interesting spillover effects from both types of measures when applied either by lender or borrowing countries, with many of them most likely associated with circumvention or arbitrage incentives. While lender countries’ macroprudential policies reduce direct cross-border banking outflows, they are associated with larger outflows through local affiliates. Direct cross-border inflows are higher in borrower countries with more usage of macroprudential policies, and are linked to circumvention motives. In the case of capital controls, most spillovers seem to be present through local affiliates. We do not find evidence to support the idea that additional capital inflow controls could interact with macro-prudential policies to mitigate cross-border spillovers.

On the Loop Current Penetration into the Gulf of Mexico

AbstractThe Gulf of Mexico Loop Current generally intrudes some distance into the Gulf of Mexico before shedding an anticyclonic eddy and retreating back to its more direct entry to exit pathway. The control of this aperiodic process remains only partially known. Here we describe the evolution of the Loop Current throughout the era of satellite altimetry, and offer a mechanistic hypothesis on Loop Current intrusion. As a complement to the known effects of Loop Current forcing on the west Florida shelf circulation, we argue that the west Florida shelf, in turn, impacts the Loop Current evolution. A Self‐Organizing Map analysis shows that anomalous northward penetrations of the Loop Current into the Gulf of Mexico occur when the eastern side of Loop Current is positioned west from the southwest corner of the west Florida shelf, whereas the more direct inflow to outflow route occurs when the eastern side of the Loop Current comes in contact with the southwest corner of the west Florida shelf. In essence, we argue that the west Florida shelf anchors the Loop Current in its direct path configuration and that farther northward penetration into the Gulf of Mexico occurs when such anchoring is released. To test of this hypothesis heuristically, we estimate that the dissipation and buoyancy work due to known Loop Current forcing of the west Florida shelf circulation (when in contact with the southwest corner) may exceed the pressure work required for the Loop Current to advance against the ambient Gulf of Mexico fluid.