Myanmar's two decades of partial transition to a market economy : a negative legacy for the new government

Despite more than two decades of transition from a centrally planned to a market-oriented economy, Myanmar’s economic transition is still only partly complete. The government’s initial strategy for dealing with the swelling deficits of the state economic enterprises (SEEs) was to put them under direct control in order to scrutinize their expenditures. This policy change postponed restructuring and exacerbated the soft budget constraint problem of the SEEs. While the installation of a new government in March 2011 has increased prospects for economic development, sustainable growth still requires full-scale structural reform of the SEEs and institutional infrastructure building. Myanmar can learn from the gradual approaches to economic transition in China and Vietnam, where partial reforms weakened further impetus for reforms.

Two-polar growth strategy in Myanmar : seeking "high" and "balanced" development

The Thein Sein government of Myanmar seeks higher and balanced economic growth. This is a challenge for the government since some economic literature identifies a trade-off between higher economic growth and better regional equality, especially for countries in the early stages of development. In this paper, we propose a two-polar growth strategy as one that includes both "high" and "balanced" growth. The first growth pole is Yangon, and the second is Mandalay. Nay Pyi Taw, the national capital, will develop as an administrative centre, not as an economic or commercial one. We also propose border development with enhanced connectivity with richer neighboring countries as a complementary strategy to the two growth poles. Effects of the two-polar growth strategy with border development are tested using a Geographical Simulation Model (GSM).

Five growth strategies for Myanmar : re-engagement with the global economy

After decades of isolation, Myanmar is now actively re-engaging with the global economy. For successful re-engagement, Myanmar needs to implement comprehensive economic reforms based on a shared vision for long-term economic development that is characterized by human-centered, high, sustainable, pro-poor, inclusive, and balanced economic growth. In this paper, we propose five growth strategies: "Agriculture Plus Plus," an export-oriented strategy, a foreign direct investment-driven strategy, a two-polar growth strategy, and a strategy to develop domestic economic corridors. These strategies are used as guides to translate these development agendas into a set of implementable policies, programs, and projects.

Preterm birth and risk factors for chronic disease : Helsinki Study of Very Low Birth Weight Adults

Background: The improved prognosis of early preterm birth has created a generation of surviving very low birth weight (< 1500 g, VLBW) infants whose health risks in adulthood are poorly known. Of every 1000 live-born infants in Finland, about 8 are born at VLBW. Variation in birth weight, even within the normal range, relates to considerable variation in the risk for several common adult disorders, including cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Small preterm infants frequently exhibit severe postnatal or prenatal growth retardation, or both. Much reason for concern thus exists, regarding adverse health effects in surviving small preterm infants later lives. We studied young adults, aiming at exploring whether VLBW birth and postnatal events after such a birth are associated with higher levels of risk factors for cardiovascular disease or osteoporosis. Subjects and Methods: A follow-up study for VLBW infants began in 1978; by the end of 1985, 335 VLBW survivors at Helsinki University Central Hospital participated in the follow-up. Their gestational ages ranged from 24 to 35 weeks, mean 29.2 and standard deviation 2.2 weeks. In 2004, we invited for a clinic visit 255 subjects, aged 18 to 27, who still lived in the greater Helsinki area. From the same birth hospitals, we also invited 314 term-born controls of similar age and sex. These two study groups underwent measurements of body size and composition, function of brachial arterial endothelium (flow-mediated dilatation, FMD) and carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) by ultrasound. In addition, we measured plasma lipid concentrations, ambulatory blood pressure, fasting insulin, glucose tolerance and, by dual-energy x-ray densitometry, bone-mineral density. Results: 172 control and 166 VLBW participants underwent lipid measurements and a glucose tolerance test. VLBW adults fasting insulin (adjusted for body mass index) was 12.6% (95% confidence interval, 0.8 to 25.8) higher than that of the controls. The glucose and insulin concentrations 120 minutes after 75 g glucose ingestion showed similar differences (N=332) (I). VLBW adults had 3.9 mmHg (1.3 to 6.4) higher office systolic blood pressure, 3.5 mmHg (1.7 to 5.2) higher office diastolic blood pressure (I), and, when adjusted for body mass index and height, 3.1 mmHg (0.5 to 5.5) higher 24-hour mean systolic blood pressure (N=238) (II). VLBW birth was associated neither with HDL- or total cholesterol nor triglyceride concentrations (N=332) (I), nor was it associated with a low FMD or a high cIMT (N=160) (III). VLBW adults had 0.51-unit (0.28 to 0.75) lower lumbar spine Z scores and 0.56-unit (0.34 to 0.78) lower femoral neck Z scores (N=283). Adjustments for size attenuated the differences, but only partially (IV). Conclusions: These results imply that those born at VLBW, although mostly healthy as young adults, already bear several risk factors for chronic adult disease. The significantly higher fasting insulin level in adults with VLBW suggests increased insulin resistance. The higher blood pressure in young adults born at VLBW may indicate they later are at risk for hypertension, although their unaffected endothelial function may be evidence for some form of protection from cardiovascular disease. Lower bone mineral density around the age of peak bone mass may suggest increased risk for later osteoporotic fractures. Because cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis are frequent, and their prevention is relatively cheap and safe, one should focus on prevention now. When initiated early, preventive measures are likely to have sufficient time to be effective in preventing or postponing the onset of chronic disease.

Preterm birth and risk factors for chronic disease : Helsinki Study of Very Low Birth Weight Adults

Background: The improved prognosis of early preterm birth has created a generation of surviving very low birth weight (PIENEMPI KUIN 1500 g, VLBW) infants whose health risks in adulthood are poorly known. Of every 1000 live-born infants in Finland, about 8 are born at VLBW. Variation in birth weight, even within the normal range, relates to considerable variation in the risk for several common adult disorders, including cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Small preterm infants frequently exhibit severe postnatal or prenatal growth retardation, or both. Much reason for concern thus exists, regarding adverse health effects in surviving small preterm infants later lives. We studied young adults, aiming at exploring whether VLBW birth and postnatal events after such a birth are associated with higher levels of risk factors for cardiovascular disease or osteoporosis. Subjects and Methods: A follow-up study for VLBW infants began in 1978; by the end of 1985, 335 VLBW survivors at Helsinki University Central Hospital participated in the follow-up. Their gestational ages ranged from 24 to 35 weeks, mean 29.2 and standard deviation 2.2 weeks. In 2004, we invited for a clinic visit 255 subjects, aged 18 to 27, who still lived in the greater Helsinki area. From the same birth hospitals, we also invited 314 term-born controls of similar age and sex. These two study groups underwent measurements of body size and composition, function of brachial arterial endothelium (flow-mediated dilatation, FMD) and carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) by ultrasound. In addition, we measured plasma lipid concentrations, ambulatory blood pressure, fasting insulin, glucose tolerance and, by dual-energy x-ray densitometry, bone-mineral density. Results: 172 control and 166 VLBW participants underwent lipid measurements and a glucose tolerance test. VLBW adults fasting insulin (adjusted for body mass index) was 12.6% (95% confidence interval, 0.8 to 25.8) higher than that of the controls. The glucose and insulin concentrations 120 minutes after 75 g glucose ingestion showed similar differences (N=332) (I). VLBW adults had 3.9 mmHg (1.3 to 6.4) higher office systolic blood pressure, 3.5 mmHg (1.7 to 5.2) higher office diastolic blood pressure (I), and, when adjusted for body mass index and height, 3.1 mmHg (0.5 to 5.5) higher 24-hour mean systolic blood pressure (N=238) (II). VLBW birth was associated neither with HDL- or total cholesterol nor triglyceride concentrations (N=332) (I), nor was it associated with a low FMD or a high cIMT (N=160) (III). VLBW adults had 0.51-unit (0.28 to 0.75) lower lumbar spine Z scores and 0.56-unit (0.34 to 0.78) lower femoral neck Z scores (N=283). Adjustments for size attenuated the differences, but only partially (IV). Conclusions: These results imply that those born at VLBW, although mostly healthy as young adults, already bear several risk factors for chronic adult disease. The significantly higher fasting insulin level in adults with VLBW suggests increased insulin resistance. The higher blood pressure in young adults born at VLBW may indicate they later are at risk for hypertension, although their unaffected endothelial function may be evidence for some form of protection from cardiovascular disease. Lower bone mineral density around the age of peak bone mass may suggest increased risk for later osteoporotic fractures. Because cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis are frequent, and their prevention is relatively cheap and safe, one should focus on prevention now. When initiated early, preventive measures are likely to have sufficient time to be effective in preventing or postponing the onset of chronic disease.

High Rydberg state carbon recombination lines toward Cassiopeia A: 332 MHz VLA observations and comparison with H I and molecular lines

We present observations of the C270alpha carbon recombination line, 21 cm neutral hydrogen line and (CO)-C-12 (J = 1 --> 0) molecular line toward Cas A. A comparison of the distribution of recombination line optical depths over the face of Cas A with that of H I optical depths and molecular line emission favors the association of C270alpha regions with H I rather than molecular clouds. The association makes it possible to self-consistently determine several physical parameters of the clouds by combining the recombination line and 21 cm H I measurements.

Diário da Constituinte [gravação de vídeo] : [programa n. 332]

Mulheres de todo o país avaliam o projeto de Constituição, e consideram que ainda há muito que conquistar. Contudo, a Coordenadora da Comissão, Maria A. Schumaher destaca os avanços obtidos pelas mulheres como a licença-maternidade de 120 (cento e vinte) dias, creche para crianças de 0 a 6 anos, a livre decisão do casal do número de filhos, o direito de amamentar adquirido pelas presidiárias e a discriminação por sexo, considerada crime inafiançável. A Presidente do Conselho da Mulher, Jaqueline Pitanguy, espera que o Plenário acate a proposta de que a família no Brasil é constituída também pela união estável, e assegure a plena igualdade de direitos e deveres entre os cônjuges. A representante do Movimento Mulher/BA, Maria Lina Silva, solicita a todo cidadão que cobrem dos parlamentares a efetivação das conquistas alcançadas. Adiada a votação do substitutivo que muda o regimento da Constituinte. Os líderes tentam chegar a um acordo para evitar o confronto dos grupos no plenário. O Deputado José Maria Eymael (PDC-SP) afirma que o momento é de entendimento, que atenda aos anseios de toda sociedade representada na Assembleia Nacional Constituinte (ANC). O Senador Fernando Henrique Cardoso (PMDB-SP) declara que após o Centrão atender ao seu pedido de adiamento da sessão, será realizado um trabalho de aprovação de medidas do regimento que viabilize uma votação mais célere e expresse realmente a vontade de todos. Segundo Roberto Cardoso Alves (PMDB-SP), o presidente Ulysses Guimarães, declarou ao conhecer alguns dos pontos críticos do Centrão, que muitos desses pontos também são considerados críticos pela esquerda, e isso facilitará um entendimento. O Deputado José Costa (PMDB-AL) considera fundamental a constatação que nenhum grupo tem 280(duzentos e oitenta) votos para decidir qualquer matéria Constitucional, então, será através da negociação que será elaborada a Constituição, equacionando temas como reforma agrária, reforma tributária e sistema de governo. A executiva do PFL se reuniu para traçar diretrizes. O vice-presidente do partido Eraldo Tinoco (PFL-BA) ficou encarregado de discutir com todos os parlamentares do PFL, para que o partido fixe posição sobre os pontos polêmicos do projeto de Constituição, como o sistema de governo. Discutiu-se também o substitutivo do Centrão que altera o regimento da Constituinte. O presidente do partido, o Senador Marco Maciel (PFL-PE) relata que assinou o documento do Centrão, mas não tinha conhecimento de outros objetivos do substitutivo além de mudar o regimento.

Diário da Constituinte [gravação de vídeo] : [programa n. 238]

A Comissão de Sistematização debate a reforma tributária. O Deputado Francisco Dornelles (PFL-RJ) defende o substitutivo do Relator Bernardo Cabral, por promover a melhor distribuição regional de renda, fortalecer as finanças dos Estados e Municípios e estabelecer maiores garantias aos contribuintes, além de não causar prejuízo a União. Constituintes criticam o substitutivo na parte que trata dos recursos destinados ao Fundo de Participação dos Estados e Municípios. O Deputado Darcy Deitos (PMDB-PR) considera que essa distribuição só beneficia uma parte dos municípios e, por isso, apresentou uma emenda mais completa. O Deputado Marcelo Cordeiro (PMDB-SC) participa de debate sobre a Assembleia Nacional Constituinte (ANC), na Universidade de Santa Catarina. A comunidade universitária quis saber o tratamento dado a educação e as emendas populares. Chegou a 8374 o número de destaques apresentados ao anteprojeto. O Líder do PDC Siqueira Campos informa que seu partido quer criar novos Estados nas regiões Norte e Centro-Oeste do país. O ponto mais polêmico da Assembleia Nacional Constituinte (ANC) continua a ser o sistema de governo. O Líder do PSB Jamil Haddad considera que parece haver uma manobra para favorecer o presidencialismo com 5 anos de mandato para o Presidente Sarney. O Deputado Sarney Filho (PFL-MA) reafirma que o governo permanece aberto ao diálogo, em busca de uma solução de consenso para o país. O Líder do PMDB o Deputado Antônio Farias afirma que houve muitas surpresas, entre as quais a duração do mandato do presidente da república. Funcionários trabalham na organização dos pedidos de destaque. Os critérios para votação do substitutivo e dos pedidos de destaque serão definidos em reunião do Presidente da Assembleia Nacional Constituinte (ANC) Ulysses Guimarães com o Presidente da Comissão de Sistematização.

PLP 238/2013 : alteração das exigências do art. 14 da LRF para desonerações de receitas públicas : necessidade de tratamento equânime

A presente Nota Técnica, apresentada por solicitação do Deputado JOÃO DADO, SISCONOF 274/2013, visa apresentar análise do Projeto de Lei Complementar nº 238/2013, no qual o Poder Executivo propõe alterações das exigências para concessão de desonerações tributárias presentes no art. 14 da Lei Complementar nº 101/2000, Lei de Responsabilidade Fiscal – LRF, dentre outras propostas

Nitrogen and phosphorus forms in water and the food requirements of algae. [Translation from: Wiadomosci Ekologiczne 19 238-244, 1973. ]

When dissolved in water, compounds of nitrogen and phosphorus ought to contain the basic assimilated food requirements for autotrophic plants and therefore autotrophic algae. This article summarises the occurrence of nitrogen in water, how species of algae utilize nitrogen and phosphorus forms for growth and the capacities of algae to adapt to environments of different nutrient wealth. This topic has unquestionable importance not only for the purpose of survival of a species but also in deciding indirectly about the stability of ecosystems.

New ground rope for 238 ton stern trawlers

The sea bottom of the Wadge and Pedro Banks are covered with hard corals and rocks, which cause frequent damages to the net and sometimes total loss of the gear (Hamuro, 1966). This has been one of the main reasons why trawling had been restricted to a small area of the Wadge Bank until recent years.

~(40)Ar+~(238)U实验介绍

主要介绍了利用兰州重离子加速器提供的270 MeV的40Ar离子束轰击238U靶,通过熔合蒸发反应进行试合成Z=110附近的新同位素的实验情况。分析了目前关于超重核研究的现状并描述了这次实验的目的、可行性分析、实验装置以及实验过程等。本次实验仍然用氦喷嘴技术对产物进行传输,并用一套具有数对探测器组的转轮收集探测系统对产物进行收集和测量。