Unveiling the expected loss model in IFRS 9 and Circular 4/2017.

Artículo de revistaAs a result of the Great Financial Crisis, the G-20 requested that the accounting standard setters change the model for estimation of credit losses (or “provisions”). Following this mandate, the “expected loss” model replaced the “incurred loss” model in order to favor a more timely and adequate estimation of credit losses. We explain that, from a conceptual perspective, the expected loss model may help to achieve this goal because it requires credit losses to be recognized from the origination of the transaction and the level of provisions to be increased when the credit quality of the transaction worsens but it has not defaulted. The scant data available so far seem to confirm these conceptual insights. Some criticisms of the expected loss model allude to its pro-cyclicality, without considering that an efficient accounting standard should not repress volatility, by giving a false image of stability, as the incurred loss model did. The expected loss model allows for greater subjectivity in its application, but this subjectivity must be understood in a positive manner so as to anticipate more accurately future credit losses, not leaving room for earnings management practices. We campaign for an adequate implementation of the standard as an essential tool to achieve the objectives of all stakeholders (preparers, auditors, regulators and supervisors)

Estudio de evaluación de la calidad de las aguas del rio Villahermosa

[ES] El presente trabajo está basado en el análisis de la calidad del agua que circula por el río Villahermosa. Se ha realizado una campaña de muestreo en diferentes puntos del curso del río a lo largo de cuatro meses, seguida del análisis de las muestras en laboratorio. Para el examen de las muestras se han evaluado los parámetros físicos químicos que se detallan en el estudio. La interpretación y el análisis de los resultados se acompaña con la cartografía elaborada: planos de localización, litología, cobertura vegetal y red hidrográfica de estudio.[EN] This work is based on the analysis of the quality of water flowing through the river Villahermosa. A sampling campaign has been conducted at different points of the river during four months, which has been followed by the analysis of the samples in the laboratory. Physical and chemical parameters listed in the study were evaluated in order to examine the samples. The interpretation and analysis of these results is accompanied by elaborated cartography: maps of location, lithology, vegetation cover and hydrographic network study.[CA] El present treball està basat en l'anàlisi de la qualitat de l'aigua que circula pel riu Villahermosa. S'ha realitzat una campanya de mostreig en diferents punts del curs del riu al llarg de quatre mesos, seguida de l´anàlisi de les mostres al laboratori. Per a l'examen de les mostres s'han avaluat els paràmetres físic-químics que es detallen en l'estudi. La interpretació i l'anàlisi dels resultats s'acompanya amb la cartografia elaborada: plànols de localització, litologia, cobertura vegetal i xarxa hidrogràfica d'estudi.Pallarés Ramos, C. (2014). Estudio de evaluación de la calidad de las aguas del rio Villahermosa. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/44945.Archivo delegad

A Simplified Approach for the Ultimate Limit State Analysis of Three-Dimensional Reinforced Concrete Elements

Several advanced constitutive models of concrete have been developed in recent decades, some of which are able to reproduce the behaviour of concrete structures with a high level of accuracy. Yet given their complex formulation, their application by most practitioners can entail some difficulties. This paper describes the adoption of an alternative, simplified comprehensible constitutive model for the ultimate limit state analysis of 3D reinforced concrete structural elements. The proposed model is described and the undertaken assumptions are justified. Different uniaxial stress strain models can be adopted, particularly neglecting the tensile strength of concrete permits to study the goodness of the stress field method and the strut-and-tie method for 3D elements. This model was implemented into a non-linear finite element-based tool developed by the authors. The results of twelve four-pile caps and three socket base column-to-foundation connections are shown. The proposed approach facilitated the identification of the flow of forces and allowed a better understanding of the structural response.The authors wish to thank the Spanish Ministry of Education for the FPU fellowship FPU12-01459 received by the first author, and the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness for funding Project BIA 2012-32300.Meléndez-Gimeno, C.; Miguel Sosa, P.; Pallarés Rubio, L. (2016). A Simplified Approach for the Ultimate Limit State Analysis of Three-Dimensional Reinforced Concrete Elements. Engineering Structures. 123:330-340. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2016.05.039S33034012

Investigation on co-firing of coal mine waste residues in pulverized coal combustion systems

Millions of tonnes of coal mine waste residues are piled up in dumping sites, causing serious environmental problems. Co-combustion in fluidized bed facilities is the most widespread alternative for the energy utilization of these by-products. However, no experiences have been so far reported of coal mine waste residues co-firing under pulverized fuel combustion technology. This work proves the technical feasibility of co-firing coal with up to 20% coal mine waste residues and investigates the impacts of transferring this co-firing alternative into a commercial unit. Experimental co-firing tests of coal mine waste residues were conducted on a 500 kWth pulverized fuel pilot plant. Regulated emissions (CO, CO2, SO2 and NOx) and visible flame radiation were monitored, obtaining regular and stable flicker and acceptable emissions levels for CO (200 mg/m3N) and NOx (700–800 mg/m3N). Finally, the impact analysis of co-firing coal mine waste residues in a full-scale pulverized fuel plant was performed by simulating the power cycle and combustion process in a 160 MWe pulverized coal combustion unit. Simulation results show the viability of this alternative in terms of plant efficiency, increase in power consumptions of auxiliary equipment and pollutant emissions for co-firing ratios under 10% in energy basis

Recent advances in sensing the inter-biomolecular interactions at the nanoscale – A comprehensive review of AFM-based force spectroscopy

Biomolecular interactions underpin most processes inside the cell. Hence, a precise and quantitative understanding of molecular association and dissociation events is crucial, not only from a fundamental perspective, but also for the rational design of biomolecular platforms for state-of-the-art biomedical and industrial applications. In this context, atomic force microscopy (AFM) appears as an invaluable experimental technique, allowing the measurement of the mechanical strength of biomolecular complexes to provide a quantitative characterization of their interaction properties from a single molecule perspective. In the present review, the most recent methodological advances in this field are presented with special focus on bioconjugation, immobilization and AFM tip functionalization, dynamic force spectroscopy measurements, molecular recognition imaging and theoretical modeling. We expect this work to significantly aid in grasping the principles of AFM-based force spectroscopy (AFM-FS) technique and provide the necessary tools to acquaint the type of data that can be achieved from this type of experiments. Furthermore, a critical assessment is done with other nanotechnology techniques to better visualize the future prospects of AFM-FS

Preliminary OFDM based acoustic communication for underwater sensor networks synchronization

This work presents a first approach to wireless underwater sensor networks UWSN time synchronization, using OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) acoustic communication and time reference served by a synchronization protocol. This synchronization and type of modulation allows getting a low drift clock on each sensor, on a high efficiency underwater communication network.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author’s final draft

Degree of Saturation and Free Fatty Acid Content of Fats Determine Dietary Preferences in Laying Hens

Behavioural and genetic evidence shows that the taste system is intimately related to the sensing of nutrients with consequences for poultry nutrition practices. A better understanding of how chickens may sense fat could provide the background for selecting feedstuffs used in poultry feeds. Acid oils have the potential to be economical and sustainable feedstuffs. These fat by-products from the edible oil refining industry possess a similar fatty acid composition to the crude oils but are richer in free fatty acids (FFA). An experiment was conducted to study the effect of FFA content and the unsaturated:saturated ratio (U:S) on dietary preferences in hens. Four fat sources were added to a basal diet at an inclusion rate of 6%, determining the experimental diets: soybean oil (SO; high U:S, 5% FFA); soybean acid oil (SA; high U:S, 50% FFA); palm oil (PO; low U:S, 5% FFA); and palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD; low U:S, 50% FFA). The experimental diets were offered in a series of double-choice tests to forty-eight Lohmann Brown laying hens housed individually in cages. Each hen was offered the ten potential binary combinations of the four diets including each diet compared to itself (referred to as four control double-choices). Feed intake was measured for two hours twice a day after one hour of fasting. Consumption was analysed as a standard preference index (% of test diet intake in comparison with the total intake). Preference values were compared to the random choice value of 50% using the Student's t-test. None of the four control comparisons differ significantly from 50% (p > 0.05), indicating that the changes in preference values observed in the other binary comparisons were related to the dietary changes associated to fat ingredients. Hens showed a feed preference for palm oil added diets over soybean oil diets (p < 0.05), with PO and PFAD being equally preferred (p < 0.05). However, in this trial the hens demonstrated a preference for SO (low %FFA) when offered in choice with SA (high %FFA) (p < 0.05). These results suggest that the degree of saturation plays an important role in dietary fat preferences: hens prefer predominantly saturated oils even when these are rich in FFA. Furthermore, when presented with a choice between predominantly unsaturated oils, hens prefer feed with a low %FFA. In conclusion, %FFA and the U:S ratio affected feed preferences in hens. The use of oils with greater preference values may give rise to greater feed palatability, enhancing feed intake at critical stages

Olive Pomace and Soybean-Sunflower Acid Oils as Alternative Fat Sources in European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Diets : effects on Performance, Digestibility and Flesh Fatty Acid Composition and Quality Parameters

Altres ajuts: ERDFThe effects of dietary inclusion of soybean-sunflower and olive pomace acid oils on growth, digestibility and flesh composition were studied in European seabass. Eight diets were fed for 100 days (101.37 ± 0.33 g initial weight, mean ± SD), differing in the added fat source (25% fish oil, 75% experimental oil): S (crude soybean oil), SA (soybean-sunflower acid oil), O (crude olive pomace oil) or OA (olive pomace acid oil); 3 blends: S-O, S-OA, SA-OA at a 1:1 ratio; and a diet containing only fish oil (F) as a control. Animals fed OA showed the worst performance among dietary treatments, with the lowest weight, specific growth ratio, average daily gain and the highest feed conversion ratio (p 0.05), but a lower digestibility of lipids and saturated fatty acids was observed (p 0.05). Hence the results suggest that the studied acid oils may potentially be used in fish diets although further studies are needed

Parálisis posterior en una vaca Holstein con Leucosis Enzoótica Bovina

ABSTRACT: A 6 year-old Holstein cow was euthanized after a 3 week course of progressive paraplegia. In spite of the increasing difficulties to rise and walk, the animal remained bright, alert, afebrile and with good appetite throughout most of the clinical course. Complete blood counts, biochemical profiles and analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid were reported within normal limits. Antibody was detected for bovine leukaemia virus using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, supporting a tentative diagnosis of bovine leukosis. Post-mortem examination revealed a localized form of lymphosarcoma with few 2-5 cm nodular tumors confined to the walls of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the abomasum. In addition, soft grey tumors were found within the vertebral canal surrounding the lumbar spinal cord and associated nerve roots. Microscopic examination revealed the nodular masses were composed of neoplastic lymphocytes. Mass in the lumbar vertebral canal had extradural neoplastic lymphocytes infiltrating connective tissues around the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots. Unlike the more common chronic and wasting presentation of the disease with widespread lymphadenopathy, the rapid progression of the disease to total paraplegia in this animal could be explained by the localized presence of tumors in the spinal canal.RESUMEN: Una vaca Holstein de 6 años de edad fue sacrificada después de un curso de paraplejía progresiva de 3 semanas de duración. A pesar de las crecientes dificultades para levantarse y caminar, el animal se mantuvo alerta, sin fiebre y con buen apetito casi todo el transcurso de la enfermedad. Los análisis del hemograma, perfil bioquímico y líquido cefalorraquídeo no mostraron alteraciones fuera del rango normal. El análisis de ELISA frente al virus de la Leucosis Bovina resultó positivo, apoyando el diagnóstico diferencial de leucemia. El examen post-mortem reveló una forma localizada de linfosarcoma, con escasas y pequeñas tumoraciones nodulares de 2-5 cm confinadas a las paredes del tracto gastrointestinal, sobre todo en el abomaso. Además, los tumores estaban presentes en el canal vertebral rodeando la médula lumbar espinal y raíces nerviosas adyacentes. El examen microscópico reveló que las masas nodulares estaban compuestas de linfocitos neoplásicos; igualmente, el tejido conectivo rodeando la medula lumbar presentaba gran infiltración de dichos linfocitos. A diferencia de la presentación más corriente y crónica de la enfermedad en que existe un desgaste progresivo del animal asociado a una linfadenopatía generalizada, en este caso la rápida progresión de la enfermedad hacia una paraplejia total se podría explicar por la presencia de tumores localizados en el canal espinal

Una escuela al aire libre. Una investigación sobre nuevos modelos escolares

Desde el proyecto "El umbral como patio de juego" se pretende dar solución a los nuevos paradigmas que se plantean en torno a los modelos escolares.<br /