Maximum Likelihood Estimation of a Unit Root Bilinear Model with an Application to Prices

We estimate a unit root bilinear process using the Maximum Likelihood method with log-likelihood function constructed by means of the Kalman filter, and evaluate the finite sample properties of this estimator. One hundred and six world-wide price series are tested for unit root bilinearity applying the test suggested by Charemza et al. (2002b). Applying the Maximum Likelihood estimator based on the Kalman filter, the null hypothesis of no bilinearity is rejected for 40 out of 106 series at the 5% level of significance. Most of the significant unit root bilinear coefficient estimates are explosiveunit root bilinear process, non-linear process, Kalman filter, Simulated Annealing, prices;

Kac-Moody Groups and Cosheaves on Davis Building

We investigate smooth representations of complete Kac-Moody groups. We approach representation theory via geometry, in particular, the group action on the Davis realisation of its Bruhat-Tits building. Our results include an estimate on projective dimension, localisation theorem, unimodularity and homological duality.Comment: 28 pages. Version 3: some minor corrections, actions on simplicial sets are explained. Version 4: minor correction

Sustainable Efficiency and Usability for E-Learning Systems: Practical guide

This Guide has been written as a continuation of the efforts made during the SF-HEAT project to apply usability best practices in the design and development of the e-learning system of the project. The main idea that underlies the methodology behind the Guide is that educational effectiveness and efficiency crucially depends on the usability of the e-learning system. The Guide focuses on a simple practical approach related to a modified ADDIE model for sustainable usability improvement of the e-learning system

Antimicrobial peptides and complement in neonatal hypoxia-ischemia induced brain damage

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a clinical condition in the neonate, resulting from oxygen deprivation around the time of birth. HIE affects 1-5/1000 live births worldwide and is associated with the development of neurological deficits, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and cognitive disabilities. Even though the brain is considered as an immune-privileged site, it has innate and adaptive immune response and can produce complement (C) components and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Dysregulation of cerebral expression of AMPs and C can exacerbate or ameliorate the inflammatory response within the brain. Brain ischemia triggers a prolonged inflammatory response affecting the progression of injury and secondary energy failure and involves both innate and adaptive immune systems, including immune-competent and non-competent cells. Following injury to the central nervous system (CNS), including neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI), resident microglia, and astroglia are the main cells providing immune defense to the brain in a stimulus-dependent manner. They can express and secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines and therefore trigger prolonged inflammation, resulting in neurodegeneration. Microglial cells express and release a wide range of inflammation-associated molecules including several components of the complement system. Complement activation following neonatal HI injury has been reported to contribute to neurodegeneration. Astrocytes can significantly affect the immune response of the CNS under pathological conditions through production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and immunomodulatory AMPs. Astrocytes express β-defensins, which can chemoattract and promote maturation of dendritic cells (DC), and can also limit inflammation by controlling the viability of these same DC. This review will focus on the balance of complement components and AMPs within the CNS following neonatal HI injury and the effect of that balance on the subsequent brain damage

La responsabilidad penal de la persona jurídica. Las personas jurídicas como parte pasiva del proceso penal

Con la aprobación de la LO 5/2010, de 22 de junio se crea un nuevo sujeto del derecho penal- la persona jurídica y las consecuencias accesorias antes previstas para estos entes pasan a aplicarse a los entes sin personalidad jurídica. Trataremos de contrarestar las críticas de la reforma y aclarar diferentes conceptos a base de las opiniones de grandes juristas españoles y de derecho comparado.Grado en Derech