Cosmology with a Continuous Tower of Scalar Fields

We study the cosmological evolution for a universe in the presence of a continuous tower of massive scalar fields which can drive the current phase of accelerated expansion of the universe and, in addition, can contribute as a dark matter component. The tower consists of a continuous set of massive scalar fields with a gaussian mass distribution. We show that, in a certain region of the parameter space, the {\it heavy} modes of the tower (those with masses much larger than the Hubble expansion rate) dominate at early times and make the tower behave like the usual single scalar field whose coherent oscillations around the minimum of the potential give a matter-like contribution. On the other hand, at late times, the {\it light} modes (those with masses much smaller than the Hubble expansion rate) overcome the energy density of the tower and they behave like a perfect fluid with equation of state ranging from 0 to -1, depending on the spectral index of the initial spectrum. This is a distinctive feature of the tower with respect to the case of quintessence fields, since a massive scalar field can only give acceleration with equation of state close to -1. Such unique property is the result of a synergy effect between the different mass modes. Interestingly, we find that, for some choices of the spectral index, the tower tracks the matter component at high redshifts (or it can even play the role of the dark matter) and eventually becomes the dominant component of the universe and give rise to an accelerated expansion.Comment: 13 pages, 8 figures. V2: minor changes to match published versio

Mediating Effects of Social Support in the Association Between Problems in Childhood and Adolescence and Well‑Being in Adult Domestic Adoptees

Research concerning adulthood and adoption has gained popularity in recent years, but there are very few studies involving positive variables of adjustment. Adopted people are believed to have more behavioral and emotional problems in childhood than the general population. Previous research suggests overall continuity of functioning in later life. However, certain variables might change that continuity. Through Structural Equation Modeling analyses, this paper assesses the mediating role of social support in the well-being of 70 adult adoptees. Findings showed a well-fitted model, where problems in adolescence had a direct effect on well-being in adulthood. Additionally, we found two mediating effects: (a) social support mediated the relationship between problems in adolescence and well-being later in life; and (b) problems in adolescence mediated the relationship between problems in childhood and well-being. The main implication of these results is that social support helps develop good levels of adjustment and well-being in adulthood. Taking all this into account, it is important for adoption professionals to encourage families to support their children and to provide additional support for those adoptees needing it

Cielo dividido. Recuerda cómo pasó, antes de que llegue el olvido

[Resumen] En el cine de Julián Hernández el manejo del tiempo enunciativo es muy importante debido a que no sólo se crea significación con lo que ocurre en el presente, sino con el tiempo pasado, aquel que se relaciona con los recuerdos es igualmente importante. La estructura de los filmes de Hernández recurre al recuerdo y a un tiempo psicológico en el cual se han vivido situaciones límite que marcan a los personajes y que los hacen encontrar su identidad personal, emotiva y genérica. El tiempo que se maneja como una forma privilegiada de enunciación y que se expresa en todos los elementos técnicos como la cámara, la música y el montaje. En su filme Cielo Dividido un mismo hecho se repite varias veces, desde diferentes puntos de vista como una forma de expresar como vive una separación cada uno de los personajes. El tiempo se se vuelve subjetivo debido a que cada sujeto experimenta diferente los acontecimientos. Pero, es un tiempo que se superpone al tiempo presente en una coexistencia del pasado con el tiempo actual y que determina el actuar de los personaje

Validation of the Portuguese Version of the Healthy Lifestyle Questionnaire

The main objective of this study was the validation of the Healthy Lifestyle Questionnaire (EVS II), using a confirmatory factorial analysis of the measurement model, with veteran athletes. A total of 348 veteran Portuguese athletes of both genders, aged between 30 and 60 years (M = 41.64, SD = 9.83), of whom 200 were males and 148 were females, from several sports. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis demonstrate the adequacy of the adapted version of the EVS II, as the factorial structure (6 factors/24 items) has acceptable validity indexes: χ2 = 305.925, p = 0.000, df = 120.017, χ2/df = 2.549, NFI (Normed Fit Index) = 0.909, TLI (Tucker Lewis Index) = 0.918, CFI (Comparative Fit Index) = 0.944, GFI (Goodness of Fit Index) = 0.944, AGFI (Adjusted Goodness of Fit Index) = 0.909, SRMR (Standardized Root Mean Square Residual) = 0.048, RMSEA (Root Mean Square of Approximation) = 0.060, allowing evaluation of the dimensions of balanced diet, respect for mealtime, tobacco and alcohol consumption, other drugs consumption and resting habits. The adaptation to sport of the Portuguese version of EVS II can be used with reasonable confidence in the evaluation of healthy lifestyles in the context of sportinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

GFC-Robust Risk Management Under the Basel Accord Using Extreme Value Methodologies

In McAleer et al. (2010b), a robust risk management strategy to the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) was proposed under the Basel II Accord by selecting a Value-at-Risk (VaR) forecast that combines the forecasts of different VaR models. The robust forecast was based on the median of the point VaR forecasts of a set of conditional volatility models. In this paper we provide further evidence on the suitability of the median as a GFC-robust strategy by using an additional set of new extreme value forecasting models and by extending the sample period for comparison. These extreme value models include DPOT and Conditional EVT. Such models might be expected to be useful in explaining financial data, especially in the presence of extreme shocks that arise during a GFC. Our empirical results confirm that the median remains GFC-robust even in the presence of these new extreme value models. This is illustrated by using the S&P500 index before, during and after the 2008-09 GFC. We investigate the performance of a variety of single and combined VaR forecasts in terms of daily capital requirements and violation penalties under the Basel II Accord, as well as other criteria, including several tests for independence of the violations. The strategy based on the median, or more generally, on combined forecasts of single models, is straightforward to incorporate into existing computer software packages that are used by banks and other financial institutions.Value-at-Risk (VaR), DPOT, daily capital charges, robust forecasts, violation penalties, optimizing strategy, aggressive risk management, conservative risk management, Basel, global financial crisis.

GFC-Robust Risk Management Under the Basel Accord Using Extreme Value Methodologies

In McAleer et al. (2010b), a robust risk management strategy to the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) was proposed under the Basel II Accord by selecting a Value-at-Risk (VaR) forecast that combines the forecasts of different VaR models. The robust forecast was based on the median of the point VaR forecasts of a set of conditional volatility models. In this paper we provide further evidence on the suitability of the median as a GFC-robust strategy by using an additional set of new extreme value forecasting models and by extending the sample period for comparison. These extreme value models include DPOT and Conditional EVT. Such models might be expected to be useful in explaining financial data, especially in the presence of extreme shocks that arise during a GFC. Our empirical results confirm that the median remains GFC-robust even in the presence of these new extreme value models. This is illustrated by using the S&P500 index before, during and after the 2008-09 GFC. We investigate the performance of a variety of single and combined VaR forecasts in terms of daily capital requirements and violation penalties under the Basel II Accord, as well as other criteria, including several tests for independence of the violations. The strategy based on the median, or more generally, on combined forecasts of single models, is straightforward to incorporate into existing computer software packages that are used by banks and other financial institutions.Value-at-Risk (VaR); DPOT; daily capital charges; robust forecasts; violation penalties; optimizing strategy; aggressive risk management; conservative risk management; Basel; global financial crisis

An X-ray Study of Local Infrared Bright Galaxies

We are carrying out detailed study of the X-ray and infrared (IR) properties of a sample of local (d < 70 Mpc) luminous infrared galaxies (LIRGs) using XMM-Newton and Spitzer (imaging and spectroscopy). The main goal is to study the extreme processes of star formation and/or active galactic nuclei (AGN) taking place in this cosmologically important class of galaxies. In this proceedings we present the preliminary results obtained from the analysis of the XMM-Newton X-ray images and the X-ray spectral modeling.Comment: 5 pages, to appear in Highlights of Spanish Astrophysics VI, Proceedings of the IX Scientific Meeting of the Spanish Astronomical Society held on September 13-17, 2010, in Madrid, Spai

Finanzas : Planeación Financiera para la toma de decisiones en la Libreria Acuarela,S.A. en el año 2016

El presente trabajo está orientado a la planeación financiera corto plazo, que se basa en técnicas específicas que pretende hacer pronósticos de los acontecimientos futuros, estableciendo las metas y objetivos en las entidades para cumplir con lo establecido. Uno de los principales problemas de las empresas nicaragüenses, es la no aplicación de las herramientas financieras necesaria para el desarrollo operativo. Por tal motivo el presente trabajo se basa en la aplicación de la planeación financiera a corto plazo a la librería Acuarela, S.A. Para la toma de decisiones estratégicas para el periodo 2016. La metodología operó basándose en la información proveniente de fuentes primarias con un nivel de carácter cualitativo y un tipo de investigación documental. Para obtener los datos necesarios para alcanzar los objetivos y metas planteadas en esta investigación se empleó la observación directa, la revisión de estados financieros y la revisión bibliográfica. Los cuales fueron aplicados a una empresa real denominada librería Acuarela, S.A. realizando la planeación financiera para toma de decisiones para el periodo 2016, mejorando la administración eficiente del efectivo, cuentas por cobrar e inventarios, políticas de crédito, administración del inventario. Para la planeación financiera a corto plazo, se emplean diferentes tipos de presupuestos que ayudan a pronosticar necesidades financieras futuras como son el presupuesto de efectivo y estados financieros proyectados o estados proformas, elaborados en la librería Acuarela, S.A. se llegó a la conclusión que la empresa mejoro significativa en comparación con los años anteriores, para poner en practica la planeación financiera para el año 201

Determination of the influence of specific building regulations in smart buildings

The automation of domestic services began to be implemented in buildings since the late nineteenth century, and today we are used to terms like ‘intelligent buildings’, ‘digital home’ or ‘domotic buildings’. These concepts tell us about constructions which integrate new technologies in order to improve comfort, optimize energy consumption or enhance the security of users. In conjunction, building regulations have been updated to suit the needs of society and to regulate these new facilities in such structures. However, we are not always sure about how far, from the quantitative or qualitative point of view, legislation should regulate certain aspects of the building activity. Consequently, content analysis is adopted in this research to determine the influence of building regulations in the implementation of new technologies in the construction process. This study includes the analysis of different European regulations, the collection and documentation of such guidelines that have been established and a study of the impact that all of these have had in the way we start thinking an architectural project. The achievements of the research could be explained in terms of the regulatory requirements that must be taken into account in order to achieve a successful implementation of a home automation system, and the key finding has been the confirmation of how the design of smart buildings may be promoted through specific regulatory requirements while other factors, such as the global economic situation, do not seem to affect directly the rate of penetration of home automation in construction