Microeconomic flexibility, creative destruction and trade

We investigate whether greater microeconomic flexibility facilitates the process of creative destruction in the context of new trade models with heterogeneous firms (Bernard et al., 2003 and Melitz, 2003). In these models, freer trade increases aggregate productivity because high-efficiency plants expand through exporting and low-efficiency plants exit the market. However, factor reallocation could be negatively affected by the presence of microeconomic frictions. We use these insights of the theory to analyze whether a reduction in trade costs increases the probability of becoming an exporter relatively more in industries with greater microeconomic flexibility and whether plant exit driven by trade costs declines is more likely in industries with lower frictions. Using plant level data from Venezuela, we report results supporting these predictions.Trade costs, microeconomic frictions, resource reallocation

Perceiving Sociable Technology: Exploring the Role of Anthropomorphism and Agency Perception on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

With the arrival of personal assistants and other AI-enabled autonomous technologies, social interactions with smart devices have become a part of our daily lives. Therefore, it becomes increasingly important to understand how these social interactions emerge, and why users appear to be influenced by them. For this reason, I explore questions on what the antecedents and consequences of this phenomenon, known as anthropomorphism, are as described in the extant literature from fields ranging from information systems to social neuroscience. I critically analyze those empirical studies directly measuring anthropomorphism and those referring to it without a corresponding measurement. Through a grounded theory approach, I identify common themes and use them to develop models for the antecedents and consequences of anthropomorphism. The results suggest anthropomorphism possesses both conscious and non-conscious components with varying implications. While conscious attributions are shown to vary based on individual differences, non-conscious attributions emerge whenever a technology exhibits apparent reasoning such as through non-verbal behavior like peer-to-peer mirroring or verbal paralinguistic and backchanneling cues. Anthropomorphism has been shown to affect users’ self-perceptions, perceptions of the technology, how users interact with the technology, and the users’ performance. Examples include changes in a users’ trust on the technology, conformity effects, bonding, and displays of empathy. I argue these effects emerge from changes in users’ perceived agency, and their self- and social- identity similarly to interactions between humans. Afterwards, I critically examine current theories on anthropomorphism and present propositions about its nature based on the results of the empirical literature. Subsequently, I introduce a two-factor model of anthropomorphism that proposes how an individual anthropomorphizes a technology is dependent on how the technology was initially perceived (top-down and rational or bottom-up and automatic), and whether it exhibits a capacity for agency or experience. I propose that where a technology lays along this spectrum determines how individuals relates to it, creating shared agency effects, or changing the users’ social identity. For this reason, anthropomorphism is a powerful tool that can be leveraged to support future interactions with smart technologies

An Alternative Methodology for Estimating Credit Quality Transition Matrices

This study presents an alternative way of estimating credit transition matrices using a hazard function model. The model is useful both for testing the validity of the Markovian assumption, frequently made in credit rating applications, and also for estimating transition matrices conditioning on firm-specific and macroeconomic covariates that influence the migration process. The model presented in the paper is likely to be useful in other applications, though we would hesitate to extrapolate numerical values of coefficients outside of our application. Transition matrices estimated this way may be an important tool for a credit risk administration system, in the sense that with them a practitioner can easily forecast the behavior of the clients´ratings in the future and their possible changes of stateFirms; macroeconomic variables; firm-specific covariates; hazard function; transition intensities. Classification JEL: C4; E44; G21; G23; G38.

As-Built 3D Heritage City Modelling to Support Numerical Structural Analysis: Application to the Assessment of an Archaeological Remain

Terrestrial laser scanning is a widely used technology to digitise archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage. This allows for modelling the assets’ real condition in comparison with traditional data acquisition methods. This paper, based on the case study of the basilica in the Baelo Claudia archaeological ensemble (Tarifa, Spain), justifies the need of accurate heritage modelling against excessively simplified approaches in order to support structural safety analysis. To do this, after validating the 3Dmeshing process frompoint cloud data, the semi-automatic digital reconstitution of the basilica columns is performed. Next, a geometric analysis is conducted to calculate the structural alterations of the columns. In order to determine the structural performance, focusing both on the accuracy and suitability of the geometric models, static and modal analyses are carried out by means of the finite element method (FEM) on three different models for the most unfavourable column in terms of structural damage: (1) as-built (2) simplified and (3) ideal model without deformations. Finally, the outcomes show that the as-built modelling enhances the conservation status analysis of the 3D heritage city (in terms of realistic compliance factor values), although further automation still needs to be implemented in the modelling process

Evaluación de la incapacidad laboral respiratoria

 La incapacidad laboral respiratoria o invalidez se produce cuando hay limitación para el desempeño adecuado de las tareas laborales.5 La disfunción o menoscabo se refiere a la pérdida de la función, cuya cuantificación debe realizarla de manera objetiva el médico neumólogo, fundamentarse con pruebas diagnósticas estandarizadas, y determinar la gravedad de la enfermedad, así como su repercusión en las actividades cotidianas. El dictamen de la incapacidad laboral resultante, compete a la Comisión Médica Calificadora de Incapacidad

Electrochemical analysis on compounds of the vitamin B6 family using glassy carbon electrodes

The electrochemical reduction of vitamin B6 group and related compounds has been performed at pH neutral using glassy carbon electrodes. Irreversible bi- or tetra-electronic processes controlled by diffusion on the top of the wave are observed for these substances by cyclic voltammetry. In most cases the first electron transfer was the rate determining step of the electrode process. In depth electroanalytical behaviour of the most important members of the vitamin-6 family, from a biological point of view, is also presented. Limits of detection (99, 59, 286 and 19 μM respectively), linearity ranges (200-1000, 100-800, 400-1600 and 40-200 μM respectively) precision as RSD(%) (0.45, 4.11, 6.45 and 4.98 % respectively) and recovery (%) values (99.7, 97.7, 104.4 and 98.9) for Pyridoxal, Pyridoxal-5’-Phosphate, Pyridoxamine and Pyridoxic Acid are presented. The use of glassy carbon electrodes for the analysis of urine samples gives an example of the potential use of these for the analysis of biological samples

Electrochemical reduction of carbamazepine in ethanol and water solutions using a glassy carbon electrode

The electrochemical reduction of carbamazepine in ethanol and water using a glassy carbon electrode has been studied. In all experimental conditions of scan rate and concentration of carbamazepine an irreversible cathodic wave was observed by cyclic voltammetry (CV). Electrochemical parameters and a plausible EqC mechanism have been reported from the electrochemical measurements and digital simulation. The values of thermodynamic E1/2 were correlated with solvent polarity parameters that it can be interesting for biological, pharmaceutical and forensic purposes. Limits of Detection (LOD) for DPV are 1.1 and 9.0 g/mL (4.65x10-6 and 3.81x10-5 M) in ethanol and water, respectively. The precision and recoveries obtained for tablets and plasma samples showed that the method could be successfully used for analysis

The Effectiveness of a Community Based High Intensity Interval Training Program on Markers of Physical Health

Community outreach programs targets at low Social Economic Status (SES) have been established to improve living conditions and educational programs in hopes of improving SES status. Despite community outreach programs targeting low SES, there has been no research looking at the efficacy of a High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) exercise intervention program to improve wellbeing. The primary purpose of this study is to examine how 8 weeks of HIIT will affect markers of physical health. The secondary purpose of this study is to determine if HIIT is sufficient enough to benefit low SES or if other interventions are needed to sustain positive results. Participants (n= 18) were recruited through local churches located near low income areas. Criterion for this study included: the age of participants to be between 18- 75, no current musculoskeletal injury, and clearance from a physician to perform physical activity. Pre testing measurements (height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and strength assessments) were taken at Texas Tech Human Performance Lab. Strength assessments consisted of Maximal voluntary isometric contractions of the leg flexors and extensors at 60º of flexion, maximal voluntary isokinetic contraction of the leg flexors and extensors at 60 and 240º/sec. Participants also performed vertical jumps on a force platform. An 8 week HIIT program was then implemented which required the participant to exercise on stationary bikes 2x a week. The program was designed to start out at a low intensity over longer periods then progress to higher intensities over short time periods. Throughout the study, participants wore activity tracker watches that counted the amount of movement performed. This allowed for controlled activity levels outside of HIIT. Only eleven participants completed both pre and posttest measurements as there was a 38% drop out rate. Data analysis revealed that no changes in HR, blood pressure, Max force (N), RPD (W/s), isometric or isokinetic strength. However, participants did show an increase in weight (P=.0096), Vertical Jump Height (P= .0475), and Max Power (P=.0153). Although participants did show improvement in certain areas of strength no markers of health improved and even an increase in weight was observed. Based off of the activity trackers, physical activity levels went down. We determined that the participants weren’t as physically active once joining the study because they figured our intervention was enough. Based on our results we suggested that future studies or community outreach programs incorporate other interventions with HIIT such as a weight loss programs and education in order to maximize health improvement in low income family’s physical health