A dynamic choice model of hybrid behavior in the attribute-space

This paper presents a dynamic choice model in the attribute space considering rational consumers that discount the future. In light of the evidence of several state-dependence patterns, the model is further extended by considering a utility function that allows for the different types of behavior described in the literature: pure inertia, pure variety seeking and hybrid. The model presents a stationary consumption pattern that can be inertial, where the consumer only buys one product, or a variety-seeking one, where the consumer buys several products simultane-ously. Under the inverted-U marginal utility assumption, the consumer behaves inertial among the existing brands for several periods, and eventually, once the stationary levels are approached, the consumer turns to a variety-seeking behavior. An empirical analysis is run using a scanner database for fabric softener and significant evidence of hybrid behavior for most attributes is found, which supports the functional form considered in the theory.Consumer choice models, state-dependence models, consumption patterns, variety seeking, hybrid behavior

Rol del PET/CT en epilepsia

ResumenEl PET (Positron Emission Tomography) con F18-Fluorodeoxiglucosa (FDG) es un examen ampliamente utilizado en el estudio de epilepsia refractaria, constituyendo en la actualidad un pilar fundamental en la evaluación quirúrgica. El PET proporciona una traducción funcional de la lesión morfológica y puede pesquisar otras áreas epileptógenas temporales y extratemporales no visibles con los métodos tradicionales. Su alta sensibilidad y positividad aún con Resonancia Magnética (RM) negativa, hace posible optar a la resección quirúrgica en pacientes que de otra manera no podrían operarse, obteniendo sujetos libres de crisis en hasta el 80% de las epilepsias temporales. El PET es realizado eminentemente en fase interictal y posee una sensibilidad de 90% en focos temporales y 50 a 70% en focos extratemporales. El PET “ictal” y el uso de radiofármacos distintos del F18-FDG son alternativas válidas en ciertos casos de epilepsia, especialmente extratemporal. Es posible que el uso del PET en epilepsia siga aumentando debido a la cada vez mayor disponibilidad del método y su consiguiente menor costo.SummaryF18-FDG PET (Positron Emission Tomography) has been widely used in refractory epilepsy, and today represents a main issue for surgical evaluation. PET provides a functional translation for a morphological lesion, and can inquire for others temporal an extra-temporal epileptogenic focus, which can be not evident with traditional image methods. Its high sensibility even having negative MRI, allows considering surgical resection in another wise no surgical patients, getting free seizure subjects in until 80% temporal epilepsy cases. PET scan is doing normally in interictal condition, and shows sensibility of 90% for temporal and 50-70% for extratemporal epilepsy. The “ictal” PET or a PET using other radiotracer different to F18-FDG are valid alternatives in some cases, especially in extratemporal epilepsy. It is possible that utilization of PET in epilepsy remains increasing owing to its progressive higher availability and consequently lower cost

Hybrid consumption paths in the attribute space: A model and application with scanner data

This paper presents and estimates a dynamic choice model in the attribute space considering rational consumers. In light of the evidence of several state-dependence patterns, the standard attribute-based model is extended by considering a general utility function where pure inertia and pure variety-seeking behaviors can be explained in the model as particular linear cases. The dynamics of the model are fully characterized by standard dynamic programming techniques. The model presents a stationary consumption pattern that can be inertial, where the consumer only buys one product, or a variety-seeking one, where the consumer shifts among varied products. We run some simulations to analyze the consumption paths out of the steady state. Under the hybrid utility assumption, the consumer behaves inertially among the unfamiliar brands for several periods, eventually switching to a variety-seeking behavior when the stationary levels are approached. An empirical analysis is run using scanner databases for three different product categories: fabric softener, saltine cracker, and catsup. Non-linear specifications provide the best fit of the data, as hybrid functional forms are found in all the product categories for most attributes and segments. These results reveal the statistical superiority of the non-linear structure and confirm the gradual trend to seek variety as the level of familiarity with the purchased items increases.Dynamic Choice Model, Rational Consumers, Inertia, Variety Seeking, Hybrid Behavior, Scanner Data

Measurement device design: Rain gauge

The need to size large hydraulic infrastructures, exploit extensive agricultural areas or simply arrange water assets for human consumption makes the evaluation of the available water resources essential. Water is a scarce resource that is poorly distributed both, spatially and temporally. Therefore, a set of hydrological networks that allow the evaluation of water quantity and quality is required. In order to achieve this, the first step is to retrieve reliable data on rainfall. To carry out a correct evaluation of water resources, both in the small and large scale, disposing hydrological networks that involve a certain number of measuring devices becomes critical. Despite the great amount of studies that have been developed on measuring devices such as rain gauges, there are still many errors that remain in the measurements and that have not been ruled out yet, thus affecting the accuracy of the measurements. In this sense, the design of a device that provides an accurate measurement of rainfall and also results affordable, could be the key to a product with great acceptance in the market. The aim of this work is to present the design of a measurement device that provides accurate data and can be used in multiple ways: as an ordinary rain gauge, as a rain gauge recorder, or even allowing to carry on both functions simultaneously. The methodology followed for its implementation has consisted in analyzing the techniques and procedures to be trailed at quantifying rainfall, conducting a market study and analyzing specifications to be in accordance to WMO (World Meteorological Organization) [2] [3] to then go through a conceptual design and finally complete the detailed design where materials are valued and simulation tests are performed in order to meet certain accuracy and economical requirements.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Darstellung des selbstmordes in der literatur des anfangs des 20. jahrhunderts anhand der beispiele von H. Hesse, A. Schnitzler und S. Zweig. In Bezug auf Freuds Selbstmordtheorie

In diesem Text werden drei Erzählungen analysiert nämlich Unterm Rad von Hermann Hesse, Fräulein Else von Arthur Schnitzler und Episode am Genfer See von Stefan Zweig. Es wurden diese Geschichten ausgewählt, um verschiedene Alter und Geschlechter abzuhandeln. Die Analyse beruht darauf, das Verhalten der drei Hauptfiguren, Hans, Else und Boris, gegenüber dem Selbstmord zu untersuchen. Hierfür wird Freuds, ihres Zeitgenossen, Psychoanalyse mit seiner Selbstmordtheorie benutzt. Zunächst wird erklärt, warum dieses Thema, Suizid, wichtig in der behandelten Literatur ist: Es gehört zu den dekadenten Themen, die anfangs des 20. Jahrhunderts häufig behandelt wurden; und warum diese Themen auftauchten. Es wird auch gezeigt, dass die Themen der Jahrhundertwendeliteratur lebten weiter, denn die Schriftsteller schrieben darüber weiter trotz der Veränderung der literarischen Mode. Dies ist der Fall von Zweig oder Schnitzler, deren hier behandelte Erzählungen jeweils 1921 und zwischen 1921 und 1923 entstanden. Um die Analyse der Charaktere entwickeln zu können, wird die Selbstmordtheorie Freuds beschrieben, aber nicht nur dies, sondern auch seine ersten Forschungen, die mit der Psychoanalyse zu tun haben, denn sie sind verbunden. So werden die zwei Instinkte, die Freud bekannt gegeben hat, erklärt: Eros und Thanatos. Auch die Unterteilung der Struktur des Individuums soll erklärt werden nämlich das Ich, das Es und das Über-Ich. Das Ich besteht aus dem Verstand und der Vernunft, das Es aus den Leidenschaften und Antrieben, und das Über-Ich aus den gesellschaftlichen Werten. Laut Freud ist Selbstmord die schlimmste Strafe des Über-Ichs an das Ich, weil das Ich ein Problem mit der Wirklichkeit nicht lösen kann. Dieses Problem ist normalerweise durch einen Verlust verursacht, der symbolisch oder materiell sein kann: Tod einer geliebten Person, Ablehnung, Probleme mit der Familie, wirtschaftliche Gründe usw. Dieser Verlust hat Wirkungen auf die Verhaltensweise der betroffenen Person, wie Apathie, Kummer oder Unwertgefühl. Um die Figuren der Werken mittels Freuds Psychoanalyse analysieren zu können, werden zuerst sowohl die Erzählungen zusammengefasst, als auch die Figuren charakterisiert. So können wir verstehen, warum sie reagieren wie sie es tun und warum sie die Entscheidung treffen, sich das Leben zu nehmen. So wird auch bestätigt, dass das Handeln der Figuren Freuds Theorie entspricht

Fútbol, selección y Nación : reflexiones y replanteamientos desde la derrota

A partir de la eliminación de la selección Colombia, en su intento\ud por clasificar al Mundial de Alemania 2006, este trabajo avanza algunas\ud reflexiones sobre el nexo entre fútbol, selecciones nacionales\ud y configuración de la Nación, en este caso desde las reacciones a la\ud derrota sufrida. En una primera parte, recapitula el trabajo previamente\ud adelantado en lo conceptual, metodológico y empírico para\ud el estudio de esta misma temática en el caso colombiano en el periodo\ud 1985/7-2001. En la segunda, actualiza el análisis a lo sucedido\ud entre 2001 y 2005 también en el caso colombiano y, especialmente,\ud en el largo trayecto de las eliminatorias a Alemania 2006. En\ud una tercera parte, hace un ejercicio comparativo con lo sucedido en\ud los tres países vecinos alrededor de la misma temática. Finalmente,\ud sintetiza los principales hallazgos y, reconociendo el nexo cierto entre\ud el desempeño de un seleccionado nacional y procesos que aportan\ud al complejo entramado de la configuración nacional, deja abiertas\ud varias preguntas para debatir y alimentar la discusión al respecto.Based on the Colombian soccer (UK: football) teams failure to\ud classify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, this article (opc:\ud text, document, working paper) puts forth some propositions on\ud the relation between soccer, national soccer teams and the\ud configuration of the Nation-State, based on public reactions to\ud defeat. First, I review prior conceptual, methodological and\ud empirical work done on the matter for the period between\ud 1985/7-2001. Second, I analyze the chain of events that\ud materialized in Colombia between 2001 and 2005, emphasizing the protracted classification process for the 2006 World Cup.\ud Third, I develop a comparative analysis of the events that took\ud place in three neighboring countries in relation with the same\ud subject matter. Finally, I summarize the study's main findings and,\ud acknowledging the relation between the performance of national\ud soccer teams and the processes that influence the complex\ud configuration of the Nation-State, put forth a number of\ud questions that ought to fuel further debate and research in the\ud matter

Information environment and management for the ETSII student body

El “Entorno de información y gestión para el alumnado de la ETSII” es una herramienta que permite la consulta de los datos más relevantes en el día a día de un alumno y realizar tareas simples pero de uso frecuente. El sistema se compone de dos partes, una aplicación web y una aplicación móvil para dispositivos Android. La aplicación web se encarga de leer los datos de entrada a partir de distintos archivos con extensión .csv y los almacena en una base de datos MySQL, mientras que la aplicación móvil recibe esos datos mediante servicios REST y ejecuta toda la funcionalidad con los mismos. El conjunto de funcionalidades que ofrece la aplicación requieren la autenticación en la misma a través de una cuenta de usuario en Google. El sistema además permite la generación de los horarios del alumno, adición de los exámenes al calendario personal del usuario, consulta de datos del profesorado, concertado de tutorías, asistente de matriculación y consulta del calendario lectivo de la titulación correspondiente. Con todo ello se pretende agilizar la consulta de datos relevantes de uso frecuente por parte del alumnado de la E.T.S. de Ingeniería Informática en la web del centro, el campus virtual y la DUMA

Equilibrium dynamics in two-sector models of endogenous growth.

This paper presents an account of the dynamics of endogenous growth models with physical capital and human capital. We consider some important extensions of the basic framework of Lucas (1988) and Uzawa (1964), including physical capital in the human capital technology and leisure activities as an additional argument of agents' welfare.Endogenous growth; Physical capital; Human capital; Long-term growth; Transitional dynamics;

Equilibrium dynamics in two-sector models of endogenous growth

This paper presents an account of the dynamics of endogenous growth models with physical capital and human capital. We consider some important extensions of the basic framework of Lucas (1988) and Uzawa (1964), including physical capital in the human capital technology and leisure activities as an additional argument of agents' welfare