Monetary policy rules in a small open economy: An application to Mexico

We estimate a small-scale macro model for the Mexican economy under the New Keynesian (NK) framework and alternative interest rate rules for Mexico. With these results we evaluate the performance of the Bank of Mexico against a set of optimality principles derived in the NK literature. We show that the Bank of Mexico holds a preference for stabilizing not only inflation around target, but also acts to achieve an output gap close to zero. Furthermore, we show the central bank responds non-linearly to real exchange rate depreciations. We also show that, although the central bank has attempted to contain inflation, it has not conclusively satisfied the Taylor principle, so moderate inflation during the period may be partly a consequence of a favorable macroeconomic environment, rather than active policy.Taylor Rule, New Keynesian, Monetary Policy, Interest Rate Rules, Small Open Economy

U(N) and holomorphic methods for LQG and Spin Foams

The U(N) framework and the spinor representation for loop quantum gravity are two new points of view that can help us deal with the most fundamental problems of the theory. Here, we review the detailed construction of the U(N) framework explaining how one can endow the Hilbert space of N-leg intertwiners with a Fock structure. We then give a description of the classical phase space corresponding to this system in terms of the spinors, and we will study its quantization using holomorphic techniques. We take special care in constructing the usual holonomy operators of LQG in terms of spinors, and in the description of the Hilbert space of LQG with the different polarization given by these spinors.Comment: 16 pages. Proceedings for the 3rd Quantum Geometry and Quantum Gravity School in Zakopane (2011

Damping of Josephson oscillations in strongly correlated one-dimensional atomic gases

We study Josephson oscillations of two strongly correlated one-dimensional bosonic clouds separated by a localized barrier. Using a quantum-Langevin approach and the exact Tonks-Girardeau solution in the impenetrable-boson limit, we determine the dynamical evolution of the particle-number imbalance, displaying an effective damping of the Josephson oscillations which depends on barrier height, interaction strength and temperature. We show that the damping originates from the quantum and thermal fluctuations intrinsically present in the strongly correlated gas. Thanks to the density-phase duality of the model, the same results apply to particle-current oscillations in a one-dimensional ring where a weak barrier couples different angular momentum states

A Personal Perspective on Daily Occupations to Counteract Cancer Related Fatigue: A Case Study

Background: This case study aimed to identify and describe meaningful physical occupations used by a cancer survivor to increase or maintain levels of participation during active chemotherapy and subsequent cancer related fatigue. Method: A case study approach was used to develop an in-depth description and analysis based on one participant’s experience with breast cancer and associated treatments. A semi-structured interview was conducted. The data were analyzed through description of the case, categories, and themes. It also included categorical aggregation in efforts to seek a collection of instances from the data to explore any issue-relevant meanings. Results: Following data analysis, one overarching theme, return to normalcy, was identified with three subthemes: (a) prioritization of meaningful activities, (b) modifications to activities or routines, (c) lack of referral for immediate needs. Conclusion: Personal knowledge of occupational therapy practice provided support for enhancing engagement in daily meaningful occupations. Lessons learned from this experience could be applied to clients experiencing cancer related side effects to improve engagement in daily occupations

Magistrates without Pedigree: The Consules Suffecti of the Triumviral Age

The use of the suffect consulship began to change with Caesar in 45 b.c., after a number of decades in which no suffect consul had been elected. The office altered dramatically during the triumviral period. The triumvirs openly made use of the suffect consulship as a means of rewarding loyalty. Many of the suffect consuls, who were no longer elected by the people, but designated in advance by the triumvirs, were homines novi who belonged to previously unknown and insignificant Roman or Italian families. Increasing the number of consuls each year eliminated de facto the traditional annuality of the office and reduced its authority. The implicit consequence of these actions was a gradual devaluation of the consulship. The suffect consulship was therefore a powerful tool in the hands of the triumvirs for strengthening their political position, weakening the old aristocracy and giving birth to a new elite based more firmly on personal loyalties

New tools for Loop Quantum Gravity with applications to a simple model

Loop Quantum Gravity is now a well established approach to quantum gravity. One of the main challenges still faced by the theory is constructing a consistent dynamics which would lead back to the standard dynamics of the gravitational field at large scales. Here we will review the recent U(N) framework for Loop Quantum Gravity and the new spinor representation (that provides a classical setting for the U(N) framework). Then, we will apply these techniques to a simple model in order to propose a dynamics for a symmetry reduced sector of the theory. Furthermore, we will explore certain analogies of this model with Loop Quantum Cosmology.Comment: 4 pages, to appear in Proceedings of Spanish Relativity Meeting 2011 (ERE 2011) held in Madrid, Spai

An Economic Approach to Article 82

This report argues in favour of an economics-based approach to Article 82, in a way similar to the reform of Article 81 and merger control. In particular, we support an effects-based rather than a form-based approach to competition policy. Such an approach focuses on the presence of anti-competitive effects that harm consumers, and is based on the examination of each specific case, based on sound economics and grounded on facts