SAMBA: Stochastic Analytical Model with a Bayesian Approach

We develop and estimate a DSGE model for the Brazilian economy, to be used as part of the macroeconomic modeling framework at the Central Bank of Brazil. The model combines the building blocks of standard DSGE models (e.g., price and wage rigidities and adjustment costs) with the following features that better describe the Brazilian economy: (i) a fiscal authority pursuing an explicit target for the primary surplus; (ii) administered or regulated prices as part of consumer prices; (iii) external finance for imports, amplifying the effects of changes in external financial conditions on the economy; and (iv) imported goods used in the production function of differentiated goods. It also includes the presence of financially constrained households. We estimate the model with Bayesian techniques, using data starting in 1999, when inflation targeting was implemented. Model evaluation, based on impulse response functions, moment conditions, variance error decomposition and initial forecasting exercises, suggests that the model can be a useful tool for policy analysis and forecasting.

Electronic and Structural Properties of Janus SMoSe/MoX2_2 (X=S,Se) In-plane Heterojunctions: A DFT Study

The electronic and structural properties of Janus MoSSe/MoX$_2$ (X=S,Se) in-plane heterojunctions, endowed with single-atom vacancies, were studied using density functional theory calculations. The stability of these structures was verified from cohesion energy calculations. Results showed that single-atom vacancies induce the appearance of flat midgap states, and a substantial amount of charge is localized in the vicinity of these defects. As a consequence, these heterojunctions presented an intrinsic dipole moment. No bond reconstructions were noted by removing an atom from the lattice, regardless of its chemical species. Our calculations predicted indirect electronic bandgap values between 1.6-1.7 eV.Comment: 10 pages, 5 Figure

On the Electronic Structure of a Recently Synthesized Graphene-like BCN Monolayer from bis-BN Cyclohexane: A DFT Study

Since the rising of graphene, boron nitride monolayers have been deeply studied due to their structural similarity with the former. A hexagonal graphene-like boron-carbon-nitrogen (h-BCN) monolayer was synthesized recently using bis-BN cyclohexane (B2N2C2H12) as a precursor molecule. Herein, we investigated the electronic and structural properties of this novel BCN material, in the presence of single-atom (boron, carbon, or nitrogen) vacancies, by employing density functional theory calculations. The stability of these vacancy-endowed structures is verified from cohesion energy calculations. Results showed that a carbon atom vacancy strongly distorts the lattice leading to breaking on its planarity and bond reconstructions. The single-atom vacancies induce the appearance of flat midgap states. A significant degree of charge localization takes place in the vicinity of these defects. It was observed a spontaneous magnetization only for the boron-vacancy case, with a magnetic dipole moment about 0.87 mu_B. Our calculations predicted a direct electronic bandgap value of about 1.14 eV, which is in good agreement with the experimental one. Importantly, this bandgap value is intermediate between gapless graphene and insulating h-BN.Comment: 9 pages, 4 figure

Effects of ayahuasca on mental health and quality of life in naïve users: A longitudinal and cross-sectional study combination

Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic decoction used as a traditional medicine in several Amazonian regions. The ritualistic use of ayahuasca has spread throughout many countries, making it necessary to study its risks and benefits. Two sub-studies were designed for this investigation. In sub-study 1, a psychiatric interview and a battery of questionnaires were administered to subjects (n = 40) before their first ayahuasca use. Two follow-ups were conducted at 1 and 6 months. In sub-study 2, the same interview and battery of questionnaires were administered to long-term ayahuasca users (n = 23) and their scores were compared with those of the ayahuasca-naïve group. In the first assessment, nearly half (45%) of the naïve users were found to meet the diagnostic criteria for a psychiatric disorder. After the ayahuasca use, more than 80% of those subjects showed clinical improvements that persisted at 6 months. The questionnaires showed significant reductions in depression and psychopathology. Regarding sub-study 2, long-term users showed lower depression scores, and higher scores for self-transcendence and quality of life, as compared to their peers in sub-study 1. Further controlled and observational naturalistic studies assessing the eventual risks and potential benefits of ayahuasca are warranted

Shoulder isokinetic profile of male handball players of the Brazilian National Team

BACKGROUND:Data obtained on an isokinetic dynamometer are useful to characterize muscle status and have been reported in muscle imbalance studies in different types of sport. However, few studies have assessed elite handball players to establish reference values.OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study was to compare, for the dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) side, the isokinetic profile of shoulder rotator muscle strength between male handball players (H) and asymptomatic non-athletes (NA).METHOD:Isokinetic concentric and eccentric strength tests for D upper limbs were performed by the H group (n=20) and the NA group (n=12). Internal and external rotator muscle peak torque in concentric action was assessed at 60°/s and 300°/s and in eccentric action at 300°/s. We also calculated conventional balance (the ratio of external rotator peak torque to internal rotator peak torque in concentric action) and functional balance (the ratio of external rotator peak torque in eccentric action to internal rotator peak torque in concentric action).RESULTS:In the H group, dominant limbs were stronger in concentric action for external rotation at 60 and 300°/s. The conventional balance ratio for the D side was significantly lower at 60 and 300°/s for H compared to NA. The functional ratio for the D side was significantly lower at 300º/s for H compared to NA.CONCLUSIONS:Compared to asymptomatic non-athletes, handball players presented significant muscular imbalance resulting from daily sports practice, a known risk factor for shoulder injuries.Projects Finance Organization (Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos - FINEP)Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Physiology DepartmentUniversidade Federal de Goias Human and Exercise Physiology SectorUniversidade Estadual de Campinas Faculty of Physical Education Sports Science DepartmentBrazilian Basketball ConfederationUNIFESP, Physiology DepartmentSciEL

Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Inhibition Exerts Renoprotective Effects in Rats with Established Heart Failure

Circulating dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) activity is associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes in humans and experimental heart failure (HF) models, suggesting that DPPIV may play a role in the pathophysiology of this syndrome. Renal dysfunction is one of the key features of HF, but it remains to be determined whether DPPIV inhibitors are capable of improving cardiorenal function after the onset of HF. Therefore, the present study aimed to test the hypothesis that DPPIV inhibition by vildagliptin improves renal water and salt handling and exerts anti-proteinuric effects in rats with established HF. To this end, male Wistar rats were subjected to left ventricle (LV) radiofrequency ablation or sham operation. Six weeks after surgery, radiofrequency-ablated rats who developed HF were randomly divided into two groups and treated for 4 weeks with vildagliptin (120 mg/kg/day) or vehicle by oral gavage. Echocardiography was performed before (pretreatment) and at the end of treatment (post-treatment) to evaluate cardiac function. The fractional area change (FAC) increased (34 +/- 5 vs. 45 +/- 3%, p < 0.05), and the isovolumic relaxation time decreased (33 +/- 2 vs. 27 +/- 1 msp < 0.05) in HF rats treated with vildagliptin (post-treatment vs. pretreatment). On the other hand, cardiac dysfunction deteriorated further in vehicle-treated HF rats. Renal function was impaired in vehicle-treated HF rats as evidenced by fluid retention, low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and high levels of urinary protein excretion. Vildagliptin treatment restored urinary flow. GFR, urinary sodium and urinary protein excretion to sham levels. Restoration of renal function in HF rats by DPPIV inhibition was associated with increased active glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) serum concentration, reduced DPPIV activity and increased activity of protein kinase A in the renal cortex. Furthermore, the anti-proteinuric effect of vildagliptin treatment in rats with established HF was associated with upregulation of the apical proximal tubule endocytic receptor megalin and of the podocyte main slit diaphragm proteins nephrin and podocin. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that DPPIV inhibition exerts renoprotective effects and ameliorates cardiorenal function in rats with established HF. Long-term studies with DPPIV inhibitors are needed to ascertain whether these effects ultimately translate into improved clinical outcomes.Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq)Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Med, Heart Inst InCor, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Med, Div Cardiol, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Espirito Santo, Dept Physiol Sci, Vitoria, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Med, Div Cardiol, Sao Paulo, BrazilFAPESP: 2013/10619-8Web of Scienc

PENGARUH HARGA DAN DESAIN PRODUK TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN MEBEL PADA UD. JEPARA INDAH KOTA PASURUAN

The purpose of this research is to examine the influence of price, and product design on furniture purchasing decision at UD. Jepara Indah Pasuruan City. This study uses multiple linier regression analysis on 100 respondents that have been determined using purposive sampling technique as a method of sampling by using questionnaires for data collection. The results of this study revealed that prices have a positive and significant effect on purchasing decision of furniture in UD. Jepara Indah and product design have a positive and significant impact on purchasing decision of furniture in UD. Jepara Indah