The magnetic SW Sextantis star RX J1643.7+3402

We present time-resolved spectroscopy and circular spectropolarimetry of the SW Sex star RX J1643.7+3402. We find significant polarisation levels exhibiting a variability at a period of 19.38 +- 0.39 min. In addition, emission-line flaring is found predominantly at twice the polarimetric period. These two findings are strong evidences in favour of the presence of a magnetic white dwarf in the system. We interpret the measured periodicities in the context of our magnetic accretion model for SW Sex stars. In contrast with LS Pegasi -the first SW Sex star discovered to have modulated circular polarisation- the polarisation in RX J1643.7+3402 is suggested to vary at 2(omega - Omega), while the emission lines flare at (omega - Omega). However, a 2omega/omega interpretation cannot be ruled out. Together with LS Peg and V795 Her, RX J1643.7+3402 is the third SW Sex star known to exhibit modulated circular polarisation.Comment: 7 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in MNRA

Data issues in general equilibrium modelling

In recent years global general equilibrium (GE) models have been used to analyse policy issues such as trade liberalisation, regional integration and environmental policies. While a global CGE model is an excellent tool to perform a comprehensive analysis of such policies, it requires an enormous amount of data to calibrate or parameterise the model itself. Quality differences in the data sets might affect the results of the model simulation. Identifying and removing problems in the database is an important task for the effective use of a CGE model. In this paper, we suggest an approach to detect and remove major inconsistencies from the database of a CGE model. To illustrate, we examine and modify selected interindustry transactions in the GTAP version 5 database, a general equilibrium database of the global economy. The revised database was evaluated against the original by undertaking technical change and trade liberalisation experiments using Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model. Results show that estimates using the modified database are more credible than those from the original database.International Relations/Trade, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods,

Hysteresis and labour market institutions. Evidence from the UK and the Netherlands

This paper uses data for the UK and the Netherlands (1983q4–2011q4) to test if hysteresis occurs in these economies, and through what mechanisms. The novelty of the paper resides in the use of a VAR-IRF that encompasses previous hysteresis studies, using long-term unemployment, productivity, capital stock and real long-term interest rates, and in the use of specific Labour Market Institutions shocks, such as benefits, taxation or unions’ power. This allows us to disentangle what specific demand and supply-variables affect unemployment in the long-run, i.e. the NAIRU. Our findings suggest that there is hysteresis in both countries, and that it happens through several channels. Further, we find that the influence of Labour Market Institutions on unemployment depend on their impact on the real wages-productivity gap. These results have implications for structural and macroeconomic policies that we also discuss. Finally, we investigate the impact of different supply and demand-shock on long-term unemployment and discuss the relevant policy implications

Determinants of non-farm labour participation rates among farmers in Australia

In recent decades, non‐farm employment has become prevalent and an important source of income for Australian farm families. However, models identifying the relative significance of the socioeconomic variables influencing non‐farm employment participation rates have never been estimated in Australia. In this paper, a bivariate probit model of non‐farm employment participation rates was estimated, using information from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural Resource Economics (ABARE) 1994–1995 surveys. It was found that the participation decision of the farm operator and spouse is likely to be jointly determined, that non‐farm employment participation increased at a declining rate with age among farmers and that university education enhances the participation rates particularly among spouses. Participation rates were also higher among spouses with lower other income and with no dependent children.Farm Management,

CONSUMER’S SATISFACTION - EXPLANATORY MODELS

When the first studies related to consumer satisfaction began to appear in the sixties, nobody could imagine protagonism that it would reach with the course of the time. Nowadays not only private sector companies dedicate part from their resources to the study of the degree of satisfaction of their clients, but satisfaction studies are more and more increasing preoccupation in the state sector, therefore works related to the satisfaction of the patients, the contributors or with the tourist destiny can be found. Firstly, a revision of the different models that have been used to explain customer satisfaction level is presented, using the cognitive and the affective-cognitive models. In the first case, human being is looking as a rational being that can process information about the different attributes of the services to form his personal satisfaction. The most useful model within this category is the expectation disconfirmation model. These kind of models explain satisfaction as a function of the degree and direction of the discrepancy between expectation and perceptions. It has evolved all over time resulting in a lot of different approaches. We have also studied the equity model, in which consumer does a benefit-cost analysis not only its owns but from the rest of people who take part in the transaction. Finally, in the affective-cognitive models, human being is seeing like a complex being that is not solely an information processor but experiences feelings and emotions that also influence in their judgments of satisfaction. Secondly, it has been realized an empirical application in which we have used the main variables in the expectation disconfirmation model: perceptions, expectations and discrepancies to estimate some logit models. The tourists who visit Tenerife are classified as satisfied or unsatisfied. Then, we model the probability of each characteristic using tourist’s scores on some destination attributes. Two samples have been used. The first one was obtained at the time of arriving; the second one has been made when leaving the island. Since tourists are not necessary the same in both samples, a statistic inference process has been made to use all the information available. The best model is obtained when expectations and perceptions are used at the same time, so we obtain a 75% of right classification. To sum up, we have found that perceptions are the main subject for the tourist’s satisfaction, although we can’t forget the importance of expectations to complete the model.

Cost of intensive routine control and incremental cost of insecticide-treated curtain deployment in a setting with low Aedes aegypti infestation

Introduction: Information regarding the cost of implementing insecticide-treated curtains (ITCs) is scarce. Therefore, we evaluated the ITC implementation cost, in addition to the costs of intensive conventional routine activities of the Aedes control program in the city of Guantanamo, Cuba. Methods: A cost-analysis study was conducted from the perspective of the Aedes control program, nested in an ITC effectiveness trial, during 2009-2010. Data for this study were obtained from bookkeeping records and activity registers of the Provincial Aedes Control Programme Unit and the account records of the ITC trial. Results: The annual cost of the routine Aedes control program activities was US$16.80 per household (p.h). Among 3,015 households, 6,714 ITCs were distributed. The total average cost per ITC distributed was US$3.42, and 74.3% of this cost was attributed to the cost of purchasing the ITCs. The annualized costs p.h. of ITC implementation was US$3.80. The additional annualized cost for deploying ITCs represented 19% and 48.4% of the total cost of the routine Aedes control and adult-stage Aedes control programs, respectively. The trial did not lead to further reductions in the already relatively low Aedes infestation levels. Conclusions: At current curtain prices, ITC deployment can hardly be considered an efficient option in Guantanamo and other comparable environments

Development and optimization of a novel sustained-release dextran tablet formulation for propranolol hydrochloride

A novel oral controlled delivery system for propranolol hydrochloride (PPL) was developed and optimized. The in vitro dissolution profiles of sustained-release matrix tablets of racemic PPL were determined and compared with the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) tolerance specifications for Propranolol Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules. The influence of matrix forming agents (native dextran, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), cetyl alcohol) and binary mixtures of them on PPL release in vitro was investigated. A central composite design was applied to the optimization of a sustained-release tablet formulation. The sustained-release matrix tablets with good physical, mechanical and technological properties were obtained with a matrix excipient:PPL ratio of 60:40 (w/w), with a dextran:HPMC ratio of 4:1 (w/w) and with a cetyl alcohol amount of 15% (w/w). A comparative kinetic study of the present matrix tablets and commercial SUMIAL RETARD capsules (Spain) was established. The value for the similarity factor (f2 = 69.6) suggested that the dissolution profile of the present two sustained-release oral dosage forms are similar. Higuchi (diffusion) and Hixon–Crowell (erosion) kinetic profiles were achieved and this codependent mechanism of drug release was established