Toward a Modern Macroeconomic Model Usable for Policy Analysis

This paper presents a macroeconomic model that is both a completely specified dynamic general equilibrium model and a probabilistic model for time series data. We view the model as a potential competitor to existing ISLM-based models that continue to be used for actual policy analysis. Our approach is also an alternative to recent efforts to calibrate real business cycle models. In contrast to these existing models, the one we present embodies all the following important characteristics: i) It generates a complete multivariate stochastic process model for the data it aims to explain, and the full specification is used in the maximum likelihood estimation of the model; ii) It integrates modeling of nominal variables -- money stock, price level, wage level, and nominal interest rate -- with modeling real variables; iii) It contains a Keynesian investment function, breaking the tight relationship of the return on investment with the capital-output ratio; iv) It treats both monetary and fiscal policy explicitly; v) It is based on dynamic optimizing behavior of the private agents in the model. Flexible-price and sticky-price versions of the model are estimated and their fits are evaluated relative to a naive model of no-change in the variables and to an unrestricted VAR. The paper displays the model's implications for the dynamic responses to structural shocks, including policy shocks, and evaluates the relative importance of various shocks for determining economic fluctuations.

Psychological impact of identifying character strengths in people with psychosis

A one group pre-post test design investigated the impact of identifying character strengths using the Values In Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS) with individuals with early psychosis (N = 29). Post-test improvements in positive affect and cognitive performance were observed. Neither self-esteem nor self-efficacy improved. The technique appears feasible for use within early intervention services. Adverse consequences should be monitored and additional components considered to enhance benefits

What Does Monetary Policy Do?

macroeconomics, monetary policy

Waterparks\u27 Impact On Rural Communities In Eastern Kentucky

As many rural communities are searching for ways to increase their local economy, several of these communities have begun to turn their attention to the tourism industry. By turning their attention to the tourism industry, they are searching for ways to increase tourism in hopes of bringing in additional revenue that is needed for revitalizing many of these communities. These rural communities are focused on maximizing individual spending, and providing products and experiences as an incentive to tourists to stay longer and return on repeat visits (Briedenhann & Wickens, 2004, p. 72). Also, waterparks, as well as amusement parks and theme parks, have become motivators for tourism trips to many destination and core elements of the tourism product (Raluca & Gina, 2008, p. 635)

Strategies to Enhance Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass to Fermentable Sugars and to Enhance Anaerobic Digestion of Algal Biomass for Biogas Production

For economical conversion of cellulosic biomass to biofuel sources, such as ethanol and biogas, high concentrations of biomass must be processed to minimize downstream costs associated with dilute solutions. Further, the fundamental processes that drive biomass transformation must be understood in order to optimize conversion processes and to efficiently overcome the technological and economic barriers of biofuel production. One such barrier includes the recalcitrance of biomass to degradation. In order to overcome the recalcitrance of biomass, this study focuses on pretreatment strategies to break down the cell wall components and to make the biomass more susceptible to enzymatic action. Specifically, this study focuses on the use of alkaline peroxide pretreatment under varying conditions for processing lignocellulosic biomass. Optimal conditions for alkaline peroxide pretreatment were identified for increasing subsequent enzymatic saccharification to fermentable sugars. This study also evaluated the use of alkaline pretreatment for algal biomass that is present in the Logan Lagoon Wastewater System in order to enhance the anaerobic digestibility of the algae. Different bacterial seed sludges were also evaluated for increasing gas production from anaerobic digestion of algal biomass

Applications of GIS analyses and ecological approaches to paleolithic sites in Portugal.

Developments in landscape approaches to archaeological research have been greatly advanced by the use of geospatial technologies. Despite this boon, certain questions remain where the spatial distributions of archaeological material are complicated by other factors. Geomorphic processes significantly hinder site survivability and visibility, and complicate fieldwork. Such is the case for Paleolithic archaeological sites in Portugal, where the current landscape has been drastically altered since Paleolithic human occupation at the Last Glacial Maximum. The challenge to landscape-scale approaches is to provide a bridge between long-term environmental factors and smaller-scale evidence for human-ecosystem interaction. This requires that adaptations be made to landscape approaches and applications of geospatial technology, and adjustments to conceptual frameworks regarding site distribution are necessary in order to understand locality patterns. This work focuses on the results of geospatial analysis of data from recent archaeological investigations of the Paleolithic in the coastal region of Estremadura in Portugal, and places them within conceptual frameworks that account for severe environmental changes and limited site survivability

Maternal Depression in a Racially and Socioeconomically Diverse Cohort: Influences on Infant Feeding Practices.

Feeding practices during infancy and early childhood have lifelong effects on weight and relationships with food. With the growing prevalence of obesity in adults and children, early feeding practices are being examined more carefully as points in which public health interventions may be successful. Experts recommend that feeding practices be responsive in nature. Maternal depression has been shown to have deleterious effects on parenting practices, contributing to their unresponsiveness. As the responsive frameworks for parenting and feeding are similar, we expected to find similar effects of maternal depression on feeding practices. Maternal depression does, in fact, contribute to unresponsive feeding practices in our models. This study gives us a starting point to further explore the relationships of maternal depression and responsive feeding practices, in order to find interventions aimed at increasing the responsiveness of feeding practices in early childhood

Verbena bipinnatifida Nutt.

https://thekeep.eiu.edu/herbarium_specimens_byname/18974/thumbnail.jp