Fermion mass gap in the loop representation of quantum gravity

An essential step towards the identification of a fermion mass generation mechanism at Planck scale is to analyse massive fermions in a given quantum gravity framework. In this letter the two mass terms entering the Hamiltonian constraint for the Einstein-Majorana system are studied in the loop representation of quantum gravity and fermions. One resembles a bare mass gap because it is not zero for states with zero (fermion) kinetic energy as opposite to the other that is interpreted as `dressing' the mass. The former contribution originates from (at least) triple intersections of the loop states acted on whilst the latter is traced back to every couple of coinciding end points, where fermions sit. Thus, fermion mass terms get encoded in the combinatorics of loop states. At last the possibility is discussed of relating fermion masses to the topology of space.Comment: 15 pages, Latex file, no figures. To be published in Classical and Quantum Gravit

Transferring cash benefits through the banking sector in Colombia

This paper reviews the experience in transacting payments through the commercial banking system, to beneficiaries in Colombia's"Familias en Accion"program. The story told will be useful to those trying to solve the operational problem of moving cash, cost-effectively to large numbers of beneficiaries in social assistance, or similar programs. It shows the options considered, their advantages, disadvantages, and costs. Though some of the details may be specific to the country, and program, the approach to the analysis is broadly applicable.Banks&Banking Reform,Municipal Financial Management,Financial Intermediation,Financial Crisis Management&Restructuring,Health Monitoring&Evaluation

Reconstruction of the Cosmic Equation of State for High Redshift

We investigate the possibilities of reconstructing the cosmic equation of state (EoS) for high redshift. In order to obtain general results, we use two model-independent approaches. The first reconstructs the EoS using comoving distance and the second makes use of the Hubble parameter data. To implement the first method, we use a recent set of Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) measures. To implement the second method, we generate simulated data using the Sandage-Loeb ($SL$) effect; for the fiducial model, we use the $\Lambda CDM$ model. In both cases, the statistical analysis is conducted through the Gaussian processes (non-parametric). In general, we demonstrate that this methodology for reconstructing the EoS using a non-parametric method plus a model-independent approach works appropriately due to the feasibility of calculation and the ease of introducing a priori information ($H_ {0}$ and $\Omega_{m0}$). In the near future, following this methodology with a higher number of high quality data will help obtain strong restrictions for the EoS.Comment: 9 pages, 5 figure

Reciprocal Relation Between Psychophysiological Patterns of Stress Responsivity and Sleep

Contemporary understanding of the brain indicates that a reciprocal relationship exists between mind and body. Biological functioning adjusts to the consequences of our behavior and our behavior is influenced by our biology. This is the case with the stress responsivity system. The stress hormone cortisol follows a biologically-predetermined daily cycle of secretion (controlled by circadian rhythm) that correlates with expected activity throughout the day, however this cycle can accommodate to different environmental changes that can occur. It has been noticed that individuals who report stress problems also report sleep problems. I hypothesized that sleep quality can predict maladjustments in cortisol’s rhythm. All participants provided saliva samples and had to take the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Salivivay cortisol was measured via was enzyme-immuno-assayed for cortisol. I analyzed the data for three independent studies: (1)12 samples were taken for basal and lab days in 65 individuals. People who scored worse in total PSQI showed decreased stress reactivity (γ 21=-.02, t(63)=-2.27, p=0.026) and faster recovery (γ31=-0.102, t(608)=-2.044, p=0.041). (2)6-8 samples per day across 5 days in 120 maltreated or control adolescents. I used a 3-level hierarchical linear model to examine rhythms within each day and within each individual. The cortisol rhythm was flattened on days when adolescents had poor sleep latency (β;=.013, p=.025 for time-since-waking, β=-.0008, p=.039 for quadratic time-since-waking). (3) 10 samples were taken in 44 skydivers for jumping and basal days. Those who scored worse in sleep latency had slower reactivity (γ31=-0.16, t(284)=-3.701, p\u3c.001) and slower recovery (γ31=0.22, t(284)=3.311, p\u3c0.001). Stress and sleep problems are related to cognitive and physiological issues; finding an appropriate connection between them can be elemental in preventing problems

Conservation reserve program abandonment impacts under general equilibrium conditions

Over the years, soil erosion has resulted in reduced on-site productivity damage and increased environmental off-site damages. To address these concerns public policies such as the Food Security Act of 1985 (FSA85) is established in part to reduce soil erosion. The 1996 farm bill. Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act (FAIR) of 1996, allows for continuance of the CRP for 10 additional years. By the year 2005, all of this land may be available for agricultural production. This study evaluates the impacts of the returning CRP lands to cropping activities. The present land situation is compared with the projected situation, for the year 2005. The same levels of technology and input prices are assumed for both situations. A model capable of addressing an approximate market equilibrium for farm prices, quantity demanded by consumers, and production patterns is developed and focuses on the following commodities; barley, com, oats, sorghum, soybean, and wheat. The analysis evaluates the impacts from two separate methodologies, a supply-oriented linear programming model and a general equilibrium Tatonnement model. Finally, changes in water and wind erosion levels are explored. Data, from 1950 through 1992, are used to estimate the seventeen demand equations. Six equations are related to feed-demand for livestock, five equations are related to food-demand for industrial and human consumption. Seemingly Unrelated Regression Equations (SURE) are used to address this concern. The remaining equations are indirectly obtained from their own price elasticities. The demand equations are mostly significant at 1% level. The results show that prices are higher when lands are enrolled in the CRP. The increase in available lands, due to the CRP termination, cause prices to be lower. The two first linear programming runs determine the boundaries for the optimal solution. The results show that on the aggregate prices fall within these boundaries. Since LP assumes that either demand or prices are fixed, the Tatonnement model is used to provide flexibility. In this process, all the demand and supply equations for feed, food, and export (except barley-feed) converge toward the equilibrium point. Convergence is present when the absolute value of the difference between supply and demand gradually diminish with every iteration. Lands currently use for production of crops, livestock in Crop Producing Areas (CPA), and water and wind erosion are estimated. These results are at two levels a) Baseline and b) Optimum with CRP. Performing these two runs produce in estimates for land use, sheet and rill erosion, and tons per acre erosion for both the Baseline and Optimum with CRP. The difference between these runs is estimated in percentages, and the comparison of the runs reveal that erosion for wind and water are generally increased. There are some CPAs with negative signs for the amount of percentage in land use, sheet and rill erosion, and per acre erosion. This might occur because some CPAs adjacent to the CPAs with negative erosion are producing their crops at lower costs. This cost efficiency may induce farmers to increase their cropping activities, and export their crops to less cost efficient CPA\u27s. Prices were the driving force in the operation of the Tatonnement model. Prices allow the iteration between the demand and supply equations in an effort to establish equilibrium. At this point, prices for the commodities prove to be in the neighborhood of the second run of the LP (Iteration 1) and between the first run (Baseline) and the second run of the LP(Iteration I). If CRP lands are allowed to be planted in crops, expected prices in the future will be lower than the current prices. Using only a linear programming methodology results in reduced production level estimates and lower prices than when using the Tatonnement modeling method

Reciprocal Relation Between Psychophysiological Patterns of Stress Responsivity and Sleep

Contemporary understanding of the brain indicates that a reciprocal relationship exists between mind and body. Biological functioning adjusts to the consequences of our behavior and our behavior is influenced by our biology. This is the case with the stress responsivity system. The stress hormone cortisol follows a biologically-predetermined daily cycle of secretion (controlled by circadian rhythm) that correlates with expected activity throughout the day, however this cycle can accommodate to different environmental changes that can occur. It has been noticed that individuals who report stress problems also report sleep problems. I hypothesized that sleep quality can predict maladjustments in cortisol’s rhythm. All participants provided saliva samples and had to take the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Salivivay cortisol was measured via was enzyme-immuno-assayed for cortisol. I analyzed the data for three independent studies: (1)12 samples were taken for basal and lab days in 65 individuals. People who scored worse in total PSQI showed decreased stress reactivity (γ 21=-.02, t(63)=-2.27, p=0.026) and faster recovery (γ31=-0.102, t(608)=-2.044, p=0.041). (2)6-8 samples per day across 5 days in 120 maltreated or control adolescents. I used a 3-level hierarchical linear model to examine rhythms within each day and within each individual. The cortisol rhythm was flattened on days when adolescents had poor sleep latency (β;=.013, p=.025 for time-since-waking, β=-.0008, p=.039 for quadratic time-since-waking). (3) 10 samples were taken in 44 skydivers for jumping and basal days. Those who scored worse in sleep latency had slower reactivity (γ31=-0.16, t(284)=-3.701, p\u3c.001) and slower recovery (γ31=0.22, t(284)=3.311, p\u3c0.001). Stress and sleep problems are related to cognitive and physiological issues; finding an appropriate connection between them can be elemental in preventing problems

Therapeutic Strategies Based on Polymeric Microparticles

The development of the field of materials science, the ability to perform multidisciplinary scientific work, and the need for novel administration technologies that maximize therapeutic effects and minimize adverse reactions to readily available drugs have led to the development of delivery systems based on microencapsulation, which has taken one step closer to the target of personalized medicine. Drug delivery systems based on polymeric microparticles are generating a strong impact on preclinical and clinical drug development and have reached a broad development in different fields supporting a critical role in the near future of medical practice. This paper presents the foundations of polymeric microparticles based on their formulation, mechanisms of drug release and some of their innovative therapeutic strategies to board multiple diseases

Seven years of marine environmental changes monitoring at coastal OOCS stations (Catalan Sea, NW Mediterranean)

Since March 2009 up to the present (more than 7 years now), the Operational Observatory of the Catalan Sea (OOCS; http://www2.ceab.csic.es/ oceans/) remains a witness of persistent marine environmental changes. The OOCS has two fixed observation stations at the head of the Blanes Canyon (200 m depth, 41.66°N; 2.91°E) and at the Blanes bay (20 m depth, 41.67°N; 2.80°E) in the Catalan Sea, NW Mediterranean. At the canyon station, a multi-parametric buoy presently installed delivers high frequency (by 30 min) and multi-parametric oceanographic (i.e. salinity, temperature, chlorophyll, turbidity, as well as light intensity in the PAR range for the upper 50 m depth) and atmospheric (air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction and PAR) data. Subsurface photos and videos by an IP high resolution fisheye camera attached to the buoy are also delivered at 4-hour basis. Data and multimedia are transmitted in near real time for public access, via combined GSM/GPRS and 3G connections. At both stations, CTD profiles and water samples (collected for nutrients and picoplankton analyses) are carried out on board a research vessel at fortnightly basis. Numerical simulations along with the time series of in-situ observations show inter-annual seasonality anomalies possibly linked to global environmental changes. The lower-atmosphere and upper-sea environmental time series data collected prove the occurrence of shifting patterns of heat and matter fluxes impacting pelagic and benthic organisms.Peer Reviewe