Comparing solution methods for dynamic equilibrium economies

This paper compares solution methods for dynamic equilibrium economies. The authors compute and simulate the stochastic neoclassical growth model with leisure choice using Undetermined Coefficients in levels and in logs, Finite Elements, Chebyshev Polynomials, Second and Fifth Order Perturbations and Value Function Iteration for several calibrations. The authors document the performance of the methods in terms of computing time, implementation complexity and accuracy and they present some conclusions about their preferred approaches based on the reported evidence.

Comparing Solution Methods for Dynamic Equilibrium Economies

This paper compares solution methods for dynamic equilibrium economies. We compute and simulate the stochastic neoclassical growth model with leisure choice using Undetermined Coefficients in levels and in logs, Finite Elements, Chebyshev Polynomials, Second and Fifth Order Perturbations and Value Function Iteration for several calibrations. We document the performance of the methods in terms of computing time, implementation complexity and accuracy and we present some conclusions about our preferred approaches based on the reported evidence.Dynamic Equilibrium Economies, Computational Methods, Linear and Nonlinear Solution Methods

An assessment of the performance of concrete at Concepcion-Licaros building

The author had undergone an on-the-job training at vnr villaseñor and associates. He was assigned in one of their projects which is the Assessment of the Performance of Concrete at Concepcion-Licaros Building. The Concepcion-Licaros Building is an eight story with basement and roof deck reinforced concrete structure designed in 1966 and constructed sometime in 1969. The Building was originally designed for future expansion of two additional floors as indicated in the structural drawings (S-13). The building therefore was designed as a ten- story building. This indicates that the structure as designed shall be able to carry 25% more load than its current capacity. Ocular inspections or visual inspections reveal that the structure has undergone normal wear and tear. There are signs of deferred maintenance and minor structural damage. Field tests show that the concrete strength is about 16.1 Mpa, 4.6 Mpa lower than the specified 28th day concrete compressive strength of 20.7 Mpa. The apparent deterioration assuming the average in– situ concrete strength reached its design value may be attributable to concrete deterioration with age. This lower concrete strength negates the additional load carrying capacity of the entire structure. As recommended by the consultant, since the building was not designed to conform to current structural code’s safety and reliability requirements, there is a need to undertake retrofit measures to upgrade the buildings capability to withstand earthquake forces. To improve the live load carrying capacity of the building, the concrete floor topping may be removed and replaced by lighter floor finish material. Based on the author’s observations, the company should have done the assessment and investigation in a greater detail and in more accuracy to increase the reliability of the resulting recommendations. Moreover, to improve the company’s performance in their future projects, it needs to adopt a holistic approach in determining the condition of concrete structures before considering the expensive and elaborate rehabilitation procedure. A systematic evaluation of the concrete can eventually help save substantial amount of repair cost

La caracterización molecular y ampelográfica de clones de "Albariño", "Savagnin Blanc" y "Caíño Blanco" (Vitis vinifera L.) demuestra que son cultivares diferentes

The grapevine cultivar "Albariño" is one of the oldest grown in the vine-growing areas of North-Western Spain and Northern Portugal. Since recognition of Origin Denomination status for the Rías Baixas region (the coast of Western Galicia, Spain) in 1987, the economic importance of this cultivar has increased, and its grapes are now among the most expensive in Spain. The area occupied by "Albariño" vines in this region is increasing every year, and the wines made from its grapes are gaining international recognition. These events, plus the fact that "Albariño" was little known outside its traditional growing area, have led to speculation about its origin and the existence of synonyms. Misnames of "Albariño" have included "Savagnin Blanc" and "Caíño Blanco". The present work compares "Albariño", "Savagnin Blanc" and "Caíño Blanco" ampelographically (i.e., it compares shoot, leaf, grape cluster, berry and seed characteristics) and molecularly using microsatellite markers. The results show that they are in fact three different cultivars providing a complete description. For "Caíño Blanco", there is little previously reported information.El "Albariño" es uno de los cultivares más antiguos de la zona vitícola del Noroeste de España y norte de Portugal. Desde la aprobación en el año 1987 de la Denominación de Origen Rías Baixas, este cultivar es el de mayor valor económico de esta zona vitícola, y su uva alcanza uno de los precios más elevados de España. Su superficie de cultivo, dentro de esta Denominación de Origen, se multiplica año tras año, y sus vinos adquieren fama internacional. Todo ello, unido a que era un cultivar poco conocido fuera de esta pequeña zona vitícola española, ha llevado a la aparición en los últimos años de diversas especulaciones sobre su origen, y a la atribución de diferentes sinonimias. Entre los nombres erróneamente atribuidos al "Albariño" se encuentran "Savagnin Blanc" y "Caíño Blanco". En el presente trabajo se hace un estudio comparativo de los tres cultivares a nivel ampelográfico (brote, hoja, racimo, baya, semilla) y a nivel molecular por medio de marcadores microsatélite. Los resultados demuestran que "Albariño", "Savagnin Blanc" y "Caíño Blanco" son cultivares distintos, proporcionando una completa descripción de cada uno. De uno de ellos, "Caíño Blanco", existe muy poca información previa

Variability of the stomata among 'Albariño' (Vitis vinifera L.) clones and its relationship with susceptibility to downy mildew

Research Note

Macro- and microscopic leaf characteristics of six grapevine genotypes (Vitis spp.) with different susceptibilities to grapevine downy mildew

This work reports the leaf morphology of six grapevine genotypes, five belonging to Vitis vinifera and one to Vitis riparia. Earlier studies on these genotypes showed different levels of susceptibility to grapevine downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola). The aim of this work was to detect differences between the leaf morphology of these cultivars at the macro- and microscopic levels, and to characterize morphological traits which could be associated with susceptibility and resistance to downy mildew. An ampelographic description of each genotype was used to develop a scheme illustrating the characteristic leaf morphology. The density and morphology of the trichomes and the stomatal index was assessed by means of microscopical techniques. Distinct macro and microscope differences among the genotypes were seen. No clear relation between ampelographic characteristics and susceptibility to downy mildew was observed. The two cultivars that in earlier studies were found to be the least susceptible to downy mildew were the most similar in terms of their spongy mesophyll. Both showed very little or no wax on the abaxial surface of their leaves.

Development and tests of a new prototype detector for the XAFS beamline at Elettra Synchrotron in Trieste

The XAFS beamline at Elettra Synchrotron in Trieste combines X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction to provide chemically specific structural information of materials. It operates in the energy range 2.4-27 keV by using a silicon double reflection Bragg monochromator. The fluorescence measurement is performed in place of the absorption spectroscopy when the sample transparency is too low for transmission measurements or the element to study is too diluted in the sample. We report on the development and on the preliminary tests of a new prototype detector based on Silicon Drift Detectors technology and the SIRIO ultra low noise front-end ASIC. The new system will be able to reduce drastically the time needed to perform fluorescence measurements, while keeping a short dead time and maintaining an adequate energy resolution to perform spectroscopy. The custom-made silicon sensor and the electronics are designed specifically for the beamline requirements.Comment: Proceeding of the 6YRM 12th-14th Oct 2015 - L'Aquila (Italy). Accepted for publication on Journal of Physics: Conference Serie

Clinical Approach to Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: A Spanish Delphi Consensus

Despite emerging evidence and advances in the management of atopic dermatitis there a lack of consensus regarding the diagnostic criteria, therapeutic approach, method to assess severity, and patient follow-up for this condition. An expert consensus study was conducted to provide recommendations on the management of patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. The study used Delphi-like methodology based on a literature review, a summary of the scientific evidence, and a 2-round survey. The agreement of 60 panellists on 21 statements was evaluated. Consensus was pre-defined as ≥ 80% agreement of all respondents. In the first round 6 statements reached consensus. Unanimous consensus was achieved regarding therapeutic goals and patient satisfaction (maintained in the long term and periodic goals reassessment recommended every 3-6 months). In the second round, half of the statements reached consensus, all related to patient follow-up, treatment goals, and atopic comorbidities. The statements that did not reach consensus were related to diagnosis (biomarkers, allergy, and food testing) and starting patients on conventional systemic treatment rather than advanced treatment. The study assessed expert opinion regarding a variety of topics related to the clinical approach to patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, in order to provide guidance on the diagnosis and management of patients with atopic dermatitis

Experiencia de las familias de pacientes con cáncer de mama

Introducción: El cáncer de mama es la principal causa de muerte en mujeres. La familia es el lugar en el que se vive desde el momento del diagnóstico. Es por esto que surgen tantos cambios los cuales afectan en mayor o menor medida a los integrantes de la familia. Objetivo: Conocer con mayor profundidad cuál es la experiencia de los familiares de personas que padecen cáncer de mama. En concreto detectar aquellos factores que caracterizan la convivencia con esta enfermedad y cómo afectan a los familiares de estos pacientes. Metodología: La revisión literaria fue realizada mediante la selección de artículos buscados en las bases de datos Pubmed, Cinahl y Psycinfo. Resultados: A través del análisis de los artículos seleccionados se detectan los siguientes temas: Cambios de rol en la familia después del diagnóstico, falta de comunicación, necesidad de información y apoyo de la familia, impacto y consecuencias de la situación prolongada en el tiempo e importancia de la cultura en la forma de experimentar los cambios. Conclusiones: En este estudio se ha demostrado la repercusión de esta situación en la familia y las necesidades que se generan a partir de la nueva dinámica.Introduction: Breast cancer is the main cause of death in women. This illness has lived in the family since the moment of the diagnosis. Because of this, many changes happen which affects the family members in different ways Objective: Learn more about the experience of relatives of people with breast cancer. More specifically, to detect those factors that characterize living with this disease and how they affect the relatives of these patients. Methodology: This literature revision was made through article selection from Pubmed, Cinahl and Psycinfo databases Results: Through the analysis of the selected articles, the following themes are detected: Role changes in the family after the diagnosis, lack of communication, need for information and support from the family, impact and consequences of the prolonged situation over time and importance of the culture in the way of experiencing changes. Conclusions: This study has shown the impact of this situation on the family and the needs that are generated from the new dynamics