Is the European Central Bank (and the United States Federal Reserve) predictable?

The objective of this paper is to examine the predictability of the monetary policy decisions of the Governing Council of the ECB and the transmission of the unexpected component of the monetary policy decisions to the yield curve. We find, using new methodologies, that markets do not fully predict the ECB decisions but the lack of perfect predictability is comparable with the results found for the United States Federal Reserve. We also find that the impact of monetary policy shocks on bond yields declines with the maturity of the bonds, and that this impact is significantly lower when the shock stems from a monetary policy meeting of the ECB. Using implicit rates instead of bond yields, we find evidence that the market views the ECB as credible. JEL Classification: C22, E52

Efecto de la aplicación de un sistema automatizado de proyección de preíndices para la mejora de la capacidad de anticipación en jugadoras de voleibol

This study aimed to ascertain the efficiency of the system presented and verify whether the training applied improves the anticipation capacities of eight female volleyball players. A quasi-experimental factorial intra-group design was applied with a pre-test, two weeks of treatment, a post-test and a re-test. The independent variable was training based on the contribution of initial data in the form of the opponent's precues. The dependent variables consisted in logging the participants' responses when choosing to block. The results obtained showed an improvement in the participants' response times and a high percentage of success under these experimental conditions. The volleyball players better anticipated attack times placed behind the setter. The results obtained allow the automated system described to be considered a useful tool for sports research

Pyrazolate-Bridged NHC Cyclometalated [Pt2] Complexes and [Pt2Ag(PPh3]+ Clusters in Electroluminescent Devices

he ionic transition metal complexes (iTMCs) [{Pt(C∧C*)(μ-Rpz)}2Ag(PPh3)]X (HC∧C* = 1-(4-(ethoxycarbonyl)phenyl)-3-methyl-1H-imidazole-2-ylidene, X = ClO4/PF6; Rpz = pz 1a/2a, 4-Mepz 1b/2b, and 3,5-dppz 1c/2c) were prepared from the neutral [{Pt(C∧C*)(μ-Rpz)}2] (Rpz = pz A, 4-Mepz B, and 3,5-dppz C) and fully characterized. The “Ag(PPh3)” fragment is in between the two square-planar platinum units in an “open book” disposition and bonded through two Pt–Ag donor–acceptor bonds, as shown by X-ray diffraction (dPt–Ag ∼ 2.78 Å, 1a–1c). 195Pt{1H} and 31P{1H} NMR confirmed that these solid-state structures remain in solution. Photoluminescence studies and theoretical calculations on 1a, were performed. The diphenylpyrazolate derivatives show the highest photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) in the solid state. Therefore, 2c and its neutral precursor C were selected as active materials on light-emitting devices. OLEDs fabricated with C showed a turn-on voltage of 3.2 V, a luminance peak of 21,357 cd m–2 at 13 V, and a peak current efficiency of 28.8 cd A–1 (9.5% EQE). They showed a lifetime t50 of 15.7 h. OLEDs using 2c showed a maximum luminance of 114 cd m–2, while LECs exhibited a maximum luminance of 20 cd m–2 and a current efficiency of around 0.2 cd A–1, with a t50 value of 50 min

The social spending like reelection tool. A proximity to the municipalities of Santa Cruz de Tenerife province.

The Spain political instability in addition the increasing destrust to the political parties, due to the various corruptions cases and see how some political mandatories keep some their charges in continuous terms and for this reason has been the main motivation to make this analysis, and try to know the situation´s causes. For this reason, if we analice the social spending count witch is destinated to the citicen and we make a comparability between the island´s diferents townhall of the Tenerife province, watching the most important spending area in the budget and be focus specifily in the social spending concepts and make a deep analyce if we have a positive correlation between this social spending and how the potential voter react to this budget concept increasing the probability to vote the budget responsible. The conclusions that we can extract to this paper, the budget can be used by political reelected candidate like a relection tool in the Santa Cruz de Tenerife´s town halls province.La inestabilidad política en España, así como la creciente desconfianza hacia los partidos políticos, debido a los distintos casos de corrupción y ver como algunos mandatarios políticos permanezcan varios mandatos en sus cargos nos han llevado a realizar este análisis, intentando conocer cuáles han sido las causas para que se dé esta situación. Para ello, y teniendo en cuenta que los gastos sociales son los que mas directamente perciben los ciudadanos, realizaremos una comparativa entre los diferentes ayuntamientos de las islas de la provincia de Tenerife, observando a que área de gastos le dan mas importancia en el presupuesto centrándonos en la partida de gasto social, así como analizando si el votante reacciona a ese gasto o su voto no está relacionado con la acción del gobernante. Según hemos podido comprobar, podría estar siendo utilizado como mecanismo de reelección política en los ayuntamientos de la provincia de Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Communication improvements for intelligent systems in microgrids - Part I & II

This paper proposes the best architecture for intelligent microgrid applications based on latency, QoS, bandwidth and capital cost, to improve control and operation. In addition, the fundamentals of communications and control strategies for intelligent microgrids and electric vehicles are described. The results show that communication technology affects the performance of control applications and the smartness of the grid, which causes poor quality of service.CONACYT – Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologí

Leptin Regulates Proliferation and Apoptosis in Human Prostate

This paper aimed to evaluate the leptin role on the cellular proliferation and the expression of fibroblast growth factor 2, aromatase enzyme, and apoptotic genes in the human prostate tissue. Methods. Fifteen samples of hyperplasic prostate tissue were divided in four symmetric parts maintained in RPMI medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 1 ng/mL of gentamicin, and added with 50 ng/mL leptin (L) or not (C). After 3 hours of incubation, gene expression was evaluated by real time RT-PCR. Cellular proliferation was evaluated by immunohistochemistry for PCNA. Results. The leptin treatment led to an increase cellular proliferation (C = 21.8 ± 0.5; L = 64.8 ± 0.9; P < 0.0001) and in the expression of Bax (C = 0.4 ± 0.1; L = 0.9 ± 0.2; P < 0.05) while Bcl-2 (C = 19.9 ± 5.6; L = 5.6 ± 1.8; P < 0.05), Bcl-x (C = 0.2 ± 0.06; L = 0.07 ± 0.02; P < 0.05), and aromatase expressions (C = 1.9 ± 0.6; L = 0.4 ± 0.1; P < 0.04) were significantly reduced. Conclusion. Leptin has an important role in maintaining the physiological growth of the prostate since it stimulates both cellular proliferation and apoptosis, with the decrement in the aromatase gene expression

Effects of physical activity on reaction time in elderly women

Los objetivos del estudio fueron determinar la influencia de la práctica de actividad física sobre los valores del tiempo de reacción en mujeres con edades comprendidas entre los 65-82 años y evaluar si la mayor edad supone diferencias en estos valores. Participaron 72 mujeres (72.3 ± 5.04 años) de tres centros de mayores de la provincia de Granada. La muestra se dividió en cuatro grupos atendiendo a la edad y nivel de actividad física. Los resultados indican que las mujeres más activas presentaron mejores tiempos de reacción. Al comparar en función de la edad, las mujeres del grupo de mayor edad presentan peores valores de tiempo de reacción. Parece, pues, que la actividad física tiene un efecto positivo sobre el tiempo de reacción, entendido como indicador de la calidad de vida en el envejecimiento.The aims of this study were to determine the influence of the practice of physical activity on reaction time in women with ages ranging from 65 to 82 years and assess whether the older supposed differences in these values. Participated 72 women (72.3 ± 5.04 years) of three seniors centres in the province of Granada. The sample was divided into four groups according to age and level of physical activity. The results indicate that most active women presented best reaction times. Compare depending on the age group of older women have worst values of reaction time. It seems physical activity has a positive effect on the reaction time, understood as an indicator of quality of life in aging.JLR Becaria FPU (AP2008-02619) del Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia en el Departamento de Educación Física y Deportiva de la Universidad de Granada

Gestió de la caça : efectes col·laterals del subministrament de pinso

En zones rurals de tot el món la caça de mamífers herbívors té sovint una gran importància econòmica. Per això, està molt estès en aquestes zones l'ús de mesures de gestió que afavoreixin la supervivència i les bones condicions de les espècies d'interès cinegètic. Entre les mesures de gestió és freqüent l'aportació d'aliment suplementari, fet que podria causar una variació en la selecció de plantes per part dels herbívors suplementats. Aquest estudi analitza els efectes que el subministrament de pinso a una població de cérvol ibèric provoca de manera indirecta sobre el matollar mediterrani.En zonas rurales de todo el mundo la caza de mamíferos herbívoros tiene a menudo una gran importancia económica. Por ello, está muy extendido en estas zonas el uso de medidas de gestión que favorezcan la supervivencia y las buenas condiciones de las especies de interés cinegético. Entre las medidas de gestión es frecuente el aporte de alimento suplementario, lo que podría causar una variación en la selección de plantas por parte de los herbívoros suplementados. Este estudio analiza los efectos que el suministro de pienso a una población de ciervo ibérico provoca de manera indirecta sobre el matorral mediterráneo

Procedimiento para la extracción de carotenoides utilizando fases líquidas nanoestructuradas

La presente invención se encuadra en el campo general de la química de productos naturales y en particular se refiere a un procedimiento para la obtención de carotenoides a partir de biomasa, y al uso de dichos productos en la industria farmacéutica y alimentaria donde los carotenoides se utilizan como suplementos nutricionales y aditivos. Los carotenoides (carotenos y xantofilas) son pigmentos naturales utilizados como aditivos alimentarios en acuicultura para la coloración de la carne de los salmónidos y como nutracéuticos y aditivos en alimentos para consumo humano. Entre los beneficios atribuidos a los carotenoides destacan su actividad antitumoral, propiedades antiinflamatorias y antidiabéticas, y su efecto protector del corazón, sistema nervioso, ojos y piel. Los carotenoides se obtienen mediante síntesis química o extracción de fuentes naturales como microalgas, levaduras y flores utilizando disolventes orgánicos. En el procedimiento propuesto se utilizan fases líquidas nanoestructuradas para la extracción y enriquecimiento de carotenoides a partir de fuentes naturales. Este procedimiento es rápido, eficaz y económico, no requiere instalaciones especiales u operaciones complicadas y proporciona productos que no contienen residuos tóxicos y, por lo tanto, pueden utilizarse en aplicaciones farmacéuticas y alimentarias

A gas density drop in the inner 6 AU of the transition disk around the Herbig Ae star HD 139614

A. Carmona was partly supported by the Spanish Grant AYA 2011-26202. A. Carmona, A. Kospal and Zs. Regaly were partly supported by the Momentum grant of the MTA CSFK Lendulet Disk Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. A. Carmona and C. Pinte acknowledge funding from the European Commission’s 7th Framework Program (ECFP7) (contract PERG06-GA-2009-256513) and from Agence Nationale pour la Recherche (ANR) of France under contract ANR-2010-JCJC-0504-01. A. Carmona acknowledges financial support by the European Southern Observatory visitors program. The research leading to these results has received funding from the EC-FP7 under grant agreement no 284405. C. Eiroa is partly supported by the Spanish Grant AYA 2014-55840-P L. A. Cieza was supported by CONICYT-FONDECYT grant number 1140109 and the Millennium Science Initiative (Chilean Ministry of Economy), through grant Nucleus RC130007.Context. Quantifying the gas surface density inside the dust cavities and gaps of transition disks is important to establish their origin. Aims. We seek to constrain the surface density of warm gas in the inner disk of HD 139614, an accreting 9 Myr Herbig Ae star with a (pre-)transition disk exhibiting a dust gap from 2.30.1 to 5.60.3 AU. Methods. We observed HD 139614 with ESO/VLT CRIRES and obtained high-resolution (R~90 000) spectra of CO isotopologues ro-vibrational emission at 4.7 μm. We derive constraints on the disk’s structure by modeling the CO isotopologue line profiles, the spectroastrometric signal, and the rotational diagrams using grids of flat Keplerian disk models. Results. We detected v = 1 → 0 12CO, 2→1 12CO, 1→0 13CO, 1→0 C18O, and 1→0 C17O ro-vibrational lines. Lines are consistent with disk emission and thermal excitation. 12CO v = 1→ 0 lines have an average width of 14 km s-1, Tgas of 450 K and an emitting region from 1 to 15 AU. 13CO and C18O lines are on average 70 and 100 K colder, 1 and 4 km s-1 narrower than 12CO v = 1→ 0, and are dominated by emission at R ≥ 6 AU. The 12CO = 1 → 0 composite line profile indicates that if there is a gap devoid of gas it must have a width narrower than 2 AU. We find that a drop in the gas surface density (δgas) at R = 5 — 6 AU is required to be able to reproduce the line profiles and rotational diagrams of the three CO isotopologues simultaneously. Models without a gas density drop generate 13CO and C18O emission lines that are too broad and warm. The value of gas can range from 10-2 to 10-4 depending on the gas-to-dust ratio of the outer disk. We find that the gas surface density profile at 1 2 AU) gas gap suggest the presence of an embedded < 2 MJ planet at around 4 AU.PostprintPeer reviewe