New Keynesian Model Features that Can Reproduce Lead, Lag and Persistence Patterns

This paper uses a new method for describing dynamic comovement and persistence in economic time series which builds on the contemporaneous forecast error method developed in den Haan (2000). This data description method is then used to address issues in New Keynesian model performance in two ways. First, well known data patterns, such as output and inflation leads and lags and inflation persistence, are decomposed into forecast horizon components to give a more complete description of the data patterns. These results show that the well known lead and lag patterns between output and inflation arise mostly in the medium term forecasts horizons. Second, the data summary method is used to investigate a rich New Keynesian model with many modeling features to see which of these features can reproduce lead, lag and persistence patterns seen in the data. Many studies have suggested that a backward looking component in the Phillips curve is needed to match the data, but our simulations show this is not necessary. We show that a simple general equilibrium model with persistent IS curve shocks and persistent supply shocks can reproduce the lead, lag and persistence patterns seen in the data.

Life Expectancy, Schooling Time and Endogenous Growth

Published as an article in: Economic Inquiry, 2004, vol. 42, issue 4, pp. 602–617.

Extended ageing time and temperature effects on quality of sub-primal cuts of boxed beef

[EN]Most of the information indicating ageing improves tenderness has been collected on the loin and rib-eye muscles over relatively short ageing times, assuming that all muscles will react similarly. In the present study, the effect of extended ageing times on instrumental texture (56 d) and sensory characteristics (42 d) of six different beef sub-primals [striploin (SL), inside round (IR), outside round (OR), eye of round (ER), blade eye (BE) and chuck tender (CT)] was studied. The effects of two ageing temperatures (1and 58C) were also compared. In general, ageing increased tenderness (P<0.05) of SL, BE, ER and CT sub-primals, although BE shear force increased after 42 d of ageing. On the other hand, ageing had no effect on IR tenderness (P<0.05) and resulted in a decrease in tenderness of OR (P<0.05) until day 35, with a later increase after 42 d of ageing. Increasing ageing temperature (58C) had limited effect on tenderness, but ageing time and temperature increases led to lower flavour and higher off-flavour intensity (P<0.05) of the studied sub-primals. These results suggest that cutspecific maximum ageing times and rigid adherence to temperature maximums would be of benefit to optimize postslaughter processes and meat quality

Optimización del Lead Time de vehículos mediante la implementación de una solución RTLS (Real Time Location System)

A lo largo de este documento, se va a explicar la implantación del proyecto que he realizado basado en la localización de vehículos en la fábrica de Mercedes Benz España situada en Vitoria-Gasteiz. Durante la realización de este proyecto, se han llevado a cabo diversos estudios con el fin de conseguir la correcta implantación de las tecnologías empleadas. Se han realizado diferentes alternativas de posicionamiento de los componentes y diversas pruebas para comprobar el correcto funcionamiento de la solución. La solución del proyecto se realizará en distintas fases. La primera de ellas tratará sobre el estudio en una determinada zona de la fábrica, más concretamente la denominada “Área Técnica”, en esta zona se encuentran los vehículos que sufren algún retoque una vez están montados, esta zona se utilizará como piloto para una vez finalizado y comprobado su éxito ampliar la solución al resto de zonas. Previamente a mi incorporación se realizó un estudio para la colocación de los elementos necesarios en esta zona y se ha visto las posibilidades y beneficios que aportaría el control de los vehículos dentro de la fábrica. La siguiente fase será implantar la solución en el resto de las áreas que se encuentran dentro de la fábrica de Vitoria-Gasteiz así como la instalación de unos dispositivos que estarán ubicados en las puertas. Estos ayudarán a mejorar la ubicación de los vehículos ya que podremos conocer si los vehículos se encuentran dentro o fuera de la fábrica. Finalmente se ha realizado la integración de la solución en los sistemas actuales que utilizan en la fábrica para la gestión de los vehículos durante su ciclo de vida.

Time and tide wait for no man: pioneers and laggards in the deployment of CCS

19 p.

Self-reported sitting time and physical activity: interactive associations with mental well-being and productivity in office employees

Background: Little is known about how sitting time, alone or in combination with markers of physical activity (PA), influences mental well-being and work productivity. Given the need to develop workplace PA interventions that target employees' health related efficiency outcomes; this study examined the associations between self-reported sitting time, PA, mental well-being and work productivity in office employees. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Spanish university office employees (n = 557) completed a survey measuring socio-demographics, total and domain specific (work and travel) self-reported sitting time, PA (International Physical Activity Questionnaire short version), mental well-being (Warwick-Edinburg Mental Well-Being Scale) and work productivity (Work Limitations Questionnaire). Multivariate linear regression analyses determined associations between the main variables adjusted for gender, age, body mass index and occupation. PA levels (low, moderate and high) were introduced into the model to examine interactive associations. Results: Higher volumes of PA were related to higher mental well-being, work productivity and spending less time sitting at work, throughout the working day and travelling during the week, including the weekends (p < 0.05). Greater levels of sitting during weekends was associated with lower mental well-being (p < 0.05). Similarly, more sitting while travelling at weekends was linked to lower work productivity (p < 0.05). In highly active employees, higher sitting times on work days and occupational sitting were associated with decreased mental well-being (p < 0.05). Higher sitting times while travelling on weekend days was also linked to lower work productivity in the highly active (p < 0.05). No significant associations were observed in low active employees. Conclusions: Employees' PA levels exerts different influences on the associations between sitting time, mental well-being and work productivity. The specific associations and the broad sweep of evidence in the current study suggest that workplace PA strategies to improve the mental well-being and productivity of all employees should focus on reducing sitting time alongside efforts to increase PA.