Dominance intensity measure within fuzzy weight oriented MAUT: an application

We introduce a dominance intensity measuring method to derive a ranking of alternatives to deal with incomplete information in multi-criteria decision-making problems on the basis of multi-attribute utility theory (MAUT) and fuzzy sets theory. We consider the situation where there is imprecision concerning decision-makers��� preferences, and imprecise weights are represented by trapezoidal fuzzy weights.The proposed method is based on the dominance values between pairs of alternatives. These values can be computed by linear programming, as an additive multi-attribute utility model is used to rate the alternatives. Dominance values are then transformed into dominance intensity measures, used to rank the alternatives under consideration. Distances between fuzzy numbers based on the generalization of the left and right fuzzy numbers are utilized to account for fuzzy weights. An example concerning the selection of intervention strategies to restore an aquatic ecosystem contaminated by radionuclides illustrates the approach. Monte Carlo simulation techniques have been used to show that the proposed method performs well for different imprecision levels in terms of a hit ratio and a rank-order correlation measure.

Signal-to-noise ratio of the MEG signal after preprocessing

Background Magnetoencephalography (MEG) provides a direct measure of brain activity with high combined spatiotemporal resolution. Preprocessing is necessary to reduce contributions from environmental interference and biological noise. New method The effect on the signal-to-noise ratio of different preprocessing techniques is evaluated. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was defined as the ratio between the mean signal amplitude (evoked field) and the standard error of the mean over trials. Results Recordings from 26 subjects obtained during and event-related visual paradigm with an Elekta MEG scanner were employed. Two methods were considered as first-step noise reduction: Signal Space Separation and temporal Signal Space Separation, which decompose the signal into components with origin inside and outside the head. Both algorithm increased the SNR by approximately 100%. Epoch-based methods, aimed at identifying and rejecting epochs containing eye blinks, muscular artifacts and sensor jumps provided an SNR improvement of 5���10%. Decomposition methods evaluated were independent component analysis (ICA) and second-order blind identification (SOBI). The increase in SNR was of about 36% with ICA and 33% with SOBI. Comparison with existing methods No previous systematic evaluation of the effect of the typical preprocessing steps in the SNR of the MEG signal has been performed. Conclusions The application of either SSS or tSSS is mandatory in Elekta systems. No significant differences were found between the two. While epoch-based methods have been routinely applied the less often considered decomposition methods were clearly superior and therefore their use seems advisable.

Introducci��n de criterios de sostenibilidad en la elecci��n de emplazamientos industriales mediante modelos multicriterio

(SPA) La elecci��n de localizaciones para la implantaci��n de actividades industriales es un problema complejo, donde a los criterios de coste y eficiencia se han ido a��adiendo otros nuevos relativos tanto al impacto en el medio ambiente como a la imagen de la empresa reflejada en la Responsabilidad Social Empresarial. Los criterios medioambientales han ido adquiriendo gran relevancia en la decisi��n final, hasta convertirse, gracias a la obligaci��n de someter los proyectos a evaluaci��n ambiental, en elementos clave en la decisi��n final. Por ello, resulta relativamente frecuente que los promotores consulten previamente con la Administraci��n sobre la viabilidad de sus proyectos antes de iniciar un dilatado procedimiento administrativo. En este trabajo se plantea la utilizaci��n de indicadores de sostenibilidad y su aplicaci��n, a trav��s de un modelo de decisiones multicriterio, para la ordenaci��n de las distintas opciones de ubicaci��n inicialmente consideradas, de tal forma que se conviertan en instrumento de tanteo y ayuda en la toma de estas decisiones. Para mostrar su utilidad se propone la utilizaci��n de la herramienta de apoyo basada en la metodolog��a PROMETHEE y su aplicaci��n en la ordenaci��n de cinco emplazamientos alternativos para la instalaci��n de una cementera en la Comunidad de Madrid seg��n criterios de sostenibilidad. (ENG) The choice of locations for the implementation of industrial activities is a complex problem where the cost and efficiency criteria have been adding new ones relating to the environment impact and the company���s corporate image reflected in Corporate Social Responsability. The environmental criteria have been getting big importance in the final decision, to become key elements in the final decision, due to the duty of submit of environmental assessment projects. Therefore, promoters, quite often, ask previously to the Administration about the viability of their projects before starting a lengthy administrative procedure. This paper proposes the use of sustainability indicators and their application through a multi-criteria decision model for managing the establishment options initially considered, so that they become an help instrument of estimation in order to making these decisions. To show its usefulness we propose the use of the support tool for decision making based on the PROMETHEE methodology and its application in the management of 5 alternative sites for the installation of a cement factory in the Community of Madrid under sustainability criteria.

How can irrigated agriculture adapt to climate change? Insights from the Guadiana Basin in Spain

Climate change is already affecting many natural systems and human environments worldwide, like the semiarid Guadiana Basin in Spain. This paper illustrates a systematic analysis of climate change adaptation in the Guadiana irrigation farming region. The study applies a solution-oriented diagnostic framework structured along a series of sequential analytical steps. An initial stage integrates economic and hydrologic modeling to evaluate the effects of climate change on the agriculture and water sectors. Next, adaptation measures are identified and prioritized through a stakeholder-based multi-criteria analysis. Finally, a social network analysis identifies key actors and their relationships in climate change adaptation. The study shows that under a severe climate change scenario, water availability could be substantially decreased and drought occurrence will augment. In consequence, farmers will adapt their crops to a lesser amount of water and income gains will diminish, particularly for smallholder farms. Among the various adaptation measures considered, those related to private farming (new crop varieties and modern irrigation technologies) are ranked highest, whereas public-funded hard measures (reservoirs) are lowest and public soft measures (insurance) are ranked middle. In addition, stakeholders highlighted that the most relevant criteria for selecting adaptation plans are environmental protection, financial feasibility and employment creation. Nonetheless, the social network analysis evidenced the need to strengthen the links among the different stakeholder groups to facilitate the implementation of adaptation processes. In sum, the diagnostic framework applied in this research can be considered a valuable tool for guiding and supporting decision making in climate change adaptation and communicating scientific results.

Fuzzy MCDA for remediation of a uranium tailing

The Pridneprovsky Chemical Plant was a largest uranium processing enterprises, producing a huge amount of uranium residues. The Zapadnoe tailings site contains the majority of these residues. We propose a theoretical framework based on Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis and fuzzy logic to analyse different remediation alternatives for the Zapadnoe tailings, in which potentially conflicting economic, radiological, social and environmental objectives are simultaneously taken into account. An objective hierarchy is built that includes all the relevant aspects. Fuzzy rather than precise values are proposed for use to evaluate remediation alternatives against the different criteria and to quantify preferences, such as the weights representing the relative importance of criteria identified in the objective hierarchy. Finally, it is proposed that remediation alternatives should be evaluated by means of a fuzzy additive multi-attribute utility function and ranked on the basis of the respective trapezoidal fuzzy number representing their overall utility.

Posibilidades de cultivo de nuevas especies marinas en el ��rea mediterr��nea

La acuicultura, el cultivo y cr��a de animales y plantas acu��ticas, representa en la actualidad una fuente esencial de prote��na animal y vegetal altamente saludable y nutritiva, proporcionando un sistema de vida y de ingresos en todo el mundo. La acuicultura adem��s de ser un motor para el desarrollo social y econ��mico de las ��reas costeras marinas y fluviales mundiales, supone en muchas regiones subdesarrolladas una garant��a de alimento de alta calidad y es clave en la seguridad alimentaria de sus poblaciones. El desarrollo de la acuicultura se ha realizado fundamentalmente en los ��ltimos 50 a��os, y ha sido sobre todo en la d��cada de los a��os 80, cuando la acuicultura ha experimentado un fuerte crecimiento con tasas anuales que superan el 6%. Con el estancamiento de la producci��n pesquera y el incremento de la poblaci��n mundial, la acuicultura se presenta como la ��nica fuente posible de suministro de prote��nas (vegetales y animales) de alta calidad, ricas en aceites omega 3 (EPA y DHA) de origen acu��tico. En la actualidad la producci��n procedente de la acuicultura supera los 95 millones de toneladas anuales, siendo ligeramente superior a los 94 millones de toneladas anuales provenientes de la pesca extractiva. De este total mundial acu��cola, la producci��n asi��tica representa el 89%, mientras que la europea el 4,2% Aunque el 46% de la producci��n mundial acu��cola se concentra ��nicamente en solo 10 especies, una de las principales caracter��sticas de la acuicultura es la gran diversidad de especies cultivadas, m��s de 500, realiz��ndose su cr��a bajo diferentes tecnolog��as y sistemas productivos. El ��mbito de esta tesis, es ��nicamente la acuicultura marina que se desarrolla en las aguas del mar mediterr��neo, indistintamente de los sistemas y tecnolog��a de producci��n utilizados. Los principales grupos de cultivo que se realizan en las aguas del Mediterr��neo son los moluscos y los peces, siendo muy escasos los cultivos de otros grupos como crust��ceos y macroalgas. La piscicultura marina mediterr��nea est�� dominada por el cultivo en jaulas flotantes de dos especies, la dorada (Sparus auratus) y la lubina (Dicentrarchus labrax). Estas dos especies y tras 30 a��os de experiencia de cultivo, mantienen todav��a una ineficiencia productiva alta (reducida selecci��n gen��tica, lento crecimiento hasta talla comercial, alto factor de convers��n del pienso���) y adem��s ocupan un estrecho nicho de mercado, ya que pr��cticamente toda la comercializaci��n de la dorada y lubina se realiza en fresco y sin elaborar ni transformar, a una talla media de 500 g. Para dar respuesta desde la acuicultura mediterr��nea al alto consumo y a la creciente demanda que en la Uni��n Europea existe de los productos acu��colas, y en especial los productos elaborados y transformados, es necesario de manera urgente, un aumento de la producci��n de las especies ya cultivadas (dorada y lubina) mediante la mejora de su eficiencia productiva, al mismo tiempo que se debe iniciar la producci��n industrial de nuevas especies pisc��colas, mediante la diversificaci��n de los cultivos. Para llevar a cabo esta diversificaci��n, se hace necesario el establecimiento de una metodolog��a clara, que asegure una selecci��n de especies apropiadas y rentables para la industria acu��cola mediterr��nea, cuyo cultivo sostenible debiera cumplir con los desaf��os que el sector tiene. Nuevas especies que complementen y cubran las demandas actuales y futuras del mercado Europeo e Internacional de productos acu��colas. Nuevas especies con par��metros productivos eficientes, que garanticen unos costes productivos competitivos. Nuevas especies que puedan ser cultivadas utilizando como base la tecnolog��a de producci��n ya existente en el sector. El objetivo de esta tesis es la definici��n y desarrollo de una metodolog��a sencilla para la selecci��n de nuevas especies pisc��colas marinas para su cultivo eficiente y sostenible Y bajo la aplicaci��n de esta metodolog��a, la selecci��n de un grupo de especies pisc��colas para su cultivo rentable a corto y medio plazo (6-8 a��os) en el Mediterr��neo. Para ello se ha definido y aplicado una metodolog��a con la que se han evaluado diez especies candidatas, previamente escogidas de una serie de listas previas originadas en los distintos estudios y trabajos de diversificaci��n realizados con anterioridad por otros equipos de investigaci��n. Estas especies candidatas han sido: Seriola dumerili. (Seriola) , Argyrosomus regius (Corvina), Polyprion americanus (Cherna), Ephinephelus marginatus (Mero), Dentex dentex (Dent��n), Pagrus pagrus (Pargo), Solea senegalensis (Lenguado del Senegal), Thunnus thynnus (At��n rojo), Mugil cephalus (Lisa), Coryphaena hippurus (Lampuga). El conjunto de estas especies ocupa un amplio y variado espectro dentro de las distintas ��reas de mercado, productiva, tecnol��gica, y medioambiental . Y en todas ellas existe una experiencia m��nima en sus diferentes fases de cultivo. En el desarrollo de la metodolog��a de selecci��n, en esta tesis se han definido diversos par��metros de evaluaci��n, considerados como los m��s significativos y sencillos de aplicar. Los par��metros se han agrupado en tres bloques, el comercial, el productivo y el medioambiental. El Bloque de Mercado, comprende aquellos criterios que est��n relacionados con la comercializaci��n de la especie. Calidad de la carne del pescado. Competencia con otras especies en el mercado. Potencial de Transformado. Precio de venta del pescado. El bloque Medioambiental incluye criterios del grado de idoneidad de la especie en la regi��n y del grado de impacto ambiental de su cultivo. Rango de temperaturas del agua ��ptimo para el cultivo. Potencial impacto ambiental de su cultivo. Eslab��n tr��fico de la especie.. El bloque Productivo, engloba los criterios y par��metros relacionados con el nivel de conocimiento y control que sobre su cultivo existen ( larvario, engorde, tecnolog��a) Grado de control de la fase larvaria. Disponibilidad de alevines en el sector Crecimiento. Factor de conversi��n Aprovechamiento de la capacidad productiva instalada, Coste de inversi��n. Previa a la evaluaci��n se han descrito las principales caracter��sticas de las especies candidatas en funci��n del estado y experiencia actual sus cultivos. En la aplicaci��n de estos criterios se han establecido matrices de evaluaci��n y a cada criterio se le ha asignado un valor diferente en funci��n de sus caracter��sticas y propiedades selectivas. Los resultados obtenidos mediante la aplicaci��n de la metodolog��a de evaluaci��n propuesta, han se��alado la seriola y la corvina como especies m��s recomendadas para su puesta en cultivo en el Mediterr��neo a corto y medio plazo. Las otras dos especies seleccionadas han sido la lisa y la lampuga. Como conclusi��n final podemos se��alar que el cultivo de nuevas especies es fundamentalmente para el desarrollo sostenible de la acuicultura mediterr��nea. Esta diversificaci��n debe basarse en la aplicaci��n de una metodolog��a sencilla y pr��ctica, que garantice una selecci��n de especies cuyo cultivo sea rentable y abarquen nuevos segmentos de mercado. ABSTRACT Aquaculture, the cultivation and breeding of aquatic animals and plants, currently represents an essential source of highly nutritious and healthy protein that provides a way of life and income all over the world. Apart from being a social and economic driver in coastal and marine areas, it also entails a guaranteed high quality nourishment in many undeveloped areas being key to the alimentary safety of their population. Aquaculture has developed mainly in the last 50 years and experienced a high growth especially during the Eighties when the annual rates were above 6%. With fishing production stagnating and the global population increasing, aquaculture emerges as the only possible animal and vegetable protein source of aquatic origin, high in quality and omega 3 oils (EPA and DHA). Here and now, aquaculture production is over 95 million tons per year, which is slightly higher than the 94 million tons per year that come from extractive fisheries. From this aquaculture total, Asiatic production represents 89% while Europe��s is only 4.2%. Even though 46% of the global aquaculture production focuses just on 10 species, one of the main characteristics of aquaculture is the wide diversity of cultivated species ���over 500��� using different technologies and production systems. This PhD���s scope is only marine aquaculture in Mediterranean water, regardless of the technology or systems used. The main crop groups in the Mediterranean sea are molluscs and finfish, while crustacean and macroalgae cultivations are very limited. Mediterranean fish culture is dominated by the cultivation in floating cages of two species: Bream (Sparus auratus) and Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). After 30 years of farming, these two species still keep a high productive inefficiency ���reduced genetic selection, slow growth to marketable size, high feed conversion rate��� and fill a narrow niche market as practically all bream and bass is sold fresh and whole, unprocessed and untransformed, with an average size of 500 grams. To meet the high consumption and growing demand of aquaculture products, in the European Union (especially those prepared and transformed), Mediterranean aquaculture needs to urgently increase the production of the species already under cultivation (Bass and Bream) by means of improving its productive efficiency and at the same time begin initiating industrial production of new species by diversifying the cultivation. To carry out this diversification it is necessary to establish a clear methodology that ensures the selection of adapted and profitable species for the Mediterranean aquaculture industry. The sustainable farming of these new species needs to meet the challenges this sector faces: New species that complement and meet the current and future needs of the European and International markets for aquaculture products. New species with efficient production parameters that ensure competitive production costs. New species that can be cultivated using already existing production technologies. The aim of this PhD is to define and develop a simple methodology for the selection of new marine fish species for their efficient and sustainable cultivation. And by applying this methodology, to select a group of fish species for its profitable crop in the short and medium term (6-8 years) in the Mediterranean. For this, a methodology has been defined and applied evaluating ten candidate species selected from a series of lists originated from different studies and from diversification works previously conducted by other research teams. These candidate species are: Seriola dumerili. (Greater amberjack), Argyrosomus regius (Meagre), Polyprion americanus (Wreckfish), Ephinephelus marginatus (Dusky grouper), Dentex dentex (Common dentex), Pagrus pagrus (Red porgy), Solea senegalensis (Senegal sole), Thunnus thynnus (Bluefin tuna), Mugil cephalus (Grey mullet), Coryphaena hippurus (Dolphinfish). All these species occupy a broad and varied spectrum within different productive, technological and environmental market areas. There is minimal experience in their different stages of cultivation for all of them. While developing the selection methodology several evaluation parameters have been defined in this PhD, considered the most significant and simple to apply. The parameters are grouped in three blocks: commercial, productivity and environmental. Market block comprises criteria related to the marketing of the species. Quality of the fish meatCompetition with other species in the marketTransformation potentialFish selling price Environment block includes criteria related to the degree of suitability of the species in the region and the degree of environmental impact of their cultivation. Optimal water temperature range for cultivationPotential environmental impact of their cultivationTrophic chain level. Productivity block includes criteria and parameters related to the level of knowledge and control over their cultivation (larval, ongrowing, technology) Degree of control of the larval stageAvailability of alevin in the sector GrowthFeed conversion rate. Exploitation of installed capacityInvestment cost Prior to the evaluation, the main characteristics of the candidate species have been described based on the current status and experience of their cultivations. When applying these criteria evaluation matrices have been established assigning to each criteria a different value depending on their characteristics and selective properties. The results obtained by applying the proposed assessment methodology have identified the Greater Amberjack and Meagre as the most recommended species for farming in the Mediterranean in the short and medium term. The other two selected species were the Grey Mullet and the Dolphinfish. In conclusion, the cultivation of new species is crucial for the sustainable development of Mediterranean aquaculture. This diversification has to be based on the application of a simple and practical methodology that guarantees a selection of species whose cultivation is profitable and covers new market segments.

Metodolog��a para la evaluaci��n de la calidad de la localizaci��n de puertos secos

La estructura econ��mica mundial, con centros de producci��n y consumo descentralizados y el consiguiente aumento en el tr��fico de mercanc��as en todo el mundo, crea considerables problemas y desaf��os para el sector del transporte de mercanc��as. Esta situaci��n ha llevado al transporte mar��timo a convertirse en el modo m��s econ��mico y m��s adecuado para el transporte de mercanc��as a nivel global. De este modo, los puertos mar��timos se configuran como nodos de importancia capital en la cadena de suministro al servir como enlace entre dos sistemas de transporte, el mar��timo y el terrestre. El aumento de la actividad en los puertos mar��timos produce tres efectos indeseables: el aumento de la congesti��n vial, la falta de espacio abierto en las instalaciones portuarias y un impacto ambiental significativo en los puertos mar��timos. Los puertos secos nacen para favorecer la utilizaci��n de cada modo de transporte en los segmentos en que resultan m��s competitivos y para mitigar estos problemas moviendo parte de la actividad en el interior. Adem��s, gracias a la implantaci��n de puertos secos es posible discretizar cada uno de los eslabones de la cadena de transporte, permitiendo que los modos m��s contaminantes y con menor capacidad de transporte tengan itinerarios lo m��s cortos posible, o bien, sean utilizados ��nicamente para el transporte de mercanc��as de alto valor a��adido. As��, los puertos secos se presentan como una oportunidad para fortalecer las soluciones intermodales como parte de una cadena integrada de transporte sostenible, potenciando el transporte de mercanc��as por ferrocarril. Sin embargo, su potencial no es aprovechado al no existir una metodolog��a de planificaci��n de la ubicaci��n de uso sencillo y resultados claros para la toma de decisiones a partir de los criterios ingenieriles definidos por los t��cnicos. La decisi��n de d��nde ubicar un puerto seco exige un an��lisis exhaustivo de toda la cadena log��stica, con el objetivo de transferir el mayor volumen de tr��fico posible a los modos m��s eficientes desde el punto de vista energ��tico, que son menos perjudiciales para el medio ambiente. Sin embargo, esta decisi��n tambi��n debe garantizar la sostenibilidad de la propia localizaci��n. Esta Tesis Doctoral, pretende sentar las bases te��ricas para el desarrollo de una herramienta de Herramienta de Ayuda a la Toma de Decisiones que permita establecer la localizaci��n m��s adecuada para la construcci��n de puertos secos. Este primer paso es el desarrollo de una metodolog��a de evaluaci��n de la sostenibilidad y la calidad de las localizaciones de los puertos secos actuales mediante el uso de las siguientes t��cnicas: Metodolog��a DELPHI, Redes Bayesianas, An��lisis Multicriterio y Sistemas de Informaci��n Geogr��fica. Reconociendo que la determinaci��n de la ubicaci��n m��s adecuada para situar diversos tipos de instalaciones es un importante problema geogr��fico, con significativas repercusiones medioambientales, sociales, econ��micos, locacionales y de accesibilidad territorial, se considera un conjunto de 40 variables (agrupadas en 17 factores y estos, a su vez, en 4 criterios) que permiten evaluar la sostenibilidad de las localizaciones. El An��lisis Multicriterio se utiliza como forma de establecer una puntuaci��n a trav��s de un algoritmo de scoring. Este algoritmo se alimenta a trav��s de: 1) unas calificaciones para cada variable extra��das de informaci��n geogr��fica analizada con ArcGIS (Criteria Assessment Score); 2) los pesos de los factores obtenidos a trav��s de un cuestionario DELPHI, una t��cnica caracterizada por su capacidad para alcanzar consensos en un grupo de expertos de muy diferentes especialidades: log��stica, sostenibilidad, impacto ambiental, planificaci��n de transportes y geograf��a; y 3) los pesos de las variables, para lo que se emplean las Redes Bayesianas lo que supone una importante aportaci��n metodol��gica al tratarse de una novedosa aplicaci��n de esta t��cnica. Los pesos se obtienen aprovechando la capacidad de clasificaci��n de las Redes Bayesianas, en concreto de una red dise��ada con un algoritmo de tipo greedy denominado K2 que permite priorizar cada variable en funci��n de las relaciones que se establecen en el conjunto de variables. La principal ventaja del empleo de esta t��cnica es la reducci��n de la arbitrariedad en la fijaci��n de los pesos de la cual suelen adolecer las t��cnicas de An��lisis Multicriterio. Como caso de estudio, se eval��a la sostenibilidad de los 10 puertos secos existentes en Espa��a. Los resultados del cuestionario DELPHI revelan una mayor importancia a la hora de buscar la localizaci��n de un Puerto Seco en los aspectos tenidos en cuenta en las teor��as cl��sicas de localizaci��n industrial, principalmente econ��micos y de accesibilidad. Sin embargo, no deben perderse de vista el resto de factores, cuesti��n que se pone de manifiesto a trav��s del cuestionario, dado que ninguno de los factores tiene un peso tan peque��o como para ser despreciado. Por el contrario, los resultados de la aplicaci��n de Redes Bayesianas, muestran una mayor importancia de las variables medioambientales, por lo que la sostenibilidad de las localizaciones exige un gran respeto por el medio natural y el medio urbano en que se encuadra. Por ��ltimo, la aplicaci��n pr��ctica refleja que la localizaci��n de los puertos secos existentes en Espa��a en la actualidad presenta una calidad modesta, que parece responder m��s a decisiones pol��ticas que a criterios t��cnicos. Por ello, deben emprenderse pol��ticas encaminadas a generar un modelo log��stico colaborativo-competitivo en el que se eval��en los diferentes factores tenidos en cuenta en esta investigaci��n. The global economic structure, with its decentralized production and the consequent increase in freight traffic all over the world, creates considerable problems and challenges for the freight transport sector. This situation has led shipping to become the most suitable and cheapest way to transport goods. Thus, ports are configured as nodes with critical importance in the logistics supply chain as a link between two transport systems, sea and land. Increase in activity at seaports is producing three undesirable effects: increasing road congestion, lack of open space in port installations and a significant environmental impact on seaports. These adverse effects can be mitigated by moving part of the activity inland. Implementation of dry ports is a possible solution and would also provide an opportunity to strengthen intermodal solutions as part of an integrated and more sustainable transport chain, acting as a link between road and railway networks. In this sense, implementation of dry ports allows the separation of the links of the transport chain, thus facilitating the shortest possible routes for the lowest capacity and most polluting means of transport. Thus, the decision of where to locate a dry port demands a thorough analysis of the whole logistics supply chain, with the objective of transferring the largest volume of goods possible from road to more energy efficient means of transport, like rail or short-sea shipping, that are less harmful to the environment. However, the decision of where to locate a dry port must also ensure the sustainability of the site. Thus, the main goal of this dissertation is to research the variables influencing the sustainability of dry port location and how this sustainability can be evaluated. With this objective, in this research we present a methodology for assessing the sustainability of locations by the use of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and Bayesian Networks (BNs). MCDA is used as a way to establish a scoring, whilst BNs were chosen to eliminate arbitrariness in setting the weightings using a technique that allows us to prioritize each variable according to the relationships established in the set of variables. In order to determine the relationships between all the variables involved in the decision, giving us the importance of each factor and variable, we built a K2 BN algorithm. To obtain the scores of each variable, we used a complete cartography analysed by ArcGIS. Recognising that setting the most appropriate location to place a dry port is a geographical multidisciplinary problem, with significant economic, social and environmental implications, we consider 41 variables (grouped into 17 factors) which respond to this need. As a case of study, the sustainability of all of the 10 existing dry ports in Spain has been evaluated. In this set of logistics platforms, we found that the most important variables for achieving sustainability are those related to environmental protection, so the sustainability of the locations requires a great respect for the natural environment and the urban environment in which they are framed.

Multicriteria decision analysis applied to cover crop species andcultivars selection

Cover crop selection should be oriented to the achievement of specific agrosystem benefits. The covercrop, catch crop, green manure and fodder uses were identified as possible targets for selection. Theobjective was to apply multi-criteria decision analysis to evaluate different species (Hordeum vulgareL., Secale cereale L., ��Triticosecale Whim, Sinapis alba L., Vicia sativa L.) and cultivars according to theirsuitability to be used as cover crops in each of the uses. A field trial with 20 cultivars of the five specieswas conducted in Central Spain during two seasons (October?April). Measurements of ground cover, cropbiomass, N uptake, N derived from the atmosphere, C/N, dietary fiber content and residue quality werecollected. Aggregation of these variables through utility functions allowed ranking species and cultivarsfor each usage. Grasses were the most suitable for the cover crop, catch crop and fodder uses, while thevetches were the best as green manures. The mustard attained high ranks as cover and catch crop the firstseason, but the second decayed due to low performance in cold winters. Mustard and vetches obtainedworse rankings than grasses as fodder. Hispanic was the most suitable barley cultivar as cover and catchcrop, and Albacete as fodder. The triticale Titania attained the highest rank as cover and catch crop andfodder. Vetches Aitana and BGE014897 showed good aptitudes as green manures and catch crops. Thisanalysis allowed comparison among species and cultivars and might provide relevant information forcover crops selection and management.

Response threshold models, stochastic learning automata and ant colony optimization-based decentralized self-coordination algorithms for heterogeneous multi-tasks distribution in multi-robot systems

In recent decades, there has been an increasing interest in systems comprised of several autonomous mobile robots, and as a result, there has been a substantial amount of development in the eld of Articial Intelligence, especially in Robotics. There are several studies in the literature by some researchers from the scientic community that focus on the creation of intelligent machines and devices capable to imitate the functions and movements of living beings. Multi-Robot Systems (MRS) can often deal with tasks that are dicult, if not impossible, to be accomplished by a single robot. In the context of MRS, one of the main challenges is the need to control, coordinate and synchronize the operation of multiple robots to perform a specic task. This requires the development of new strategies and methods which allow us to obtain the desired system behavior in a formal and concise way. This PhD thesis aims to study the coordination of multi-robot systems, in particular, addresses the problem of the distribution of heterogeneous multi-tasks. The main interest in these systems is to understand how from simple rules inspired by the division of labor in social insects, a group of robots can perform tasks in an organized and coordinated way. We are mainly interested on truly distributed or decentralized solutions in which the robots themselves, autonomously and in an individual manner, select a particular task so that all tasks are optimally distributed. In general, to perform the multi-tasks distribution among a team of robots, they have to synchronize their actions and exchange information. Under this approach we can speak of multi-tasks selection instead of multi-tasks assignment, which means, that the agents or robots select the tasks instead of being assigned a task by a central controller. The key element in these algorithms is the estimation ix of the stimuli and the adaptive update of the thresholds. This means that each robot performs this estimate locally depending on the load or the number of pending tasks to be performed. In addition, it is very interesting the evaluation of the results in function in each approach, comparing the results obtained by the introducing noise in the number of pending loads, with the purpose of simulate the robot's error in estimating the real number of pending tasks. The main contribution of this thesis can be found in the approach based on self-organization and division of labor in social insects. An experimental scenario for the coordination problem among multiple robots, the robustness of the approaches and the generation of dynamic tasks have been presented and discussed. The particular issues studied are: Threshold models: It presents the experiments conducted to test the response threshold model with the objective to analyze the system performance index, for the problem of the distribution of heterogeneous multitasks in multi-robot systems; also has been introduced additive noise in the number of pending loads and has been generated dynamic tasks over time. Learning automata methods: It describes the experiments to test the learning automata-based probabilistic algorithms. The approach was tested to evaluate the system performance index with additive noise and with dynamic tasks generation for the same problem of the distribution of heterogeneous multi-tasks in multi-robot systems. Ant colony optimization: The goal of the experiments presented is to test the ant colony optimization-based deterministic algorithms, to achieve the distribution of heterogeneous multi-tasks in multi-robot systems. In the experiments performed, the system performance index is evaluated by introducing additive noise and dynamic tasks generation over time.

Integration of socioeconomic and genetic aspects involved in the conservation of animal genetic resources = Integraci��n de aspectos socioecon��micos y gen��ticos involucrados en la conservaci��n de recursos gen��ticos animales

El sector ganadero est�� siendo gradualmente dominado por sistemas intensivos y especializados en los que los factores de producci��n est��n controlados y en los que los caracteres productivos son los criterios principales para la selecci��n de especies y razas. Entretanto, muchos de los bienes y servicios que tradicionalmente suministraba el ganado, tales como los fertilizantes, la tracci��n animal o materias primas para la elaboraci��n vestimenta y calzado est��n siendo reemplazados por productos industriales. Como consecuencia de ambos cambios, las razas seleccionadas intensivamente, las cuales est��n estrechamente ligadas a sistemas agr��colas de alta producci��n y altos insumos, han desplazado a muchas razas aut��ctonas, en las que la selecci��n pr��cticamente ha cesado o es muy poco intensa. Actualmente existe una mayor conciencia social sobre la situaci��n de las razas aut��ctonas y muchas funciones del ganado que previamente hab��an sido ignoradas est��n siendo reconocidas. Desde hace algunas d��cadas, se ha aceptado internacionalmente que las razas de ganado cumplen funciones econ��micas, socio-culturales, medioambientales y de seguridad alimentaria. Por ello, diferentes organismos internacionales han reconocido que la disminuci��n de los recursos gen��ticos de animales dom��sticos (RGADs) es un problema grave y han recomendado su conservaci��n. Aun as��, la conservaci��n de RGADs es un tema controvertido por la dificultad de valorar las funciones del ganado. Esta valoraci��n es compleja debido que los RGADs tiene una doble naturaleza privada - p��blica. Como algunos economistas han subrayado, el ganado es un bien privado, sin embargo debido a algunas de sus funciones, tambi��n es un bien p��blico. De esta forma, el aumento del conocimiento sobre valor de cada una de sus funciones facilitar��a la toma de decisiones en relaci��n a su conservaci��n y desarrollo. Sin embargo, esta valoraci��n es controvertida puesto que la importancia relativa de las funciones del ganado var��a en funci��n del momento, del lugar, de las especies y de las razas. El sector ganadero, debido a sus m��ltiples funciones, est�� influenciado por factores t��cnicos, medioambientales, sociales, culturales y pol��ticos que est��n interrelacionados y que engloban a una enorme variedad de actores y procesos. Al igual que las funciones del ganado, los factores que afectan a su conservaci��n y desarrollo est��n fuertemente condicionados por localizaci��n geogr��fica. Asimismo, estos factores pueden ser muy heterog��neos incluso dentro de una misma raza. Por otro lado, es razonable pensar que el ganadero es el actor principal de la conservaci��n de razas locales. Actualmente, las razas locales est��n siendo Integration of socioeconomic and genetic aspects involved in the conservation of animal genetic resources 5 explotadas por ganaderos muy diversos bajo sistemas de producci��n tambi��n muy diferentes. Por todo ello, es de vital importancia comprender y evaluar el impacto que tienen las motivaciones, y el proceso de toma de decisiones de los ganaderos en la estructura gen��tica de las razas. En esta tesis doctoral exploramos diferentes aspectos sociales, econ��micos y gen��ticos involucrados en la conservaci��n de razas locales de ganado vacuno en Europa, como ejemplo de RGADs, esperando contribuir al entendimiento cient��fico de este complejo tema. Nuestro objetivo es conseguir una visi��n global de los procesos subyacentes en la conservaci��n y desarrollo de estas razas. Pretendemos ilustrar como se pueden utilizar m��todos cuantitativos en el dise��o y establecimiento de estrategias de conservaci��n y desarrollo de RGADs objetivas y adecuadas. En primer lugar, exploramos el valor econ��mico total (VET) del ganado analizando sus componentes p��blicos fuera de mercado usando como caso de estudio la raza vacuna Alistana-Sanabresa (AS). El VET de cualquier bien est�� formado por componentes de uso y de no-uso. Estos ��ltimos incluyen el valor de opci��n, el valor de herencia y el valor de existencia. En el caso del ganado local, el valor de uso directo proviene de sus productos. Los valores de uso indirecto est��n relacionados con el papel que cumple las razas en el mantenimiento de los paisajes y cultura rural. El valor de opci��n se refiere a su futuro uso potencial y el valor de herencia al uso potencial de las generaciones venideras. Finalmente, el valor de existencia est�� relacionado con el bienestar que produce a la gente saber que existe un recurso espec��fico. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la importancia relativa que tienen los componentes fuera de mercado sobre el VET de la raza AS. Para ello evaluamos la voluntad de la gente a pagar por la conservaci��n de la AS mediante experimentos de elecci��n (EEs) a trav��s de encuestas. Estos experimentos permiten valorar individualmente los distintos componentes del VET de cualquier bien. Los resultados los analizamos mediante de uso de modelos aleatorios logit. Encontramos que las funciones p��blicas de la raza AS tienen un valor significativo. Sus valores m��s importantes son el valor de uso indirecto como elemento cultural Zamorano y el valor de existencia (ambos representaron el 80% de VET). Adem��s observamos que el valor que gente da a las funciones p��blicas de la razas de ganado dependen de sus caracter��sticas socioecon��micas. Los factores que condicionaron la voluntad a pagar para la conservaci��n de la raza AS fueron el lugar de residencia (ciudad o pueblo), el haber visto animales de la raza o haber consumido sus productos y la actitud de los encuestados ante los conflictos entre el desarrollo econ��mico y el medioambiente. Por otro lado, encontramos que no todo el mundo tiene una visi��n completa e integrada de todas las funciones p��blicas de la raza AS. Por este motivo, los programas o actividades de concienciaci��n sobre su estado deber��an hacer hincapi�� en este aspecto. La existencia de valores p��blicos de la raza AS implica que los ganaderos deber��an recibir compensaciones econ��micas como pago por las funciones p��blicas que cumple su raza local. Las compensaciones asegurar��an un tama��o de poblaci��n que permitir��a que la raza AS siga realizando estas funciones. Un mecanismo para ello podr��a ser el desarrollo del turismo rural relacionado con la raza. Esto aumentar��a el valor de uso privado mientras que supondr��a un elemento a��adido a las estrategias de conservaci��n y desarrollo. No obstante, los ganaderos deben analizar c��mo aprovechar los nichos de mercado existentes, as�� como mejorar la calidad de los productos de la raza prestando especial atenci��n al etiquetado de los mismos. Una vez evaluada la importancia de las funciones p��blicas de las razas locales de ganado, analizamos la diversidad de factores t��cnicos, econ��micos y sociales de la producci��n de razas locales de ganado vacuno existente en Europa. Con este fin analizamos el caso de quince razas locales de ocho pa��ses en el contexto de un proyecto de colaboraci��n internacional. Investigamos las diferencias entre los pa��ses para determinar los factores comunes clave que afectan a la viabilidad de las razas locales. Para ello entrevistamos mediante cuestionarios a un total de 355 ganaderos en las quince razas. Como indicador de viabilidad usamos los planes de los ganaderos de variaci��n del tama��o de las ganader��as. Los cuestionarios inclu��an diferentes aspectos econ��micos, t��cnicos y sociales con potencial influencia en las din��micas demogr��ficas de las razas locales. Los datos recogidos los analizamos mediante distintas t��cnicas estad��sticas multivariantes como el an��lisis discriminante y la regresi��n log��stica. Encontramos que los factores que afectan a la viabilidad de las razas locales en Europa son muy heterog��neos. Un resultado rese��able fue que los ganaderos de algunos pa��ses no consideran que la explotaci��n de su raza tenga un alto valor social. Este hecho vuelve a poner de manifiesto la importancia de desarrollar programas Europeos de concienciaci��n sobre la importancia de las funciones que cumplen las razas locales. Adem��s los pa��ses analizados presentaron una alta variabilidad en cuanto a la importancia de los mercados locales en la distribuci��n de los productos y en cuanto al porcentaje en propiedad del total de los pastos usados en las explotaciones. Este estudio reflej�� la variabilidad de los sistemas y medios de producci��n (en el sentido socioecon��mico, t��cnico y ecol��gico) que existe en Europa. Por ello hay que ser cautos en la implementaci��n de las pol��ticas comunes en los diferentes pa��ses. Tambi��n encontramos que la variabilidad dentro de los pa��ses puede ser elevada debido a las diferencias entre razas, lo que implica que las pol��ticas nacionales deber ser suficientemente flexibles para adaptarse a las peculiaridades de cada una de las razas. Por otro lado, encontramos una serie de factores comunes a la viabilidad de las razas en los distintos pa��ses; la edad de los ganaderos, la colaboraci��n entre ellos y la apreciaci��n social de las funciones culturales, medioambientales y sociales del ganado local. El envejecimiento de los ganaderos de razas locales no es solo un problema de falta de transferencia generacional, sino que tambi��n puede suponer una actitud m��s negativa hacia la inversi��n en las actividades ganaderas y en una menor capacidad de adaptaci��n a los cambios del sector. La capacidad de adaptaci��n de los ganaderos es un factor crucial en la viabilidad de las razas locales. Las estrategias y pol��ticas de conservaci��n comunes deben incluir las variables comunes a la viabilidad de las razas manteniendo flexibilidad suficiente para adaptarse a las especificidades nacionales. Estas estrategias y pol��ticas deber��an ir m��s all�� de compensaci��n econ��mica a los ganaderos de razas locales por la menor productividad de sus razas. Las herramientas para la toma de decisiones ayudan a generar una visi��n amplia de la conservaci��n y desarrollo de las razas locales. Estas herramientas abordan el dise��o de estrategias de conservaci��n y desarrollo de forma sistem��tica y estructurada. En la tercera parte de la tesis usamos una de estas herramientas, el an��lisis DAFO (Debilidades, Amenazas, Fortalezas y Oportunidades), con este prop��sito, reconociendo que la conservaci��n de RGADs depende de los ganaderos. Desarrollamos un an��lisis DAFO cuantitativo y lo aplicamos a trece razas locales de ganado vacuno de seis pa��ses europeos en el contexto del proyecto de colaboraci��n mencionado anteriormente. El m��todo tiene cuatro pasos: 1) la definici��n del sistema; 2) la identificaci��n y agrupaci��n de los factores influyentes; 3) la cuantificaci��n de la importancia de dichos factores y 4) la identificaci��n y priorizaci��n de estrategias. Identificamos los factores utilizando multitud de agentes (multi-stakeholder appproach). Una vez determinados los factores se agruparon en una estructura de tres niveles. La importancia relativa de los cada uno de los factores para cada raza fue determinada por grupos de expertos en RGADs de los pa��ses integrados en el citado proyecto. Finalmente, desarrollamos un proceso de cuantificaci��n para identificar y priorizar estrategias. La estructura de agrupaci��n de factores permiti�� analizar el problema de la conservaci��n desde el nivel general hasta el concreto. La uni��n de an��lisis espec��ficos de cada una de las razas en un an��lisis DAFO com��n permiti�� evaluar la adecuaci��n de las estrategias a cada caso concreto. Identificamos un total de 99 factores. El an��lisis revel�� que mientras los factores menos importantes son muy consistentes entre razas, los factores y estrategias m��s relevantes son muy heterog��neos. La idoneidad de las estrategias fue mayor a medida que estas se hac��an m��s generales. A pesar de dicha heterogeneidad, los factores influyentes y estrategias m��s importantes estaban ligados a aspectos positivos (fortalezas y oportunidades) lo que implica que el futuro de estas razas es prometedor. Los resultados de nuestro an��lisis tambi��n confirmaron la gran relevancia del valor cultural de estas razas. Las factores internos (fortalezas y debilidades) m��s importantes estaban relacionadas con los sistemas de producci��n y los ganaderos. Las oportunidades m��s relevantes estaban relacionadas con el desarrollo y marketing de nuevos productos mientras que las amenazas m��s importantes se encontraron a la hora de vender los productos actuales. Este resultado implica que ser��a fruct��fero trabajar en la motivaci��n y colaboraci��n entre ganaderos as�� como, en la mejora de sus capacidades. Concluimos que las pol��ticas comunes europeas deber��an centrarse en aspectos generales y ser los suficientemente flexibles para adaptarse a las singularidades de los pa��ses y las razas. Como ya se ha mencionado, los ganaderos juegan un papel esencial en la conservaci��n y desarrollo de las razas aut��ctonas. Por ello es relevante entender que implicaci��n puede tener la heterogeneidad de los mismos en la viabilidad de una raza. En la cuarta parte de la tesis hemos identificado tipos de ganaderos con el fin de entender c��mo la relaci��n entre la variabilidad de sus caracter��sticas socioecon��micas, los perfiles de las ganader��as y las din��micas de las mismas. El an��lisis se ha realizado en un contexto sociol��gico, aplicando los conceptos de capital cultural y econ��mico. Las tipolog��as se han determinado en funci��n de factores socioecon��micos y culturales indicadores del capital cultural y capital econ��mico de un individuo. Nuestro objetivo era estudiar si la tipolog��a socioecon��mica de los ganaderos afecta al perfil de su ganader��a y a las decisiones que toman. Entrevistamos a 85 ganaderos de la raza Avile��a-Negra Ib��rica (ANI) y utilizamos los resultados de dichas entrevistas para ilustrar y testar el proceso. Definimos los tipos de ganaderos utilizando un an��lisis de cl��ster jerarquizado con un grupo de variables can��nicas que se obtuvieron en funci��n de cinco factores socioecon��micos: el nivel de educaci��n del ganadero, el a��o en que empez�� a ser ganadero de ANI, el porcentaje de los ingresos familiares que aporta la ganader��a, el porcentaje de propiedad de la tierra de la explotaci��n y la edad del ganadero. La tipolog��a de los ganaderos de ANI result�� ser m��s compleja que en el pasado. Los resultados indicaron que los tipos de ganaderos variaban en muchos aspectos socioecon��micos y en los perfiles de sus Integration of socioeconomic and genetic aspects involved in the conservation of animal genetic resources 9 ganader��as. Los tipos de ganaderos determinados toman diferentes decisiones en relaci��n a la modificaci��n del tama��o de su ganader��a y a sus objetivos de selecci��n. Por otro lado, reaccionaron de forma diferente ante un hipot��tico escenario de reducci��n de las compensaciones econ��micas que les planteamos. En este estudio hemos visto que el capital cultural y el econ��mico interact��an y hemos explicado como lo hacen en los distintos tipos de ganaderos. Por ejemplo, los ganaderos que pose��an un mayor capital econ��mico, capital cultural formal y capital cultural adquirido sobre la raza, eran los ganaderos cuyos animales ten��an una mayor demanda por parte de otros ganaderos, lo cual podr��a responder a su mayor prestigio social dentro de la raza. Uno de los elementos claves para el futuro de la raza es si este prestigio responde a una superioridad gen��tica de las animales. Esto ocurrir��a si los ganaderos utilizaran las herramientas que tienen a su disposici��n a la hora de seleccionar animales. Los tipos de ganaderos identificados mostraron tambi��n claras diferencias en sus formas de colaboraci��n y en su reacci��n a una hipot��tica variaci��n de las compensaciones econ��micas. Aunque algunos tipos de ganaderos mostraron un bajo nivel de dependencia a estas compensaciones, la mayor��a se manifestaron altamente dependientes. Por ello cualquier cambio dr��stico en la pol��tica de ayudas puede comprometer el desarrollo de las razas aut��ctonas. La adaptaci��n las pol��ticas de compensaciones econ��micas a la heterogeneidad de los ganaderos podr��a aumentar la eficacia de las mismas por lo que ser��a interesante explorar posibilidades a este respecto. Concluimos destacando la necesidad de desarrollar pol��ticas que tengan en cuenta la heterogeneidad de los ganaderos. Finalmente abordamos el estudio de la estructura gen��tica de poblaciones ganaderas. Las decisiones de los ganaderos en relaci��n a la selecci��n de sementales y su n��mero de descendientes configuran la estructura demogr��fica y gen��tica de las razas. En la actualidad existe un inter��s renovado por estudiar las estructuras poblacionales debido a la influencia potencial de su estratificaci��n sobre la predicci��n de valores gen��micos y/o los an��lisis de asociaci��n a genoma completo. Utilizamos dos m��todos distintos, un algoritmo de cl��steres basados en teor��a de grafos (GCA) y un algoritmo de clustering bayesiano (STRUCTURE) para estudiar la estructura gen��tica de la raza ANI. Prestamos especial atenci��n al efecto de la presencia de parientes cercanos en la poblaci��n y de la diferenciaci��n gen��tica entre subpoblaciones sobre el an��lisis de la estructura de la poblaci��n. En primer lugar evaluamos el comportamiento de los dos algoritmos en poblaciones simuladas para posteriormente analizar los genotipos para 17 microsat��lites de 13343 animales de 57 ganader��as distintas de raza ANI. La ANI es un ejemplo de raza con relaciones complejas. Por otro lado, utilizamos el archivo de pedigr�� de la raza para estudiar el flujo de genes, calculando, entre otras cosas, la contribuci��n de cada ganader��a a la constituci��n gen��tica de la raza. En el caso de las poblaciones simuladas, cuando el FST entre subpoblaciones fue suficientemente alto, ambos algoritmos, GCA y STRUCTURE, identificaron la misma estructura gen��tica independientemente de que existieran o no relaciones familiares. Por el contrario, cuando el grado de diferenciaci��n entre poblaciones fue bajo, el STRUCTURE identific�� la estructura familiar mientras que GCA no permiti�� obtener ning��n resultado concluyente. El GCA result�� ser un algoritmo m��s r��pido y eficiente para de inferir la estructura gen��tica en poblaciones con relaciones complejas. Este algoritmo tambi��n puede ser usado para reducir el n��mero de cl��steres a testar con el STRUTURE. En cuanto al an��lisis de la poblaci��n de ANI, ambos algoritmos describieron la misma estructura, lo cual sugiere que los resultados son robustos. Se identificaron tres subpoblaciones diferenciadas que pudieran corresponderse con tres linajes distintos. Estos linajes estar��an directamente relacionados con las ganader��as que han tenido una mayor contribuci��n a la constituci��n gen��tica de la raza. Por otro lado, hay un conjunto muy numeroso de individuos con una mezcla de or��genes. La informaci��n molecular describe una estructura estratificada de la poblaci��n que se corresponde con la evoluci��n demogr��fica de la raza. Es esencial analizar en mayor profundidad la composici��n de este ��ltimo grupo de animales para determinar c��mo afecta a la variabilidad gen��tica de la poblaci��n de ANI. SUMMARY Summary Livestock sector is gradually dominated by intensive and specialized systems where the production environment is controlled and the production traits are the main criteria for the selection of species and breeds. In the meantime, the traditional use of domestic animals for draught work, clothes and manure has been replaced by industrial products. As a consequence of both these changes, the intensively selected breeds closely linked with high-input highoutput production systems have displaced many native breeds where the selection has practically ceased or been very mild. People are now more aware of the state of endangerment among the native breeds and the previously ignored values of livestock are gaining recognition. For some decades now, the economic, socio-cultural, environmental and food security function of livestock breeds have been accepted worldwide and their loss has been recognized as a major problem. Therefore, the conservation of farm animal genetic resources (FAnGR) has been recommended. The conservation of FAnGR is controversial due to the complexity of the evaluation of its functions. This evaluation is difficult due to the nature of FAnGR both as private and public good. As some economists have highlighted, livestock animals are private goods, however, they are also public goods by their functions. Therefore, there is a need to increase the knowledge about the value of all livestock functions since to support the decision-making for the sustainable conservation and breeding of livestock. This is not straightforward since the relative importance of livestock functions depends on time, place, species and breed. Since livestock play a variety of roles, their production is driven by interrelated and everchanging economic, technical, environmental, social, cultural and political elements involving an enormous range of stakeholders. Not only FAnGR functions but also the importance of factors affecting the development and conservation of FAnGR can be very different across geographical areas. Furthermore, heterogeneity can be found even within breeds. Local breeds are nowadays raised by highly diverse farmers in equally diverse farms. It is quite reasonable to think that farmer is the major actor in the in situ conservation of livestock breeds. Thus, there is a need to understand the farmers��� motivations, decision making processes and the impact of their decisions on the genetic structure of breeds. In this PhD thesis we explore different social, economic and genetic aspects involved in the conservation of local cattle breeds, i.e. FAnGR, in Europe seeking to contribute to the scientific understanding of this complex issue. We aim to achieve a comprehensive view of the processes involved in the conservation and development of local cattle breeds and have made special efforts in discussing the implications of the research results in this respect. The final outcome of the thesis is to illustrate how quantitative methods can be exploited in designing and establishing sound strategies and programmes for the conservation and development of local livestock breeds. Firstly we explored the public non-market attributes of the total economic value (TEV) of livestock, using the Spanish Alistana-Sanabresa (AS) cattle breed as a case study. Total economic value of any good comprises both use and non-use components, where the latter include option, bequest and existence values. For livestock, the direct use values are mainly stemming from production outputs. Indirect use values relate to the role of livestock as a maintainer of rural culture and landscape. The option value is related to the potential use of livestock, the bequest values relate to the value associated with the inheritance of the resources to future generation and the existence values relate to the utility perceived by people from knowing that specific resources exist. We aimed to determine the relative importance of the non-market components of the TEV of the AS breed, the socio-economic variables that influence how people value the different components of TEV and to assess the implications of the Spanish national conservation strategy for the AS breed. To do so, we used a choice experiment (CE) approach and applied the technique to assess people���s willingness to pay (WTP) for the conservation of AS breed. The use of CE allows the valuation of the individual components of TEV for a given good. We analysed the choice data using a random parameter logit (RPL) model. AS breed was found to have a significant public good value. Its most important values were related to the indirect use value due to the maintenance of Zamorian culture and the existence value (both represent over 80% of its TEV). There were several socioeconomic variables influencing people���s valuation of the public service of the breed. In the case of AS breed, the place of living (city or rural area), having seen animals of the breed, having eaten breed products and the respondents��� attitude towards economic development ��� environment conflicts do influence people���s WTP for AS conservation. We also found that people do not have a complete picture of all the functions and roles that AS breed as AnGR. Therefore, the actions for increasing awareness of AS should go to that direction. The farmers will need incentives to exploit some of the public goods values and maintain the breed population size at socially desirable levels. One such mechanism could be related to the development of agritourism, which would enhance the private good value and provide an important addition to the conservation and utilisation strategy. However, the farmers need a serious evaluation on how to invest in niche product development or how to improve product quality and brand recognition. Using the understanding on the importance of the public function of local cattle we tried to depict the current diversity regarding technical, economic and social factors found in local cattle farming across Europe. To do so we focused in an international collaborative project on the case of fifteen local cattle breeds in eight European countries. We investigated the variation among the countries to detect the common key elements, which affect the viability of local breeds. We surveyed with interviews a total of 355 farms across the fifteen breeds. We used the planned herd size changes by the farmer as an indicator of breed viability. The questionnaire included several economic, technical and social aspects with potential influence on breeds��� demographic trends. We analysed the data using multivariate statistical techniques, such as discriminat analysis and logistic regression. The factors affecting a local breed���s viability were highly heterogeneous across Europe. In some countries, farmers did not recognise any high social value attached to keeping a local cattle breed. Hence there is a need to develop communication programmes across EU countries making people aware about the diversity and importance of values associated to raising local breeds. The countries were also very variable regarding the importance of local markets and the percentage of farm land owned by the farmers. Despite the country specificities, there were also common factors affecting the breed viability across Europe. The factors were from different grounds, from social, such as the age of the farmer and the social appreciation of their work, to technicalorganizational, such as the farmers��� attitude to collaborating with each other. The heterogeneity found reflects the variation in breeding systems and production environment (in the socioeconomic, technical and ecological sense) present in Europe. Therefore, caution should be taken in implementing common policies at the country level. Variability could also be rather high within countries due to breed specificities. Therefore, the national policies should be flexible to adapt to the specificities. The variables significantly associated with breed viability should be positively incorporated in the conservation strategies, and considered in developing common and/or national policies. The strategy preparation and policy planning should go beyond the provision of a general economic support to compensate farmers for the lower profitability of local breeds. Of particular interest is the observation that the opportunity for farmer collaboration and the appreciation by the society of the cultural, environmental and social role of local cattle farming were positively associated with the breed survival. In addition, farmer's high age is not only a problem of poor generation transfer but it is also a problem because it might lead to a lower attitude to investing in farming activities and to a lower ability to adapt to environment changes. The farmers��� adaptation capability may be a key point for the viability of local breeds. Decision making tools can help to get a comprehensive view on the conservation and development of local breeds. It allows us to use a systematic and structured approach for identifying and prioritizing conservation and development strategies. We used SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats) analysis for this purpose and recognized that many conservation and development projects rely on farmers. We developed a quantified SWOT method and applied it in the aforementioned collaborative research to a set of thirteen cattle breeds in six European countries. The method has four steps: definition of the system, identification and grouping of the driving factors, quantification of the importance of driving factors and identification and prioritization of the strategies. The factors were determined following a multi-stakeholder approach and grouped with a three level structure. FAnGR expert groups ranked the factors and a quantification process was implemented to identify and prioritize strategies. The structure of the SWOT analysis allowed analyzing the conservation problem from general down to specific perspectives. Joining breed specific analyses into a common SWOT analysis permitted comparison of breed cases across countries. We identified 99 driving factors across breeds. The across breed analysis revealed that irrelevant factors were consistent. There was high heterogeneity among the most relevant factors and strategies. The strategies increased eligibility as they lost specificity. Although the situation was very heterogeneous, the most promising factors and strategies were linked to the positive aspects (Strengths and Opportunities). Therefore, the future of the studied local breed is promising. The results of our analysis also confirmed the high relevance of the cultural value of the breeds. The most important internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) were related farmers and production systems. The most important opportunities were found in developing and marketing new products, while the most relevant threats were found in selling the current conventional products. In this regard, it should be fruitful to work on farmers��� motivation, collaboration, and capacity building. We conclude that European policies should focus on general aspects and be flexible enough to be adapted to the country and breed specificities. As mentioned, farmers have a key role in the conservation and development of a local cattle breed. Therefore, it is very relevant to understand the implications of farmer heterogeneity within a breed for its viability. In the fourth part of the thesis, we developed a general farmer typology to help analyzing the relations between farmer features and farm profiles, herd dynamics and farmers��� decision making. In the analysis we applied and used the sociological framework of economic and cultural capital and studied how the determined farmer types were linked to farm profiles and breeding decisions, among others. The typology was based on measurable socioeconomic factors indicating the economic and cultural capital of farmers. A group of 85 farmers raising the Spanish Avile��a-Negra Ib��rica (ANI) local cattle breed was used to illustrate and test the procedure. The farmer types were defined by a hierarchical cluster analysis with a set of canonical variables derived from the following five the socioeconomic factors: the formal educational level of the farmer, the year the farmer started keeping the ANI breed, the percentage of the total family income covered by the farm, the percentage of the total farm land owned by the farmer and the farmer���s age. The present ANI farmer types were much more complex than what they were in the past. We found that the farmer types differed in many socioeconomic aspects and in the farms profile. Furthermore, the types also differentiate farmers with respect to decisions about changing the farm size, breeding aims and stated reactions towards hypothetical subsidy variation. We have verified that economic and cultural capitals are not independent and further showed how they are interacting in the different farmer types. The farmers related to the types with high economic, institutionalized and embodied cultural capitals had a higher demand of breeding animals from others farmers of the breed, which may be related to the higher social prestige within the breed. One of the key implications of this finding for the future of the breed is whether or not the prestige of farmers is related to genetic superiority of their animals, what is to say, that it is related with a sound use of tools that farmers have available to make selection decisions. The farmer types differed in the form of collaboration and in the reactions to the hypothetical variation in subsidies. There were farmers with low dependency on subsidies, while most of them are highly dependent on subsidies. Therefore, any drastic change in the subsidy programme might have influence on the development of local breeds. The adaptation of these programme to the farmers��� heterogeneity might increase its efficacy, thus it would be interesting to explore ways of doing it. We conclude highlighting the need to have a variety of policies, which take into account the heterogeneity among the farmers. To finish we dealt with the genetic structure of livestock populations. Farmers��� decisions on the breeding animals and their progeny numbers shape the demographic and genetic structure of the breeds. Nowadays there is a renovated interest in studying the population structure since it can bias the prediction of genomic breeding values and genome wide association studies. We determined the genetic structure of ANI breed using two different methods, a graphical clustering algorithm (GCA) and a Bayesian clustering algorithm (STRUCTURE) were used. We paid particular attention to the influence that the presence of closely related individuals and the genetic differentiation of subpopulations may have on the inferences about the population structure. We first evaluated the performance of the algorithms in simulated populations. Then we inferred the genetic structure of the Spanish cattle breed ANI analysing a data set of 13343 animals (genotyped for 17 microsatellites) from 57 herds. ANI breed is an example of a population with complex relationships. We used the herdbook to study the gene flow, estimation among other things, the contribution of different herds to the genetic composition of the ANI breed. For the simulated scenarios, when FST among subpopulations was sufficiently high, both algorithms consistently inferred the correct structure regardless of the presence of related individuals. However, when the genetic differentiation among subpopulations was low, STRUCTURE identified the family based structure while GCA did not provide any consistent picture. The GCA was a fast and efficient method to infer genetic structure to determine the hidden core structure of a population with complex history and relationships. GCA could also be used to narrow down the number of clusters to be tested by STRUCTURE. Both, STRUCTURE and GCA describe a similar structure for the ANI breed suggesting that the results are robust. ANI population was found to have three genetically differentiated clusters that could correspond to three genetic lineages. These are directly related to the herds with a major contribution to the breed. In addition, ANI breed has also a large pool made of individuals with an admixture of origins. The genetic structure of ANI, assessed by molecular information, shows a stratification that corresponds to the demographic evolution of the breed. It will be of great importance to learn more about the composition of the pool and study how it is related to the existing genetic variability of the breed.

Applications of image-based, multi-view stereo reconstruction methods = (Aplicaciones de los m��todos de reconstrucci��n est��reo multivista)

These slides present several 3-D reconstruction methods to obtain the geometric structure of a scene that is viewed by multiple cameras. We focus on the combination of the geometric modeling in the image formation process with the use of standard optimization tools to estimate the characteristic parameters that describe the geometry of the 3-D scene. In particular, linear, non-linear and robust methods to estimate the monocular and epipolar geometry are introduced as cornerstones to generate 3-D reconstructions with multiple cameras. Some examples of systems that use this constructive strategy are Bundler, PhotoSynth, VideoSurfing, etc., which are able to obtain 3-D reconstructions with several hundreds or thousands of cameras. En esta presentaci��n se tratan varios m��todos de reconstrucci��n 3-D para la obtenci��n de la estructura geom��trica de una escena que es visualizada por varias c��maras. Se enfatiza la combinaci��n de modelado geom��trico del proceso de formaci��n de la imagen con el uso de herramientas est��ndar de optimizaci��n para estimar los par��metros caracter��sticos que describen la geometr��a de la escena 3-D. En concreto, se presentan m��todos de estimaci��n lineales, no lineales y robustos de las geometr��as monocular y epipolar como punto de partida para generar reconstrucciones con tres o m��s c��maras. Algunos ejemplos de sistemas que utilizan este enfoque constructivo son Bundler, PhotoSynth, VideoSurfing, etc., los cuales, en la pr��ctica pueden llegar a reconstruir una escena con varios cientos o miles de c��maras.

A bi-cubic transformation for the numerical evaluation of the Cauchy principal value integrals in boundary methods

The numerical strategies employed in the evaluation of singular integrals existing in the Cauchy principal value (CPV) sense are, undoubtedly, one of the key aspects which remarkably affect the performance and accuracy of the boundary element method (BEM). Thus, a new procedure, based upon a bi-cubic co-ordinate transformation and oriented towards the numerical evaluation of both the CPV integrals and some others which contain different types of singularity is developed. Both the ideas and some details involved in the proposed formulae are presented, obtaining rather simple and-attractive expressions for the numerical quadrature which are also easily embodied into existing BEM codes. Some illustrative examples which assess the stability and accuracy of the new formulae are included.

Impact bruises in pomaceae fruits: Evaluation methods and structural features.

Using a laboratory impact tester, impacts were applied to fruits of different varieties of apples and pears. The response to impact was analized, and many parameters were recorded, to be correlated to bruise susceptibility and to ripeness changes. Different methods for the detection and evaluation of the bruised Area and its features were studied, using direct observation and various reactives. Different types of bruises were established.

Design and control of multi-finger haptic devices for dexterous manipulation

En la interacci��n con el entorno que nos rodea durante nuestra vida diaria (utilizar un cepillo de dientes, abrir puertas, utilizar el tel��fono m��vil, etc.) y en situaciones profesionales (intervenciones m��dicas, procesos de producci��n, etc.), t��picamente realizamos manipulaciones avanzadas que incluyen la utilizaci��n de los dedos de ambas manos. De esta forma el desarrollo de m��todos de interacci��n h��ptica multi-dedo dan lugar a interfaces hombre-m��quina m��s naturales y realistas. No obstante, la mayor��a de interfaces h��pticas disponibles en el mercado est��n basadas en interacciones con un solo punto de contacto; esto puede ser suficiente para la exploraci��n o palpaci��n del entorno pero no permite la realizaci��n de tareas m��s avanzadas como agarres. En esta tesis, se investiga el dise��o mec��nico, control y aplicaciones de dispositivos h��pticos modulares con capacidad de reflexi��n de fuerzas en los dedos ��ndice, coraz��n y pulgar del usuario. El dise��o mec��nico de la interfaz dise��ada, ha sido optimizado con funciones multi-objetivo para conseguir una baja inercia, un amplio espacio de trabajo, alta manipulabilidad y reflexi��n de fuerzas superiores a 3 N en el espacio de trabajo. El ancho de banda y la rigidez del dispositivo se han evaluado mediante simulaci��n y experimentaci��n real. Una de las ��reas m��s importantes en el dise��o de estos dispositivos es el efector final, ya que es la parte que est�� en contacto con el usuario. Durante este trabajo se ha dise��ado un dedal de bajo peso, adaptable a diferentes usuarios que, mediante la incorporaci��n de sensores de contacto, permite estimar fuerzas normales y tangenciales durante la interacci��n con entornos reales y virtuales. Para el dise��o de la arquitectura de control, se estudiaron los principales requisitos para estos dispositivos. Entre estos, cabe destacar la adquisici��n, procesado e intercambio a trav��s de internet de numerosas se��ales de control e instrumentaci��n; la computaci��n de equaciones matem��ticas incluyendo la cinem��tica directa e inversa, jacobiana, algoritmos de detecci��n de agarres, etc. Todos estos componentes deben calcularse en tiempo real garantizando una frecuencia m��nima de 1 KHz. Adem��s, se describen sistemas para manipulaci��n de precisi��n virtual y remota; as�� como el dise��o de un m��todo denominado "desacoplo cinem��tico iterativo" para computar la cinem��tica inversa de robots y la comparaci��n con otros m��todos actuales. Para entender la importancia de la interacci��n multimodal, se ha llevado a cabo un estudio para comprobar qu�� est��mulos sensoriales se correlacionan con tiempos de respuesta m��s r��pidos y de mayor precisi��n. Estos experimentos se desarrollaron en colaboraci��n con neurocient��ficos del instituto Technion Israel Institute of Technology. Comparando los tiempos de respuesta en la interacci��n unimodal (auditiva, visual y h��ptica) con combinaciones bimodales y trimodales de los mismos, se demuestra que el movimiento sincronizado de los dedos para generar respuestas de agarre se basa principalmente en la percepci��n h��ptica. La ventaja en el tiempo de procesamiento de los est��mulos h��pticos, sugiere que los entornos virtuales que incluyen esta componente sensorial generan mejores contingencias motoras y mejoran la credibilidad de los eventos. Se concluye que, los sistemas que incluyen percepci��n h��ptica dotan a los usuarios de m��s tiempo en las etapas cognitivas para rellenar informaci��n de forma creativa y formar una experiencia m��s rica. Una aplicaci��n interesante de los dispositivos h��pticos es el dise��o de nuevos simuladores que permitan entrenar habilidades manuales en el sector m��dico. En colaboraci��n con fisioterapeutas de Griffith University en Australia, se desarroll�� un simulador que permite realizar ejercicios de rehabilitaci��n de la mano. Las propiedades de rigidez no lineales de la articulaci��n metacarpofalange del dedo ��ndice se estimaron mediante la utilizaci��n del efector final dise��ado. Estos par��metros, se han implementado en un escenario que simula el comportamiento de la mano humana y que permite la interacci��n h��ptica a trav��s de esta interfaz. Las aplicaciones potenciales de este simulador est��n relacionadas con entrenamiento y educaci��n de estudiantes de fisioterapia. En esta tesis, se han desarrollado nuevos m��todos que permiten el control simult��neo de robots y manos rob��ticas en la interacci��n con entornos reales. El espacio de trabajo alcanzable por el dispositivo h��ptico, se extiende mediante el cambio de modo de control autom��tico entre posici��n y velocidad. Adem��s, estos m��todos permiten reconocer el gesto del usuario durante las primeras etapas de aproximaci��n al objeto para su agarre. Mediante experimentos de manipulaci��n avanzada de objetos con un manipulador y diferentes manos rob��ticas, se muestra que el tiempo en realizar una tarea se reduce y que el sistema permite la realizaci��n de la tarea con precisi��n. Este trabajo, es el resultado de una colaboraci��n con investigadores de Harvard BioRobotics Laboratory. ABSTRACT When we interact with the environment in our daily life (using a toothbrush, opening doors, using cell-phones, etc.), or in professional situations (medical interventions, manufacturing processes, etc.) we typically perform dexterous manipulations that involve multiple fingers and palm for both hands. Therefore, multi-Finger haptic methods can provide a realistic and natural human-machine interface to enhance immersion when interacting with simulated or remote environments. Most commercial devices allow haptic interaction with only one contact point, which may be sufficient for some exploration or palpation tasks but are not enough to perform advanced object manipulations such as grasping. In this thesis, I investigate the mechanical design, control and applications of a modular haptic device that can provide force feedback to the index, thumb and middle fingers of the user. The designed mechanical device is optimized with a multi-objective design function to achieve a low inertia, a large workspace, manipulability, and force-feedback of up to 3 N within the workspace; the bandwidth and rigidity for the device is assessed through simulation and real experimentation. One of the most important areas when designing haptic devices is the end-effector, since it is in contact with the user. In this thesis the design and evaluation of a thimble-like, lightweight, user-adaptable, and cost-effective device that incorporates four contact force sensors is described. This design allows estimation of the forces applied by a user during manipulation of virtual and real objects. The design of a real-time, modular control architecture for multi-finger haptic interaction is described. Requirements for control of multi-finger haptic devices are explored. Moreover, a large number of signals have to be acquired, processed, sent over the network and mathematical computations such as device direct and inverse kinematics, jacobian, grasp detection algorithms, etc. have to be calculated in Real Time to assure the required high fidelity for the haptic interaction. The Hardware control architecture has different modules and consists of an FPGA for the low-level controller and a RT controller for managing all the complex calculations (jacobian, kinematics, etc.); this provides a compact and scalable solution for the required high computation capabilities assuring a correct frequency rate for the control loop of 1 kHz. A set-up for dexterous virtual and real manipulation is described. Moreover, a new algorithm named the iterative kinematic decoupling method was implemented to solve the inverse kinematics of a robotic manipulator. In order to understand the importance of multi-modal interaction including haptics, a subject study was carried out to look for sensory stimuli that correlate with fast response time and enhanced accuracy. This experiment was carried out in collaboration with neuro-scientists from Technion Israel Institute of Technology. By comparing the grasping response times in unimodal (auditory, visual, and haptic) events with the response times in events with bimodal and trimodal combinations. It is concluded that in grasping tasks the synchronized motion of the fingers to generate the grasping response relies on haptic cues. This processing-speed advantage of haptic cues suggests that multimodalhaptic virtual environments are superior in generating motor contingencies, enhancing the plausibility of events. Applications that include haptics provide users with more time at the cognitive stages to fill in missing information creatively and form a richer experience. A major application of haptic devices is the design of new simulators to train manual skills for the medical sector. In collaboration with physical therapists from Griffith University in Australia, we developed a simulator to allow hand rehabilitation manipulations. First, the non-linear stiffness properties of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the index finger were estimated by using the designed end-effector; these parameters are implemented in a scenario that simulates the behavior of the human hand and that allows haptic interaction through the designed haptic device. The potential application of this work is related to educational and medical training purposes. In this thesis, new methods to simultaneously control the position and orientation of a robotic manipulator and the grasp of a robotic hand when interacting with large real environments are studied. The reachable workspace is extended by automatically switching between rate and position control modes. Moreover, the human hand gesture is recognized by reading the relative movements of the index, thumb and middle fingers of the user during the early stages of the approximation-to-the-object phase and then mapped to the robotic hand actuators. These methods are validated to perform dexterous manipulation of objects with a robotic manipulator, and different robotic hands. This work is the result of a research collaboration with researchers from the Harvard BioRobotics Laboratory. The developed experiments show that the overall task time is reduced and that the developed methods allow for full dexterity and correct completion of dexterous manipulations.

Simulation-based evaluation of susceptibility distortion correction methods in diffusion MRI for connectivity analysis

Connectivity analysis on diffusion MRI data of the whole-brain suffers from distortions caused by the standard echo-planar imaging acquisition strategies. These images show characteristic geometrical deformations and signal destruction that are an important drawback limiting the success of tractography algorithms. Several retrospective correction techniques are readily available. In this work, we use a digital phantom designed for the evaluation of connectivity pipelines. We subject the phantom to a ���theoretically correct��� and plausible deformation that resembles the artifact under investigation. We correct data back, with three standard methodologies (namely fieldmap-based, reversed encoding-based, and registration- based). Finally, we rank the methods based on their geometrical accuracy, the dropout compensation, and their impact on the resulting connectivity matrices.