Energy policies for rural electrification: a social multi-criteria evaluation approach

In this article, a real-world case- study is presented with two general objectives: to give a clear and simple illustrative example of application of social multi-criteria evaluation (SMCE) in the field of rural renewable energy policies, and to help in understanding to what extent and under which circumstances solar energy is suitable for electrifying isolated farmhouses. In this sense, this study might offer public decision- makers some insight on the conditions that favour the diffusion of renewable energy, in order to help them to design more effective energy policies for rural communities.

Social Multi-Criteria Evaluation (SMCE)

The main argument developed here is the proposal of the concept of ���Social Multi-Criteria Evaluation��� (SMCE) as a possible useful framework for the application of social choice to the difficult policy problems of our Millennium, where, as stated by Funtowicz and Ravetz, ���facts are uncertain, values in dispute, stakes high and decisions urgent���. This paper starts from the following main questions: 1. Why ���Social��� Multi-criteria Evaluation? 2. How such an approach should be developed? The foundations of SMCE are set up by referring to concepts coming from complex system theory and philosophy, such as reflexive complexity, post-normal science and incommensurability. To give some operational guidelines on the application of SMCE basic questions to be answered are: 1. How is it possible to deal with technical incommensurability? 2. How can we deal with the issue of social incommensurability? To answer these questions, by using theoretical considerations and lessons learned from realworld case studies, is the main objective of the present article.

On the foundations of well-being economics and policy

When one wishes to implement public policies, there is a previous need of comparing different actions and valuating and evaluating them to assess their social attractiveness. Recently the concept of well-being has been proposed as a multidimensional proxy for measuring societal prosperity and progress; a key research topic is then on how we can measure and evaluate this plurality of dimensions for policy decisions. This paper defends the thesis articulated in the following points: 1. Different metrics are linked to different objectives and values. To use only one measurement unit (on the grounds of the so-called commensurability principle) for incorporating a plurality of dimensions, objectives and values, implies reductionism necessarily. 2. Point 1) can be proven as a matter of formal logic by drawing on the work of Geach about moral philosophy. This theoretical demonstration is an original contribution of this article. Here the distinction between predicative and attributive adjectives is formalised and definitions are provided. Predicative adjectives are further distinguished into absolute and relative ones. The new concepts of set commensurability and rod commensurability are introduced too. 3. The existence of a plurality of social actors, with interest in the policy being assessed, causes that social decisions involve multiple types of values, of which economic efficiency is only one. Therefore it is misleading to make social decisions based only on that one value. 4. Weak comparability of values, which is grounded on incommensurability, is proved to be the main methodological foundation of policy evaluation in the framework of well-being economics. Incommensurability does not imply incomparability; on the contrary incommensurability is the only rational way to compare societal options under a plurality of policy objectives. 5. Weak comparability can be implemented by using multi-criteria evaluation, which is a formal framework for applied consequentialism under incommensurability. Social Multi-Criteria Evaluation, in particular, allows considering both technical and social incommensurabilities simultaneously.

Setting priorities in clinical and health services research: Properties of an adapted and updated method

Objectives: The objectives of this study is to review the set of criteria of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) for priority-setting in research with addition of new criteria if necessary, and to develop and evaluate the reliability and validity of the final priority score. Methods: Based on the evaluation of 199 research topics, forty-five experts identified additional criteria for priority-setting, rated their relevance, and ranked and weighted them in a three-round modified Delphi technique. A final priority score was developed and evaluated. Internal consistency, test���retest and inter-rater reliability were assessed. Correlation with experts��� overall qualitative topic ratings were assessed as an approximation to validity. Results: All seven original IOM criteria were considered relevant and two new criteria were added (���potential for translation into practice���, and ���need for knowledge���). Final ranks and relative weights differed from those of the original IOM criteria: ���research impact on health outcomes��� was considered the most important criterion (4.23), as opposed to ���burden of disease��� (3.92). Cronbach���s alpha (0.75) and test���retest stability (interclass correlation coefficient = 0.66) for the final set of criteria were acceptable. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for overall assessment of priority was 0.66. Conclusions: A reliable instrument for prioritizing topics in clinical and health services research has been developed. Further evaluation of its validity and impact on selecting research topics is required

Ecological economics

Ecological economics is a recently developed field, which sees the economy as a subsystem of a larger finite global ecosystem. Ecological economists question the sustainability of the economy because of its environmental impacts and its material and energy requirements, and also because of the growth of population. Attempts at assigning money values to environmental services and losses, and attempts at correcting macroeconomic accounting, are part of ecological economics, but its main thrust is rather in developing physical indicators and indexes of sustainability. Ecological economists also work on the relations between property rights and resource management, they model the interactions between the economy and the environment, they study ecological distribution conflicts, they use management tools such as integrated environmental assessment and multi-criteria decision aids, and they propose new instruments of environmental policy.

Gesti�� forestal de masses d'arbo�� (Arbutus unedo) en regeneraci�� despr��s de foc al terme municipal d'Esparreguera

Els incendis forestals s��n una pertorbaci�� amb un paper decisiu en l���estructura i din��mica dels ecosistemes mediterranis. La majoria de les seves esp��cies vegetals presenten mecanismes de resposta al foc, com la germinaci�� de llavors i la rebrotada d���individus cremats. Les masses forestals regenerades a partir de rebrots assoleixen densitats massa altes i una baixa producci��, i, per tant, ��s fonamental dur a terme una gesti�� mitjan��ant tractaments silv��coles. El principal objectiu d���aquest projecte ��s quantificar l���efecte de la selecci�� de rebrots i la selecci�� de rebrots m��s la desbrossada sobre el creixement de l���Arbutus unedo. S���han estudiat 12 parcel��les en regeneraci�� despr��s dels incendis de 1985, 1986 i 1994 al terme municipal d���Esparreguera. Els resultats mostren que els dos tractaments afavoreixen de la mateixa manera el creixement dels peus d���Arbutus unedo, a causa de la disminuci�� de la compet��ncia intraespec��fica i interespec��fica. La desbrossada (a nivell de parcel��la, no d���individu), no obstant, provoca un increment probablement perjudicial de l���al��ada dels rebrots, per la major disponibilitat de llum. Per tal de proposar un model de gesti�� forestal, s���ha realitzat una an��lisi multicriterial dels diferents escenaris, on s���han considerat altres criteris, com s��n el model de combustible, la possibilitat de pastura i el cost econ��mic. L���alternativa preferida en els boscos d���Arbutus unedo ��s la selecci�� de rebrots i la desbrossada.

Classificaci�� i import��ncia dels elements paisatg��stics del territori Tsimane' segons la percepci�� local

En aquesta tesis es presenten els resultats de la investigaci�� duta a terme a les comunitats ind��genes Tsimane��� de l���Amaz��nia boliviana. La investigaci�� estudia la percepci�� dels ind��genes sobre l���etnoclassificaci�� del seu territori. S���estableix una clau de classificaci�� i es determina la import��ncia dels elements paisatg��stics del territori Tsimane��� segons la percepci�� local. Aquesta informaci�� permetr�� integrar el coneixement local dins dels programes de desenvolupament integral i de planificaci�� territorial en l���Amaz��nia Boliviana. L���estudi conclou que la poblaci�� Tsimane��� classifica els elements paisatg��stics del seu entorn en 89 taques conformades per una esp��cies arb��ria dominant i que estan incloses en un o m��s dels nou paisatges identificats: D��rsi D��r��, Sajras, Sinues Oj��i���, Mayes, M��c��ya, Ts��quis D��r��, Cum, Taj��i��� i Jaman. A partir d���un an��lisi multicriteri s���ha determinat una import��ncia total per cada paisatge segons els seg��ents criteris d���import��ncia: diversitat de taques, activitats econ��miques realitzables, pres��ncia espiritual, percepci�� individual i import��ncia relativa segons els altres paisatges. Aix�� doncs s���ha trobat que el paisatge m��s important ��s el D��rsi D��r�� (bosc primari caracteritzat per un estrat arbori superior a 50 metres d���altura). Tamb�� s���han analitzat les dades discernint segons el g��nere de l���entrevistat i segons la proximitat de les comunitats estudiades a la ciutat m��s propera.

Integrated assessment of agricultural sustainability: the pros and cons of reductionism

In this paper I review a series of theoretical concepts that are relevant for the integrated assessment of agricultural sustainability but that are not generally included in the curriculum of the various scientific disciplines dealing with quantitative analysis of agriculture. I first illustrate with plain narratives and concrete examples that sustainability is an extremely complex issue requiring the simultaneous consideration of several aspects, which cannot be reduced into a single indicator of performance. Following, I justify this obvious need for multi-criteria analysis with theoretical concepts dealing with the epistemological predicament of complexity, starting from classic philosophical lessons to arrive to recent developments in complex system theory, in particular Rosen��s theory of modelling relation which is essential to analyze the quality of any quantitative representation. The implications of these theoretical concepts are then illustrated with applications of multi-criteria analysis to the sustainability of agriculture. I wrap up by pointing out the crucial difference between "integrated assessment" and "integrated analysis". An integrated analysis is a set of indicators and analytical models generating an analytical output. An integrated assessment is much more than that. It is about finding an effective way to deal with three key issues: (i) legitimacy ��� how to handle the unavoidable existence of legitimate but contrasting points of view about different meanings given by social actors to the word "development"; (ii) pertinence ��� how to handle in a coherent way scientific analyses referring to different scales and dimensions; and (iii) credibility ��� how to handle the unavoidable existence of uncertainty and genuine ignorance, when dealing with the analysis of future scenarios.

The effects of a universal child benefit

I study the impact of a universal child benefit on fertility and family well-being. I exploitthe unanticipated introduction of a new, sizeable, unconditional child benefit in Spain in2007, granted to all mothers giving birth on or after July 1, 2007. The regressiondiscontinuity-type design allows for a credible identification of the causal effects. I find thatthe benefit did lead to a significant increase in fertility, as intended, part of it coming froman immediate reduction in abortions. On the unintended side, I find that families whoreceived the benefit did not increase their overall expenditure or their consumption ofdirectly child-related goods and services. Instead, eligible mothers stayed out of the laborforce significantly longer after giving birth, which in turn led to their children spending lesstime in formal child care and more time with their mother during their first year of life. Ialso find that couples who received the benefit were less likely to break up the year afterhaving the child, although this effect was only short-term. Taken together, the resultssuggest that child benefits of this kind may successfully increase fertility, as well asaffecting family well-being through their impact on maternal time at home and familystability.

Living with diabetes: quality of care and quality of life

Background: The aim of this research was to characterize the experience of living with diabetes mellitus (DM) and identify patients" opinions of the quality of care received and the results of interventions. Methods: A descriptive, exploratory evaluation study using qualitative methodology was performed. Participants consisted of 40 adult patients diagnosed with DM and followed up in a public hospital in Barcelona, Spain. A semistructured interview and a focus group were used and a thematic content analysis was performed. Results: Patients described DM as a disease that is difficult to control and that provokes lifestyle changes requiring effort and sacrifice. Insulin treatment increased the perception of disease severity. The most frequent and dreaded complication was hypoglycemia. The main problems perceived by patients affecting the quality of care were related to a disease-centered medical approach, lack of information, limited participation in decision-making, and the administrative and bureaucratic problems of the health care system. Conclusion: The bureaucratic circuits of the health care system impair patients" quality of life and perceived quality of care. Health professionals should foster patient participation in decision-making. However, this requires not only training and appropriate attitudes, but also adequate staffing and materials.

Living with diabetes: quality of care and quality of life

Background: The aim of this research was to characterize the experience of living with diabetes mellitus (DM) and identify patients" opinions of the quality of care received and the results of interventions. Methods: A descriptive, exploratory evaluation study using qualitative methodology was performed. Participants consisted of 40 adult patients diagnosed with DM and followed up in a public hospital in Barcelona, Spain. A semistructured interview and a focus group were used and a thematic content analysis was performed. Results: Patients described DM as a disease that is difficult to control and that provokes lifestyle changes requiring effort and sacrifice. Insulin treatment increased the perception of disease severity. The most frequent and dreaded complication was hypoglycemia. The main problems perceived by patients affecting the quality of care were related to a disease-centered medical approach, lack of information, limited participation in decision-making, and the administrative and bureaucratic problems of the health care system. Conclusion: The bureaucratic circuits of the health care system impair patients" quality of life and perceived quality of care. Health professionals should foster patient participation in decision-making. However, this requires not only training and appropriate attitudes, but also adequate staffing and materials.

An��lisis territorial de la accesibilidad a la vivienda en Espa��a

El trabajo es una an��lisis territorial del problema de la accesibilidad a la vivienda en Espa��a. El ��mbito de estudio son las Comunidades Aut��nomas (CCAA) y el objetivo es evaluar qu�� CCAA gozan de mejores condiciones de accesibilidad a la vivienda en propiedad. Para alcanzar tal objetivo se trabaja con cuatro grupos de variables: variables relacionadas con la oferta de viviendas, variables relacionadas con los precios de la vivienda, variables relacionadas con la pol��tica de la vivienda y variables relacionadas con las caracter��sticas y equipamiento de la vivienda. La metodolog��a aplicada cae dentro de la programaci��n multicriterio. Esta t��cnica ha sido elegida porque permite incluir en la funci��n objetivo todas las variables consideradas relevantes e ir desgranando qu�� CCAA optimizan los criterios marcados de accesibilidad.

Competing risks to breast cancer mortality in Catalonia

Background: Breast cancer mortality has experienced important changes over the last century. Breast cancer occurs in the presence of other competing risks which can influence breast cancer incidence and mortality trends. The aim of the present work is: 1) to assess the impact of breast cancer deaths among mortality from all causes in Catalonia (Spain), by age and birth cohort and 2) to estimate the risk of death from other causes than breast cancer, one of the inputs needed to model breast cancer mortality reduction due to screening or therapeutic interventions. Methods: The multi-decrement life table methodology was used. First, all-cause mortality probabilities were obtained by age and cohort. Then mortality probability for breast cancer was subtracted from the all-cause mortality probabilities to obtain cohort life tables for causes other than breast cancer. These life tables, on one hand, provide an estimate of the risk of dying from competing risks, and on the other hand, permit to assess the impact of breast cancer deaths on all-cause mortality using the ratio of the probability of death for causes other than breast cancer by the all-cause probability of death. Results: There was an increasing impact of breast cancer on mortality in the first part of the 20th century, with a peak for cohorts born in 1945���54 in the 40���49 age groups (for which approximately 24% of mortality was due to breast cancer). Even though for cohorts born after 1955 there was only information for women under 50, it is also important to note that the impact of breast cancer on all-cause mortality decreased for those cohorts. Conclusion: We have quantified the effect of removing breast cancer mortality in different age groups and birth cohorts. Our results are consistent with US findings. We also have obtained an estimate of the risk of dying from competing-causes mortality, which will be used in the assessment of the effect of mammography screening on breast cancer mortality in Catalonia.

The star forming region Monoceros R2 as a gamma-ray source

After the release of the gamma-ray source catalog produced by the Fermi satellite during its first two years of operation, a significant fraction of sources still remain unassociated at lower energies. In addition to well-known high-energy emitters (pulsars, blazars, supernova remnants, etc.), theoretical expectations predict new classes of gamma-ray sources. In particular, gamma-ray emission could be associated with some of the early phases of stellar evolution, but this interesting possibility is still poorly understood. Aims: The aim of this paper is to assess the possibility of the Fermi gamma-ray source 2FGL J0607.5-0618c being associated with the massive star forming region Monoceros R2. Methods: A multi-wavelength analysis of the Monoceros R2 region is carried out using archival data at radio, infrared, X-ray, and gamma-ray wavelengths. The resulting observational properties are used to estimate the physical parameters needed to test the different physical scenarios. Results: We confirm the 2FGL J0607.5-0618c detection with improved confidence over the Fermi two-year catalog. We find that a combined effect of the multiple young stellar objects in Monoceros R2 is a viable picture for the nature of the source.

Hierarchical linear models in Psychiatry: A bibliometric study

Development of research methods requires a systematic review of their status. This study focuses on the use of Hierarchical Linear Modeling methods in psychiatric research. Evaluation includes 207 documents published until 2007, included and indexed in the ISI Web of Knowledge databases; analyses focuses on the 194 articles in the sample. Bibliometric methods are used to describe the publications patterns. Results indicate a growing interest in applying the models and an establishment of methods after 2000. Both Lotka"s and Bradford"s distributions are adjusted to the data.