Explorant la jove pagesia: camins, pràctiques i actituds en el marc d'un nou paradigma agrosocial. Estudi comparatiu entre el sud-oest de la província d'Ontario i les comarques gironines

The research has explored the reality of generational renewal in agriculture in order to understand the entry process, the agricultural practices of young people and their attitudes toward a new agrosocial paradigm. The methodology combined qualitative and quantitative techniques based on a comparative analysis between Southern Ontario (Canada) and Catalonia (Spain). The first result is that the pathway to become a farmer is a process consisting of different phases where each profile shows different needs and abilities. The second result verifies how the practices and attitudes of young people vary depending on the family origin. The thesis also analyzes the most relevant results in policy terms. Finally the research shows the reality of an emerging group of young farmers who put in practice a new agrosocial paradigm. This group is made up by continuers and newcomers and we have called them "New peasantry".

Processament de la informació en nens de pre-escolar de les comarques gironines. Implicacions pedagògiques

La nostra investigació s'inscriu en la concepció dinàmica de la intel·ligència, i concretament en el processos que configuren el processament cerebral en el Model d'integració de la informació descrit per Das, Kirby i Jarman (1979). Els dos processos cerebrals que constitueixen la base de la conducta intel·ligent són el processament simultani i el processament seqüencial; són les dues estratègies principals del processament de la informació. Tota classe d'estímul és susceptible d'ésser processat o bé seqüencialment (seriació, verbal, anàlisi), o be simultàniament (global, visual, síntesi). Basant-nos en el recull bibliogràfic i amb la convicció de que apropant-nos al coneixement de les peculiaritats del processament de la informació, ens endinsem en la comprensió del procés que mena a la conducta intel·ligent, i per tant, a l'aprenentatge, formulem la següent hipòtesi de treball: en els nens de preescolar (d'entre els 3 i els sis anys) es donaran aquest dos tipus de processament i variaran en funció de l'edat, el sexe, l'atenció, les dificultats d'aprenentatge, els problemes de llenguatge, el bilingüisme, el nivell sociocultural, la dominància manual, el nivell mental i de la presència de patologia. Les diferències que s'esdevinguin ens permetran de formular criteris i pautes per a la intervenció educativa. Els nostres objectius es refonen en mesurar el processament en nens de preescolar de les comarques gironines, verificar la relació de cada tipus de processament amb les variables esmentades, comprovar si s'estableix un paral·lelisme entre el processament i les aportacions de concepció localitzacionista de les funcions cerebrals en base als nostres resultats, i pautes per a la intervenció pedagògica. Quant al mètode, hem seleccionat una mostra representativa dels nens i nenes matriculats a les escoles publiques de les comarques gironines durant el curs 92/93, mitjançant un mostreig aleatori estratificat i per conglomerats. El tamany real de la mostra és de dos-cents seixanta un subjectes. Els instruments emprats han estat els següents: el Test K-ABC de Kaufman & Kaufman (1983) per a la avaluació del processament; un formulari dirigit als pares per a la recollida de la informació pertinent; entrevistes amb les mestres, i el Test de la Figura Humana de Goodenough. Pel que fa referència als resultats de la nostra recerca i en funció dels objectius proposats, constatem els fets següents. En els nens de preescolar, amb edats d'entre els tres i els sis anys, es constata l'existència dels dos tipus de processament cerebral, sense que es doni un predomini d'un sobre de l'altre; ambdós processaments actuen interrelacionadament. Ambdós tipus de processament milloren a mesura que augmenta l'edat, però es constaten diferències derivades del nivell mental: amb un nivell mental normal s'hi associa una millora d'ambdós processaments, mentre que amb un nivell mental deficient només millora fonamentalment el processament seqüencial. Tanmateix, el processament simultani està més relacionat amb les funcions cognitives complexes i és més nivell mental dependent que el processament seqüencial. Tant les dificultats d'aprenentatge com els problemes de llenguatge predominen en els nens i nenes amb un desequilibri significatiu entre ambdós tipus de processament; les dificultats d'aprenentatge estan més relacionades amb una deficiència del processament simultani, mentre que els problemes de llenguatge es relacionen més amb una deficiència en el processament seqüencial. Els nivells socioculturals baixos es relacionen amb resultats inferiors en ambdós tipus de processament. Per altra part, entre els nens bilingües és més freqüent el processament seqüencial significatiu. El test de la Figura Humana es comporta com un marcador de processament simultani i el nivell atencional com un marcador de la gravetat del problema que afecta al processament i en el següent ordre: nivell mental deficient, dificultats, d'aprenentatge i problemes de llenguatge . Les deficiències atencionals van lligades a deficiències en el processament simultani i a la presencia de patologia. Quant a la dominància manual no es constaten diferències en el processament. Finalment, respecte del sexe només podem aportar que quan un dels dos tipus de processament és deficitari,i es dóna per tant, un desequilibri en el processament, predomina significativament el nombre de nens afectats per sobre del de nenes.

Geostatistical radar-raingauge combination with nonparametric correlograms: methodological considerations and application in Switzerland

Modelling spatial covariance is an essential part of all geostatistical methods. Traditionally, parametric semivariogram models are fit from available data. More recently, it has been suggested to use nonparametric correlograms obtained from spatially complete data fields. Here, both estimation techniques are compared. Nonparametric correlograms are shown to have a substantial negative bias. Nonetheless, when combined with the sample variance of the spatial field under consideration, they yield an estimate of the semivariogram that is unbiased for small lag distances. This justifies the use of this estimation technique in geostatistical applications. Various formulations of geostatistical combination (Kriging) methods are used here for the construction of hourly precipitation grids for Switzerland based on data from a sparse realtime network of raingauges and from a spatially complete radar composite. Two variants of Ordinary Kriging (OK) are used to interpolate the sparse gauge observations. In both OK variants, the radar data are only used to determine the semivariogram model. One variant relies on a traditional parametric semivariogram estimate, whereas the other variant uses the nonparametric correlogram. The variants are tested for three cases and the impact of the semivariogram model on the Kriging prediction is illustrated. For the three test cases, the method using nonparametric correlograms performs equally well or better than the traditional method, and at the same time offers great practical advantages. Furthermore, two variants of Kriging with external drift (KED) are tested, both of which use the radar data to estimate nonparametric correlograms, and as the external drift variable. The first KED variant has been used previously for geostatistical radar-raingauge merging in Catalonia (Spain). The second variant is newly proposed here and is an extension of the first. Both variants are evaluated for the three test cases as well as an extended evaluation period. It is found that both methods yield merged fields of better quality than the original radar field or fields obtained by OK of gauge data. The newly suggested KED formulation is shown to be beneficial, in particular in mountainous regions where the quality of the Swiss radar composite is comparatively low. An analysis of the Kriging variances shows that none of the methods tested here provides a satisfactory uncertainty estimate. A suitable variable transformation is expected to improve this.

Independence referendums: who should vote and who should be offered citizenship?

In this EUDO CITIZENSHIP Forum Debate, several authors consider the interrelations between eligibility criteria for participation in independence referendum (that may result in the creation of a new independent state) and the determination of putative citizenship ab initio (on day one) of such a state. The kick-off contribution argues for resemblance of an independence referendum franchise and of the initial determination of the citizenry, critically appraising the incongruence between the franchise for the 18 September 2014 Scottish independence referendum, and the blueprint for Scottish citizenship ab initio put forward by the Scottish Government in its 'Scotland's Future' White Paper. Contributors to this debate come from divergent disciplines (law, political science, sociology, philosophy). They reflect on and contest the above claims, both generally and in relation to regional settings including (in addition to Scotland) Catalonia/Spain, Flanders/Belgium, Quebec/Canada, Post-Yugoslavia and Puerto-Rico/USA.

Latitudinal gradients in butterfly population variability are influenced by landscape heterogeneity

The variability of populations over time is positively associated with their risk of local extinction. Previous work has shown that populations at the high-latitude boundary of species’ ranges show higher inter-annual variability, consistent with increased sensitivity and exposure to adverse climatic conditions. However, patterns of population variability at both high- and low-latitude species range boundaries have not yet been concurrently examined. Here, we assess the inter-annual population variability of 28 butterfly species between 1994 and 2009 at 351 and 18 sites in the United Kingdom and Catalonia, Spain, respectively. Local population variability is examined with respect to the position of the species’ bioclimatic envelopes (i.e. whether the population falls within areas of the ‘core’ climatic suitability or is a climatically ‘marginal’ population), and in relation to local landscape heterogeneity, which may influence these range location – population dynamic relationships. We found that butterfly species consistently show latitudinal gradients in population variability, with increased variability in the more northerly UK. This pattern is even more marked for southerly distributed species with ‘marginal’ climatic suitability in the UK but ‘core’ climatic suitability in Catalonia. In addition, local landscape heterogeneity did influence these range location – population dynamic relationships. Habitat heterogeneity was associated with dampened population dynamics, especially for populations in the UK. Our results suggest that promoting habitat heterogeneity may promote the persistence of populations at high-latitude range boundaries, which may potentially aid northwards expansion under climate warming. We did not find evidence that population variability increases towards southern range boundaries. Sample sizes for this region were low, but there was tentative evidence, in line with previous ecological theory, that local landscape heterogeneity may promote persistence in these retracting low-latitude range boundary populations.

New techniques for the remote sensing of foliar nitrogen concentration in forest ecosystems.

During my Doctoral study I researched about the remote detection of canopy N concentration in forest stands, its potentials and problems, under many overlapping perspectives. The study consisted of three parts. In S. Rossore 2000 dataset analysis, I tested regressions between N concentration and NIR reflectances derived from different sources (field samples, airborne and satellite sensors). The analysis was further expanded using a larger dataset acquired in year 2009 as part of a new campaign funded by the ESA. In both cases, a good correlation was observed between Landsat NIR, using both TM (2009) and ETM+ (2000) imagery, and N concentration measured by a CHN elemental analyzer. Concerning airborne sensors I did not obtain the same good results, mainly because of the large FOV of the two instruments, and to the anisotropy of vegetation reflectance. We also tested the relation between ground based ASD measures and nitrogen concentration, obtaining really good results. Thus, I decided to expand my study to the regional level, focusing only on field and satellite measures. I analyzed a large dataset for the whole of Catalonia, Spain; MODIS imagery was used, in consideration of its spectral characteristics and despite its rather poor spatial resolution. Also in this case a regression between nitrogen concentration and reflectances was found, but not so good as in previous experiences. Moreover, vegetation type was found to play an important role in the observed relationship. We concluded that MODIS is not the most suitable satellite sensor in realities like Italy and Catalonia, which present a patchy and inhomogeneous vegetation cover; so it could be utilized for the parameterization of eco-physiological and biogeochemical models, but not for really local nitrogen estimate. Thus multispectral sensors similar to Landsat Thematic Mapper, with better spatial resolution, could be the most appropriate sensors to estimate N concentration.

Clasificación visual estructural de la madera de pino radiata procedente de Cataluña

Se han clasificado visualmente, según la norma española UNE 56544; 150 piezas de madera aserrada de pino radiata procedentes de Cataluña (España) con una sección de 80x150 mm y una longitud de 2.500 mm. Esta norma establece dos calidades visuales (ME-1 y ME-2) para piezas con grueso menor o igual que 70 mm y una única calidad visual (MEG) para gruesos mayores de 70 mm. Con el fin de conocer el efecto frontera entre la pequeña y la gran escuadría se clasificaron las piezas según ambas categorías. Se determinó la tensión de rotura en flexión, el módulo de elasticidad en flexión y la densidad de cada pieza mediante el ensayo de acuerdo con la norma UNE-EN 408 siguiendo los ajustes definidos en la norma UNE-EN 384. Un 53 % de las piezas se clasificaron como MEG con una resistencia característica a flexión de 28 N/mm2 y un valor medio del módulo de elasticidad de 9.900 N/mm2. Por otra, un 42 % de las piezas se clasificaron como ME-2 y sólo un 3 % como ME-1; en este caso las propiedades mecánicas de la calidad ME-2 no se alejan mucho de las de la calidad MEG. El elevado porcentaje de piezas rechazadas (47 % frente a la MEG) se debe principalmente al defecto de alabeo responsable de un 39 % de rechazo. Si no se considera el alabeo en la clasificación el porcentaje de rechazo desciende al 17 % y las propiedades mecánicas de la calidad MEG presentan un valor característico de resistencia a flexión de 21 N/mm2 y un módulo de elasticidad de 9.100 N/mm2. A sample of 150 pieces of radiata pine sawn timber with 180x120 mm in cross-section and 2.500 mm in length sourcing from Catalonia (Spain) were visually graded according to Spanish standard UNE 56544. This standard establish two visual grades (ME-1 and ME-2) for timber pieces with thickness equal or less than 70 mm, and one grade (MEG) for thickness bigger than 70 mm. In order to know the border effect between small and larger cross-section the pieces were graded in both categories. The modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity and density were obtained by test according to EN 408 standard and the adjustments of EN 384. A 53 % of pieces were classified as MEG with a characteristic bending strength of 28 N/mm2 and a mean value of MOE of 9.900 N/mm2. On the other hand, a 42 % of pieces were classified as ME-2 and only a 3 % as ME-1; in this case the mechanical properties of ME-2 are not far from MEG properties. The high percentage of rejected pieces (47 % vs MEG) is mainly due to the twist defect with a 39 % of rejected pieces. If twist is not considered in the grading process the reject percentage decreases to 17 % and the mechanical properties of MEG grade present a characteristic value of bending strength of 21 N/mm2 and a MOE of 9.100 N/mm2.

Determination of selected pharmaceutical compounds in biosolids bysupported liquid extraction and gas chromatography?tandem massspectrometry

In this work, an analytical method was developed for the determination of pharmaceutical drugs inbiosolids. Samples were extracted with an acidic mixture of water and acetone (1:2, v/v) and supportedliquid extraction was used for the clean-up of extracts, eluting with ethyl acetate:methanol (90:10, v/v).The compounds were determined by gas chromatography?tandem mass spectrometry using matrix-match calibration after silylation to form their t-butyldimethylsilyl derivatives. This method presentsvarious advantages, such as a fairly simple operation for the analysis of complex matrices, the use ofinexpensive glassware and low solvent volumes. Satisfactory mean recoveries were obtained with thedeveloped method ranging from 70 to 120% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) ? 13%, and limitsof detection between 0.5 and 3.6 ng g?1. The method was then successfully applied to biosolids samplescollected in Madrid and Catalonia (Spain). Eleven of the sixteen target compounds were detected in thestudied samples, at levels up to 1.1 ?g g?1(salicylic acid). Ibuprofen, caffeine, paracetamol and fenofibratewere detected in all of the samples analyzed.

Dimensionality Reduction Through Sub-Space Mapping for Nearest Neighbour Algorithms

Postprint

From problems to opportunities a shift needed for public health

Public health has in the past been a problem orientated discipline which has devoted its energies mainly to defining, prioritizing and trying to solve problems. This means paying attention to the short-term. If we examine the rises and falls of public health as a discipline with its successes and failures in gaining health, and if we compare public health with successful organisations, the need for changing the emphasis from problems to opportunities becomes apparent. In this endeavour for the future, strategic thinking and policy analysis seem appropriate new tools for public health professionals. The economic crisis and the weakness of the welfare state are presented as major opportunities for public health to achieve health gain in Europe.

Fossil associations from the middle and upper Eocene strata of the Pamplona Basin and surrounding areas (Navarre, western Pyrenees)

Fossil associations from the middle and upper Eocene (Bartonian and Priabonian) sedimentary succession of the Pamplona Basin are described. This succession was accumulated in the western part of the South Pyrenean peripheral foreland basin and extends from deep-marine turbiditic (Ezkaba Sandstone Formation) to deltaic (Pamplona Marl, Ardanatz Sandstone and Ilundain Marl formations) and marginal marine deposits (Gendulain Formation). The micropalaeontological content is high. It is dominated by foraminifera, and common ostracods and other microfossils are also present. The fossil ichnoasssemblages include at least 23 ichnogenera and 28 ichnospecies indicative of Nereites, Cruziana, Glossifungites and ?Scoyenia-Mermia ichnofacies. Body macrofossils of 78 taxa corresponding to macroforaminifera, sponges, corals, bryozoans, brachiopods, annelids, molluscs, arthropods, echinoderms and vertebrates have been identified. Both the number of ichnotaxa and of species (e. g. bryozoans, molluscs and condrichthyans) may be considerably higher. Body fossil assemblages are comparable to those from the Eocene of the Nord Pyrenean area (Basque Coast), and also to those from the Eocene of the west-central and eastern part of South Pyrenean area (Aragon and Catalonia). At the European scale, the molluscs assemblages seem endemic from the Pyrenean area, although several Tethyan (Italy and Alps) and Northern elements (Paris basin and Normandy) have been recorded. Palaeontological data of studied sedimentary units fit well with the shallowing process that throughout the middle and late Eocene occurs in the area, according to the sedimentological and stratigraphical data.

The contribution of the entrepreneurial orientation to SMEs profitability: a contingent analysis that considers the environment role

This paper aims first to show the effect of the Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) on SMEs financial performance, and second, to propose a contingency model which explores the moderating effects of environmental hostility of the relationship EO –financial performance -- To examine the research hypotheses, a sample of 121 manufacturing SMEs located in Catalonia, Spain has been used -- The results confirm a positive EO-financial performance relation, and suggest that a more positive relation exists when there is an adjustment between the EO and the environment -- Finally, the academic and entrepreneurial implications related to the EO and the SMEs environment are presented and discussed

MAGGnet: an international network to foster mitigation of agricultural greenhouse gases.

Research networks provide a framework for review, synthesis and systematic testing of theories by multiple scientists across international borders critical for addressing global-scale issues. In 2012, a GHG research network referred to as MAGGnet (Managing Agricultural Greenhouse Gases Network) was established within the Croplands Research Group of the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA). With involvement from 46 alliance member countries, MAGGnet seeks to provide a platform for the inventory and analysis of agricultural GHG mitigation research throughout the world. To date, metadata from 315 experimental studies in 20 countries have been compiled using a standardized spreadsheet. Most studies were completed (74%) and conducted within a 1-3-year duration (68%). Soil carbon and nitrous oxide emissions were measured in over 80% of the studies. Among plant variables, grain yield was assessed across studies most frequently (56%), followed by stover (35%) and root (9%) biomass. MAGGnet has contributed to modeling efforts and has spurred other research groups in the GRA to collect experimental site metadata using an adapted spreadsheet. With continued growth and investment, MAGGnet will leverage limited-resource investments by any one country to produce an inclusive, globally shared meta-database focused on the science of GHG mitigation.

Social spending and demographics: The role of public policies in the intergenerational redistribution of income. Empirical evidence from Spain and Catalonia

The demographic shift underway in Southern Europe requires a revision of some of the fundamental principles of the traditional welfare state. We analyze the evolution of several aspects of welfare and social expenditure over the last two decades. We find that in the context of the present demographic changes and real estate boom current social and pension policy leads to a new distribution of benefits and burdens which is highly intergenerationally unequal. We argue for a revised definition of public policy based on Musgrave's proposition as a possible rule for an intergenerationally fair distribution.

Social spending and demographics: The role of public policies in the intergenerational redistribution of income. Empirical evidence from Spain and Catalonia

The demographic shift underway in Southern Europe requires a revision of some of thefundamental principles of the traditional welfare state. We analyze the evolution of several aspects of welfare and social expenditure over the last two decades. We find that in the context of the present demographic changes and real estate boom current social and pension policy leads to a new distribution of benefits and burdens which is highly intergenerationally unequal. We argue for a revised definition of public policy based on Musgrave's proposition as a possible rule for an intergenerationally fair distribution.