Los riesgos geológicos y Ordenación Territorial

Existen amplias zonas del planeta en las que la incidencia de catástrofes naturales es muy elevada, especialmente en áreas con altas densidades de población y ocupación de espacios sometidos a riesgos naturales, la mayoría de los cuales tienen una filiación geológica clara. Por otra parte, la concienciación piública sobre estos fenómenos catastróficos naturales adquiere en la actualidad una dimensión añadida debido al papel preponderante desempeñado por los medios de comunicación, que muestran a todo el mundo, en cuestión de minutos, los efectos de estas catástrofes. Los ejemplos de los últimos grandes terremotos (Mejico, California y Japón), avalanchas, inundaciones, erupciones volcánicas, huracanes, etc, están presentes en la mente de todos.

A territorial approach to R&D subsidies: Empirical evidence for Catalonian firms

Using a database of 2,263 responses to R&D public calls in Catalonia, during the period 2007–2010, this paper proceeds to analyse the potential interaction of the territorial and policy dimensions with the propensity to apply for, and be awarded, a public R&D subsidy. Controlling for characteristics at the firm and project level, we estimate models using a two-step procedure. In the first step, our results suggest that large firms which export and which belong to high-tech manufactures are more likely to participate in a public R&D call. Furthermore, both urban location and past experience of such calls have a positive effect. Our territorial proxy of information spillovers shows a positive sign, but this is only significant at intra-industry level. Membership of one of the sectors prioritized by the Catalan government, perhaps surprisingly, does not have a significant impact. In the second step, our results show that cooperative projects, SMEs or old firms shows a positive effect on the probability of obtaining a public subsidy. Finally, the cluster policy does not show a clear relationship with the public R&D call, suggesting that cluster policies and R&D subsidies follow different goals. Our results are in line with previous results in the literature, but they highlight the unequal territorial distribution of the firms which apply and the fact that policymakers should interlink the decision criteria for their public call with other policies. Keywords: Evaluation, R&D policies, territorial approach, clusters JEL Classifications: L53, L25, O38

Marketing territorial et branding territorial : une revue de littérature systématique

Le présent article offre un aperçu systématique et complet de la littérature scientifique dédiée au domaine d'étude du marketing territorial et du branding territorial. 1172 contributions publiées entre 1976 et 2016 dans 98 revues différentes y sont analysées à l'aide d'un classement méticuleux dans des catégories et sous-catégories en fonction de l'approche disciplinaire, de la méthode utilisée et de la perspective adoptée. Cette revue de la littérature permet ainsi une vue d'ensemble détaillée de l'état de l'art et fait part des diverses tendances et évolutions concernant ce domaine d'étude en émergence. Elle atteste, entre autres, l'existence d'un flou conceptuel, de définitions divergentes et de faibles assises théoriques : ce qui contribue à un spectre très large d'objets d'étude. Un manque de preuves empiriques et de contributions à caractère explicatif est également observé : les nombreux postulats sur les effets des activités de marketing territorial par rapport à l'attractivité restent à démontrer. Elle souligne aussi un certain désintérêt de la littérature pour le contexte politico-institutionnel dans lequel les territoires s'inscrivent, pourtant crucial en termes de management public. Par ailleurs, ce travail souligne la place importante attribuée à la rhétorique des consultants, avec la publication d'une grande quantité de contributions normatives dans une optique de partage de bonnes pratiques. Pour finir, cette étude constate la présence d'un nombre significatif d'articles critiques.

Análisis arqueomorfológico de la llanura litoral al Norte de Valencia. Estructuración territorial y revisión de las tramas centuriadas

This paper is the result of the archaeo-morphological analysis of an area located to the north of the city of Valencia (Spain). This research has been developed in the context of one of the author’s PhD, which aims to analyse the whole of the city’s historical territory. The morphology of Valencia’s historical landscape and its different features have been analysed with a diachronic and multidisciplinary approach, combining data obtained from different types of analysis and through methodological procedures based on archaeo-morphology, traditional archaeology and landscape archaeology. For the first time, this methodology has been used in this territory. The results obtained represent a challenge regarding traditionally defended theses.

Anàlisi territorial de la vulnerabilitat dels recursos hídrics davant del canvi climàtic

En aquest capítol es descriuen els mecanismes que determinen la resposta dels sistemes hidrològics al canvi climàtic en el context de Catalunya i propostes per a determinar-ne la vulnerabilitat

Intervenciones de identidad territorial en el proceso global de construcción de imagen de marca de los destinos turísticos

La competitividad emergente entre destinos turísticos ha puesto de manifiesto la necesidad de enfatizar las estrategias de comunicación –con el fin de crear un valor añadido intangible para el potencial cliente- encaminadas a crear una imagen favorable de los espacios que se pretenden promocionar, mediante el diseño de acciones de comunicación con objetivos que van más allá del mero interés promocional o informativo. En este sentido, tanto los emplazamientos que conciben el turismo como una solución de diversificación económica (destinos emergentes), como las localizaciones geográficas que ya disponen de una cierta solera en relación a su tradición turística (destinos maduros), aúnan esfuerzos en aras de consolidar una identidad territorial acorde con sus posibilidades turísticas. Si además se tiene en cuenta que, en la actualidad, el consumo de imágenes percibidas a priori representa, de antemano, un primer viaje simbólico previo a un posterior viaje real, se puede llegar a vislumbrar el papel decisivo que desempeña la interpretación del consumidor (creación de imaginarios individuales y colectivos) en un escenario global de comercialización del territorio. Por tanto, el valor añadido en una situación de dura competencia entre destinos, radica en los valores que se asocian a la imagen de marca turística, que representa la primera carga de sensaciones y emociones que percibe el potencial turista y/o visitante antes de decidirse por uno u otro destino.

Use of neural networks in robot positioning of large flexible redundant manipulators

Deflection compensation of flexible boom structures in robot positioning is usually done using tables containing the magnitude of the deflection with inverse kinematics solutions of a rigid structure. The number of table values increases greatly if the working area of the boom is large and the required positioning accuracy is high. The inverse kinematics problems are very nonlinear, and if the structure is redundant, in some cases it cannot be solved in a closed form. If the structural flexibility of the manipulator arms is taken into account, the problem is almost impossible to solve using analytical methods. Neural networks offer a possibility to approximate any linear or nonlinear function. This study presents four different methods of using neural networks in the static deflection compensation and inverse kinematics solution of a flexible hydraulically driven manipulator. The training information required for training neural networks is obtained by employing a simulation model that includes elasticity characteristics. The functionality of the presented methods is tested based on the simulated and measured results of positioning accuracy. The simulated positioning accuracy is tested in 25 separate coordinate points. For each point, the positioning is tested with five different mass loads. The mean positioning error of a manipulator decreased from 31.9 mm to 4.1 mm in the test points. This accuracy enables the use of flexible manipulators in the positioning of larger objects. The measured positioning accuracy is tested in 9 separate points using three different mass loads. The mean positioning error decreased from 10.6 mm to 4.7 mm and the maximum error from 27.5 mm to 11.0 mm.

La regió de Girona: un model territorial en transformació, amb potencial i fràgil

During the most recent years the Regió de Girona has clearly transformed its territorial model, superimposing an emerging clearly hierarchic structure to a polycentric one. This way, Girona and its urban area has gained a diversified centrality. This transformation, though, needs a clearly defined project that, adapted to the current dynamism, makes explicit and supports or corrects the resultant territorial model in order to avoid infrastructural shortages, territorial imbalances, resource wasting and negative impact on the environment

Brand positioning for sport goods

The objective of this study was to find out how Exel position itself against its most important competitors, and how it could strengthen its own position in the future. Both end and intermediate customers was researched about their preferences and how the decision process could be influenced. The research was done by telephone interviews and the data was analyzed by statistical methods. The results showed that the decision making when buying floorball sticks is mainly influenced by the image of the brand and the popularity of the brand, rather than the actual technical abilities of the stick.

Cenários ambientais para o ordenamento territorial de áreas de preservação permanente no município de Sorocaba, SP

Este estudo objetivou analisar a importância das Áreas de Preservação Permanente (APP) para a manutenção dos remanescentes florestais no município de Sorocaba, SP. O mapa desses remanescentes foi elaborado com base em fotografias aéreas de 2006, e mapas de hidrografia e de declividade foram usados para determinação das APP. Compararam-se dois cenários: real (mata atual) e ideal (mata atual acrescida da restauração das APP), com base em métricas da paisagem. Os resultados indicaram que 19% do município se enquadra como APP e, dessa área, apenas 45% possui cobertura florestal. As APP preservadas representam 50% do total de cobertura florestal da paisagem. A restauração das APP representaria aumento de 16,68% para 28% de cobertura florestal da paisagem e possibilitaria o surgimento de fragmentos maiores que 3.000 ha, enquanto no cenário real os maiores fragmentos atingem 300 ha. Os remanescentes florestais se apresentaram intimamente ligados às APP: margens de rios, áreas alagáveis e encostas, onde a ocupação urbana foi dificultada e existe o instrumento legal de proteção. Esse quadro evidencia que as APP possuem papel fundamental na conservação florestal em um município bastante urbanizado, onde as áreas naturais sofrem muita pressão. A avaliação dos cenários mostrou que a incorporação dos dispositivos legais no planejamento e ordenamento territorial subsidia as estratégias voltadas para a manutenção de hábitats naturais e, consequentemente, a diminuição dos efeitos negativos sobre a biodiversidade. Entretanto, as mudanças recentes no Código Florestal podem representar um retrocesso no cenário ambiental nacional diante da crescente urbanização.

Positioning of fertilizer in corn sowing

The aim of this study was to determine whether the form of placing the fertilizer by the planter during the sowing under mulch in the no till system affects the yield of corn. The treatments consisted of placing the fertilizer during the seeding 0.05 m below and beside the seed, in front of the cutting blade and without fertilizer, in 03 farms during 03 cropping years. The experimental design at each farm was the randomized block, with 08 repetitions, whose plots had 30 m² each. The initial population and yield components were evaluated. Under the experimental conditions it is concluded that base fertilization can affect the yield. Fertilizer placement can affect the initial stand, but not the yield.

Developing a Brand Positioning Model for International Strategic Marketing

The target of this thesis is to develop a brand positioning process model for the case company’s international operations. The model will make the process more effective and decrease the risk of relevant aspects being forgotten. The focus is on the international operations although generally the brand positioning can be seen as a standardized subject and, thus, there is no need to distinguish market areas. Constructive research approach is chosen as a research method. Internal interviews are done in order to give the much needed insight about the case company’s current processes and circumstances. Based on theory, interviews as well as internal and external material the model is built. The most difficult part in building the model is to determine the order of each phase. Also, deciding the number of each phase can be problematic. The model should be brief and assertive in order to reduce the risk of misunderstanding between employees from different units. Based on the analysis of the interviews and the theory the brand positioning process model is presented with indication of the order of each phase. The model is divided to three main groups: Analyzing the Environment, Determining the Brand Position, and Documenting the BPS. The benefits of the model are that overlapping work can be reduced, too similar brands can be noticed and it is easier to train new employees.

Transition management and the sustainable nutrients economy in the Netherlands; positioning paper

In this positioning paper transition management (TM) and the sustainable nutrient economy are addressed. We discuss TM from its scholarly origins in the 1990’s to its implementation as a comprehensive sector-wide policy program on sustainability in The Netherlands during the first decade of the 2000´s. Although the program was innovative and provoked a new approach to environmental policy and governance, the program at large failed to set the right conditions under which sustainable transition take place. Lessons from the Netherlands, both successful and less successful, are addressed in this positioning paper to inform Finnish governmental and knowledge institutes on how (not) to implement TM on environmental issues. When looking at sustainable nutrient economy the paper takes a historical view at how problems with nutrients (especially phosphates) were dealt with in the Netherlands during the post World War II era. This transition did not occur easily. In the agricultural sector environmental policies to prevent nutrient problems were not easily accepted, as large agricultural economic interests were at stake and the sector’s main actors were generally opposed to (radical) environmental transition. Currently, sustainable nutrient economy initiatives are starting to receive attention on the political agenda once again. In 2011 a sector- and chain-wide covenant was signed, showing that sustainable nutrient transition goals get commitment from stakeholders throughout the nutrient chain. We judge that TM provides useful elements that are applicable to Finnish governance modes to support sustainable nutrient economy transition. However, the Finnish government should be careful when implementing TM to prevent making the same mistakes the Dutch government made in previous years.