Assessing trends in insured losses from floods in Spain 1971-2008

Economic impacts from floods have been increasing over recent decades, a fact often attributed to a changing climate. On the other hand, there is now a significant body of scientific scholarship all pointing towards increasing concentrations and values of assets as the principle cause of the increasing cost of natural disasters. This holds true for a variety of perils and across different jurisdictions. With this in mind, this paper examines the time history of insured losses from floods in Spain between 1971 and 2008. It as- sesses whether any discernible residual signal remains after adjusting the data for the increase in the number and value of insured assets over this period of time. Data on insured losses from floods were sourced from Consorcio de Com- pensaci��on de Seguros (CCS). Although a public institution, CCS compensates homeowners for the damage produced by floods, and thus plays a role similar to that of a private insurance company. Insured losses were adjusted using two proxy measures: first, changes in the total amount of annual surcharges (premiums) paid by customers to CCS, and secondly, changes in the total value of dwellings per year. The adjusted data reveals no significant trend over the period 1971-2008 and serves again to confirm that at this juncture, societal in- fluences remain the prime factors driving insured and economic losses from natural disasters.

Concentrations of resveratrol and derivatives in foods and estimation of dietary intake in a Spanish population: European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Spain cohort

Resveratrol has been shown to have beneficial effects on diseases related to oxidant and/or inflammatory processes and extends the lifespan of simple organisms including rodents. The objective of the present study was to estimate the dietary intake of resveratrol and piceid (R&P) present in foods, and to identify the principal dietary sources of these compounds in the Spanish adult population. For this purpose, a food composition database (FCDB) of R&P in Spanish foods was compiled. The study included 40 685 subjects aged 35-64 years from northern and southern regions of Spain who were included in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Spain cohort. Usual food intake was assessed by personal interviews using a computerised version of a validated diet history method. An FCDB with 160 items was compiled. The estimated median and mean of R&P intake were 100 and 933 mg/d respectively. Approximately, 32% of the population did not consume R�� The most abundant of the four stilbenes studied was trans-piceid (53��6 %), followed by trans-resveratrol (20��9 %), cis-piceid (19��3 %) and cis-resveratrol (6��2 %). The most important source of R&P was wines (98��4 %) and grape and grape juices (1��6 %), whereas peanuts, pistachios and berries contributed to less than 0��01 %. For this reason the pattern of intake of R&P was similar to the wine pattern. This is the first time that R&P intake has been estimated in a Mediterranean country.

Plasma homocysteine and vitamin B12 serum levels, red blood cell folate concentrations, C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutation and risk of recurrent miscarriage: a case-control study in Spain.

Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene mutation have been postulated as a possible cause of recurrent miscarriage (RM). There is a wide variation in the prevalence of MTHFR polymorphisms and homocysteine (Hcy) plasma levels among populations around the world. The present study was undertaken to investigate the possible association between hyperhomocysteinemia and its causative genetic or acquired factors and RM in Catalonia, a Mediterranean region in Spain. Methods: Sixty consecutive patients with ��� 3 unexplained RM and 30 healthy control women having at least one child but no previous miscarriage were included. Plasma Hcy levels, MTHFR gene mutation, red blood cell (RBC) folate and vitamin B12 serum levels were measured in all subjects. Results: No significant differences were observed neither in plasma Hcy levels, RBC folate and vitamin B12 serum levels nor in the prevalence of homozygous and heterozygous MTHFR gene mutation between the two groups studied. Conclusions: In the present study RM is not associated with hyperhomocysteinemia, and/or the MTHFR gene mutation.

Aberrant features of the Messinian coral reefs, Spain

Se describen someramente los principales arrecifes del Messiniense en Espa��a, haciendo hincapi�� en el conjunto de 'anomalias' presentan los arrecifes del Ne��geno inferior en comparaci��n con las asociaciones arrecifales actuales. Se discute la importancia y significado de Porites sp. como coral claramente dominante, y a menudo exclusivo, en la construcci��n de edificios arrecifales.

The Hercynian intrusive rocks of the Catalonian Coastal Ranges (NE Spain).

The hercynian outcrops of the Catalonian Coastal Ranges (NE Spain) consist mainly of Lower Permian-Upper Carboniferous, post-tectonic, epizona1 granitoid intrusions which form a typical applutonic calc-alkaline suite ranging from mafic hornblende gabbros and ultramafic olivine homblendites throught on alites and granodioritcs to leucogranites. This suite displays major andtrace-element characteristics and Sr isotope ratios similar to volcanic arc and post-collision magmatism oceanic lithosphere and to have been modified by contamination and is therefore believed to have formed above subducted with melts from the crust

Responses to a crisis: FASA-Renault in Spain during the 1970s

[cat] Aquest treball analitza la traject��ria de l���empresa FASA-Renault durant la d��cada dels setanta del segle XX. Aquest per��ode compren els primers anys de la crisis experimentada per l���economia i la industria espanyola entre 1974 y 1985. A nivell extern, l���economia espanyola es va veure afectada per dos xocs en el preu del petroli. A nivell intern, la industria de l���autom��bil es va veure afectat per un decret governamental: es tractava de l���anomenat decret ���Ford���, aprovat l���any 1972, el qual facilitava l���establiment de Ford a Espanya. Aquest decret va tenir greus conseq����ncies per a SEAT, el principal productor espanyol. Entre 1972 y 1980 la producci�� de SEAT es va reduir en una tercera part i la seva situaci�� financera va esdevenir insostenible. Per contra, en aquest per��ode FASA-Renault va esdevenir el principal productor ubicat a Espanya (la seva producci�� es va multiplicar per 3,5 durant els anys setanta) i en l��der de ventes en el mercat espanyol (la seva penetraci�� es va incrementar del 23 al 36%). El principal objectiu del treball es analitzar els factor que expliquen l�����xit de FASARenault durant els anys setanta.

The determinants of social spending in Spain, 1950-1980, Are dictatorships less redistributive?

[spa] La mayor��a de estudios sobre el Estado del Bienestar, hasta el momento, se han centrado en pa��ses democr��ticos y ricos. Sin embargo, los pa��ses pobres y no democr��ticos han recibido mucha menos atenci��n. Este art��culo aporta nueva evidencia emp��rica sobre la evoluci��n del gasto social en Espa��a y Portugal entre 1950 y 1980. A partir de ��sta se ha podido analizar la relaci��n entre dictaduras y redistribuci��n, ya que ambos pa��ses sufrieron gobiernos no democr��ticos durante la mayor parte del periodo. Adem��s del gasto social p��blico y su clasificaci��n por funciones, en este art��culo se analiza tambi��n la forma de financiaci��n de dicho gasto social.

Qualitative social differentiation in tertiary education in Spain

[cat] En aquest treball, s'estudia si la hip��tesi de la desigualtat efectivament mantinguda ���effectively maintained inequality��� es cumpleix a Espanya. Es postula que en les transicions terci��ries a Espanya, les influ��ncies dels pares no es manifesten tant a trav��s de la probabilitat de fer la transici��, sin�� m��s aviat a trav��s de les difer��ncies qualitatives associades a aquesta transici�� en termes de les qualitats dels programes educatius. Analitzem dues caracter��stiques qualitatives dels estudis universitaris: la durada del programa i el seu prestigi acad��mic. Identifiquem per a quins individus la influ��ncia parental ��s m��s important en cada cas.

Why do university graduates regret their study program? A comparison between Spain and the Netherlands

[cat] En aquest article investiguem els factors que porten a universitaris espanyols i holandesos a lamentar els estudis cursats. Espanya i Holanda tenen un sistema educatiu molt diferent en termes de la rigidesa de l���educaci�� secund��ria i el vincle entre l���educaci�� i el mercat laboral. Comparant Espanya i Holanda ens permet aprendre sobre les conseq����ncies de dos sistemes educatius molt diferenciats a la probabilitat de lamentar els estudis cursats. Basant-nos en la literatura psicol��gica sobre l���arrepentiment/lamentaci��, derivem unes hip��tesis de partida que contrastem emp��ricament. Els resultats mostren que tant la rigidesa de l���educaci�� secund��ria com el desajustament entre educaci�� i ocupaci�� s��n factors importants per explicar la lamentaci�� dels estudis universitaris cursats. L���article conclou amb recomenacions sobre el sistema educatiu universitari.

Responses to a crisis: FASA-Renault in Spain during the 1970s

[cat] Aquest treball analitza la traject��ria de l���empresa FASA-Renault durant la d��cada dels setanta del segle XX. Aquest per��ode compren els primers anys de la crisis experimentada per l���economia i la industria espanyola entre 1974 y 1985. A nivell extern, l���economia espanyola es va veure afectada per dos xocs en el preu del petroli. A nivell intern, la industria de l���autom��bil es va veure afectat per un decret governamental: es tractava de l���anomenat decret ���Ford���, aprovat l���any 1972, el qual facilitava l���establiment de Ford a Espanya. Aquest decret va tenir greus conseq����ncies per a SEAT, el principal productor espanyol. Entre 1972 y 1980 la producci�� de SEAT es va reduir en una tercera part i la seva situaci�� financera va esdevenir insostenible. Per contra, en aquest per��ode FASA-Renault va esdevenir el principal productor ubicat a Espanya (la seva producci�� es va multiplicar per 3,5 durant els anys setanta) i en l��der de ventes en el mercat espanyol (la seva penetraci�� es va incrementar del 23 al 36%). El principal objectiu del treball es analitzar els factor que expliquen l�����xit de FASARenault durant els anys setanta.

The determinants of social spending in Spain, 1950-1980, Are dictatorships less redistributive?

[spa] La mayor��a de estudios sobre el Estado del Bienestar, hasta el momento, se han centrado en pa��ses democr��ticos y ricos. Sin embargo, los pa��ses pobres y no democr��ticos han recibido mucha menos atenci��n. Este art��culo aporta nueva evidencia emp��rica sobre la evoluci��n del gasto social en Espa��a y Portugal entre 1950 y 1980. A partir de ��sta se ha podido analizar la relaci��n entre dictaduras y redistribuci��n, ya que ambos pa��ses sufrieron gobiernos no democr��ticos durante la mayor parte del periodo. Adem��s del gasto social p��blico y su clasificaci��n por funciones, en este art��culo se analiza tambi��n la forma de financiaci��n de dicho gasto social.

Why do university graduates regret their study program? A comparison between Spain and the Netherlands

[cat] En aquest article investiguem els factors que porten a universitaris espanyols i holandesos a lamentar els estudis cursats. Espanya i Holanda tenen un sistema educatiu molt diferent en termes de la rigidesa de l���educaci�� secund��ria i el vincle entre l���educaci�� i el mercat laboral. Comparant Espanya i Holanda ens permet aprendre sobre les conseq����ncies de dos sistemes educatius molt diferenciats a la probabilitat de lamentar els estudis cursats. Basant-nos en la literatura psicol��gica sobre l���arrepentiment/lamentaci��, derivem unes hip��tesis de partida que contrastem emp��ricament. Els resultats mostren que tant la rigidesa de l���educaci�� secund��ria com el desajustament entre educaci�� i ocupaci�� s��n factors importants per explicar la lamentaci�� dels estudis universitaris cursats. L���article conclou amb recomenacions sobre el sistema educatiu universitari.

Qualitative social differentiation in tertiary education in Spain

[cat] En aquest treball, s'estudia si la hip��tesi de la desigualtat efectivament mantinguda ���effectively maintained inequality��� es cumpleix a Espanya. Es postula que en les transicions terci��ries a Espanya, les influ��ncies dels pares no es manifesten tant a trav��s de la probabilitat de fer la transici��, sin�� m��s aviat a trav��s de les difer��ncies qualitatives associades a aquesta transici�� en termes de les qualitats dels programes educatius. Analitzem dues caracter��stiques qualitatives dels estudis universitaris: la durada del programa i el seu prestigi acad��mic. Identifiquem per a quins individus la influ��ncia parental ��s m��s important en cada cas.

Characteristics of 2D convective structures in Catalonia (NE Spain): an analysis using radar data and GIS

Flood simulation studies use spatial-temporal rainfall data input into distributed hydrological models. A correct description of rainfall in space and in time contributes to improvements on hydrological modelling and design. This work is focused on the analysis of 2-D convective structures (rain cells), whose contribution is especially significant in most flood events. The objective of this paper is to provide statistical descriptors and distribution functions for convective structure characteristics of precipitation systems producing floods in Catalonia (NE Spain). To achieve this purpose heavy rainfall events recorded between 1996 and 2000 have been analysed. By means of weather radar, and applying 2-D radar algorithms a distinction between convective and stratiform precipitation is made. These data are introduced and analyzed with a GIS. In a first step different groups of connected pixels with convective precipitation are identified. Only convective structures with an area greater than 32 km2 are selected. Then, geometric characteristics (area, perimeter, orientation and dimensions of the ellipse), and rainfall statistics (maximum, mean, minimum, range, standard deviation, and sum) of these structures are obtained and stored in a database. Finally, descriptive statistics for selected characteristics are calculated and statistical distributions are fitted to the observed frequency distributions. Statistical analyses reveal that the Generalized Pareto distribution for the area and the Generalized Extreme Value distribution for the perimeter, dimensions, orientation and mean areal precipitation are the statistical distributions that best fit the observed ones of these parameters. The statistical descriptors and the probability distribution functions obtained are of direct use as an input in spatial rainfall generators.

The Impact of EU Membership on the Economic Governance of Spain

[spa] Espa��a no fue admitida en la Comunidad Econ��mica Europea durante el r��gimen de Franco por razones pol��ticas. Integrarse a la Comunidad Europea en enero de 1986 fue el ��ltimo pelda��o hacia la consolidaci��n definitiva de la democracia en Espa��a y de la apertura de su econom��a.. Los resultados de los veinticinco a��os como miembro de la UE se han traducido en un impulso sin precedentes de modernizaci��n y progreso. Espa��a adopt�� el ���Acervo Comunitario��� y recibi�� considerables beneficios de su integraci��n a la Comunidad, eliminando barreras, siguiendo las pol��ticas comunes, recibiendo fondos europeos y adoptando la moneda europea com��n. A partir de un nivel del 60% del promedio europeo de renta per capita en 1986, el nivel actual ���incluso con la crisis que estall�� en 2008- se sit��a en torno al 105 por ciento. Los ��ltimos tres a��os han sido diferentes y dif��ciles como consecuencia de la severa crisis econ��mica y financiera.En este contexto este trabajo analiza como los sucesivos gobiernos de Espa��a han organizado la gobernanza econ��mica para adaptarla a los cambios cuantitativos y cualitativos que se han ido produciendo en la integraci��n europea.