The Worsening of the employment and work conditions and its relationship to the self-perceived health in European working population. Relevance and effects of the latest socioeconomic crisis

The recent crisis of the capitalistic economic system has altered the working conditions and occupations in the European Union. The recession situation has accelerated trends and has brought transformations that have been observed before. Changes have not looked the same way in all the countries of the Union. The social occupation norms, labour relations models and the type of global welfare provision can help underline some of these inequalities. Poor working conditions can expose workers to situations of great risk. This is one of the basic assumptions of the theoretical models and analytical studies of the approach to the psychosocial work environment. Changes in working conditions of the population seems to be important to explain in the worst health states. To observe these features in the current period of economic recession it has made a comparative study of trend through the possibilities of the European Working Conditions Survey in the 2005 and 2010 editions. It has also set different multivariate logistic regression models to explore potential partnerships with the worst conditions of employment and work. It seems that the economic crisis has intensified changes in working conditions and highlighted the effects of those conditions on the poor health of the working population. This conclusion can’t be extended for all EU countries; some differences were observed in terms of global welfare models.

Crisis communication in politics: forgiveness as image restoration tool

Crisis communication is a widely treated field. There are lot of works and guides which provide helpful information in order to face crisis situations successfully (Alcat, 2005, Benoit, 1997) and articles about case studies (Nespereira, 2014, Blaney y Benoit 2001). Nonetheless, most of times, these guides are focused on business or corporations (Abeler, 2010) and there are not such information about crisis communications in politics (Gaspar e Ibeas, 2015). The field is smaller if we speak about forgiveness as restoration image tool in politics (Harris 2006). Despite all, we live in “forgiveness era” as Krauze said (1998) where people demand to politicians to apologize when they have mistakes (Harris et al. 2006:716). So, we will try to make an approach to forgiveness in politics as a image restoration tool and analyze its capabilities in order to face crisis management.

El autocuidado y apoyo social de mujeres de un proyecto de seguimiento mamográfico en Porto Alegre/Brasil

Objective: Identify preventive self-care practices and analyze the configurations of the network support for women with and without breast cancer registered in a mammography-monitoring project from Porto Alegre/Brazil.Method: a mixed sequential delimitation was performed, which expanded the results of the quantitative step (cross and correlation section) in a qualitative step (narrative interviews). 37 women diagnosed with breast cancer (group 1) and 72 without this diagnosis (group 2 – monitoring) participated. The following instruments were used: Assessment Questionnaire Self-care Ability (ASA-A) and Assessment Questionnaire Perceived Social Support and Community. There were performed descriptive analysis and comparison of means (t test and ANOVA) between the two groups. To deepen the understanding of the data, we selected four women with breast cancer with extreme levels on the scale of Social Support to participate in the biographical narrative interviews.Results: the analysis indicate that women who had breast cancer have better self-care practices than the women from the monitoring project (t = 1.791, P = 0.027). As for the analysis of social support, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. All participants have an average level of perceived social and community support. It was highlighted by the qualitative data that it was after the diagnosis of breast cancer that women lived self-care aspects they had not previously experienced.Conclusions: the self-care was significantly bigger in the group of women with breast cancer, where the cancer diagnosis was a trigger to increase self-care.

Evaluación de la calidad de un servicio de voluntariado en oncología: un Análisis Importancia-Valoración (IPA)

Objective: Using an Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA), this paper examined a Radiotherapy and Oncological Patient and Non-patient perceived importance and performance of ten Humanization Volunteer Program selection factors in the General Hospital in Spain.Methods: The authors identified a list of seven items from the Health-marketing literature reviews, and each item was rated using a 5-point Likert scale. Responses were obtained of 148 usable interviews.Results: The importance-performance patient grid was corrected with literature recommendations and, in the patient sample, shows three items fall in the “Keep up the good work” quadrant, four items fall into the “Low priority” quadrant, zero items fall into the “Possible overkill” quadrant, and no items fall in the “Concentrate here” quadrant. Non-patient (n=80) factors means shows statistical differences with patient (n=68) means in catering (t=-2.38; df.=146; p<0.05), and information (t=2.16; df146; p<0,05).Conclusions: The results are useful in identifying areas for strategic focus to help Health Services managers develop humanization programs with volunteer workers and different program users. Implication to volunteer programs managers and researchers were discussed.

Net-surplus as a useful tool to analyse financial information in co-op societies

This paper aims to analyse a sample of Galician co-ops to verify whether or not it is possible to deduce different financial behaviours among co-op partners from the amount of net-surplus. To this end, our study adds net-surplus to the variation registered in some account entries so that other residual incomes yielded by the co-op may be considered. The distribution of these revenues shows that partners do not usually choose to fully anticipate residual incomes. This reveals that some firms follow a positive net-surplus strategy, which is actually different from the null net-surplus strategy asserted by the classical financial theory. Furthermore, results show that differences between both strategies are statistically significant. This opens a path to future research on determinants explaining why co-op partners voluntarily renounce to anticipating these residual incomes. Such behaviour only arises when yearly accounts render a positive result, thereby making the accounting net-surplus a useful tool to analyse financial information in co-op societies.

La Unión Europea y la OTAN en el marco de la nueva Estrategia Global de Seguridad de la Unión Europea

El artículo analiza la relación entre la Unión Europea y la OTAN en cuestiones de defensa, según se ha reflejado en las estrategias de seguridad de la Unión Europea, con particular atención a la Estrategia Global de la Unión Europea presentada en 2016. Se estudia la Estrategia de Seguridad Europea de 2003, el Informe de Implementación de 2008, y las nuevas aproximaciones al contexto internacional y a la seguridad europea que se reflejan en la Estrategia Global. Se analiza también el papel de la OTAN, así como la evolución de la política de seguridad de los Estados Unidos hacia Europa durante la Administración Obama. Finalmente se discute el posible futuro de la Política Común de Seguridad y Defensa de la UE (PCSD) después del Bréxit, así como las consecuencias para su relación con la OTAN.

Assessment of turbulence model predictions for a centrifugal compressor simulation

Steady-state computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are an essential tool in the design process of centrifugal compressors. Whilst global parameters, such as pressure ratio and efficiency, can be predicted with reasonable accuracy, the accurate prediction of detailed compressor flow fields is a much more significant challenge. Much of the inaccuracy is associated with the incorrect selection of turbulence model. The need for a quick turnaround in simulations during the design optimisation process, also demands that the turbulence model selected be robust and numerically stable with short simulation times.
In order to assess the accuracy of a number of turbulence model predictions, the current study used an exemplar open CFD test case, the centrifugal compressor ‘Radiver’, to compare the results of three eddy viscosity models and two Reynolds stress type models. The turbulence models investigated in this study were (i) Spalart-Allmaras (SA) model, (ii) the Shear Stress Transport (SST) model, (iii) a modification to the SST model denoted the SST-curvature correction (SST-CC), (iv) Reynolds stress model of Speziale, Sarkar and Gatski (RSM-SSG), and (v) the turbulence frequency formulated Reynolds stress model (RSM-ω). Each was found to be in good agreement with the experiments (below 2% discrepancy), with respect to total-to-total parameters at three different operating conditions. However, for the off-design conditions, local flow field differences were observed between the models, with the SA model showing particularly poor prediction of local flow structures. The SST-CC showed better prediction of curved rotating flows in the impeller. The RSM-ω was better for the wake and separated flow in the diffuser. The SST model showed reasonably stable, robust and time efficient capability to predict global and local flow features.

Evaluation use within a humanitarian non-governmental organization’s health care user-fee exemption program in West Africa

L’évaluation de l’action humanitaire (ÉAH) est un outil valorisé pour soutenir l’imputabilité, la transparence et l’efficience de programmes humanitaires contribuant à diminuer les inéquités et à promouvoir la santé mondiale. L’EAH est incontournable pour les parties prenantes de programme, les bailleurs de fonds, décideurs et intervenants souhaitant intégrer les données probantes aux pratiques et à la prise de décisions. Cependant, l’utilisation de l’évaluation (UÉ) reste incertaine, l’ÉAH étant fréquemment menée, mais inutilisé. Aussi, les conditions influençant l’UÉ varient selon les contextes et leur présence et applicabilité au sein d’organisations non-gouvernementales (ONG) humanitaires restent peu documentées. Les évaluateurs, parties prenantes et décideurs en contexte humanitaire souhaitant assurer l’UÉ pérenne détiennent peu de repères puisque rares sont les études examinant l’UÉ et ses conditions à long terme. La présente thèse tend à clarifier ces enjeux en documentant sur une période de deux ans l’UÉ et les conditions qui la détermine, au sein d’une stratégie d’évaluation intégrée au programme d’exemption de paiement des soins de santé d’une ONG humanitaire. L’objectif de ce programme est de faciliter l’accès à la santé aux mères, aux enfants de moins de cinq ans et aux indigents de districts sanitaires au Niger et au Burkina Faso, régions du Sahel où des crises alimentaires et économiques ont engendré des taux élevés de malnutrition, de morbidité et de mortalité. Une première évaluation du programme d’exemption au Niger a mené au développement de la stratégie d’évaluation intégrée à ce même programme au Burkina Faso. La thèse se compose de trois articles. Le premier présente une étude d’évaluabilité, étape préliminaire à la thèse et permettant de juger de sa faisabilité. Les résultats démontrent une logique cohérente et plausible de la stratégie d’évaluation, l’accessibilité de données et l’utilité d’étudier l’UÉ par l’ONG. Le second article documente l’UÉ des parties prenantes de la stratégie et comment celle-ci servit le programme d’exemption. L’utilisation des résultats fut instrumentale, conceptuelle et persuasive, alors que l’utilisation des processus ne fut qu’instrumentale et conceptuelle. Le troisième article documente les conditions qui, selon les parties prenantes, ont progressivement influencé l’UÉ. L’attitude des utilisateurs, les relations et communications interpersonnelles et l’habileté des évaluateurs à mener et à partager les connaissances adaptées aux besoins des utilisateurs furent les conditions clés liées à l’UÉ. La thèse contribue à l’avancement des connaissances sur l’UÉ en milieu humanitaire et apporte des recommandations aux parties prenantes de l’ONG.

Differential Evolution: A Tool for Global Optimization

This report describes a tool for global optimization that implements the Differential Evolution optimization algorithm as a new Excel add-in. The tool takes a step beyond Excel’s Solver add-in, because Solver often returns a local minimum, that is, a minimum that is less than or equal to nearby points, while Differential Evolution solves for the global minimum, which includes all feasible points. Despite complex underlying mathematics, the tool is relatively easy to use, and can be applied to practical optimization problems, such as establishing pricing and awards in a hotel loyalty program. The report demonstrates an example of how to develop an optimum approach to that problem.

Monitoring sandy shores morphologies by DGPS: a practical tool to generate digital elevation models

The highly dynamic nature of some sandy shores with continuous morphological changes require the development of efficient and accurate methodological strategies for coastal hazard assessment and morphodynamic characterisation. During the past decades, the general methodological approach for the establishment of coastal monitoring programmes was based on photogrammetry or classical geodetic techniques. With the advent of new geodetic techniques, space-based and airborne-based, new methodologies were introduced in coastal monitoring programmes. This paper describes the development of a monitoring prototype that is based on the use of global positioning system (GPS). The prototype has a GPS multiantenna mounted on a fast surveying platform, a land vehicle appropriate for driving in the sand (four-wheel quad). This system was conceived to perform a network of shore profiles in sandy shores stretches (subaerial beach) that extend for several kilometres from which high-precision digital elevation models can be generated. An analysis of the accuracy and precision of some differential GPS kinematic methodologies is presented. The development of an adequate survey methodology is the first step in morphodynamic shore characterisation or in coastal hazard assessment. The sample method and the computational interpolation procedures are important steps for producing reliable three-dimensional surface maps that are real as possible. The quality of several interpolation methods used to generate grids was tested in areas where there were data gaps. The results obtained allow us to conclude that with the developed survey methodology, it is possible to Survey sandy shores stretches, under spatial scales of kilometers, with a vertical accuracy of greater than 0.10 m in the final digital elevation models.

Techno-Economic Assessment of LNG and Diesel Production and Global Trading Based on Hybrid PV-Wind Power Plants and PtG, GtL and PtL Technologies

With growing demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquid transportation fuels, and concerns about climate change and causes of greenhouse gas emissions, this master’s thesis introduces a new value chain design for LNG and transportation fuels and respective fundamental business cases based on hybrid PV-Wind power plants. The value chains are composed of renewable electricity (RE) converted by power-to-gas (PtG), gas-to-liquids (GtL) or power-to-liquids (PtL) facilities into SNG (which is finally liquefied into LNG) or synthetic liquid fuels, mainly diesel, respectively. The RE-LNG or RE-diesel are drop-in fuels to the current energy system and can be traded everywhere in the world. The calculations for the hybrid PV-Wind power plants, electrolysis, methanation (H2tSNG), hydrogen-to-liquids (H2tL), GtL and LNG value chain are performed based on both annual full load hours (FLh) and hourly analysis. Results show that the proposed RE-LNG produced in Patagonia, as the study case, is competitive with conventional LNG in Japan for crude oil prices within a minimum price range of about 87 - 145 USD/barrel (20 – 26 USD/MBtu of LNG production cost) and the proposed RE-diesel is competitive with conventional diesel in the European Union (EU) for crude oil prices within a minimum price range of about 79 - 135 USD/barrel (0.44 – 0.75 €/l of diesel production cost), depending on the chosen specific value chain and assumptions for cost of capital, available oxygen sales and CO2 emission costs. RE-LNG or RE-diesel could become competitive with conventional fuels from an economic perspective, while removing environmental concerns. The RE-PtX value chain needs to be located at the best complementing solar and wind sites in the world combined with a de-risking strategy. This could be an opportunity for many countries to satisfy their fuel demand locally. It is also a specific business case for countries with excellent solar and wind resources to export carbon-neutral hydrocarbons, when the decrease in production cost is considerably more than the shipping cost. This is a unique opportunity to export carbon-neutral hydrocarbons around the world where the environmental limitations on conventional hydrocarbons are getting tighter.

Développement d’une stratégie de modification du bois afin de limiter les variations dimensionnelles du produit lambris dans un contexte éco-responsable

Ce travail de thèse présente deux grands axes. Le premier axe, touche les traitements du bois dans le but principal de réduire les variations dimensionnelles et d’améliorer la résistance à l’attaque des champignons lignivores. Le second axe quant à lui, touche l’aspect environnemental du traitement acide citrique-glycérol. Ce dernier a pour but principal de démontrer que le prolongement de la durée de vie en service du produit lambris traité, compense les impacts environnementaux causés par ce traitement. Dans le premier axe, deux traitements ont été réalisés sur deux essences de pin (Pinus strobus L. et Pinus contorta D.). Un traitement à l’anhydride maléique et un autre traitement avec une solution d’acide citrique – glycérol brute (AC-G). Dans le premier cas, les effets de deux paramètres (la durée de séchage et la température d’estérification) sur les résultats des essais de stabilité dimensionnelle, de résistance à la dégradation fongique et de vieillissement accéléré ont été évalués. Trois niveaux de durée de séchage après imprégnation (12 h, 18 h et 24 h) et trois niveaux de température d’estérification (140 °C, 160 °C et 180 °C) ont été considérés. Dans le second cas, après identification du meilleur catalyseur (HCl) et du meilleur ratio acide citrique – glycérol (3/1) pendant les essais préliminaires, les performances de ce traitement sur la stabilité dimensionnelle, la résistance à la pourriture fongique, la dureté de surface et l’adhérence des couches de revêtement de peinture sur la surface du substrat bois ont été analysées. Les résultats obtenus ont été appuyés par une suite d’analyses qualitatives et quantitatives pour mieux comprendre et expliquer. Les analyses qualitatives sont : (i) la spectroscopie infrarouge à transformée de Fourier (IRTF) et (ii) la microscopie électronique à balayage (MEB) tandis que la quantitative, l’analyse par perte de masse a été faite par pesée. Dans le second axe, une analyse des impacts environnementaux du traitement AC-G a été effectuée par le biais du logiciel SimaPro v8. La base de données Ecoinvent v3 et la méthode d’analyse d’impact Impact 2002+ ont été utilisées dans cette partie du travail de thèse. Sur la base des résultats du second traitement (AC-G) et des travaux disponibles dans la littérature, nous avons estimé, une durée de vie en service des lambris traités. Les différents scénarios de la durée de vie du lambris traité mis sur pied par rapport à celle offerte aujourd’hui par l’industrie, nous permettent de modéliser les impacts environnementaux du traitement. A cette fin, l’analyse de cycle de vie (ACV) a été utilisée comme outil de conception. En conclusion, les paramètres, durée de séchage et température d’estérification influencent les résultats obtenus dans le cas du traitement du bois à l’anhydride maléique. La combinaison 24 h de séchage et 180 °C, température d’estérification, représente les paramètres qui offrent les meilleurs résultats de stabilité dimensionnelle, de résistance à la dégradation fongique et de vieillissement accéléré. Le traitement AC-G améliore la stabilité dimensionnelle, la résistance à la dégradation fongique et la dureté de surface des échantillons. Cependant, le traitement réduit l’adhérence des couches de peinture. Les impacts environnementaux produits par le traitement AC-G sont majoritairement liés à la consommation de la ressource énergie (électricité). Le traitement prolonge la durée de vie en service du lambris traité et il a été mis en évidence que le scénario de durée de vie qui permettrait que le lambris traité puisse se présenter comme un produit à faible impact environnemental par rapport au lambris non traité est celui d’une durée de vie de 55 ans.