Comparison of Thematic Maps Using Symbolic Entropy

Comparison of thematic maps is an important task in a number of disciplines. Map comparison has traditionally been conducted using cell-by-cell agreement indicators, such as the Kappa measure. More recently, other methods have been proposed that take into account not only spatially coincident cells in two maps, but also their surroundings or the spatial structure of their differences. The objective of this paper is to propose a framework for map comparison that considers 1) the patterns of spatial association in two maps, in other words, the map elements in their surroundings; 2) the equivalence of those patterns; and 3) the independence of patterns between maps. Two new statistics for the spatial analysis of qualitative data are introduced. These statistics are based on the symbolic entropy of the maps, and function as measures of map compositional equivalence and independence. As well, all inferential elements to conduct hypothesis testing are developed. The framework is illustrated using real and synthetic maps. Key word: Thematic maps, map comparison, qualitative variables, spatial association, symbolic entropy, hypothesis tests

The distribution of the economic activity in the Mediterranean axis. Identification of cluster by sectors of economic activity.

Agglomeration economies play an important role in the explanation of the development and regional growth. For this reason, there exists a growing interest in the analysis of standards of co-localisation of the economic activities. This topic has been dealt with from different approaches using a good number of technical statistics. Our proposal is to present some of the more well-known statistics usually used in epidemiology, with the objective of identifying spatial clusters of companies dedicated to the same economic activity. As such, this paper analyses the geographic distribution of economic activity throughout the Mediterranean to the smallest possible level of spatial integration (post code level). Firstly, by using exploratory analysis tools of spatial data we identify patterns of localisation of economic activity including both industrial and service areas. Secondly, by using the statistics of T. Tango (1995) and M. Kulldorff (1997) we identify clusters of businesses in distinct subsectors of activity. The information is obtained from the 'Sistema Anual de Balances Ibéricos' (SABI) database and using the National Classification of Economic Activities NCEA code to a 2 digit level. Our results highlight that great differences exist in the production geographic concentration in all sectors. Additionally, the results from our analysis also reveal that well defined groups exist within the economic sectors.

EFFECT OF BODY CONDITION SCORE ON ESTRUS AND OVARIAN FUNCTION CHARACTERISTICS OF SYNCHRONIZED BEEF-MASTER COWS

The effect of body condition score (BCS) on estrus characteristics and ovarian function was evaluated in 44 synchronized Beef-Master cows. Weaned adult cows in anestrous were grouped according to their BCS as BCS1-2 (n = 13), BCS3-4 (n = 17) and BCS5-6 (n = 14). All cows were synchronized using norgestomet implants plus estradiol valerate for 9 days. The estrus detection began 24 hours after implant removal and it was detected every 6 hours for 72 hours. The time from implant removal to the onset of estrus (TIR) and the duration of estrus were registered. All animals were examined 4 times with a transrectal ultrasound kit to determine the size of the follicles (6 to 9 mm or > 9 mm), the diameter of the largest follicle (DLF), ovulation rate, ovulation rate relative to estrus detection (ORE) and ovulation rate relative to the follicle size (ORF). The effect of BCS on TIR, the duration of the estrus, the number of follicles of size 6 to 9 mm or > 9 mm, and DLF was determined using analysis of variance. The effect of BCS on ovulation rate, ORE and ORF, were analyzed using Chi-square tests. There were no differences (P> 0.05) between TIR, duration of estrus and follicle sizes between BCS groups. The DLF increased from 9.8 to 12.9 mm, the OR increased from 7.7 to 85.7%, the ORE from 0 to 100% and the ORF from 16.7 to 92.9%. In conclusion, under the range of BCS of the synchronized cows evaluated in this study, the BCS of Beef Master cows did not affect the estrus traits; which agree with results observed in other breeds of cattle in the tropics. However, body condition affects follicle development and ovulation rate