Regional distribution of the knowledge based economy in the eu: towards an oligocentric model?

The emergence of new economic activities is a driving force of economic growth and its geography is clearly controversial. But the Knowledge-Based Economy (K-BE) is something more than new activities, it is also about the ongoing renewal of all economic activities. And this increasing knowledge intensity of every activity could have an effect on the geography of large part of industries. In this paper we aims to contribute to a better understanding of the geography of Knowledge-Based Economy (K-BE), by an empirical examen of its geographic concentration across European regions. To do so we classify economic activities into six sectors according to its knowledge/technology intensity and we analyse its concentration patterns at the EU regional level (nuts 2). The six sectors we set-up are: High, Medium and Low Knowledge Intensive Services and High, Medium and Low Tech Manufacturing. The data has been provided by the REGIO database (Eurostat). At the same time, we also try to capture the regional specialisation patterns. The results regarding concentration show that the higher the knowledge/technology content of the economic activity, the higher its concentration level is. Besides, we found that some services activities (the high knowledge intensive ones), present similar concentration levels than high or medium tech manufacturing. On the other hand, regarding specialisation the most outstanding result is the clear predominance of metropolitan regions in the highest knowledge/technology intensive activities (particularly in the case of services). Altogether, the picture delivered on a whole viewpoint is one where a reinforced oligocentric model remains in Europe, while relativelly reshaping its appearence: southern German regions leading high and medium tech manufacturing and the English Southeast leading high knowledge-intensive services, but sharing all of them its relevance with a peak range of growing state metropolis (particularly capitals) from both northern and southern Europe. Key words: regional concentration,knowledge intensive activities,oligocentric model.

How Important are Knowledge Intensive Business Services for Innovation? A Brief Discussion Based on the Spanish Case

This paper aims at discussing the importance of knowledge intensive business services (KIBS) for innovation based on the Spanish case. Our findings point to an active role of these activities as innovators, showing similar levels than medium or even high-tech manufacturing. Nevertheless, we do not find support to affirm that KIBS play an outstanding role as knowledge carriers and bridges for innovation, as usually emphasised by the literature. On the contrary, universities and technological centres are seen as much more active partners and sources for innovation by Spanish companies. The latter suggests that in the Spanish innovation system there is a well differentiated role of KIBS and the public knowledge infrastructure formed by universities, research and large part of the technological centres

Hypothalamic and mesencephalic regions involved in the control of laryngeal activity and subglottic pressure in spontaneously breathing anaesthetized rats

Changes of laryngeal caliber allow changes in airflow which are necessary for the vibration of the vocal folds and emission of voice. It is known that stimulation of the Periaqueductal Gray matter (PAG) and nucleus retroambiguus (nRA) produces vocalization, and lesions in PAG cause mutism in animals and humans. The nRA is the perfect target to turn passive into active expiration modifying the activity of laryngeal motoneurons located in the nucleus ambiguous (Paton and Nolan, 2000). We have shown that rostral and ventral pontine structures are involved in changes of laryngeal caliber (Lara et al., 2002). It has been also demonstrated a high expression of FOXP2 protein (transcription factor related to vocalization) at mesencephalic and pontine regions (PAG, Parabrachial complex and A5 Region) involved in cardiorespiratory control. The aim of this study was to characterize the relations between hypothalamic and mesencephalic regions involved in cardiorespiratory control and their possible role in modulating laryngeal activity. Experimental studies were carried out with non-inbred male rats (n=7), SPF, Sprague-Dawley (250-300 g) housed under standard conditions. Animals were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbitone (60 mg/kg i.p., initial dose, supplemented 2 mg/kg, i.v., as necessary). A double tracheal cannulation to develop the classical technique of the “glottis isolated in situ” and for the recording of respiratory airflow was carried out. DMH-PeF, dlPAG, and CnF stimulations evoked a significant decrease of laryngeal resistance (subglottal pressure) (p<0.01) accompanied with an inspiratory facilitatory response consisted of an increase in respiratory rate, together with a pressor and tachycardic response. The results of our study contribute with new data on the role of the hypothalamic-mesencephalic neuronal circuits in the control mechanisms of subglottic pressure and laryngeal activity.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tec

Regional distribution of the knowledge based economy in the EU: towards an oligocentric model?

The emergence of new economic activities is a driving force of economic growth and its geography is clearly controversial. But the Knowledge-Based Economy (K-BE) is something more than new activities, it is also about the ongoing renewal of all economic activities. And this increasing knowledge intensity of every activity could have an effect on the geography of large part of industries. In this paper we aims to contribute to a better understanding of the geography of Knowledge-Based Economy (K-BE), by an empirical examen of its geographic concentration across European regions. To do so we classify economic activities into six sectors according to its knowledge/technology intensity and we analyse its concentration patterns at the EU regional level (nuts 2). The six sectors we set-up are: High, Medium and Low Knowledge Intensive Services and High, Medium and Low Tech Manufacturing. The data has been provided by the REGIO database (Eurostat). At the same time, we also try to capture the regional specialisation patterns. The results regarding concentration show that the higher the knowledge/technology content of the economic activity, the higher its concentration level is. Besides, we found that some services activities (the high knowledge intensive ones), present similar concentration levels than high or medium tech manufacturing. On the other hand, regarding specialisation the most outstanding result is the clear predominance of metropolitan regions in the highest knowledge/technology intensive activities (particularly in the case of services). Altogether, the picture delivered on a whole viewpoint is one where a reinforced oligocentric model remains in Europe, while relativelly reshaping its appearence: southern German regions leading high and medium tech manufacturing and the English Southeast leading high knowledge-intensive services, but sharing all of them its relevance with a peak range of growing state metropolis (particularly capitals) from both northern and southern Europe. Key words: regional concentration,knowledge intensive activities,oligocentric model

Preliminary study of the impact of Guadalhorce river mouth channeling (Málaga, Spain) on groundwater and related wetlands

Se trata de resultados preliminares que se están obteniendo en el Bajo Guadalhorce, en el marco de la tesis doctoral del primer firmanteIn riverine areas, many anthropogenic actions (modification of natural water courses, burying or channeling works, etc.) have been commonly applied worldwide to prevent floods in rivers, having negative environmental impacts on their dependent ecosystems. In the Guadalhorce River mouth (Málaga, Southern Spain), channeling works -including the splitting of the main channel into two branches before arriving to the sea- were conducted to reduce the flood risk in the surrounding urbanized areas near to the Mediterranean coast. In the framework of the monitoring program of the Guadalhorce Delta Wetlands, located between the branches of the ending river stretch, measurements of electrical conductivity in wetland water and groundwater table were performed, as well as the sampling of both water types. The results show a progressive increasing in the mineralization of wetland water, reaching values 50 times higher than the original ones. In the underlying aquifers, the mineralization of groundwater is generally less variable and lower than the recorded in the eighties and nineties, when a salt intrusion episode occurred. Before the river channel modification, the water flow from the aquifer to the wetlands and toward the river in its mouth was deduced. Today, the wetlands recharge locally the Quaternary aquifer and, consequently, induce the groundwater flow towards the both branches of the river and Mediterranean Sea. The variation of the morphodynamics in the Guadalhorce River mouth and the associated changes in land use have caused significant impacts on ground and surface water and their dependent wetlands.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Reliability Improvement in III-V Concentrator Solar Cells by Means of Perimeter Protection

This paper presents the evolution in the strategy to assess the reliability of III-V solar cells and a new thermal ageing test carried out over GaAs single junction solar cells at three different temperatures (130, 150 and 170° C). The perimeter of the solar cells has been protected with silicone, which seems to be an effective way of enhancing the reliability of the solar cells. A preliminary analysis of the results indicates a mean time to failure (MTTF) one order of magnitude larger than the one obtained in a previous thermal test with the perimeter uncoated

Bilateral thalamic stroke due to occlusion of the artery of Percheron in a patient with patent foramen ovale: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Bilateral thalamic infarcts are rare presentations of stroke. They are the result of a complex combination of risk factors and a predisposing vessel distribution. The artery of Percheron, characterized by a single arterial trunk that irrigates both paramedian thalamic regions, can be occluded as a result of embolic diseases leading to bilateral paramedian thalamic infarcts. Clinical and image findings of this uncommon form of posterior circulation infarct are presented along with their anatomic and pathophysiologic correlates.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 27-year-old Mexican man with no relevant medical history was admitted to hospital after he was found deeply stuporous. On admission, an urgent neuroimaging protocol for stroke, including magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance imaging angiography, was performed. The scans revealed symmetric bilateral hyperintense paramedian thalamic lesions consistent with acute ischemic events. The posterior circulation was patent including the tip of the basilar artery and both posterior cerebral arteries, making the case compatible with occlusion of the artery of Percheron. Further evaluation with an aim to define the etiology revealed a patent foramen ovale as the cause of embolism.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Bilateral thalamic infarcts are unusual presentations of posterior circulation stroke; once they are diagnosed by an adequate neuroimaging protocol, a further evaluation to define the cause is necessary. Cardioembolism should always be considered in relatively young patients. A complete evaluation should be conducted by an interdisciplinary team including neurologists, cardiologists and neurosurgeons.</p

Análisis retrospectivo del estadio tumoral al diagnóstico del Hepatocarcinoma en el área oeste de Valladolid

El hepatocarcinoma (CHC) es un problema médico relevante por su elevada mortalidad. La mayoría presenta una cirrosis hepática subyacente. En España el VHC constituye el principal factor de riesgo. El cribado con ecografía abdominal cada 6 meses en cirróticos es fundamental para detectar pacientes en estadios precoces y mejorar la supervivencia a largo plazo. Los objetivos de nuestro trabajo son: describir las características de los pacientes diagnosticados de CHC en el área Valladolid Oeste; conocer el estadio tumoral al diagnóstico; conocer el tratamiento recibido; determinar la supervivencia global y según estadio; valorar la tasa de cribado en los pacientes diagnosticados y el efecto del cribado en la tasa de diagnóstico en estadios precoces y en la supervivencia.Grado en Medicin

University-Industry Collaboration in the European Regional Context: the Cases of Galicia and Apulia Region

Universities are one of the key actors within national and regional innovation systems. The nature of university-industry collaboration has changed during the last decades and it varies across countries and regions. Different factors determine the interaction among both organizations, from those related to the industrial structure of the territory to others related to institutional and legal frameworks. In this paper we aim at adding to the understanding of this process based on the comparison between two European regions, Apulia in Italy and Galicia in Spain. Our results show that a progressive transition from a separated to a more integrated approach has occurred at the relational framework affecting universities and industry in both regions. Public policies, particularly from the regional level, have been relevant for promoting university-industry collaboration in Galicia and Apulia. Nevertheless, there still remain cultural and institutional barriers, both from the academy and business sphere, which impede a closer and more fruitful interaction. Besides, the poor innovative culture of traditional industries which dominate in both regions, might affect university-industry interaction. However, an adjustment of the university offer in terms of research is also needed as we observe that collaboration is too much biased by the university scientific and departmental specialization and too little by local and regional industrial specialization.Uniwersytety pełnią rolę jednego z kluczowych podmiotów w ramach narodowych i regionalnych systemów innowacji. Charakter współpracy między uniwersytetami i przedsiębiorstwami zmienił się ciągu ostatnich kilkudziesięciu lat, przy czy wykazuje on znaczną różnorodność w poszczególnych krajach i regionach. Interakcję między tymi podmiotami determinuje szereg czynników, począwszy od branżowej struktury terytorium, aż po uwarunkowania instytucjonalne i prawne. Celem artykułu jest poszerzenie rozumienia tego procesu, na podstawie porównania dwóch europejskich regionów (nuts-2) - włoskiej Apulii i hiszpańskiej Galicji. Rezultaty badań wskazują, że w obu regionach nastąpił rozwój od rozproszonego do zintegrowanego podejścia w relacjach między nauką i gospodarką. Istotną rolę w rozwoju współpracy między środowiskiem naukowym i przedsiębiorstwami w Galicji i Apulii odegrała polityka gospodarcza, szczególnie na poziomie regionalnym. Jednocześnie jednak ciągle występują kulturowe i instytucjonalne bariery, zarówno po stronie środowiska akademickiego, jak i biznesowego, które utrudniają właściwe ukierunkowanie i większą efektywność współpracy. Ograniczeniem jest z jednej strony niski poziom kultury innowacyjnej obserwowany w tradycyjnych branżach, które dominują w obu regionach. z drugiej zaś strony, istnieje także potrzeba lepszego dostosowania badań prowadzonych przez uniwersytety, gdyż są one bardziej uzależnione od naukowej i funkcjonalnej specjalizacji uczelni niż lokalnej i regionalnej specjalizacji przemysłu