A METHOD FOR INCLUDING IN PMP MODELS ACTIVITIES NON-EXISTENT IN THE BASELINE SITUATION

When working with positive mathematical programming (PMP) models it is generally admitted that it is not possible to consider in the modeled unit activities that are not present in the baseline situation of the unit. This constitutes a considerable drawback for traditional PMP techniques which cannot be applied in specific cases, in particular to the study of the impact of new agri-environmental programs that subsidize crops grown with technologies different to those applied in the baseline situation. This paper presents a method for dealing with these cases, which can be easily implemented as an extension of the traditional calibration techniques of PMP. The method is applied to a specific problem, using modified calibration expressions derived from the necessary Khun-Tucker conditions, assuming increasing marginal costs. The analysis of the results and their comparison with those obtained using a linear programming model permits a first evaluation of this methodological proposal.Positive mathematical programming extensions, Agri-environmental measures, Environmental Economics and Policy,

IMPACT OF THE CAP REFORM ON THE SPANISH AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

This paper analyses the impact of the 2003 CAP reform on Spanish agricultural sector in the context of the recent CAP Health Check and high food prices, using PROMAPA, a positive mathematical programming model for representative farms. The analysis compares the model results for base year 2002 to the findings for a scenario with the CAP reform measures in place, taking into account recent modifications. The effect of adopting a full decoupling scheme instead of the present partial decoupling is also studied. Brief descriptions are given of the PROMAPA model, the representative farm considered and the assumptions about both price variations and the policy measures simulated. The findings showed that the farming area for cereals grew substantially after abolition of the compulsory set-aside and that the impact of transition to full decoupling was scant, except in the sheep and rearing cattle sub-sectors, where it considerably steepened the already sizeable decline in livestock numbers induced by the partial decoupling scheme.CAP reform, CAP Health Check, Decoupling, Spanish agricultural sector., Agricultural and Food Policy, Q10, Q12, Q18,

Influence of the rhythmical mobilization of the sacral plexus on an activity of daily living, versus classical neurodynamics

RESUMEN: La continuidad del sistema nervioso supone un nuevo frente, como están demostrando diferentes teorías, para la valoración y tratamiento de pacientes con daño neurológico tanto adquirido como congénito. Por otro lado restituir o realizar las AVD (actividades de la vida diaria) suponen los objetivos demandados por los pacientes. Aunando las dos premisas se estudiarán los posibles efectos terapéuticos y rehabilitadores de los tejidos atendiendo a su durabilidad en el tiempo conseguidos por una movilización rítmica del plexo sacro orientada a una actividad funcional, en comparación a la misma movilización sin estar en un marco funcional. Método Se propone un ensayo clínico aleatorio, de simple ciego donde un grupo experimental se le realizaría una movilización del plexo sacro mientras se pide al paciente que añada un componente funcional (en este caso, que se calce) y un grupo control el cual se le realizará la misma maniobra pero sin añadir. Se propone realizar una valoración inicial y una valoración final. Las pruebas de valoración se describen a continuación: Rango de movimiento obtenido al realizar el test SLR unilateral medido mediante goniometría. Rango de movimiento obtenido en flexión de rodilla al realizar el test SLUMP unilateral medido mediante goniometría. Valoración del tono muscular mediante la escala Ashworth modificada.ABSTRACT: The continuity of the nervous system is a new front, as different theories are proving for the evaluation and treatment of patients with congenital and acquired neurological injury. Furthermore restore or perform ADL (activities of daily living) represent the goals demanded by patients. Combining the two premises, is studied the potential therapeutic rehabilitation effects of tissues according to their durability over time achieved by a rhythmic mobilization of the sacral plexus oriented functional activity, compared to the same mobilization without functional activity. Method: A randomized clinical trial, single blind where an experimental group would perform a mobilization of the sacral plexus while the patient adds a functional component (in this case, put on a shoe) and a control group where is proposed the same operation without addition. It is proposed to conduct an initial evaluation and a final evaluation. The evaluation tests are described below: Range of movement obtained by performing the SLR test unilateral measured by goniometry. Range of movement obtained in knee flexion when performing unilateral SLUMP test measured by goniometry. Valuation of the muscle tone by modified Ashworth scaleGrado en Fisioterapi

¿Porqué PERT & GANTT no funciona en proyectos de edificación?

Process engineering applied to building projects has not developed its own methodology for project management, so it has been using generic project management tools, based on PERT and GANTT, under the paradigms Critical Path Method or Critical Chain. Both PERT and GANTT do not consider some variables that are relevant in the specific environment of a construction site, such as: location, repetitive activities, productivity, continuity of work for external crews, material transformation, space clashes, etc. This article analyzes: 1) The theoretical foundations of generic project management tools based on activities management, 2) The significant variables in both production and project management paradigms, 3) The new paradigm and conceptual tools developed over the last 20 years in the Lean Construction community of knowledge. The findings of this research will help construction managers and superintendents, explaining why the standard tools they are using are not enough to manage their regular work, and proposing a more adequate set of tools and systems to plan and control production activities on site.Postprint (published version

Overcoming “But We’re Different”: an IPD implementation in the Middle East

What are the key success factors and barriers that can be expected when implementing Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) for the first time in a traditional construction culture? We present an in-depth case study of the “Saxum” project under construction in Abu Ghosh, Israel, the first implementation of IPD in this traditional construction culture. The goal is to glean insight into the dynamics that support and/or subvert the required paradigm shift. The researchers interviewed the key participants, visited the site and reviewed source material from this and other IPD projects. Despite cultural and historical factors that were expected to prevent or weaken implementation of a collaborative approach like IPD, the key participants built the project according to the IPD framework. The insistence of the overseas project owner's representative that IPD be employed, coupled with the openness of the local partners to work differently, were found to be critical success factors. The participants' mindset and their behavior changed fundamentally with respect to their traditional roles, as did the character of the project (which was measured on a multi-factor sliding scale from “traditional” to “pure IPD”). Prior to this successful implementation, the opinion of local practitioners on IPD could be summed up as: “Nice in theory, but not applicable in our adversarial construction business culture.” Yet this project has shown that given the right combination of agents, it is not only feasible but also rewarding to adopt. While there are multiple accounts of IPD implementations, we focus here on viewing the case study through the lens of change management with an analysis of the local cultural barriers that were overcome.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Visión de las marcas blancas entre los jóvenes españoles

Estudio que pretende analizar las marcas blancas y el sector de la distribución comercial en España. La finalidad es averiguar el motivo de su éxito y la opinión de los jóvenes españoles sobre ellas

FSSIM, a bio-economic farm model for simulating the response of EU farming systems to agricultural and environmental policies

The disciplinary nature of most existing farm models as well as the issue specific orientation of most of the studies in agricultural systems research are main reasons for the limited use and re-use of bio-economic modelling for the ex-ante integrated assessment of policy decisions. The objective of this article is to present a bio-economic farm model that is generic and re-usable for different bio-physical and socio-economic contexts, facilitating the linking of micro and macro analysis or to provide detailed analysis of farming systems in a specific region. Model use is illustrated in this paper with an analysis of the impacts of the CAP reform of 2003 for arable and livestock farms in a context of market liberalization. Results from the application of the model to representative farms in Flevoland (the Netherlands) and Midi-Pyrenees (France) shows that CAP reform 2003 under market liberalization will cause substantial substitution of root crops and durum wheat by vegetables and oilseed crops. Much of the set-aside area will be put into production intensifying the existing farming systems. Abolishment of the milk quota system will cause an increase of the average herd size. The average total gross margin of farm types in Flevoland decreases while the average total gross margin of farms in Midi-Pyrenees increases. The results show that the model can simulate arable and livestock farm types of two regions different from a bio-physical and socio-economic point of view and it can deal with a variety of policy instruments. The examples show that the model can be (re-)used as a basis for future research and as a comprehensive tool for future policy analysis

Evaluación de las propiedades elásticas pasivas del ventrículo izquierdo humano

Tesis doctoral inédita leída en la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Medicina. Fecha de lectura: 28 de Febrero de 199