A Multifunctional Comparison of Conventional versus Alternative Olive Systems in Spain by Using AHP

Sustainability of agriculture is strongly related to the multifunctional role implicitly or explicitly recognized to it in the framework of the European Union CAP. This multifunctional role entails a multicriteria approach when assessing the performance and value for society of farming systems. Multicriteria assessment of agricultural systems is characterized by the existence of many criteria often conflicting among then, many stakeholders and decision-makers with competing interests, and lack of information. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a multicriteria methodology that allows dealing with these problems, in a relatively easy, flexible and economical manner, and therefore it is a potentially useful tool in this field, although its application with this purpose has not been found in the literature. Therefore, this paper aims (1) to present AHP as a useful methodology to effectively assess and compare the multifunctional performances of agricultural systems, and (2) to apply AHP in the comparison, on the basis of experts' knowledge, of multiple functions -economic, technical, sociocultural and environmental- of conventional, organic and integrated olive producing systems in a region of Spain, and test the hypothetical superiority of the alternative systems with respect to the conventional one in the medium/long term and the average conditions of the region. Results confirm this global superiority thus providing a scientific base to endorse institutional and social support regarding the promotion and implementation of these alternative farming techniques. However, environmental issues are the more conflictive among experts and require a more in depth research in the future to clarify many of them.organic farming, integrated farming, olive-growing systems, AHP, multicriteria analysis., Crop Production/Industries, Q50, Q57, Q51, Q56, C6,

Multifunctional Impacts of the Olive Farming Practices in Andalusia, Spain: An Analytic Network Approach

Olive agriculture represents one of the most important economic activities in the region of Andalusia, Spain. Additionally to its economic importance the multifunctional character of agriculture and its wide territorial presence entails that it has a high potential incidence in the environmental and social dimensions of the sustainable development of the region. Despite this importance, it is hypothesised and aimed to be contrasted that olive farmers are not implementing the agricultural practices optimal from an economic, environmental and social point of view. Contrasting this hypothesis entails to evaluate with a holistic and systemic approach the multiple impacts of the different technical alternatives to diverse agricultural practices. The use of the Analytic Network Process, a Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis technique, will be illustrated as a useful approach to deal with this kind of problems characterised by complexity, lack of information and risk. The study will focus on the average yield, climatic, environmental, etc., conditions of olive cultivation in Andalusia. The results seem to confirm the initial hypothesis when comparing the current situation with different scenarios of optimal technical alternatives. In particular the technical alternatives implemented nowadays they are far from being environmentally optimal. The multifunctional benefits and the technical costs of a change from the current situation to these optimal scenarios will be analysed.Olive farming practices, Multifunctionality, Analytic Network Process, Farm Management,

Shallow versus Deep Integration between Mediterranean Countries and the EU and within the Mediterranean Region

The paper aims at assessing the specific impact of shallow versus deep integration between Mediterranean (MED) countries1 and their partners in the European Union (EU) as well as between the MED countries themselves. It relies on dataset developed for this project concerning tariffs (as a proxy for shallow integration) and Non Tariff Measures (NTMs)2 (as a proxy for deep integration). Additional data are also included in order to take into account other trade costs, especially transport costs and logistics costs. In this regard, an original dataset of maritime freight cost (Maersk, 2007) is introduced as well as the trade logistics performance (TLP) index produced by the World Bank. Such datasets are useful for providing additional insight into deep integration. The paper starts by calculating the magnitude of NTMs in terms of ad valorem tariff equivalent (AVEs). The estimation of NTMs through ad valorem equivalents (AVEs) shows that Algeria and Jordan have the highest value of AVEs, whereas Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt have the lowest value. A gravity model is then estimated with special emphasis on trade costs which are the crucial point in our research study. Given the limitation of data on NTMs, the gravity model is estimated for only one year (2001), and for each MED country. Trade costs are represented by tariffs, AVEs of NTMs, and transport and logistics costs. The idea is to test which of the three elements of trade costs are the most impeding to bilateral trade between MED countries and EU countries as well as amongst MED countries. The model shows that tariffs, NTMs, and trade and logistics costs have a significant impact on trade, but is highly vivid in countries suffering from high tariff rates, prevalence of NTMs, and trade costs. A number of simulations are carried out trying to differentiate between the impact of partial liberalization and full liberalization on trade creation. The results obtained show that full liberalization has a significant effect whether it is only related to shallow integration (tariff removal) or deep integration (NTMs and trade and logistics). The effect is higher if trade costs and logistics are improved. The results are far less if only partial liberalization takes place and in several countries is insignificant implying that marginal reductions in NTMs or tariffs cannot always help to create trade. Finally the study shows that there is a huge potential for enhancing trade amongst MED countries if trade costs are lowered, logistics is improved, and NTMs are abolished.Regional Trade Agreements, Regional Integration, Non-Tariff-Measures, Deep versus shallow integration, South Mediterranean countries, European Union Trade Agreements

El Balanced Score Card como herramienta de gestión para mejorar la rentabilidad en el centro comercial Open Plaza Trujillo. 2016

El presente trabajo de investigación tiene como finalidad presentar una propuesta de utilizar la metodología del Balanced Score-card (BSC) como herramienta de gestión para incremental significativamente la rentabilidad del Centro Comercial Open Plaza durante el año 2016. El problema de investigación está referido a la siguiente interrogante: ¿En qué medida el BSC (Balanced Score card) como herramienta de gestión, lograra mejorar la rentabilidad de la gestión del Centro Comercial OPEN PLAZA.- Trujillo 2016?; cuya hipótesis es: El BSC (Balanced Score card) como herramienta de gestión, incrementará de manera significativa la rentabilidad en el Centro Comercial OPEN PLAZA .- Trujillo .- 2016, destacando como variables de estudio: Variable independiente (X): Balanced Score-card (BSC) como herramienta de gestión; y, Variable dependiente(Y): Incremento de manera significativa de la Rentabilidad Con el diseño del Balanced Score-card (BSC) se incrementará la rentabilidad porque se corregirán las desviaciones en los procesos que afectan directamente el resultado de esta. Se utilizó el diseño pre-experimental, así como los métodos cualitativos y cuantitativos. La población objeto de estudio estuvo conformado por 21 colaboradores y 19 locatarios, se utilizaron las técnicas de entrevista, observación, análisis documental y estadístico para la recopilación y procesamiento de datos. Mediante los resultados obtenidos, se puede apreciar que el Centro Comercial Open Plaza Trujillo posee proyecciones de crecimiento altamente significativas; sin embargo, las desviaciones en los procesos habían generado un clima de incertidumbre y riesgo que afectaban la utilidad y producían volatilidad en la rentabilidad económica Con este informe de investigación concluyo que la ejecución de un Balanced Score-card (BSC) como herramienta de gestión incrementa la rentabilidad significativamente y genera estabilidad porque mejora los procesos y crea compromiso ante las metas y objetivos comunicados y con seguimiento y control para corregir las desviaciones y proveer los riesgos.The purpose of this research work is to present a proposal to use the Balanced Score-card (BSC) methodology as a management tool to significantly increase the profitability of the Open Plaza Shopping Center during 2016. The research problem is related to the following question: To what extent the BSC (Balanced Score card) as a management tool, managed to improve the profitability of the OPEN PLAZA Shopping Mall.- Trujillo 2016 ?; whose hypothesis is: The BSC (Balanced Score card) as a management tool, will significantly increase profitability in the OPEN PLAZA Shopping Center .- Trujillo .- 2016, highlighting as study variables: Independent variable (X): Balanced Score- card (BSC) as a management tool; y, Dependent Variable (Y): Significantly increase Profitability With the design of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) the profitability will be increased because the deviations in the processes that directly affect the result of this will be corrected. The pre-experimental design was used, as well as the qualitative and quantitative methods. The population studied was made up of 21 collaborators and 19 tenants, using the techniques of interviewing, observation, documentary and statistical analysis for the collection and processing of data. Through the results obtained, it can be seen that the Open Plaza Trujillo Shopping Center has highly significant growth projections; however, the deviations in the processes had generated a climate of uncertainty and risk that affected the utility and produced volatility in the economic profitability With this research report I conclude that the execution of a Balanced Score-card (BSC) as a management tool increases profitability significantly and generates stability because it improves processes and creates commitment to the goals and objectives communicated and with follow-up and control to correct the deviations and provide the risks.Tesi

Gene deficiency in activating Fcγ receptors influences the macrophage phenotypic balance and reduces atherosclerosis in mice

Immunity contributes to arterial inflammation during atherosclerosis. Oxidized low-density lipoproteins induce an autoimmune response characterized by specific antibodies and immune complexes in atherosclerotic patients. We hypothesize that specific Fcγ receptors for IgG constant region participate in atherogenesis by regulating the inflammatory state of lesional macrophages. In vivo we examined the role of activating Fcγ receptors in atherosclerosis progression using bone marrow transplantation from mice deficient in γ-chain (the common signaling subunit of activating Fcγ receptors) to hyperlipidemic mice. Hematopoietic deficiency of Fcγ receptors significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesion size, which was associated with decreased number of macrophages and T lymphocytes, and increased T regulatory cell function. Lesions of Fcγ receptor deficient mice exhibited increased plaque stability, as evidenced by higher collagen and smooth muscle cell content and decreased apoptosis. These effects were independent of changes in serum lipids and antibody response to oxidized low-density lipoproteins. Activating Fcγ receptor deficiency reduced pro-inflammatory gene expression, nuclear factor-κB activity, and M1 macrophages at the lesion site, while increasing anti-inflammatory genes and M2 macrophages. The decreased inflammation in the lesions was mirrored by a reduced number of classical inflammatory monocytes in blood. In vitro, lack of activating Fcγ receptors attenuated foam cell formation, oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory gene expression, and increased M2-associated genes in murine macrophages. Our study demonstrates that activating Fcγ receptors influence the macrophage phenotypic balance in the artery wall of atherosclerotic mice and suggests that modulation of Fcγ receptor-mediated inflammatory responses could effectively suppress atherosclerosis

The loyalty of young residents in an island destination: An integrated model.

This paper investigates the factors that influence the loyalty of young residents as tourists in their home destination in the context of domestic tourism. The interest in studying the loyalty of this particular population segment stems from their consumption potential, their influence, and for the triple role they can play as tourists in the destination, as residents in the destination and as collaborators with local tourism companies. The setting for this study is one of growing domestic tourism in a destination made up of islands, the Canary Islands (Spain). The importance of this kind of research for island destinations arises from the negative impacts of tourism that island destinations suffer more than others, often with negative repercussions on loyalty. This paper studies the role of tourism companies, the product, the place and the young residents themselves in the formation of loyalty. A sample of 678 young residents from the Canary Islands responded to an ad hoc questionnaire of 22 items. The descriptive analysis highlights that young residents value to varying degrees all the variables included in the model (tourism companies, place, product and tourist variables). The discriminant analysis shows that there are no significant differences in the perceptions of young residents according to gender, island of residence or the number of trips made within the destination, which confirms the generational nature of the study and the possibility of extrapolating the results. Using the causal model proposed, the formation of loyalty among young residents is explained. In this model, the variables related to the company and the product hardly influence loyalty formation among young residents when these variables are integrated into the same model with place variables (identity, attachment and familiarity). These variables initiate the chain of cause and effect that culminates in the formation of satisfaction and loyalty among tourists, relegating company and product variables to the background

Resilience among LGBTQIA+ youth in out-of-home care:A scoping review

Background Research on the experiences of LGBTQIA+ youth in out-of-home care has mainly focused on these youth's adversities and the resulting negative impact on their wellbeing. Little is known about the ways through which LGBTQIA+ youth in out-of-home care are resilient to these adversities. To date, a review study on resilience in this population is lacking. Objective To map and synthesize the existing research on resilience among LGBTQIA+ children and youth in out-of-home care. Specific goals were to summarize and analyze 1) the general characteristics of the existing studies, and 2) the resilience resources found at the individual, relational, sociocultural, and ecological levels. Methods We carried out a scoping review examining empirical published academic literature. Results The 14 studies included in this scoping review indicated that resilience studies among LGBTQIA+ youth in out-of-home care are mainly qualitative, cross-sectional, US-based, and were centered on gay youth. Studies suggested that resilience resources were mostly focused at the socio/relational level (e.g., foster family acceptance) with fewer studies at the individual (e.g., LGBTQ positive identity), and community levels (e.g., LGBTQ centers). Importantly, no studies explored the interaction of resilience resources across these different domains. Conclusions Resilience among LGBTQIA+ youth in out-of-home care remains understudied and the results of this scoping review point to specific research gaps. Recommendations are provided for research, practice, and policy

The Cone of Mueller Matrices

In the study of polarized light, there are two basic notions: the Stokes vectors and the matrices which preserve them, called Mueller matrices. The set of Stokes vectors forms a cone: the Future Light Cone. In this work we will see that the Mueller matrices also form a cone in the vector space of real matrices of size 4X4, called the Mueller Cone. We obtain some properties of the Mueller cone, which in turn will be translated into properties of the Stokes vectors. As an application we will give a computational program to calibrate polarimeters by means of the eigenvectors of Mueller matrices (ECM). We include computational programs to 1. Deduce if a matrix is a Mueller matrix, 2. Give an approximation of a matrix by a Mueller matrix, 3. An approximation of a Mueller matrix by Mueller invertibles, 4. An approximation of a Mueller matrix by a Stokes-cone-primitive Mueller matrix, see (4.7) and 5. An Eigenvalue Calibration Method. All these programs and implementations can be found in https://github.com/IvanLopezR22/cone-of-mueller-matrices/tree/masterComment: 20 pages, 1 figure and computer program