The continental shelf off the Guadiana estuary

The Continental shelf is the seafloor area around a large land mass where the sea is relatively shallow compared with the open ocean.This major physiographic domain is comprised between the shoreline and the shelf break located at variable water depths (generally, around 200 m water depth) and variable extensions (average width of about 80 km). The continental shelf off the Guadiana estuary is the area in front of the Guadiana River mouth,which is influenced by the discharges of the Guadiana River Basin.This area is located in the southern border between Portugal and Spain, in the middle part of the northern Gulf of Cadiz continental shelf, southwestern Iberian Peninsula.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The internationalization of andalusian innovative companies. Mechanisms, evolution, phases and key variables

En este artículo se presenta una tipología del grado de internacionalización que poseen las empresas innovadoras andaluzas en función del modo que han elegido para operar en cada país o mercado y de diferentes variables que nos ha permitido deducir que, en la actualidad, Andalucía se encuentra en las primeras etapas de la globalización. La internacionalización de la empresa ubicada en Andalucía está asociada sobre todo a la exportación directa e indirecta (ya sea como proveedora de inputs a firmas foráneas o compradora de inputs especializados en el mercado internacional). La estrategia de internacionalización mediante intercambio de conocimiento (acuerdos contractuales y de cooperación en I+D+I) es muy baja en el tejido empresarial andaluz, ya que los procesos innovadores no han conseguido todavía vincularse a la capacidad de internacionalización con fórmulas de deslocalización de plantas, salvo una minoría. Para realizar este estudio hemos analizado los criterios que definen a la empresa internacionalizada y que mejor se adaptan a la firma ubicada en Andalucía. A partir de una muestra de 263 empresas, identificamos 189 firmas que se encuentran en diferentes fases de internacionalización. La metodología ha consistido en la utilización del análisis factorial y de cluster para determinar los diferentes comportamientos de las empresas en función de las fases de internacionalización en que se encuentran; además de emplear técnicas descriptivas en el estudio de las características generales de las empresas internacionalizadas a través de Acces y Excel.This article presents a typology of the grade of internationalization of innovative companies in Andalusia based on the way they worked in every country or market. From the different variables we used, we can conclude that, Andalusia, is in the first phases of globalization. La internationalization of the companies located in Andalusia is associated basically to the direct and indirect exportation (both as inputs supplier to foreign companies and as unique inputs buyer of the international market). The internationalization strategy based on the exchange of knowledge (cooperation and contractual agreements in R&D) is very low in the andalusian business sector, since the innovate processes have not been able to be linked to the capacity of internationalization with dislocated plants formulae, except for a minority. For this study we have taken into consideration the criterions that define the internationalized company and that best fit the company established in Andalusia. From the sample of 263 innovative enterprises, 189 of them were identified as international companies that are in different phases of internationalization. In the methodology of the study, we have applied both the factorial analysis techniques and the cluster one, to be able to define the taxonomy of the enterprise, taking into account a broad group of variables. Moreover, we have used descriptive techniques for the general characteristics of the companies with the help of Excel and Access.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (España) SEJ2005-04643Fondos FEDE

La internacionalización de las empresas innovadoras andaluzas. Mecanismos, evolución, fases y variables clave

This article presents a typology of the grade of internationalization of innovative companies in Andalusia based on the way they worked in every country or market. From the different variables we used, we can conclude that, Andalusia, is in the first phases of globalization. La internationalization of the companies located in Andalusia is associated basically to the direct and indirect exportation (both as inputs supplier to foreign companies and as unique inputs buyer of the international market). The internationalization strategy based on the exchange of knowledge (cooperation and contractual agreements in R&D) is very low in the andalusian business sector, since theinnovate processes have not been able to be linked to the capacity of internationalization with dislocated plants formulae, except for a minority. For this study we have taken into consideration the criterions that define the internationalized company and that best fit the company established in Andalusia. From the sample of 263 innovative enterprises, 189 of them were identified as international companies that are in different phases of internationalization. In the methodology of the study, we have applied both the factorial analysis techniques and the cluster one, to be able to define the taxonomy of the enterprise, taking into account a broad group of variables. Moreover, we have used descriptive techniques for the general characteristics of the companies with the help of Excel and Access.En este artículo se presenta una tipología del grado de internacionalización que poseen las empresas innovadoras andaluzas en función del modo que han elegido para operar en cada país o mercado y de diferentes variables que nos ha permitido deducir que, en la actualidad, Andalucía se encuentra en las primeras etapas de la globalización. La internacionalización de la empresa ubicada en Andalucía está asociada sobre todo a la exportación directa e indirecta (ya sea como proveedora de inputs a firmas foráneas o compradora de inputs especializados en el mercado internacional). La estrategia de internacionalización mediante intercambio de conocimiento (acuerdos contractuales y de cooperación en I+D+I) es muy baja en el tejido empresarial andaluz, ya que los procesos innovadores no han conseguido todavía vincularse a la capacidad de internacionalización con fórmulas de deslocalización de plantas, salvo una minoría. Para realizar este estudio hemos analizado los criterios que definen a la empresa internacionalizada y que mejor se adaptan a la firma ubicada en Andalucía. A partir de una muestra de 263 empresas, identificamos 189 firmas que se encuentran en diferentes fases de internacionalización. La metodología ha consistido en la utilización del análisis factorial y de cluster para determinar los diferentes comportamientos de las empresas en función de las fases de internacionalización en que se encuentran; además de emplear técnicas descriptivas en el estudio de las características generales de las empresas internacionalizadas a través de Acces y Excel

Compra tecnológica y flujos en Andalucía

Con los datos que proporciona una encuesta se estudia la compra de tecnología de las empresas innovadoras andaluzas en el exterior de la región, especialmente a los países desarrollados. Los objetivos se centran en el análisis del volumen de la compra tecnológica, el proceso de innovación-transferencia y los factores sectoriales y territoriales que inciden. Se hace un análisis descriptivo, factorial y cluster a una muestra de 193 empresas. A través del análisis cluster se distinguen seis grupos de empresas. En Andalucía, el proceso de innovación empresarial, la transferencia tecnológica y el éxito en el mercado está asociado a la concentración geográfica de empresas, especialmente en las áreas metropolitanasBased on data provided by a survey we studied the acquisition of innovative technology performed by Andalusian corporations from other spanish regions and overseas, paying special attention to those obtained from developed countries. Our goals focus on analyzing the intensity of technology purchasing, the process innovation-transfer and the factors which influence sectorial and territorial. Thus, we carry out a descriptive analysis, as well as factor and cluster analysis to a sample of 193 companies. Thruough the cluster analysis there are six groups of companies. In Andalusia, the process of business innovation, technology transfer and market success is related to the geographic concentration of firms, namely in metropolitan area

The dust production rate of AGB stars in the Magellanic Clouds

We compare theoretical dust yields for stars with mass 1 Msun < mstar < 8 Msun, and metallicities 0.001 < Z < 0.008 with observed dust production rates (DPR) by carbon- rich and oxygen-rich Asymptotic Giant Branch (C-AGB and O-AGB) stars in the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds (LMC, SMC). The measured DPR of C-AGB in the LMC are reproduced only if the mass loss from AGB stars is very efficient during the carbon-star stage. The same yields over-predict the observed DPR in the SMC, suggesting a stronger metallicity dependence of the mass-loss rates during the carbon- star stage. DPR of O-AGB stars suggest that rapid silicate dust enrichment occurs due to efficient hot-bottom-burning if mstar > 3 Msun and Z > 0.001. When compared to the most recent observations, our models support a stellar origin for the existing dust mass, if no significant destruction in the ISM occurs, with a contribution from AGB stars of 70% in the LMC and 15% in the SMC.Comment: 12 pages, 8 figures, accepted by MNRA

A video object generation tool allowing friendly user interaction

In this paper we describe an interactive video object segmentation tool developed in the framework of the ACTS-AC098 MOMUSYS project. The Video Object Generator with User Environment (VOGUE) combines three different sets of automatic and semi-automatic-tool (spatial segmentation, object tracking and temporal segmentation) with general purpose tools for user interaction. The result is an integrated environment allowing the user-assisted segmentation of any sort of video sequences in a friendly and efficient manner.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Lactic Acid Fermentation of Peppers

Different peppers fermentations (Capsicum annum, grossum variety) were assayed: spontaneous, native microflora sup- plemented individually with Lactobacillus plantarum N8, Leuconostoc mesentereroides L. or Pediococcus pentosaceus 12p and by pure or combined cultures of these lactic acid bacteria (LAB). In order to eliminate the native flora, different kinds of heat treatment were assayed. The treatment selected was heating in autoclaved after research 3/4 atmosphere and to turn off. Fermentations were carried out at 22°C and 30°C and the culture media contained 2% or 0.2% glucose and 4% NaCl. Sugar consumption, pH reduction and acid production were higher at 30°C than at 22°C. At both tem- peratures, spontaneous fermentation showed a slower rate reduction in pH than inoculated samples. Diminution in pH in presence of 2% glucose was faster than at 0.2%, but minimum pH was in both case lower than 3.0. Maximum growth was reached between 2 and 5 days of fermentation in all the samples assayed. After 30 days of incubation in presence of 2% glucose the survival of LAB was nearly 5 log ufc/ml. The survival was higher at the lower temperature assayed for both glucose concentrations. Organoleptic properties of peppers fermented with a mixed culture of Leuconostoc mes- enteroides and Pediococcus pentosaceus were found best by a human panel. This sample has a relation lactic acid/acetic acid of nearly 3 in the conditions assayed.Fil: Alberto, Maria Rosa. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Tucumán. Instituto de Quimica del Noroeste; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán; ArgentinaFil: Perera, María Francisca. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia; ArgentinaFil: Arena, Mario Eduardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Tucumán. Instituto de Quimica del Noroeste; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán; Argentin

Natural Amenities and Age Related Population Change in New Zealand.

Modern day migration literature suggests that natural amenities play a significant role in attracting migrants and thereby influencing population change. Empirical studies however, often find natural amenities of little significance. It can be argued that these conflicting findings are a result of the empirical complexity of representing amenities as well as the way in which causal relationships have been identified. The effects of population change are not evenly distributed across New Zealand, with growth typically being focused on the main metropolitan areas, while other areas are experiencing population stagnation or decline. Queenstown is experiencing rapid population growth in all ages (with the exception of 20-29). This uncharacteristic migration is argued to partially be due to the regions high level of natural amenity. This study uses three separate natural amenity indices as well as proxies for the main migration related drivers of population change in order to answer our central question; Are natural amenities a significant factor in determining age related population change in New Zealand? Global and exploratory local models have been run for six age groups each representing a demographic group in New Zealand. While there is much room to improve these models in the future the local models have identified several significant areas in New Zealand where there is predominately a positive relationship between natural amenities and population change

Sociedad de la Información y características socioeconómicas en Europa: una tipología de regiones

Research on the Information Society and its socio-economic context is limited at the European regional level. This research aims to identify the socio-economic and technological factors that define the underlying structure of household-individual (H+i) digital development, at NUTS 2 level, using Factor Analysis, with data that have been collected from Eurostat, and characterise the socio-economic environments associated with advanced ICT use using Cluster Analysis. We show that, at the regional level in Europe, the use of advanced ICT_H+i is related to GDP pc, the qualification of the population and high-tech employment; broadband internet access is associated with employment and the average educational level of the population; and the degree of innovation, business growth and ICT employment are decoupled from the level of ICT_H+i. The model defines a spatial performance that contrasts the southern and eastern European regions, with high availability of ICT infrastructures but low advanced use of them; with the central-northern regions, the most advanced in the EU in terms of ICT access and use, with adequate infrastructure and high upper-middle education levels that allow for the improvement of ICT skills and regional digital transformation.La investigación sobre la Sociedad de la Información y su entorno socioeconómico es reducida a escala regional europea. Esta investigación pretende: identificar los factores socioeconómicos y tecnológicos que definen la estructura subyacente del desarrollo digital de los hogares-individuos (H+i), a nivel NUTS 2, mediante Análisis Factorial, con datos obtenidos de Eurostat; y caracterizar los entornos socioeconómicos asociados al uso avanzado de las TIC con Análisis Clúster. Mostramos que, a nivel regional, en Europa, el uso de las TIC avanzadas de los H+i se relaciona con el PIB pc,&nbsp;la cualificación de la población y el empleo en alta-tecnología; el acceso a internet por banda ancha se asocia al empleo y al nivel educativo medio de la población; y el grado de innovación, crecimiento empresarial y el empleo TIC se desvinculan del nivel de TIC_H+i. El modelo define un comportamiento espacial que contrapone las regiones europeas del sur y este, con alta disponibilidad de infraestructuras TIC, pero reducido uso avanzado de ellas; frente a las del centro-norte, las más avanzadas de la UE en el acceso y uso de las TIC, con adecuada infraestructura y alto nivel educativo superior-medio que permiten el perfeccionamiento de destrezas TIC y la transformación digital regional

Right Heart Remodeling in Patients with End-Stage Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis: Speckle Tracking Point of View

BACKGROUND: Data regarding cardiac remodeling in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis are scarce. We sought to investigate right atrial (RA) and right ventricular (RV) structure, function, and mechanics in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional investigation included 67 end-stage cirrhotic patients, who were referred for evaluation for liver transplantation and 36 healthy controls. All participants underwent echocardiographic examination including strain analysis, which was performed offline. RESULTS: RV basal diameter and RV thickness were significantly higher in patients with cirrhosis. Conventional parameters of the RV systolic function were similar between the observed groups. Global, endocardial, and epicardial RV longitudinal strains were significantly lower in patients with cirrhosis. Active RA function was significantly higher in cirrhotic patients than in controls. The RA reservoir and conduit strains were significantly lower in cirrhotic patients, while there was no difference in the RA contractile strain. Early diastolic and systolic RA strain rates were significantly lower in cirrhotic patients than in controls, whereas there was no difference in the RA late diastolic strain rate between the two groups. Transaminases and bilirubin correlated negatively with RV global longitudinal strain and RV-free wall strain in patients with end-stage liver cirrhosis. The Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, predictor of 3-month mortality, correlated with parameters of RV structure and systolic function, and RA active function in patients with end-stage liver cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS: RA and RV remodeling is present in patients with end-stage liver cirrhosis even though RV systolic function is preserved. Liver enzymes, bilirubin, and the MELD score correlated with RV and RA remodeling