Cuestiones marítimas, transfronterizas y otros problemas jurídicos

Traballo fin de grao (UDC.DER). Dereito. Curso 2013/201

The influence of Motivations and Barriers in the Benefits. An empirical study of EMAS certified business in Spain

The main objective of this research is to analyze through a structured questionnaire, the influence of the motivations that lead companies to implement Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) and the barriers found in the benefits perceived by companies, as well as, the degree of difficulty perceived for the implementation of the different requirements to be fulfilled, which are established in the regulation. An extensive review of the academic literature published on motivations, barriers, difficulties and benefits in environmental standards has been carried out in order to establish the working hypotheses which refer to the relationship between motivations, barriers with the benefits and degree of difficulty in implementing the requirements. The empirical investigation was carried out in a sample of 114 of the 255 companies of the Autonomous Community of Galicia (Spain) that have EMAS certification. The methodology used was the use of the application of a regression analysis to test the hypotheses; pre- viously the measurement scales were validated and an exploratory factorial analysis was applied in order to determine the structure of the different variables considered in the study. The results show that the motivations affect the benefits positively and on the contrary, affect the barriers negatively (reduce them) and it was observed that the greater the barriers, the lower the benefits obtained from the implementation of EMAS (negative influence). The proposed regression models show the joint influence of the motivations and barriers on the benefits considered

Mares y Biolab, dos proyectos espaciales para la ISS de NTE

Peer Reviewe

Sustainability model to select optimal site location for temporary housing units: combining GIS and the MIVES–Knapsack model

Selecting the best site location for temporary housing (TH) is one of the most critical decision-making processes in the aftermath of disasters. Many spatial variables and multi-criteria indicator problems are involved in the decision-making analysis. Incorrect treatment of these components often led to failure in previous post-disaster recovery programmes. Wrong decisions caused short- and long-term negative impacts on the environment and people as well as wasting capital spending. In this regard, this research paper aims to present a novel multi-criteria decision-making approach that helps decision makers select optimal site locations to consider spatial and sustainability-related aims by assessing numerous alternatives. This new model is based on combining a knapsack algorithm and the integrated value model for sustainability assessment (MIVES) to derive optimal alternatives. This model makes it possible to objectively quantify sustainability indicators (economic, environmental, and social aspects) and derive satisfaction indices for each site (or set of sites) in terms of TH location. The model is designed to receive and filter data from a geographic information system (GIS). Using this model in future post-disaster recovery programs is believed to increase stakeholders’ satisfaction and maximise the sustainability associated with the selection.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Os efeitos das práticas de gestão da qualidade nos resultados-chave: amostra de questionários para o setor de hospedagem turística na Espanha

En este trabajo de investigación se examinan los efectos directos e indirectos de las prácticas de la Gestión de la Calidad en los resultados clave, y se identifican las relaciones entre las prácticas de la calidad. Para cumplir con el objetivo propuesto se plantea un modelo estructural teniendo en cuenta la revisión previa de la literatura con el propósito de identificar las prácticas de calidad y las relaciones causales con los resultados clave. El modelo teórico y sus hipótesis son testados usando los datos obtenidos de una muestra de 186 empresas de alojamiento turístico certificadas con la marca “Q de Calidad Turística” en Espana, a partir de un cuestionario elaborado en base a las prácticas de calidad definidas en la literatura y por el Modelo EFQM, tomando como referencia algunas de las escalas más relevantes. La metodología empleada consiste en la aplicación de un Análisis Factorial Exploratorio y Confirmatorio para validar las escalas (fiabilidad, unidimensionalidad y validez) y delimitar el número de ítems de cada uno de los instrumentos de medida de los constructos planteados para, a continuación, estimar el modelo causal propuesto procediendo a contrastar las hipótesis planteadas mediante la técnica Modelo de Ecuaciones Estructurales (SEM). Los resultados obtenidos apoyan las relaciones entre las prácticas de la calidad y el impacto directo y positivo de dos de las prácticas: gestión de los procesos y política/planificación de la calidad, en los resultados clave. También se observó que las prácticas de calidad que más influyen en los resultados clave son la política/planificación de la calidad junto con el liderazgo teniendo en cuenta los efectos totales (directos e indirectos).In this research work, we examine the direct and indirect effects of quality management practices on key results and we identify the relationship between quality practices. To achieve the proposed objective, a structural model was used, taking into account the previous review of the literature, in order to identify the quality practices and causal relationships with the key results. The theoretical model and hypotheses are tested using data collected from a sample of 186 tourist accommodation companies certified with the “Q for Tourist Quality” standard in Spain, from a questionnaire based on quality practices identified in the literature and on the EFQM Model, taking some of the most relevant scales as a reference. The methodology used consists of the application of an Exploratory and Confirmatory Factorial Analysis to validate the scales (reliability, one-dimensionality and validity) and define the number of items of each of the measuring instruments of the constructs proposed, to then estimate the causal model proposed, proceeding to test the hypotheses formulated by using the Structural Equation Model (SEM) technique. The results achieved support the relationship between quality practices and the direct and positive impact of two of the practices, processes management and quality policy/planning, on the key results. It was also observed that the quality practices that most influence key results are quality policy/planning along with leadership, when considering the total effects (direct and indirect).No presente trabalho de pesquisa foram analisados os efeitos diretos e indiretos das práticas de Gestão da Qualidade nos resultados-chave e foram identificadas as relações entre as práticas da qualidade. Para atingir o objetivo proposto, apresenta-se um modelo estrutural que leva em consideração a revisão prévia da literatura com o propósito de identificar as práticas da qualidade e as relações causais com os resultados-chave. O modelo teórico e suas hipóteses foram testados usando-se os dados obtidos a partir de uma amostra de 186 empresas de hospedagem turística certificadas com a marca “Q de Qualidade Turística” na Espanha, a partir de um questionário elaborado com base nas práticas de qualidade definidas na literatura e pelo Modelo EFQM, tomando-se como referência algumas das escalas mais relevantes. A metodologia usada consiste na aplicação de uma Análise Fatorial Exploratória e Confirmatória para validar as escalas (confiabilidade, unidimensionalidade e validade) e delimitar o número de itens de cada um dos instrumentos de medida dos construtos propostos, para, em seguida, elaborar o modelo causal proposto, procedendo ao teste das hipóteses levantadas por meio da técnica do Modelo de Equações Estruturais (SEM). Os resultados obtidos reforçam as relações entre as práticas de qualidade e o impacto direto e positivo de duas das práticas: gestão de processos e política/planejamento da qualidade, nos resultados-chave. Também foi observado que as práticas da qualidade que mais influenciam nos resultados-chave são a política/planejamento da qualidade junto com a liderança, levando-se em conta os efeitos totais (diretos e indiretos).peerReviewe

Diagnóstico de la excelenciaen la Comunidad Autónoma Gallega a través del modelo E.F.Q.M.

[Resumen] El presente trabajo de investigación tiene por objeto realizar un diagnóstico de la Excelencia en la Comunidad Autónoma de Galicia tomando como referencia el Modelo EFQM de la European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM). En un primer punto se aborda la importancia de la calidad en la actualidad y se plantea el objetivo principal del estudio. Posteriormente, en un epígrafe nuevo se afronta la evolución de la calidad desde la inspección de calidad a la excelencia con especial referencia al modelo europeo. En el apartado siguiente se describe la metodología de la investigación empírica. En el cuarto punto se detallan los resultados obtenidos y, finalmente se exponen las conclusiones finales.[Abstract] The present investigation has for object to carry out a diagnosis of the Excellence in the Autonomous Community of Galicia taking like reference the Model EFQM of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM). In a first point the importance of the quality is approached at the present time and thinks about the main objective of the study. Later on, in a new epigraph the evolution of the quality is confronted from the inspection of quality to the excellence with special reference to the European Model. In the following section the methodology of the empiric investigation is described. In the fourth point the obtained results are detailed and, finally the final conclusions are exposed

Active Tourism Research: a Literature Review (1975-2013)

[Resumen] La investigación en turismo activo: Revisión bibliográfica (1975-2013). En los últimos años hemos asistido a un incremento del interés por el denominado “turismo activo” o “turismo de aventura”, interés que se ha reflejado en el aumento del número de artículos publicados tanto a nivel nacional como internacional. Los objetivos del presente trabajo han sido examinar el estado actual de la investigación en ésta tipología de turismo y explorar las diferencias entre la producción científica publicada en revistas turísticas y no turísticas. Para ello, se ha realizado un estudio bibliométrico de los artículos publicados en revistas en castellano indexadas en la base de datos bibliográfica ISOC del Centro de Ciencias Humanas y Sociales (CCSH) del consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), realizando una búsqueda avanzada de términos relacionados con el turismo activo o de aventura que ha dado lugar a un conjunto de 155 referencias, que abarcan el periodo comprendido entre los años 1975-2013. Los resultados obtenidos ponen de manifiesto que en la última década el número de artículos sobre turismo activo en castellano ha crecido y que, debido a su contenido interdisciplinar, estos estudios son publicados en revistas de diversas temáticas cuya titularidad es pública en un 84% de los casos destacando las universidades y la administración como los organismos más prolíferos.[Abstract] In recent years, we have seen an increase in interest by the so-called "active tourism" or "adventure tourism", interest which has been reflected in the increase in the number of articles published both nationally and internationally. The objectives of this work have been examining the current state of research on this type of tourism and explore the differences between scientific production published in tourist and non-tourist journals. To do this, a Bibliometric study was made of articles published in Spanish journals indexed in the bibliographic database ISOC of the Center for Humanities and Social Sciences (CCSH) of the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), performing an advanced search terms related to active tourism or adventure that has resulted a set of 155 references covering the period between the years 1975-2013. The results highlight that in the last decade the number of articles on active tourism in Spanish has grown and that, due to its interdisciplinary content, these studies are published in journals of various topics whose ownership is public in 84% of cases highlighting the universities and the Administration as the most prolific organisms

Using Markov-Switching models in US stocks optimal portfolio selection in a Black–Litterman context (Part 1)

In this study, we tested the benefit of using Markov-Switching (M-S) models to forecast the views of the 26 most traded stocks in the US in a Black–Litterman (B–L) optimal selection context. With weekly historical data of these stocks from 1 January 1980, we estimated and simulated (from 7 January 2000, to 7 February 2022) three portfolios that used M-S views in each stock and blended them with the market equilibrium views in a B–L context. Our position was that the B–L optimal portfolios could generate alpha (extra return) against a buy-and-hold and an actively managed portfolio with sample portfolio parameters (à la Markowitz, SampP). Our results suggest that the outperformance of the B–L managed portfolios holds only in the short term. In the long-term, the performance of the B–L portfolios, the SampP, and the market portfolio are statistically equal in terms of returns or their mean–variance efficiency in an ex-ante or ex-post analysis.Junta de Extremadur

Sustainable water resources management: a bibliometric overview

Si bien la demanda mundial de agua continúa aumentando, la cantidad y calidad de los recursos de agua está disminuyendo en muchas regiones. Es probable que aumenten los conflictos por la competencia en el uso del agua a medida que las sociedades enfrentan desafíos sociales, económicos y políticos, especialmente agravados por el cambio climático. En este escenario, la gestión sostenible de los recursos hídricos es una prioridad clave para satisfacer la creciente demanda de agua y lograr un suministro futuro seguro y ambientalmente sostenible. El objetivo principal de este artículo era mostrar una imagen de la producción científica internacional relacionada con la "Gestión sostenible de los recursos hídricos" mediante el uso del estudio bibliométrico comparativo de los documentos indexados en las bases de datos WoS (Web of Science) y Scopus como herramienta; y analizar aspectos relevantes como su cobertura, correlación, superposición, crecimiento, citación, dispersión o concentración, entre otros. Para este propósito, y mediante una búsqueda avanzada de términos, se seleccionó un conjunto representativo de 160 artículos en WoS y 210 en Scopus (con un límite de tiempo que limitó los resultados a cualquier cosa publicada antes de 2017, incluido 2017), que forman las bases ad-hoc del análisis. Su aumento significativo tanto en el número de artículos como en las citas recibidas en los últimos 10 años demuestra el creciente interés de la comunidad científica en su estudio. Con respecto al análisis de las bases de datos, aunque WoS y Scopus difieren en términos de alcance, volumen de datos y políticas de cobertura, ambos sistemas de información son complementarios y no exclusivos. A pesar de sus similitudes, Scopus realiza una mejor cobertura en el área específica de Gestión de Recursos de Agua Sostenible al recopilar una mayor cantidad de artículos y recibir una mayor cantidad de citas.While global water demand continues increasing, the quantity and quality of wáter resources is decreasing in many regions. Conflicts over competition in the use of water are likely to increase as societies face social, economic and political challenges, especially aggravated by climate change. In this scenario, sustainable management of water resources is a key priority to meet the growing demand for water and to achieve a safe and environmentally sustainable future supply. The main objective of this article was to show an image of the international scientific production related to “Sustainable Water Resources Management” by using the comparative bibliometric study of the documents indexed in the WoS(Web of Science) and Scopus databases as a tool; and to analyze relevant aspects such as their coverage, correlation, overlap, growth, citation, dispersión or concentration, among others. For this purpose, and by means of an advanced search of terms, a representative set of 160 articles in WoS and 210 in Scopus were selected (with a time limit that limited the results to anything published before 2017, including 2017), which form the ad-hoc basis of the analysis. Their significant increase in both the number of articles and citations received in the last 10 years demonstrates the growing interest of the scientific community in its study. Regarding the analysis of the databases, although WoS and Scopus differ in terms of scope, volume of data and coverage policies, both information systems are complementary and non-exclusive. Despite their similarities, Scopus performs better coverage in the specific area of SustainableWater Resource Management by collecting a greater number of articles and receiving a greater number of citations.peerReviewe

Characterization and deslignication of Dictyota dichotoma

Motivation: Algae, with more than 27,000 species, includes a great variety of aquatic organisms with a high ecological importance. Every yearthousands tons of sea waste are acumulated on the shore. Consequently some investigations are recently focused on its potential as raw material for animal food, bioethanol or cellulose extraction among others. Currently there are not many studies about the use of these wastes for cellulose extraction. The objetive of this project is to characterize the algae Dictyota dichotoma.and compare two different deslignification treatments.Methods: The characterization of the specie Dictyota dichotoma, seaweed was carried out, in order to determinate the composition of benzene ethanol extractables, ashes, hot water solubility, lignin, holocellulose and alfa-cellulose.On the other hand, the diference between two chemical treataments for the delignification of D. dichotoma was studied using NaOH, antraqinone and H2O2 or NaCl2O. Also an experimental designwas carried out taking into account the effect of five independent variables( time, temperature, antraqinone, NaOH and H2O2 or NaCl2O) on whiteness..Results: The obtained results allow to conclude that Dictyota dichotoma presents a low content in lignin, with 16.07%.Conclusions: The study demonstrates that D.dichotoma is an adequate alternative as raw material for papermaking due to its low content of lignin (16%)in comparison with other vegetables terrestrial species which facilitates cellulose extraction. Moreover this algae present elevate contents in cellulose (34,8% of holocollulose and 30,6% of alpha-cellulose) and its extraction can be carried out using clean technologies