FDI, income inequality and poverty : a time series analysis of Portugal, 1973–2016

Using time series data for Portugal between 1973 and 2016, this paper examines to what extent, inward FDI contributes to income inequality and poverty in the long-run. It was found that increased flows of inward FDI are associated with a less unequal income distribution and lower poverty rates. The results further suggest that, in the Portuguese case there is mutual causality between inward FDI and poverty in the long run, i.e., FDI significantly reduces poverty, and lower levels of poverty lead to higher inward FDI flows. In the case of inequality, the evidence shows that FDI does not contribute to higher (or lower) income inequality. Instead, more unequal income distributions significantly and negatively impact on inward FDI in the long run. Finally, human capital emerged as a key determinant to mitigate income inequality and circumvent poverty, contributing, indirectly, to fostering additional FDI inflows. Such results call for integrated public policy interventions that emphasize social and institu- tional dimensions.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Beach and cliff retreat induced by storm groups at Forte Novo,Algarve (Portugal)

Littoral cell dynamics may change through time as a reaction to modifications of the coastal system. Along the Vilamoura-Quarteira coastline, the construction of a groin field limited the sediment supply to the already narrow Forte Novo beach, located downdrift, enhanced wave action on the cliff base and lead to long-term persistent cliff retreat. This research uses a set of surveys from November 2009 to March 2010 to determine short-term soft cliff erosion associated to storm groups at this sediment starved area. Following the initial LiDAR survey, three subsequent surveys were performed using a reflectorless total station for monitoring the cliff face, and RTK-DGPS to monitor the position of the cliff top, the cliff foot and the topography of the adjacent beach. Results indicate an important reduction in beach levels during successive storms (without significant beach recovery in between), allowing waves to further attack the cliff base and contributing to further enhance the structural and permanent cliff retreat. This work demonstrates how a combination of magnitude and frequency of extreme events coupled with development of the coastline, has led to increased cliff-beach recession and to the permanent dislocation of the cliff face

ASSESSING CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ORGANIC, ECO-LABELED, AND REGULAR APPLES

We assess consumer choice of eco-labeled, organic, and regular apples, and identify sociodemographic characteristics affecting the choice among those three alternatives. Eco-labeled apples are less desirable than organic when food safety, the environment, and children's needs are considered. Characteristics that may be expected to positively affect the decision to buy eco-labeled apples relative to regular apples actually have the opposite effect with the inclusion of the organic alternative. When considering all three choices, the eco-labeled product is found to be an intermediate choice among consumers.Consumer/Household Economics,

Turbulent Magnetic Reconnection in Two Dimensions

Two-dimensional numerical simulations of the effect of background turbulence on 2D resistive magnetic reconnection are presented. For sufficiently small values of the resistivity ($\eta$) and moderate values of the turbulent power ($\epsilon$), the reconnection rate is found to have a much weaker dependence on $\eta$ than the Sweet-Parker scaling of $\eta^{1/2}$ and is even consistent with an $\eta-$independent value. For a given value of $\eta$, the dependence of the reconnection rate on the turbulent power exhibits a critical threshold in $\epsilon$ above which the reconnection rate is significantly enhanced.Comment: Accepted to MNRA

Nickel induced endogenous dermatitis: two cases report

A sensibilização ao níquel representa uma das principais causas de dermatite de contacto alérgica. Um número significativo de doentes apresenta lesões cutâneas, em locais que não estão em contacto directo com este metal. Nos últimos anos a influência do conteúdo em níquel da dieta na evolução da dermatite ao níquel tem merecido particular atenção. Descrevem-se os casos de duas doentes com dermatite de contacto ao níquel em que, apesar da evicção total do contacto com este metal, persistiam lesões de dermatite eczematosa, predominando nas zonas de maior sudação. Com a exclusão da dieta de alimentos com alto teor em níquel observou-se uma redução progressiva da intensidade do eczema, conducente ao desaparecimento total das lesões. As doentes foram, então, submetidas a prova de provocação oral com sulfato de níquel. Na primeira doente estudada observou-se aparecimento de eritema, prurido e reacção eczematosa, generalizados, doze horas após a ingestão de 20 mg de sulfato de níquel. Concomitantemente verificou-se a ocorrência de eritema pruriginoso e pequenas vesículas, no local de aplicação do patch teste ao níquel. No segundo caso a reactivação da dermatite ocorreu seis horas após a ingestão de 10 mg de sulfato de níquel. A manutenção de dieta restritiva em alimentos com alto teor em níquel permitiu o desaparecimento total da dermatite e estabilização clínica que se mantém desde há 6 meses. O diagnóstico de dermatite endógena induzida pela ingestão de níquel foi demonstrado através da realização de prova de provocação oral. A excreção de níquel através do suor parece ser relevante. A redução da ingestão diária de níquel, permitindo a menor concentração deste elemento no suor poderá explicar a melhoria da dermatite, particularmente, nas zonas cutâneas de maior sudação

In Vitro Reassembly of the Malolactic Fermentation Pathway of Leuconostoc oenos (Oenococcus oeni)

The mechanism of metabolic energy generation by malolactic fermentation was studied with artificial membrane vesicles of Leuconostoc oenos (Oenococcus oeni). (Note that although L. oenos was recently reclassified as O. oeni, the old designation was kept in the present work.) Purified malolactic enzyme was entrapped in artificial membrane vesicles prepared from L. oenos cells able to transport L-malate. We show that the in vitro reconstituted system, including an electrogenic L-malate carrier and the decarboxylating malolactic enzyme, generated a proton motive force that was able to drive intravesicular accumulation of leucine.

Virtual reality, augmented reality and tourism experience

This chapter intends to give an overview of tourist experience in the real and virtual worlds (virtual and augmented reality) and how tourists are dealing with these two worlds. To achieve such a goal, the chapter examines existing definitions and conceptualizations of experience (and related constructs), virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) and delivers a historical perspective of real and virtual experiences within tourism. A comprehensive literature review makes it possible to methodologically capture the concepts of the topic and organize the structure of the chapter giving (i) different experience definitions, (ii) definitions of VR and AR, (iii) the root of experience in tourism (e.g., service quality, satisfaction, relationship marketing, tourist focus, tourist engagement, co-creation), and (iv) the tourist experience journey (stages of tourism experience and its relationship with VR and AR). The chapter is of interest to both academics and practitioners, since it identifies concepts of tourism experience, aggregating the real and virtual worlds, and at the same time gives a view of tourist experience management. Finally, the chapter points out critical areas for future research.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio