Spatial spillovers in public expenditure on a municipal level in Spain

A key function of local governments is to provide a wide array of public services. The supply of these services has been found to create spatial spillovers among neighbouring municipalities. Although it is generally agreed that spillovers are present in models that explain government expenditures, their type—whether endogenous, exogenous or residual—and sign—whether positive or negative—remain ambiguous. In most cases, a subjective process is used to select the type of spatial regression model used in analysis, with mixed results. Per capita expenditures of ten subprogrammes (Security, Housing, Welfare, Environment, Social services, Employment promotion, Health, Education, Culture and Sport) are analysed for all Spanish municipalities with more than 5000 inhabitants in the 2010–2012 period. A Spatial Seemingly Unrelated Regression methodology in a panel framework is used to incorporate correlation between different subprogrammes and spatial dependence. Our results show that the three types of spatial effects are present. Furthermore, substantive dependence is positive in most cases, while negative residual dependence is observed in some.We gratefully acknowledge the contribution of three anonymous reviewers in helping us improve the quality of this paper. Prof. Fernando A. López , grateful for the financial support offered by the projects from Programa de Ayudas a Grupos de Excelencia de la Región de Murcia, Fundación Seneca (#19884-GERM-15) and Ministry of Economy and Competiveness (ECO2015-651758)

Un análisis de la administración local en España: de los fenómenos de dependencia espacial en el gasto de los ayuntamientos a la política de city marketing

[SPA] En la presente investigación se ha realizado un profundo análisis de la administración local, poniendo de relieve los fundamentos de la gestión actual de la misma. Además, con base en el estudio de los fenómenos de dependencia espacial en el gasto de los ayuntamientos, se ha realizado una investigación cuantitativa y objetiva de dichos fenómenos para el periodo 2010-2012. Este tipo de estudio, utilizando una metodología SUR (Seemingly Unrelated Regression), se ha centrado, primero, en tres programas de gasto y, posteriormente, se ha ampliado a diez. Los resultados muestran amplia correlación entre las variables del modelo y presencia de mecanismos de dependencia espacial, tanto cooperativos como no cooperativos. Por otro lado, se ha realizado un análisis de la Administración Local mediante una investigación cuantitativa y subjetiva de la relación entre counter-knowledge y open-mindedness a través de políticas de city marketing. Se ha demostrado la relación indirecta del counter-knowledge sobre open-mindedness a través de programas de city marketing, existiendo una relación negativa cuando no se desarrollan dichas políticas. Por tanto, el conocimiento desestructurado se estructura mediante dichos programas.[ENG] The government of local administration, due to the degree of decentralization of Spanish public sector, requires a detailed study of the phenomena produced around its management. These phenomena are produced, from one hand, as a result of the general guidelines implemented by local managers and in the other hand as a result of the implementation of processes aimed to reach those strategic objectives. Municipalities are the greatest exponent of local administration due to its relevance in terms of demography and economics. This significance is based on the proximity to the citizens. It is for this reason that the processes managed by municipalities are checked with higher intensity. Thus, study and analyze the management of Spanish local administration and, in particular, the action of municipalities, acquires a great relevancy. Above and beyond that, in addition to make an approximation to the basic elements of public management, like established norms or mechanisms aimed to reach a number of management objectives, has a meaningful importance the analysis of the phenomena produced as a result of that management Municipalities are lattice of Spanish administration on which can be appreciated spontaneous phenomena, as a result of unilateral management strategies and pursued phenomena as a result of management strategies which consider the environment of the own municipalities. These latest phenomena have, ultimately, higher relevance, due to municipalities should have into account its context with the objective to reach its targets and provide public services agreed with citizens. In short, competence or collaboration between municipalities and the analysis of the environment where manage their activity, should be analyzed. With the theoretic and empirical study of those realities, is intended to confirm if there are spatial correlation phenomena on the expenditure in public services of Spanish municipalities for the period between 2010 and 2012. The confirmation of these phenomena together with the analysis of the environment of Spanish municipalities and their strategies on city marketing, could help to understand the management of Spanish local administration. The conjuction of both elements is aimed to show a more approximated insight of the main factors of the management of municipalities.Escuela Internacional de Doctorado de la Universidad Politécnica de CartagenaUniversidad Politécnica de CartagenaPrograma de doctorado en Administración y Dirección de Empresa

Rehabilitación de edificios históricos para su explotación empresarial: la batería de Cala Cortina

El presente trabajo fin de máster está orientado al estudio e investigación de técnicas para la recuperación de edificios con patrimonio histórico-cultural en la ciudad de Cartagena y su comarca para un posterior aprovechamiento de cara a la implantación de empresas en sus instalaciones. Para ello se van a recordar cuáles son los precedentes en materia de conservación y explotación de este tipo de edificios en nuestra ciudad y se van analizar cuáles son los imperativos o trámites legales que se deben llevar a cabo antes de que sea posible poner en marcha una empresa, estudiando las legislaciones vigentes actualmente. Posteriormente analizaremos qué tipo de empresa queremos instalar, que colaboraciones con administraciones o iniciativas privadas se pueden alcanzar para su mejor funcionamiento y que plan de empresa vamos a seguir. Para ello realizaremos un plan de viabilidad que nos garantice su estabilidad y permanencia a largo plazo. El objetivo fundamental será que el producto turístico que se va a desarrollar sea correctamente comercializado y llegue al mayor número de turistas posibles, para dinamizar el sector turístico en la ciudad de Cartagena. El motivo por el cual hemos decidido desarrollar esta propuesta es la importancia del sector turístico a nivel mundial en general y en nuestro país en particular. El sector turístico en España representaba un 10,2% del PIB según los últimos estudios recogidos en la Cuenta Satélite del Turismo fechados en Diciembre del año 2011, lo que representa un incremento de 2 decimas respecto del año anterior.Facultad de Ciencias de la EmpresaUniversidad Politécnica de Cartagen

Protective Effect of Red Algae (Rhodophyta) Extracts on Essential Dietary Components of Heat-Treated Salmon

Salmon paste contains nutritious components such as essential fatty acids (EPA, DHA), vitamin E and astaxanthin, which can be protected with the addition of red algae extracts. Phenolic extracts were prepared with an ethanol: water mixture (1:1) from the red seaweeds Gracilaria chilensis, Gelidium chilense, Iridaea larga, Gigartina chamissoi, Gigartina skottsbergii and Gigartina radula, obtained from the Pacific Ocean. Most algae had a high content of protein (>7.2%), fiber (>55%) and β-glucans (>4.9%), all expressed on a dry weight basis. Total polyphenols (TP), total flavonoids (TF), antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP) and antibacterial power of the extracts were measured. In addition, the nutritional components of the algae were determined. Results showed that the content of TP in the six algae varied between 2.6 and 11.3 mg EAG/g dw and between 2.2 and 9.6 for TF. Also, the extracts of G. skottsbergii, G. chamissoi, G. radula and G. chilensis showed the highest antiradical activity (DPPH, FRAP). All samples exhibited a low production of primary oxidation products, and protection of the essential components and the endogenous antioxidants tocopherols and astaxanthin, particularly in the case of G. skottsbergii, G. chamissoi, G. radula and G. chilensis. Furthermore, all algae had inhibitory activity against the tested microorganisms, coincident with their antioxidant capacity. Results show that the extracts may have future applications in the development and preservation of essential dietary components of healthy foodsS

Analizando el paisaje urbano de Contributa Iulia (Los Cercos, Medina de las Torres, Badajoz), a partir de fotografía aérea de baja altitud

Trabajo presentado al VI Encuentro de Arqueología del Suroeste Peninsular, celebrado en Villafranca de los Barros (Badajoz) del 4 al 6 de octubre de 2012.[ES]: En esta contribución se describe el proceso de captura y análisis de fotografías aéreas tomadas a baja altitud en el entorno de Contributa Iulia. El trabajo de campo ha permitido la obtención de un importante caudal de datos (crop-marks) acerca de la forma y distribución del entramado urbano de la ciudad y su entorno. Esto plantea la oportunidad de optimizar la explotación de dicha información, en dos frentes de trabajo estrechamente relacionados. En primer lugar, se han producido modelos digitales de superficie y ortoimágenes, que han servido para generar una cartografía de los principales indicios arqueológicos visibles. En segundo lugar se han expandido las posibilidades de identificación de estructuras enterradas. Se muestra la integración de todos estos resultados en un entorno de trabajo SIG que facilitará el desarrollo de ulteriores tareas como la prospección superficial y geofísica. Finalmente se ofrecen unas valoraciones sobre el potencial científico de este tipo de información.[EN]: In this paper we describe the process of capture and analysis of low altitude aerial images of the site of Contributa Iulia. Specific conditions when these images were taken has led to obtaining a significant amount of data (mainly crop-marks) on the shape and internal structure of the layout of the Roman city and its surroundings. We will explain our strategy to optimize the exploitation of these data in two main lines. First, we have produced several digital surface models and orthoimages that will allow mapping of the visible archaeological marks. Second, we have expanded the possibilities of identifying buried remains. We will show how these results are integrated in a GIS environment, providing selective criteria for the development of geophysical and surface survey. Finally we will raise some questions about the scientific potential of aerial images in our study area.Peer Reviewe

Techno-economic evaluation of UV light technologies in water remediation

Disinfection commonly follows conventional treatments in wastewater treatment and remediation plants aiming at reducing the presence of pathogens. However, the presence of the so called "micropollutants" has emerged as a serious concern, therefore developing tertiary treatments that are not only able to remove pathogens but also to degrade micropollutants is worth investigating. Nowadays, UV-C photo-degradation processes are widely used for disinfection due to their simplicity and easy operation; additionally, they have shown potential for the removal of contaminants of emerging concern. Conventional mercury lamps are being replaced by light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that avoid the use of toxic mercury and can be switched on and off with no effect on the lamp lifetime. This work aims to comparatively evaluate the performance of several photo-degradation technologies for the removal of two targeted micropollutants, the pharmaceutical dexamethasone (DXMT) and the herbicide S-metolachlor (MTLC), using UV irradiation doses typical of disinfection processes. To this end, the technical performance of UV-A/UV-C photolysis, UV-A/UV-C photocatalysis, UV-C/H2O2 and UV-C/NaOCl has been compared. The influence of operating conditions such as the initial concentration of the pollutants (3 mg L-1 - 30 mg L-1, concentrations found in membrane or adsorption remediation steps), pH (3-10), and water matrix (WWTP secondary effluent, and ultrapure water) on the degradation efficiency has been studied. The economic evaluation in terms of electricity and chemicals consumption and the carbon footprint has been evaluated. UV-C photolysis and UV-C photocatalysis appear as the most suitable technologies for the degradation of DXMT and MTLC, respectively, in terms of kinetics (1.53·10-1 min-1 for DXMT and 1.96·10-2 min-1 for MTLC), economic evaluation (1 € m-3 for DXMT and 32 € m-3 for MTLC) and environmental indicators (0.5 g-CO2 for DXMT and 223.1 g-CO2 for MTLC).These results are part of the R&D project RTC2019-006820-5 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033

Mineralization of polystyrene nanoplastics in water by photo-Fenton oxidation

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been identified as hotspots for the spread of micro(nano)plastics (MPs/NPs) in water. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have emerged as promising alternatives for tackling MPs/NPs pollution, however, the number of studies on this topic remains quite limited and needs further research. In this study, the feasibility of the photo-Fenton process (UV/ H2O2/ Fe3+) carried out at ambient conditions and using a broad-spectrum UV-Vis lamp was investigated for the degradation of polystyrene (PS) NPs in water. The impact of the main variables of the process, namely initial PS concentration, Fe3+ concentration, initial pH, H2O2 dose and particle size, was evaluated. Under optimized operating conditions ([PS NPs]0 = 20 mg L−1; [Fe3+]0 = 1 mg L−1; [H2O2]0 = 130 mg L−1; pH0 = 3 and T = 25 ºC), complete mineralization of PS NPs (140 nm) was achieved in 40 min. The outstanding performance of the process was mainly due to the wavelength and light intensity of the UV-lamp employed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in the field of photoassisted AOPs reporting the complete and fast mineralization of PS NPs in water, under ambient conditions. According to our results, photo-Fenton process can be applied to higher loads and larger particle sizes by adjusting the supplied oxidant dose and extending the reaction time. Hence, the photo-Fenton process displays great potential for producing high-quality reclaimed water and/or to be combined with a conventional separation process to treat concentrate streams and mineralize NPs at WWTPsThis research has been supported by the Autonoma University of Madrid and Community of Madrid through the project SI1-PJI2019–00006, and by the Spanish Ministry for Science and Innovation (MICINN) through the projects PID2019-105079RB-I00 and TED2021–131380B-C21. C. di Luca thanks financial support from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska Curie postdoctoral grant agreement Nº: 101062665. D. Ortiz thanks the Spanish MIU for the FPU predoctoral grant (FPU19/04816). M. Munoz thanks the Spanish MINECO for the Ramón y Cajal postdoctoral contract (RYC-2016–20648

Seguimiento de la adquisición de competencias profesionales en el Grado de Psicología

El presente trabajo pretende comprobar qué nivel de competencia perciben haber alcanzado los estudiantes del Grado de Psicología en aquellas actividades directamente relacionadas con las tareas de su desempeño profesional. La muestra la constituyen alumnos de varios cursos de Psicología de la Universidad de Salamanca. Los estudiantes responderán on-line, al final de curso, a un cuestionario de autopercepción de competencias profesionales (1=Nada competente; 5=Muy competente) correspondientes a los cuatro perfiles del psicólogo/a - sanitario, educativo, sociocomunitario y laboral-organizativo -. (Castro, 2004). El perfil base de autopercepción de competencias se deriva de las respuestas ofrecidas por los alumnos de 1º curso (N=172) en el primer cuatrimestre. En esta primera fase, los resultados obtenidos muestran que, de las 57 competencias valoradas, los estudiantes se autoperciben como "nada competentes" en la mayoría de ellas (Nivel 1); y solamente como "moderadamente competentes" (Nivel 3) en tres competencias transversales (manejo de informática, de paquetes estadísticos y de inglés). Estos resultados servirán de referencia para posteriores análisis estadísticos comparativos entre cursos. Se espera que los estudiantes autoperciban mayor competencia profesional a medida que se incrementa su formación académica, pudiendo existir diferencias en función de las competencias profesionales asignadas a los distintos perfiles profesionales del psicólogo/a

Selecting patterns and features for between- and within- crop-row weed mapping using UAV-imagery

This paper approaches the problem of weed mapping for precision agriculture, using imagery provided by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from sun ower and maize crops. Precision agriculture referred to weed control is mainly based on the design of early post-emergence site-speci c control treatments according to weed coverage, where one of the most important challenges is the spectral similarity of crop and weed pixels in early growth stages. Our work tackles this problem in the context of object-based image analysis (OBIA) by means of supervised machine learning methods combined with pattern and feature selection techniques, devising a strategy for alleviating the user intervention in the system while not compromising the accuracy. This work rstly proposes a method for choosing a set of training patterns via clustering techniques so as to consider a representative set of the whole eld data spectrum for the classi cation method. Furthermore, a feature selection method is used to obtain the best discriminating features from a set of several statistics and measures of di erent nature. Results from this research show that the proposed method for pattern selection is suitable and leads to the construction of robust sets of data. The exploitation of di erent statistical, spatial and texture metrics represents a new avenue with huge potential for between and within crop-row weed mapping via UAV-imagery and shows good synergy when complemented with OBIA. Finally, there are some measures (specially those linked to vegetation indexes) that are of great in uence for weed mapping in both sun ower and maize crop

Tracking magmatism and oceanic change through the early Aptian Anoxic Event (OAE 1a) to the late Aptian: Insights from osmium isotopes from the westernmost Tethys (SE Spain) Cau Core

Some of the major Carbon cycle perturbations of the Phanerozoic occurred during the Aptian, in relation to magmatism. The highest temperatures reconstructed for the Cretaceous Period correspond to the Oceanic Anoxic Event of the early Aptian (OAE 1a), an episode of accelerated global change. Here we present a chemostratigraphic study based on osmium isotopes integrated with high-resolution Carbon-Oxygen stable isotope data from the Cau Core (Western Tethys, SE Spain), including a 6.4 Ma record from the early to the late Aptian. This high-resolution study of the continuous and expanded Cau section permits a thorough understanding of the duration of the Aptian events, as well as an evaluation of the mechanisms triggering the abrupt changes of the global carbon and osmium cycles and their interdependence. Here we show that the Large Igneous Province (LIP) Aptian magmatism initiated 550–750 kyr prior to the OAE 1a, and persisted for 1.4 Myr after the event, influencing the composition of seawater for 2.8 Myr. We show a continuous Os isotope record encompassing the OAE 1a and the late Aptian for the first time, and demonstrate that the recovery from the exceptionally unradiogenic composition of seawater Os produced by the dominance of the Ontong Java Plateau volcanism, was slow. Our results demonstrate the different time duration of some events, and the asynchronous relationship between the carbon and osmium cycles