Capacity precommitment and price competition yield Cournot outcomes

We study an industry of a homogeneous good where n firms with identical technology compete by first building capacity, and then, after observing the capacity decisions, choosing a “reservation price” at which they are willing to sell their entire capacities. We show that every pure strategy equilibrium yields the Cournot outcome, and that the Cournot outcome can be sustained by a pure strategy subgame perfect equilibrium.

Productive Inclusion of Smallholder Farmers in Brazil?s Biodiesel Value Chain: Programme Design, Institutional Incentives and Stakeholder Constraints

One of the principal challenges in sustainable development, especially in developing countries, is to build institutions that generate positive environmental and social externalities by helping individuals to perceive a positive relationship between self-interest and ?the common good?. Collective engagement can enable individuals to overcome self-interestedness and work toward shared goals, but ?getting the institutions right? requires an understanding of how the particular set of market and non-market relationships really work for participants. In the context of the biodiesel value chain in Brazil, this paper explores how institutional arrangements need to evolve if they are to foster the productive and sustained inclusion of small farmers and promote sustainable innovation as a regional economic development strategy, one that helps reduce social vulnerability without increasing environmental risks. The paper uses the institutional analysis and design (IAD) framework, which looks at how actors are involved in repetitive situations affected by a biophysical world, a cultural world and a set of rules, in order to understand how different institutional structures can accommodate the power of both internal and exogenous forces that shape the trajectory of sustainable innovation. After a general overview of stakeholders and policy instruments in the biodiesel programme, the paper provides a brief institutional analysis of the interaction between actors and processes, with a view to offering insights into the current effectiveness of the programme as a sustainable rural development tool. (...)Productive Inclusion of Smallholder Farmers in Brazil?s Biodiesel Value Chain: Programme Design, Institutional Incentives and Stakeholder Constraints

New distribution records, habitat description and comments on the natural history of the poorly known frog Atelognathus solitarius (Anura, Batrachylidae) from northwestern Patagonia, Río Negro Province, Argentina

Atelognathus solitarius is probably the least-known species of its genus. The species was described in 1970 based on a single specimen from the Las Bayas Creek, Río Negro Province, Argentina; later publications that reported new specimens did not provide new localities. Here, we present an update of its distribution, describe the habitats it occupies, detail features of its natural history, and discuss conservation aspects. For this purpose, all available records were compiled from herpetological collections, literature, and new data obtained during field trips to the type locality and surroundings. We confirmed the presence of the species near its type locality and extended the known distribution about 30 km WSW and 30 km NW. Furthermore, we discovered that in addition to using small streams, A. solitarius uses lagoons in volcanic tablelands. Future studies on the biological and ecological aspects of the species are essential to update the current conservation category of ‘Insufficiently Known’ for Argentinean categorization or ‘Data Deficient’ for IUCN.Fil: Barrasso, Diego Andrés. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Diversidad y Evolución Austral; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Área Zoología; ArgentinaFil: Basso, Nestor Guillermo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Diversidad y Evolución Austral; ArgentinaFil: Sage, Richard David. Sociedad Naturalista Andino Patagónica (SNAP); ArgentinaFil: Úbeda, Carmen. Universidad Nacional del Comahue; Argentin

What Characteristics Do the Firms have That Go Beyond Compliance with Regulation in Environmental Protection? A Multiple Discriminant Analysis

This paper is focused on analyzing the characteristics of firms that have environmental performance beyond the requirements of regulation in environmental protection. To identify such characteristics, we propose a value and context model building on environmental paradigms as conceptualized by Dryzek’s environmental discourse theory. Using multiple discriminant analysis (MDA) to analyze data collected from a multi-respondent survey of Argentinean polluting firms, we identify distinctive characteristics of firms going beyond regulation and firms that do not comply with regulation. In particular, comparing with other five environmental discourses, endorsement of green growth is evaluated in its connection with compliance patterns. We find that supporting green growth discourse (also known as ecological modernization) is one of the characteristics of those firms that go beyond compliance in their environmental performance

Green Growth Policy, De-Growth, and Sustainability: The Alternative Solution for Achieving the Balance between Both the Natural and the Economic System

“We are ethically obliged and incited to think beyond what are treated as the realistic limits of the possible” [...

Microalgas para biodiesel: desarrollo de un método de transformación genética para Scenedemus almeriensis, una especie con potencial industrial

El progresivo agotamiento de las reservas de combustibles fósiles está promoviendo la búsqueda de fuentes alternativas renovables. El biodiesel �diésel producido a partir de los aceites vegetales, fundamentalmente� se presenta como una de las alternativas más claras. Pero cubrir las demandas de biodiesel exclusivamente a partir de las plantas cultivadas plantearía graves problemas y, según se calcula, sería insuficiente. Las microalgas se sugieren como solución necesaria, libre además de los problemas anejos a las plantas. Pero el aceite de microalgas es, actualmente, extraordinariamente caro de producir. Para abaratar esta materia prima los expertos recomiendan modificar genéticamente las microalgas prometedoras lo que sólo será posible desarrollando métodos de transformación genética. En este trabajo se describe el desarrollo de un método eficiente de transformación genética para Scenedesmus almeriensis vía Agrobacterium tumefaciens y se discute su aplicabilidad más allá del biodiesel mediante el uso de S. almeriensis como biofactoría

Menus offered in early childhood education centers of Seville: adaptation to the nutritional criteria and dietary recommendations

Introducción: en la actualidad existe un déficit en la evaluación de comedores dirigidos a niños menores de 3 años, a pesar de que se han realizado numerosas intervenciones en los comedores escolares con el fin de conseguir una alimentación segura y adecuada. Objetivo: realizar una evaluación nutricional de los menús ofertados en los centros de educación infantil de Sevilla. Material and methods: se evaluó la frecuencia, variedad, rotación de alimentos, métodos culinarios e información de los menús de seis centros infantiles de Sevilla. Se valoró el aporte energético y nutricional mediante el programa Dietowin® y el método de pesada. Resultados: las frutas y verduras fueron deficitarias en la mayoría de los menús, y excesivas la carne, patatas, pasta y arroz. Se observó una escasa variedad de recetas por grupo de alimentos y no se daba una información completa del menú. Sin embargo, la variedad de procesos culinarios y la rotación de alimentos fueron adecuadas. Aunque la energía y el aporte de carbohidratos (~55%) se ajustaban a las necesidades, se observó un aporte excesivo de proteínas (~19%) y deficiente de lípidos (< 30%), sobre todo de grasas insaturadas. Respecto a los micronutrientes, solo vitamina C, E y calcio estaban por debajo de lo recomendado. Conclusiones: los centros de educación infantil están haciendo un gran esfuerzo por cumplir las recomendaciones nutricionales, pero todavía deben disminuir el aporte proteico y aumentar las grasas insaturadas de la dieta. Además, deben fomentar la oferta de frutas y verduras, ampliar la variedad de recetas, dar mayor información y disminuir el aporte de alimentos cárnicos.Introduction: Today there is a lack in the evaluation of canteens aimed at children under 3 years although there have been numerous interventions in school canteens in order to achieve a safe and adequate food. Objective: To perform a nutritional assessment of menus offered in early childhood education centres of Seville. Material and methods: The frequency, variety, rotation of food, cooking methods and information of 6-childhood centre’s menus from Seville were evaluated. Energy and nutrient intakes were assessed by Dietowin® program and weighing method. Results: Fruits and vegetables were defi cient in most menus, and meat, potatoes, pasta and rice were excessive. A poor variety of recipes by food group was observed and the menu gave no comprehensive information. However, the variety of culinary processes and food rotation were adequate. Although energy and carbohydrate intake (~55%) complied with the requirements, an excessive protein intake (~19%) and low lipid intake (< 30%), especially unsaturated fats, was observed. Regarding micronutrients, only calcium, vitamin C and E were below recommended. Conclusions: The early childhood centres are making a great effort to meet the nutritional recommendations, but they still should reduce the protein intake and increase unsaturated fats in the diet. They should also encourage the offer of fruit and vegetables, expand the variety of recipes, provide more information and decrease meat food intake

Flebotomos de las Islas Canarias (España)

La ausencla de datos acerca de la fauna de Phlebotominae en el archiplelago Canario, nos ha llevado B realizar iiltimnmente varlos muestreos en las lslas de Oran Canaria y Tenerlfe. Para los mencionados muestreos se emple6 siempre la técnica del papel adhesivo. En Oran Canaria. de un total de €dete estaciones, s610 hubo capturas en una de ellas En Tenerife se recolectaron ejemplares en un total de slete estaciones pero el numero de capturas fue muy bajo. Los caracteres de los ejemplares machos y hembras capturados son : Macho: Pompa genltal en el tercer Segmento abdominal. Filamentos genitales muy largos, que sobrepasan las valvas del pene. Estas son troncoc6nicas con prolongaci6n basa1 muy desarrollada de aspecto semilunar. El estilo (con cinco esplnasi, coxito y l6bulo lateral no presentan particularidad notable. Hembra: Faringe con tres zonas definidas: la posterior, más ancha que las dos anteriores, ocupa un tercio de esta estructura Espermateca tubullforme con paredes lisas y conductos espermáticos extremadamente largos; el cuerpo. ligeramente más ancho que los conductos, se continua en un cuello cuyo diámetro es similar al de la cabeza, la cual esta rodeada de una corona de pelos. Este conjunto de caracteres confieren a los eiemplares procedentes de las islas Canarias peculiaridades propia

Estudio de digénidos de peces marinos del sur de la Península Ibérica

Se han estudiado un total de 492 hospedadores pertenecientes a 72 especies de peces marinos, todos procedentes de la plataforma continental que bordea el sur de la Península Ibérica. Como resultado de este trabajo se han localizado en el aparato digestivo de estos hospedadores 39 especies de Digenea. De ellas, Stephanostomum bicoronatum, (Stossich, 1883) Manter, 1940, Parahemiurus merus, (Linton, 1910) Manter, 1940, Derogenes latus Janiszewska, 1953, Bacciger israelensis Fischtha1, 1980, Promnoprymna ventricosa (Rudolphi, 1819) Poche, 1926, Haploporus benedenii (Stossich, 1887) Looss, 1902, Haplosplanchnus pachysomus (Eysenhardt, 1829) Looss, 1902, Saccocoelium obesum Looss, 1902, y Genolopa ampullacea Linton, 1910 se citan por primera vez en la península Ibérica. Lecithochirium musculus (Looss, 1907) Nasir y Díaz, 1971, Lecithochirium rufoviride (Rudolphi, 1819) Lühe, 1901, Lecithochirium fusiforme Lühe, 1901, Ectenurus lepidus Looss, 1907 y Tergestia laticollis (Rudolphi, 1819) Stossich, 1899, en las costas de Andalucia. Stephanostomum minutum en el Mediterráneo peninsular. Wardulla capitel/ata (Rudolphi, 1819) Poche, 1926 y Deropristis inflata en el Atlántico peninsular. Además, con el presente trabajo se amplía considerablemente el espectro de hospedadores de algunas de las especies parásitas estudiadas. Así Halobatrachus didactylus es nuevo hospedador para Stephanostomum minutum (Looss, 1901) Manter, 1940, Anisocladium fallax (Rudolphi, 1819) Looss, 1902 y Anisocoelium capitellatum (Rudolphi, 1819) Lühe, 1900. Bothus podas para Lecithocladium excisum (Rudolphi, 1819) Lühe, 1901 y Derogenes varicus (Müller, 1784) Looss, 1901. Solea sp. para Lecithochirium musculus (Looss, 1907) Nasir y Díaz, 1971. Trachinotus ovatus para Synaptobothrium caudiporum (Rudolphi, 1819) Looss, 1907. Scorpaena scrofa para Derogenes latus Janiszewska, 1953. Belone belone para Tergestia laticollis (Rudolphi, 1819) Stossich, 1899. Dicentrarchus punctatus para Acanthostomum imbutiforme (Molin, 1859) Gohar, 1934 y Bucephalus baeri Maillard, 1976. y Echiichthys vipera para Anisocladiumfallax (Rudolphi, 1819) Looss, 1902 y Anisocoelium capitellatum (Rudolphi, 1819) Lühe, 1900A total of 492 host of72 diferent species ofmarine fishes were colleted from the Sourth Iberian Peninsula coast and their tract digest were examined. We have identified 39 species ofDigenea. Stephanostomum bicoronatum, (Stossich, 1883) Manter, 1940, Parahemiurus merus, (Linton, 1910) Manter, 1940, Derogenes latus Janiszewska, 1953, Bacciger israelensis Fischthal, 1980, Promnoprymna ventricosa (Rudolphi, 1819) Po che, 1926, Haploporus benedenii (Stossich, 1887) Looss, 1902, Haplosplanchnus pachysomus (Eysenhardt, 1829) Looss, 1902, Saccocoelium obesum Looss, 1902, and Genolopa ampullacea Linton, 1910, have not previously been reported from Iberian Peninsula. Furthermore, Lecithochirium musculus (Looss, 1907) Nasir y Díaz, 1971, Lecithochirium rufoviride (Rudolphi, 1819) Lühe, 1901, Lecithochirium fusiforme Lühe, 1901, Ectenurus lepidus Looss, 1907 and Tergestia laticollis (Rudolphi, 1819) Stossich, 1899, are reported for the first time in Andalucian coast; Stephanostomum minutum in the spanish mediterranean coast and finally, Wardulla capitellata (Rudolphi, 1819) Poche, 1926 and Deropristis inflata in the Atlántic peninsular. In this paper, we have thoroughly widened the host range for sorne of the species here studied. So, Halobatrachus didactylus is a new host for Stephanostomum minutum (Looss, 1901) Manter, 1940, Anisocladiumfallax (Rudolphi, 1819) Looss, 1902 and Anisocoelium capitellatum (Rudolphi, 1819) Lühe, 1900. Bothus podas for Lecithocladium excisum (Rudolphi, 1819) Lühe, 1901 and Derogenes varicus (Müller, 1784) Looss, 1901. Solea sp. for Lecithochirium musculus (Looss, 1907) Nasir y Díaz, 1971. Trachinotus ova tus for Synaptobothrium caudiporum (Rudolphi, 1819) Looss, 1907. Scorpaena scrofa for Derogenes latus Janiszewska, 1953. Belone belone for Tergestia laticollis (Rudolphi, 1819) Stossich, 1899. Dicentrarchus punctatus for Acanthostomum imbutiforme (Molin, 1859) Gohar, 1934 and Bucephalus baeri Maillard, 1976. Echiichthys vipera for Anisocladiumfallax (Rudolphi, 1819) Looss, 1902 andAnisocoelium capitellatum (Rudolphi, 1819) Lühe, 190

Epidemiologia del parasitismo intestinal infantil en el valle del Guadalquivir, España

BACKGROUND : Intestinal parasitisms represents a public health problem that should be periodically assessed in each region. In the present paper, a study about prevalence of intestinal parasites, has been carried out in children from the natural region of the Guadalquivir Valley. METHODS: During the period 1994-1996, 1.917 children without symptoms, aging between 6 and 10, were studied by means of coprologycal analysis and Graham method, all of them living in 20 villages in the Guadalquivir valley. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitisms have been of 27,12%. The reported parasites and their prevalence are as follows: Enterobius vermicularis (20,44%), Giardia lamblia (5,05%), Entamoeba coli (2,45%), Endolimax nana (1,61%), Entamoeba histolytica (0,31%), Entamoeba hartmanni (0,05%), Iodamoeba bütschlii (0,05%). CONCLUSIONS: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites is similar to that found in other spanish region, if only a little bit more favourable probably due to the long lasting drought and the improvements in health resourses, no geohelmints have been detected unlike other protozoosis, giardiasis mantains a relatively high prevalence.FUNDAMENTO: Las parasitosis intestinales en los niños constituyen un problema de salud pública que debe ser valorado periódicamente en cada región. En este trabajo se aborda, por primera vez en la región natural del Valle del Guadalquivir, un estudio amplio sobre la prevalencia del parasitismo intestinal en la población infantil de la zona. MÉTODOS: Durante el período 1994-1996, mediante análisis coprológico y método de Graham, se ha estudiado a 1.917 niños y niñas asintomáticos, con edades comprendidas entre seis y diez años, residentes en veinte localidades del Valle del Guadalquivir. RESULTADOS: El índice global de parasitación ha sido del 27,12 %. Las especies parásitas detectadas, así como sus prevalencias fueron: Enterobius vermicularis (20,44%), Giardia lamblia (5,05%), Entamoeba coli (2,45%), Endolimax nana (1,61%), Entamoeba histolytica (0,31%), Entamoeba hartmanni (0,05%), Iodamoeba bütschlii (0,05%). CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia global encontrada es similar a la de otras regiones españolas, aunque quizás pueda considerarse algo más favorable. No se detectan geohelmintos, debido posiblemente a la mejora de la infraestructura higiénico-sanitaria y a los efectos de la prolongada sequía en la zona. La giardiasis, a diferencia de las restantes protozoosis, mantiene una prevalencia relativamente alta