http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/1057 www.ub.edu Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:00:51 GMT 2012-02-11T22:00:51Z http://www.recercat.cat:80/bitstream/id/34106/ http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/1057 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179582 Solvency Capital estimation and Risk Measures Ferri Vidal, Antoni; Guillén, Montserrat; Bermúdez, Lluís This paper examines why a financial entity’s solvency capital estimation might be underestimated if the total amount required is obtained directly from a risk measurement. Using Monte Carlo simulation we show that, in some instances, a common risk measure such as Value-at-Risk is not subadditive when certain dependence structures are considered. Higher risk evaluations are obtained for independence between random variables than those obtained in the case of comonotonicity. The paper stresses, therefore, the relationship between dependence structures and capital estimation. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179582 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179579 How to use the standard model with own data? Bermúdez, Lluís; Guillén, Montserrat; Ferri Vidal, Antoni In this work discuss the use of the standard model for the calculation of the solvency capital requirement (SCR) when the company aims to use the specific parameters of the model on the basis of the experience of its portfolio. In particular, this analysis focuses on the formula presented in the latest quantitative impact study (2010 CEIOPS) for non-life underwriting premium and reserve risk. One of the keys of the standard model for premium and reserves risk is the correlation matrix between lines of business. In this work we present how the correlation matrix between lines of business could be estimated from a quantitative perspective, as well as the possibility of using a credibility model for the estimation of the matrix of correlation between lines of business that merge qualitative and quantitative perspective. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179579 2012-02-01T00:00:00Z http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179577 Evaluating antitrust leniency programs Borrell, Joan Ramón; Jiménez, Juan Luís; García, Carmen This paper identifies and then quantifies econometrically the impact of leniency programs on the perception of the effectiveness of antitrust policies using country level panel data for a 10-year span. Leniency programs have been introduced gradually in antitrust legislation across the globe to fight more effectively against cartels. We use the dynamics of the diffusion of such policy innovation across countries and over time to evaluate the impact of the program. We find that leniency programs have had a significant impact on the perception among the business community of the effectiveness of each country‟s antitrust policy. Leniency programs have become weapons of mass dissuasion in the hands of antitrust enforcers against the more damaging forms of explicit collusion among rival firms in the market place. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179577 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179549 Advances in medical imaging applied to bone metastases González Sistal, Ángel; Baltasar Sánchez, Alicia; Herranz Carnero, Michel; Ruibal Morell, Álvaro [Okechukwu Felix Erondu, Ed.] Medical Imaging, 2011, p.339-354; Bone metastases are the result of a primary cancer invasion which spreads into the bone marrow through the lymphogenous or hematogenous pathways. Bone metastases are a common complication of cancer.The primary cancers that most frequently metastasize to bone are breast and prostate cancer (65 - 75 %) amongst many others (thyroid 42 %, lung 36 % or kidney 35 %) (Suva et al., 2011). Although the exact incidence of bone metastases is unknown given its dependence on the type of primary cancer, it is estimated that 350,000 people die of bone metastases annually in the United States. http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179549 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179548 Ensenyar la comprensió a partir de "Hoy empieza todo" y "Voces inocentes". "Hoy empieza todo" Mallart i Navarra, Joan; Lorenzo Ramírez, Núria; Valls Montserrat, Ramona http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179548 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179547 Els principis d'un coneixement pertinent a partir "Family man" Oliver Vera, M. Carmen; Rivas Guzman, Karina; López Davila, Erika http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179547 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179533 Biological remediation approach involving soils and groundwaters polluted with chlorinated solvents in a Mediterranean context Cortés, Amparo; Puigserver, Diana; Carmona, Josep Maria; Viladevall Solé, Manuel Chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethene (TCE) and tetrachloroethene (PCE) form a class of dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) compounds that cause a persistent environmental contamination that is difficult to investigate and challenging to remediate. The use of vegetation to enhance degradation by soil microorganisms of chlorinated solvents in soil-groundwater systems (phyto and rhizo-degradation) has been receiving attention since the 90¿ as an attractive low-cost alternative. Remediation strategies must be site-specific, with separate approaches often warranted for the DNAPL source zone and its associated aqueous phase plume. It has been suggested that possible mechanisms for the enhanced bioremediation of TCE in the rhizosphere are excretion of phenolic compounds in root exudates and plant mycorrhization. http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179533 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179532 Involvement of nicotinic receptors in methamphetamine and MDMA induced neurotoxicity: Pharmacological studies Escubedo Rafa, Elena; Garcia Ratés, Sara; Camarasa García, Jordi; Pubill Sánchez, David During the last years, our emphasis has focused in the study of the neurotoxic effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and methamphetamine (METH) on central nervous system and their pharmacological prevention. In the process of this research, we have used a semipurified synaptosomal preparation from striatum of mice or rats as a reliable in vitro model to study reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by these amphetamine derivatives, which is well correlated with their dopaminergic injury in in vivo models. Using this preparation we have demonstrated that blockade of alpha7 nicotinic receptors with methyllycaconitine (MLA) and memantine (MEM) prevents ROS production induced by MDMA and METH. Studies at molecular level showed that both, MDMA and METH, displaced competitively the binding of radioligands for homomeric alpha7 and heteromeric nAChRs, indicating that they can directly interact with them. In all the cases MDMA displayed higher affinity than METH and it was higher for heteromeric than for alpha7 subtype. Preincubation of differentiated PC12 cells with MDMA or METH induces nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) up-regulation in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, as many nicotinic ligands do, supporting their functional interaction with nAChRs. Such interaction expands the pharmacological profile of amphetamines and can account for some of their effects. http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179532 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179531 Inhibitors of the M2 channel of influenza A virus Duque, María D.; Torres, Eva; Valverde, Elena; Barniol, Marta; Guardiola, Salvador; Rey, Matias; Vázquez, Santiago Influenza is a highly contagious, major respiratory tract disease affecting millions of people each year. At present, two classes of antivirals are available: the neuraminidase inhibitors and the M2 proton channel blockers amantadine and rimantadine. However, rapid emergence of M2 blockers resistance makes imperative the development of new anti-influenza drugs. In the last few years several groups have synthesized and evaluated several analogs of amantadine. While several of them are active against wild-type M2 channel only a few are able to inhibit the mutant ion channels that lead to amantadine-resistance. http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179531 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179530 Technological, biopharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic advances: new formulations of application on the skin and oral mucosa Calpena Campmany, Ana Cristina; Clares, Beatriz; Fernández, Francisco Currently a growing interest to improve the pharmacological therapy exists, not only by the production and the appearance of new drugs, but guaranteeing that the uses of those which already exist, become more effective. In fact, the conventional pharmaceutical formulations of different drugs present a few secondary effects due to oral administration. In order to avoid these undesired side effects, the purpose of current therapeutic is the development and research of formulations as an alternative to others routes of administration. Therefore, in spite of the undoubtedly complete parenteral absorption, the transdermal and transbuccal routes appear to be a rather attractive alternative to provide an efficient absorption. In this chapter a new technological, biopharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic approach of strategies for application on skin and buccal mucosa are reported. In the future new transdermal drug delivery systems will emerge to be more effective, equipped with an improved aesthetic appearance, better adherence and greater diffusion. But to reach these aims, it is necessary previous knowledge of histology and physiology of skin, and factors involved in the penetration of drugs through it. http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179530 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179529 Resveratrol: A polyphenol with multiple effects Planas i Rosselló, Joana M.; Colom Codina, Helena; Juan i Olivé, M. Emília trans-Resveratrol (trans-3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) is a natural polyphenol that occurs in grapes, berries, peanuts, and several traditional medicines. A number of studies have demonstrated that this polyphenol holds promise against numerous age-associated diseases including cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. In view of these studies, resveratrol's prospects for use in the clinics are rapidly accelerating. This review summarizes our work on the mechanisms involved in the intestinal absorption and its population pharmacokinetics. Finally, various targets of resveratrol and its therapeutic potential are described. http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179529 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179528 Effect of cocoa powder in the prevention of cardiovascular disease: biological, consumption and inflammatory biomarkers. A metabolomic approach Urpí Sardà, Mireia; Llorach, Rafael; Monagas, Maria; Khan, Nasiruddin; Rotches-Ribalta, Maria; Roura Carvajal, Elena; Lamuela Raventós, Rosa Ma.; Estruch Riba, Ramon; Andrés Lacueva, Ma. Cristina Numerous health benefits have been attributed to cocoa and its derived products in the last decade including antioxidant, anti-platelet and positive effects on lipid metabolism and vascular function. Inflammation plays a key role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. However, cocoa feeding trials focused on inflammation are still rare and the results yielded are controversial. Health effects derived from cocoa consumption have been partly attributed to its polyphenol content, in particular of flavanols. Bioavailability is a key issue for cocoa polyphenols in order to be able to exert their biological activities. In the case of flavanols, bioavailability is strongly influenced by several factors, such as their degree of polymerization and the food matrix in which the polyphenols are delivered. Furthermore, gut has become an active site for the metabolism of procyanidins (oligomeric and polymeric flavanols). Estimation of polyphenol consumption or exposure is also a very challenging task in Food and Nutrition Science in order to correlate the intake of phytochemicals with in vivo health effects. In the area of nutrition, modern analytical techniques based on mass spectrometry are leading to considerable advances in targeted metabolite analysis and particularly in Metabolomics or global metabolite analysis. In this chapter we have summarized the most relevant results of our recent research on the bioavailability of cocoa polyphenols in humans and the effect of the matrix in which cocoa polyphenols are delivered considering both targeted analysis and a metabolomic approach. Furthermore, we have also summarized the effect of long-term consumption of cocoa powder in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) on the inflammatory biomarkers of atherosclerosis. http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179528 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179527 Molecular simulations of globins: Exploring the relationship between structure, dynamics and function Forti, Flavio; Boechi, Leonardo; Novo de Oliveira, Ana; Bikiel, Damian; Arroyo, Pau; Nadra, Alejandro; Capece, Luciana; Bidon-Chanal Badia, Axel; Martí, Marcelo A.; Estrín, Darío; Luque Garriga, F. Xavier The discovery in the last two decades of novel members of the globin superfamily has challenged the conventional view about the structure and function of globins. Thus, peculiar structural differences are expected to have direct influence on properties related to ligand migration, binding affinity and heme reactivity. Molecular simulations are a valuable tool to gain insigth into the molecular mechanisms that underlie those structural differences, and their relationship with the diversity of functional roles. In this work, the impact of molecular simulations in exploring the linkage between structure, dynamics and function is highlighted for three representative cases: the migration of ligands through the protein matrix of truncated hemoglobins, the modulation of binding affinity by heme distortion in protoglobin, and finally the functional implications due to the equilibrium between penta- and hexacoordination of the heme with distal histidine in neuroglobin. http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179527 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179526 Cryptosporidium sp. in public swimming pools in Barcelona Gómez, María Soledad; Gracenea Zugarramurdi, Mercedes; Ángel Ripoll, Laia; Beneyto, Vicenç The presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in swimming pools in Barcelona was studied. The possible influence of the different parameters related to water conditions, pool structure and users has also been analyzed. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in 54% of the swimming pools analyzed and in 85% of the sport centers checked. Oocysts concentrations ranged from 0 to 30 oocysts/L. Among parameters related to water conditions, there was no relationship between oocyst presence and water pH, but the influence of temperature was statistically significant (p"MENOR QUE"0.05) (¿2=0.024). Among parameters related to pool structure, the filter backwash water samples revealed a higher percentage of parasitation (58.8%) than the prefilter ones (42.9%). With the medium volume pools (100-500 m3), the percentage was higher (80%). Covered and uncovered pools presented similar prevalences for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Looking at two of the user related parameters, swimming pools with more users and children's swimming pools showed http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179526 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179525 Cryptosporidium sp. in public swimming pools in Barcelona Gómez, María Soledad; Gracenea Zugarramurdi, Mercedes; Ángel Ripoll, Laia; Beneyto, Vicenç The presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in swimming pools in Barcelona was studied. The possible influence of the different parameters related to water conditions, pool structure and users has also been analyzed. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in 54% of the swimming pools analyzed and in 85% of the sport centers checked. Oocysts concentrations ranged from 0 to 30 oocysts/L. Among parameters related to water conditions, there was no relationship between oocyst presence and water pH, but the influence of temperature was statistically significant (p"MENOR QUE"0.05) (¿2=0.024). Among parameters related to pool structure, the filter backwash water samples revealed a higher percentage of parasitation (58.8%) than the prefilter ones (42.9%). With the medium volume pools (100-500 m3), the percentage was higher (80%). Covered and uncovered pools presented similar prevalences for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Looking at two of the user related parameters, swimming pools with more users and children's swimming pools showed http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179525 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179524 Cryptosporidium sp. in public swimming pools in Barcelona Gómez, María Soledad; Gracenea Zugarramurdi, Mercedes; Ángel Ripoll, Laia; Beneyto, Vicenç The presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in swimming pools in Barcelona was studied. The possible influence of the different parameters related to water conditions, pool structure and users has also been analyzed. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in 54% of the swimming pools analyzed and in 85% of the sport centers checked. Oocysts concentrations ranged from 0 to 30 oocysts/L. Among parameters related to water conditions, there was no relationship between oocyst presence and water pH, but the influence of temperature was statistically significant (p"MENOR QUE"0.05) (¿2=0.024). Among parameters related to pool structure, the filter backwash water samples revealed a higher percentage of parasitation (58.8%) than the prefilter ones (42.9%). With the medium volume pools (100-500 m3), the percentage was higher (80%). Covered and uncovered pools presented similar prevalences for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Looking at two of the user related parameters, swimming pools with more users and children's swimming pools showed http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179524 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179522 Crystallization and resolution of the lipoxygenase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa 42A2 and phylogenetic study of the subfamilies of the lipoxygenases Garreta, Albert; Carpena i Vilella, Xavi; Busquets Abió, Montserrat; Fusté Munné, M. Carme; Fita Rodríguez, Ignasi; Manresa Presas, Ma. Ángeles (María Ángeles) Lipoxygenases are non-heme iron enzymes essential in eukaryotes, where they catalyze the formation of the fatty acid hydroperoxides that are required by a large diversity of biological and pathological processes. In prokaryotes, most of them totally lacking in polyunsaturated fatty acids, the possible biological roles of lipoxygenases have remained obscure. The crystal structure, at 1.75Å resolution, of a lipoxygenase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa_LOX), the first from a prokaryote, shows significant major differences with respect to available structures from eukaryotic LOX enzymes. An insertion in the catalytic domain of a pair of long antiparallel alpha-helices contributes to forming an enlarged binding pocket containing a bound phospholipid: a phosphatidylethanolamine with well defined chains of 18 and 14 carbons in length. Five carbons of the 18-carbon chain approach the active center iron in a manner suggesting that the catalytic pentadienyl radical intermediate is stabilized by ¿-cation (ferrous) interaction and stacking on two His ligands to iron. Overall, the specificity of Pa_LOX for phospholipids also suggests that the role of lipoxygenases in prokaryotes be reformulated. http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179522 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179523 Generation of biological association networks: A novel strategy to detect new targets in cancer therapy Selga i Coma, Elisabet; Almagro García, Ma. Cristina de; Oleaga, Carlota; Mencial, Núria; Ramírez, Sara; Ruiz, F. Xavier; Farrés i Vicén, Jaume; Parés i Casasampera, Xavier; Thibaut, Rémi; Porte Visa, Cinta; Noé Mata, Verónica; Ciudad i Gómez, Carlos Julián The aim of this work was to design a novel strategy to detect new targets for anticancer treatments. The rationale was to build Biological Association Networks from differentially expressed genes in drug-resistant cells to identify important nodes within the Networks. These nodes may represent putative targets to attack in cancer therapy, as a way to destabilize the gene network developed by the resistant cells to escape from the drug pressure. As a model we used cells resistant to methotrexate (MTX), an inhibitor of DHFR. Selected node-genes were analyzed at the transcriptional level and from a genotypic point of view. In colon cancer cells, DHFR, the AKR1 family, PKC¿, S100A4, DKK1, and CAV1 were overexpressed while E-cadherin was lost. In breast cancer cells, the UGT1A family was overexpressed, whereas EEF1A1 was overexpressed in pancreatic cells. Interference RNAs directed against these targets sensitized cells towards MTX. http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179523 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179521 Cryptosporidium sp. in public swimming pools in Barcelona Gómez, María Soledad; Gracenea Zugarramurdi, Mercedes; Ángel Ripoll, Laia; Beneyto, Vicenç The presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in swimming pools in Barcelona was studied. The possible influence of the different parameters related to water conditions, pool structure and users has also been analyzed. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in 54% of the swimming pools analyzed and in 85% of the sport centers checked. Oocysts concentrations ranged from 0 to 30 oocysts/L. Among parameters related to water conditions, there was no relationship between oocyst presence and water pH, but the influence of temperature was statistically significant (p"MENOR QUE"0.05) (¿2=0.024). Among parameters related to pool structure, the filter backwash water samples revealed a higher percentage of parasitation (58.8%) than the prefilter ones (42.9%). With the medium volume pools (100-500 m3), the percentage was higher (80%). Covered and uncovered pools presented similar prevalences for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Looking at two of the user related parameters, swimming pools with more users and children's swimming pools showed http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179521 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179520 Crystallization and resolution of the lipoxygenase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa 42A2 and phylogenetic study of the subfamilies of the lipoxygenases Garreta, Albert; Carpena i Vilella, Xavi; Busquets Abió, Montserrat; Fusté Munné, M. Carme; Fita Rodríguez, Ignasi; Manresa Presas, Ma. Ángeles (María Ángeles) Lipoxygenases are non-heme iron enzymes essential in eukaryotes, where they catalyze the formation of the fatty acid hydroperoxides that are required by a large diversity of biological and pathological processes. In prokaryotes, most of them totally lacking in polyunsaturated fatty acids, the possible biological roles of lipoxygenases have remained obscure. The crystal structure, at 1.75Å resolution, of a lipoxygenase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa_LOX), the first from a prokaryote, shows significant major differences with respect to available structures from eukaryotic LOX enzymes. An insertion in the catalytic domain of a pair of long antiparallel alpha-helices contributes to forming an enlarged binding pocket containing a bound phospholipid: a phosphatidylethanolamine with well defined chains of 18 and 14 carbons in length. Five carbons of the 18-carbon chain approach the active center iron in a manner suggesting that the catalytic pentadienyl radical intermediate is stabilized by ¿-cation (ferrous) interaction and stacking on two His ligands to iron. Overall, the specificity of Pa_LOX for phospholipids also suggests that the role of lipoxygenases in prokaryotes be reformulated. http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179520 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179519 Chemical and biological aspects of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids Bastida Armengol, Jaume; Berkov, Strahil; Torras Clavería, Laura; Pigni, Natalia Belén; Andradre, Jean Paulo de; Martínez, Vanessa; Codina Mahrer, Carles; Viladomat i Meya, Francesc The Amaryllidaceae alkaloids represent a large (over 300 alkaloids have been isolated) and still expanding group of biogenetically related isoquinoline alkaloids that are found exclusively in plants belonging to this family. In spite of their great variety of pharmacological and/or biological properties, only galanthamine is used therapeutically. First isolated from Galanthus species, this alkaloid is a long-acting, selective, reversible and competitive inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, and is used for the treatment of Alzheimer¿s disease. Other Amaryllidaceae alkaloids of pharmacological interest will also be described in this chapter. http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179519 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179518 Biological remediation approach involving soils and groundwaters polluted with chlorinated solvents in a Mediterranean context Cortés, Amparo; Puigserver, Diana; Carmona, Josep Maria; Viladevall Solé, Manuel Chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethene (TCE) and tetrachloroethene (PCE) form a class of dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) compounds that cause a persistent environmental contamination that is difficult to investigate and challenging to remediate. The use of vegetation to enhance degradation by soil microorganisms of chlorinated solvents in soil-groundwater systems (phyto and rhizo-degradation) has been receiving attention since the 90¿ as an attractive low-cost alternative. Remediation strategies must be site-specific, with separate approaches often warranted for the DNAPL source zone and its associated aqueous phase plume. It has been suggested that possible mechanisms for the enhanced bioremediation of TCE in the rhizosphere are excretion of phenolic compounds in root exudates and plant mycorrhization. http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179518 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179517 Artemisia (Asteraceae): Understanding its evolution using cytogenetic and molecular systematic tools, with emphasis on subgenus Dracunculus Pellicer Moscardó, Jaume; Garnatje i Roca, Teresa; Vallès Xirau, Joan, 1959- The genus Artemisia is one of the largest of the Asteraceae family, with more than 500 species. It is widely distributed mainly across the Northern Hemisphere, being profusely represented in the Old World, with a great centre of diversification in Asia, and also reaching the New World. The evolution of this genus has been deeply studied using different approaches, and polyploidy has been found to perform an important role leading to speciation processes. Karyological, molecular cytogenetic and phylogenetic data have been compiled in the present review to provide a genomic characterization throughout some complexes within the genus. http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179517 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179515 A new aggregation method for strategic decision making and its application in assignment theory Merigó Lindahl, José M.; Gil Lafuente, Anna Maria; Gil Aluja, Jaime, 1936- A new aggregation method for decision making is presented by using induced aggregation operators and the index of maximum and minimum level. Its main advantage is that it can assess complex reordering processes in the aggregation that represent complex attitudinal characters of the decision maker such as psychological or personal factors. A wide range of properties and particular cases of this new approach are studied. A further generalization by using hybrid averages and immediate weights is also presented. The key issue in this approach against the previous model is that we can use the weighted average and the ordered weighted average in the same formulation. Thus, we are able to consider the subjective attitude and the degree of optimism of the decision maker in the decision process. The paper ends with an application in a decision making problem based on the use of the assignment theory. http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179515 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179516 The Uncertain generalized probabilistic weighted average and its application in the theory of expertons Merigó Lindahl, José M. A new model for dealing with decision making under risk by considering subjective and objective information in the same formulation is here presented. The uncertain probabilistic weighted average (UPWA) is also presented. Its main advantage is that it unifies the probability and the weighted average in the same formulation and considering the degree of importance that each case has in the analysis. Moreover, it is able to deal with uncertain environments represented in the form of interval numbers. We study some of its main properties and particular cases. The applicability of the UPWA is also studied and it is seen that it is very broad because all the previous studies that use the probability or the weighted average can be revised with this new approach. Focus is placed on a multi-person decision making problem regarding the selection of strategies by using the theory of expertons. http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179516 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179514 A fuzzy-based decision model application on strategic management Keropyan, Aras; Gil Lafuente, Anna Maria In this article, the objective is to demonstrate the effects of different decision styles on strategic decisions and likewise, on an organization. The technique that was presented in the study is based on the transformation of linguistic variables to numerical value intervals. In this model, the study benefits from fuzzy logic methodology and fuzzy numbers. This fuzzy methodology approach allows us to examine the relations between decision making styles and strategic management processes when there is uncertainty. The purpose is to provide results to companies that may help them to exercise the most appropriate decision making style for its different strategic management processes. The study is leaving more research topics for further studies that may be applied to other decision making areas within the strategic management process. http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179514 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179513 Afrontar les incerteses a partir de "la decisión de Anne" Violant, Verònica; Molina, M. Cruz (María Cruz); Bullich, Marta; Mateos Inchaurrondo, Ainoa http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179513 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179512 Ensenyar la identitat terrenal a partir de "ser y tener" Violant, Verònica; Rius Serra, Pere; Mateos Inchaurrondo, Ainoa http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179512 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179511 A study of the effects of PVAC on works of art on paper and wood: pH and colour change Campo, Gema; Nualart i Torroja, Anna; Oriola Folch, Marta; Ruiz Recasens, Cristina This paper presents the preliminary findings of pH and colour measurements carried out on artworks on paperand on wood that had been treated with a poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAC) based adhesive in the 1980s. In both cases, areas treated with PVAC proved to be less acidic than untreated areas. Contrary to expectations, the conservation treatments have not, as yet, increased acidity levels in the objects under study. Colour measurements of the works on paper showed that those that had been backed with a cotton fabric using a mixture of methylcellulose and PVAC were less yellow than those from the same print run that had not been backed. This finding suggests that the backing somehow prevented the natural degradation of the support. In view of these preliminary results, further research is clearly needed. This study forms part of a broader ongoing project to assess the role of PVAC in the conservation of a range of cultural assets. http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179511 http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179510 Safety and sustainability research for university schools of fine arts Figueras Ferrer, Eva; Valle, Joan; Redondo Arolas, Mar; Marcos, M. Carmen; Lopez Vidal, Pere Comunicació presentada a "A new Knowledge Culture. Universities facing global changes for sustainability" EMSU 2008. International Conference, 15-17 October 2008, Barcelona; Designing new teaching programs for both undergraduate and graduate university studies involves integrating concepts and methodologies regarding quality, work safety and hazard prevention, and environmental protection. One of the challenges facing Spanish research within the realm of European Higher Education concerns health and safety issues in the Arts.In the case of Fine Arts, student exploration is one of the fundamental pillars of the study program; therefore it is imperative that art studios be optimized. This optimization affects both designated resources (infrastructures, materials, equipment, etc.) and organization of the teaching force.In this context, the aim of our research is to improve educational practices by designing quality measures that are both friendly to the environment and hazardous free. The aim here is to assure adequate art studio and laboratory management, and provide students with hazard free health and environmentally safe concepts that can be incorporated in their professional lives.The school of Fine Arts at the University of Barcelona is part of a pilot program, where our experience in educational innovation and research is serving as a reference for the implantation of OSHAS 18001 norms. http://www.recercat.cat:80/handle/2072/179510