Información del artículo Edificio Peter: un ejemplo de construcción bioclimática y de integración... more Información del artículo Edificio Peter: un ejemplo de construcción bioclimática y de integración de energías renovables.
Journal of health services research & policy, 2015
Mitigating climate change requires management strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in an... more Mitigating climate change requires management strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in any sector, including the health system. Carbon footprint calculations should play a key role in quantifying and communicating these emissions. Food is among the categories with low accuracy because the carbon footprint for food is still under development. We aimed to quantify the carbon footprint of different diets. Average carbon footprint for a normal diet was based on detailed composition data in Juan Ramón Jiménez Hospital (Huelva, Spain). In addition, the carbon footprints of 17 other therapeutic diets were estimated using a streamlined variation of each diet published by Benidorm Clinical Hospital (Spain). The carbon footprint was calculated for 18 hospital diets for a variety of patients. The reference menu corresponds to the normal diet provided to patients who do not have special dietary requirements. This menu has a low carbon footprint of 5.083 CO₂ eq/day. Hospital diets contri...
This work tries to determine whether it is possible to stabilize CO 2 emissions under a rapid inc... more This work tries to determine whether it is possible to stabilize CO 2 emissions under a rapid increase of Gross Domestic Product in a medium term. The paper is an effort to study in detail how changes in the driving forces of the economy affect CO 2 emissions. We study the case of Venezuela for the period 1980-2025, using the methodology proposed by Robalino-López et al. , which is based on an extension of the Kaya identity and on a GDP formation approach that includes the effect of renewable energies. We test the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) [3] hypothesis in a coming future under different economic scenarios considering, therefore, not only past data but also projections for the coming years. We use cointegration techniques [4] and the Jaunky [5] specification to test the fulfillment of the EKC hypothesis in Venezuela. Our predictions show that Venezuela does not fulfill the EKC hypothesis, but however, the country could be on the way to achieve environmental stabilization in the medium term. This stabilization could be accomplished combining economic growth with increasing use of renewable energy, appropriated changes in the energy matrix, and in the productive sectoral structure.
In this paper, we propose a new approach for evaluating research projects and programs. According... more In this paper, we propose a new approach for evaluating research projects and programs. According our approach, the improvement might be achieved by adopting a results-based and a project portfolio approach, and assuring a research and technology development (RTD) indicators documentation through a standard and comprehensive indicator description, named indicator template. The results-based approach will assure a consistent indicators structure, according to the results chains and a strong connection between ex ante and ex post impact evaluation. The project portfolio approach will assure a tight integration of the research performance indicators, especially between policies goals and program results. And, finally defining a comprehensive indicator template it will be possible to understand better the indicators, develop a detailed analysis, based on the business intelligence techniques, such as OLAP (On-Line Analytical Processing), data mining and text mining. According our knowled...
Most decision-making processes are dynamic. Critical decisions require multiple and interrelated ... more Most decision-making processes are dynamic. Critical decisions require multiple and interrelated time-constrained decisions within strongly uncertain and so complex scenarios. The proposed methodology (mixing Delphi, Fuzzy Cognitive Maps and TOPSIS) and is a step forward with regard to the classic tools used in scenarios-based decision-support. This proposal allows managing uncertainty for improving scenarios-based decision-making. FCMs offer visual models for easier understanding by non-technical decision makers, because FCM can express human explicit and tacit knowledge. Moreover, FCM provide an intuitive, yet precise way of expressing concepts and reasoning about them at their natural level of abstraction. By transforming decision modelling into causal graphs, decision makers with no technical background can understand all of the components in a given scenario. In addition, scenarios are ranked using a multicriteria method (TOPSIS).
It is clear that renewable energy plays a crucial role in achieving a reduction of greenhouse gas... more It is clear that renewable energy plays a crucial role in achieving a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This paper presents a model approach of CO 2 emissions in Ecuador in the upcoming years, up to 2020. The main goal of this work is to study in detail the way the changes in the energy matrix and in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will affect the CO 2 emissions of the country. In particular, we will pay special attention to the effect of a reduction of the share of fossil energy, as well as of an improvement in the efficiency of the fossil energy use. We have developed a system dynamics model based on a relationship, which is a variation of the Kaya identity, and on a GDP that depends on renewable energy, which introduces a feedback mechanism in the model. The main conclusion is that it is possible to control the CO 2 emissions even under a scenario of continuous increase of the GDP, if it is combined with an increase of the use of renewable energy, with an improvement of the productive sectoral structure and with the use of a more efficient fossil fuel technology. This study offers useful lessons for developing countries, and it could be used as a policy-making tool because it is easily transferable to any other time period or region.
ABSTRACT With their generalized use as a competitive strategy, Quality Management Systems (QMSs) ... more ABSTRACT With their generalized use as a competitive strategy, Quality Management Systems (QMSs) have become an important management and development tool in industrial companies. There have been numerous studies of the different factors involved in their implementation, but none have considered which of these factors generate a greater propensity to seek certification in these companies. It is important to quantify these factors with the aim of determining their influence on the implementation of an ISO 9000 norm certified QMS.In this work, the use of the Rasch model as a measurement instrument is proposed. It allows the companies to be discriminated in terms of the factors and vice versa. Thus, in an objective way, a ranking of the companies according to the factors and, moreover, a ranking of the more (or less) frequent factors for all companies can be obtained.As an example, data relating to all certified organizations that had operational centers in the Autonomous Community of Extremadura, Spain, have been processed. The results show as the factors that most favored the certification process were observed to be internal in type, such as having an adequate organization or well-documented processes, as against those of an external type such as pressure from clients or the quality level of the competition.This information is particularly useful for organisms of the public administration responsible for fostering companies’ competitiveness and quality improvement.
In this paper we discuss the results of a research project called eXtensible Project Documentatio... more In this paper we discuss the results of a research project called eXtensible Project Documentation Reporting Language (XPDRL). The main objective of this project is to improve the quality of the core project documentation that serves for supporting the construction works in Spain and to facilitate an efficient exchange of information between the stakeholders in the Spanish Architectural Engineering and Construction sector, in particular their relationship with the Professional Associations and Spanish control public bodies. Starting from the premise that high quality project documentation is the basic precondition for a good quality in all the phases of the whole buildings and facilities life cycle, the project is based on Internet, XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) and the new Spanish standards about the quality in the project documentation (UNE 157000 series). As a result, a new set of XBRL taxonomies has been developed to support the processes of elaboration, verification, sending to the Professional Association, digital stamping, delivery, control, compulsory registration and storage of the construction project core documentation by the public authorities. Our proposal can be extended to other countries, particularly in Europe, since regulations are becoming similar in all EU countries. The potential for spin-off technology utilization is also significant in the areas of insurance, inspection chamber, digital reporting and project management.
Información del artículo Edificio Peter: un ejemplo de construcción bioclimática y de integración... more Información del artículo Edificio Peter: un ejemplo de construcción bioclimática y de integración de energías renovables.
Journal of health services research & policy, 2015
Mitigating climate change requires management strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in an... more Mitigating climate change requires management strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in any sector, including the health system. Carbon footprint calculations should play a key role in quantifying and communicating these emissions. Food is among the categories with low accuracy because the carbon footprint for food is still under development. We aimed to quantify the carbon footprint of different diets. Average carbon footprint for a normal diet was based on detailed composition data in Juan Ramón Jiménez Hospital (Huelva, Spain). In addition, the carbon footprints of 17 other therapeutic diets were estimated using a streamlined variation of each diet published by Benidorm Clinical Hospital (Spain). The carbon footprint was calculated for 18 hospital diets for a variety of patients. The reference menu corresponds to the normal diet provided to patients who do not have special dietary requirements. This menu has a low carbon footprint of 5.083 CO₂ eq/day. Hospital diets contri...
This work tries to determine whether it is possible to stabilize CO 2 emissions under a rapid inc... more This work tries to determine whether it is possible to stabilize CO 2 emissions under a rapid increase of Gross Domestic Product in a medium term. The paper is an effort to study in detail how changes in the driving forces of the economy affect CO 2 emissions. We study the case of Venezuela for the period 1980-2025, using the methodology proposed by Robalino-López et al. , which is based on an extension of the Kaya identity and on a GDP formation approach that includes the effect of renewable energies. We test the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) [3] hypothesis in a coming future under different economic scenarios considering, therefore, not only past data but also projections for the coming years. We use cointegration techniques [4] and the Jaunky [5] specification to test the fulfillment of the EKC hypothesis in Venezuela. Our predictions show that Venezuela does not fulfill the EKC hypothesis, but however, the country could be on the way to achieve environmental stabilization in the medium term. This stabilization could be accomplished combining economic growth with increasing use of renewable energy, appropriated changes in the energy matrix, and in the productive sectoral structure.
In this paper, we propose a new approach for evaluating research projects and programs. According... more In this paper, we propose a new approach for evaluating research projects and programs. According our approach, the improvement might be achieved by adopting a results-based and a project portfolio approach, and assuring a research and technology development (RTD) indicators documentation through a standard and comprehensive indicator description, named indicator template. The results-based approach will assure a consistent indicators structure, according to the results chains and a strong connection between ex ante and ex post impact evaluation. The project portfolio approach will assure a tight integration of the research performance indicators, especially between policies goals and program results. And, finally defining a comprehensive indicator template it will be possible to understand better the indicators, develop a detailed analysis, based on the business intelligence techniques, such as OLAP (On-Line Analytical Processing), data mining and text mining. According our knowled...
Most decision-making processes are dynamic. Critical decisions require multiple and interrelated ... more Most decision-making processes are dynamic. Critical decisions require multiple and interrelated time-constrained decisions within strongly uncertain and so complex scenarios. The proposed methodology (mixing Delphi, Fuzzy Cognitive Maps and TOPSIS) and is a step forward with regard to the classic tools used in scenarios-based decision-support. This proposal allows managing uncertainty for improving scenarios-based decision-making. FCMs offer visual models for easier understanding by non-technical decision makers, because FCM can express human explicit and tacit knowledge. Moreover, FCM provide an intuitive, yet precise way of expressing concepts and reasoning about them at their natural level of abstraction. By transforming decision modelling into causal graphs, decision makers with no technical background can understand all of the components in a given scenario. In addition, scenarios are ranked using a multicriteria method (TOPSIS).
It is clear that renewable energy plays a crucial role in achieving a reduction of greenhouse gas... more It is clear that renewable energy plays a crucial role in achieving a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This paper presents a model approach of CO 2 emissions in Ecuador in the upcoming years, up to 2020. The main goal of this work is to study in detail the way the changes in the energy matrix and in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will affect the CO 2 emissions of the country. In particular, we will pay special attention to the effect of a reduction of the share of fossil energy, as well as of an improvement in the efficiency of the fossil energy use. We have developed a system dynamics model based on a relationship, which is a variation of the Kaya identity, and on a GDP that depends on renewable energy, which introduces a feedback mechanism in the model. The main conclusion is that it is possible to control the CO 2 emissions even under a scenario of continuous increase of the GDP, if it is combined with an increase of the use of renewable energy, with an improvement of the productive sectoral structure and with the use of a more efficient fossil fuel technology. This study offers useful lessons for developing countries, and it could be used as a policy-making tool because it is easily transferable to any other time period or region.
ABSTRACT With their generalized use as a competitive strategy, Quality Management Systems (QMSs) ... more ABSTRACT With their generalized use as a competitive strategy, Quality Management Systems (QMSs) have become an important management and development tool in industrial companies. There have been numerous studies of the different factors involved in their implementation, but none have considered which of these factors generate a greater propensity to seek certification in these companies. It is important to quantify these factors with the aim of determining their influence on the implementation of an ISO 9000 norm certified QMS.In this work, the use of the Rasch model as a measurement instrument is proposed. It allows the companies to be discriminated in terms of the factors and vice versa. Thus, in an objective way, a ranking of the companies according to the factors and, moreover, a ranking of the more (or less) frequent factors for all companies can be obtained.As an example, data relating to all certified organizations that had operational centers in the Autonomous Community of Extremadura, Spain, have been processed. The results show as the factors that most favored the certification process were observed to be internal in type, such as having an adequate organization or well-documented processes, as against those of an external type such as pressure from clients or the quality level of the competition.This information is particularly useful for organisms of the public administration responsible for fostering companies’ competitiveness and quality improvement.
In this paper we discuss the results of a research project called eXtensible Project Documentatio... more In this paper we discuss the results of a research project called eXtensible Project Documentation Reporting Language (XPDRL). The main objective of this project is to improve the quality of the core project documentation that serves for supporting the construction works in Spain and to facilitate an efficient exchange of information between the stakeholders in the Spanish Architectural Engineering and Construction sector, in particular their relationship with the Professional Associations and Spanish control public bodies. Starting from the premise that high quality project documentation is the basic precondition for a good quality in all the phases of the whole buildings and facilities life cycle, the project is based on Internet, XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) and the new Spanish standards about the quality in the project documentation (UNE 157000 series). As a result, a new set of XBRL taxonomies has been developed to support the processes of elaboration, verification, sending to the Professional Association, digital stamping, delivery, control, compulsory registration and storage of the construction project core documentation by the public authorities. Our proposal can be extended to other countries, particularly in Europe, since regulations are becoming similar in all EU countries. The potential for spin-off technology utilization is also significant in the areas of insurance, inspection chamber, digital reporting and project management.
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Papers by Angel Mena