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Recent investigations aiming to identify which are the most influential parameters of graphical representations on human emotion have presented mixed results. In this study, we manipulated four emotionally relevant geometric and kinematic characteristics of non symbolic bidimensional shapes and animations, and evaluated their specific influence in the affective state of human observers. The controlled modification of basic geometric and cinematic features of such shapes (i.e., angles, curvature, symmetry and motion) led to the generation of a variety of forms and animations that elicited significantly different self-reported affective states in the axes of valence and arousal. Curved shapes evoked more positive and less arousing emotional states than edgy shapes, while figures translating slowly were perceived as less arousing and more positive than those translating fast. In addition, we found significant interactions between angles and curvature factors both in the valence and the arousal scales. Our results constitute a direct proof of the efficacy of abstract, non-symbolic shapes and animations to evoke emotion in a parameterized way, and can be generalized for the development of real-time, emotionally aware user interfaces
(2015) Pacheco Estefan, Daniel; Le Groux, Sylvain; Verschure, Paul F. M. J.This article focuses on the policy process stemming from European cohesion policy at the regional level and at its programming stage (which precedes the implementation phase). It aims to explain how the formally introduced EU "partnership" principles and rules work in practice in different political environments. The article argues that externally introduced procedural decision rules have different impacts on effective policymaking processes. In particular, we suggest that the patterns of social capital linkages carried by the actors involved produce different regional policy networks, even though the existing formal rules are similar. Relying on social network analysis as its main methodological tool, the article presents empirical evidence drawn from two similar Spanish regions, identifies the characteristics of the actors' social capital and compares the structures of the policy networks dealing with the programming tasks in the two regions. Our findings suggest that the structures differ according to the amount of linking social capital displayed by the actors involved in the policy networks. We discuss in detail our exploratory hypothesis, considering also other possible variables that might account for these variations.
(2012) Jordana, Jacint; Mota, Fabiola; Noferini, AndreaBy 2004 Spanish subnational governments are allowed to participate in some formal meetings of the Council of the European Union as well as in its working groups. For proponents of the multi-level governance approach, a regional presence in the Council provides evidence in support of enhanced subnational participation in EU policy making. For intergovernmentalists, on the contrary, the Spanish case demonstrates that central government still maintains a crucial gatekeeper position since it formally regulates the main aspects of subnational participation. By presenting the results of a case study on the formal participation of the Spanish regions in the Council, the paper agrees that, even in a context of Europeanization, the central state still ultimately retains some veto powers. Nevertheless, the article takes issue with the argument that subnational participation is mainly formal and lacks substantive value. The article provides evidence, on the contrary, that the definition of the joint common position reinforces intrastate relations in EU policy making with a positive net effect for subnational governments.
(2012) Noferini, AndreaDel resum: "François Villon és un poeta francès del segle XV la fama del qual ha arribat fins als nostres dies. En aquest article estudiem la recepció de la seva obra en el panorama cultural català del segle XX i XXI centrant-nos en els tres llibres publicats de traduccions de poemes seus. A través de l'anàlisi de dues balades, la "Ballade et oraison" i la "Ballade de bonne doctrine à ceux de mauvaise vie", que formen part de l'obra mestra de Villon, el Testament, i de la comparació amb les tres traduccions de cadascuna, pretenem mostrar la complexitat i la riquesa mètrica i versificatòria del poeta francès ¿un aspecte poc estudiat de la seva obra¿ i com l'han traslladada els traductors al català, tenint en compte també el sentit i altres aspectes formals".
(2025) Armstrong, Adrian ; Marfany, Marta