Vitor Carvalho

Export-Led Growth in the EU: Where and What to Export?

ABSTRACT In the aftermath of the Great Recession, exports emerge as a meaningful source of growth. In this context, using a panel of 26 European Union members, we assess if and how the product and the destination structures of exports shape the growth dynamics for European countries. We find that growth is fostered through export specialization in high-value-added products, such as manufacturing and high-technology, and by export diversification across partners. However, enlarging the portfolio of partners, mainly to less developed and more distant countries, has negative impacts on growth. Unambiguously, relative concentration of exports should be directed towards higher growth countries.

Automatic Description of SVG Images for the Visually Impaired: A Gestaltic Approach☆

Abstract In this paper, a new approach to the automatic description of SVG images for the visually impaired based on Gestalt theory is presented, using levels with increased details. The description begins as a whole, considering relations of alignment, symmetry and group formation of the elements. Next, qualitative values for shape, locations, measures and colors are used to characterize each element. Finally, quantitative values are given for these properties. Tests carried out with users, compared automatic descriptions with human made. There were improvements of 9%, using automatic descriptions. Considering only the visually impaired, this figure rises to 18%.