A1-512 Efecto del laboreo mínimo sobre el rendimiento, la abundancia de la flora arvense y el balance energético y económico en una rotación de espelta, garbanzos y trigo en la Región Mediterránea

El laboreo mínimo en sistemas herbáceos extensivos ecológicos en Europa, se ha llevado a cabo sobre todo en climas templados. El equipo de investigación Ecología de los Sistemas Agrícolas de la Universidad de Barcelona estableció un experimento a largo plazo en 2011 que tiene el objetivo de evaluar la viabilidad del laboreo mínimo en cultivos herbáceos extensivos ecológicos en clima mediterráneo. Este trabajo analiza el efecto del tipo de laboreo y la fertilización con estiércol compostado sobre el rendimiento de los cultivos de cereales y leguminosas, la abundancia de la flora arvense y el balance económico y energético. El laboreo mínimo no afectó los rendimientos de los cultivos y la fertilización favoreció a los cultivos de cereales. Los balances económico y energético no mostraron diferencias significativas con el tipo de laboreo ni con la fertilización, con la excepción de una mayor cantidad de salida de energía en las parcelas fertilizadas en el cultivo de trigo

SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF CROP HUSBANDRY ON THE WEED COMMUNITY OF A CEREAL-LEGUME ROTATION, “TILMAN-ORG session”

Several agricultural practices can be used to control weed population thus avoiding the use of herbicides. Tillage, fertilization and growth of a green manure are found among them. In the context of a mid-term experiment set up in an organic field in Gallecs (Barcelona), we analysed the effect of chisel vs mouldboard ploughing, application of fertilizer and growth of a green manure on the density of weeds and on composition of the weed community. We evaluated weed density and community composition in April 2012 (spelt crop), February 2013 (green manure cover) and May 2013 (chickpea crop) and also analysed the sources of variation of density for the most abundant species in all periods. Our results show that, under the cereal crop, mouldboard plough had a negative effect on weed densities and also affected weed community composition. While green manure was standing on the field, its presence also had a negative effect on weed density. We found differences in composition between sown and unsown plots. After removal of green manure, though, these effects disappeared. For total weed density in the chickpea crop, we could not find differences due to any of the treatments applied. However, single species analyses showed that Setaria viridis and Polygonum convolvulus responded positively to tillage and fertilization and that P. convolvulus and Convolvulus arvensis were negatively affected by previous presence of green manure. Weed community composition were found to be unaffected by any of our treatments

Securing the food system together: Innovation development with the farmer, for the farmer by the farmer

In recent years, the limitations of top-down approaches for development-oriented research have become apparent. Therefore, scientists have started to explore alternatives such as participatory research. By involving many stakeholders throughout the different stages of innovation development, participatory research helps tackling the multi-faceted challenges the global food system is facing today. Since almost a decade, the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) has been running a large program called “Farming Systems Comparison in the Tropics” (SysCom) in Bolivia, India and Kenya. Besides maintaining four Long-Term farming systems comparison Experiments (LTE), Participatory On-farm Research (POR) is a strong component of SysCom. In POR, we aim at fostering sustainable agriculture by developing locally adapted solutions for specific challenges of farmers. Researchers, extension agents, private sector and farmers work together from the stage of problem identification to the achievement of results, and finally scaling them. By taking into account local knowledge and available resources, significant achievements have been made in all of the three countries. In India, we developed a new kind of phosphorous fertilizer for use in organic farming with which farmers substantially increased the yields of their main rotation crops across different types of soils and farms. We also standardized the preparation of homemade organic pesticides from different plants. In addition, we developed a practicable guide for pest monitoring in the small scale farmers’ context. In Bolivia, we tested different cocoa varieties. Results showed that some local selections were not only among the most productive, but also presented the earliest maturation and some degree of resistance to the frosty pod rot disease (Moniliophthora roreri). In Kenya, we addressed the lack of organic materials for soil fertility management. By testing different local residues and manures, as well as composting techniques, we brought forward a productivity innovation for local small scale farmers. On a local level, the results were made available in the form of leaflets, brochures and video clips. These were used by farmers, extension workers and other stakeholders. Combining applied science (LTE) with participatory action research (POR) is a powerful approach which has proven successful in SysCom. The beauty of this approach lies in the fact that it allows for multiple perceptions. However, it also comes with its own challenges which mainly lie in the fact that it requires different mindsets than traditional research approaches, as the whole process is relatively less controlled by researchers. If we teach and assist farmers to carry out research on their own farms, it will be easier for them to appreciate the effects of novel technologies which, in turn, will enhance their adoption

The Gallecs trial, a mid-term experiment on reduced tillage, fertilisation and green manure in Mediterranean dryland arable cropping systems

Conservation agriculture and organic farming are two alternative strategies aimed at improving soil fertility in arable cropping systems through reducing tillage intensity, maintaining year-round soil cover and increasing nutrient recycling, using farmyard and green manures. However, the reduction of tillage intensity can increase weed infestation and decrease nutrient availability. The mid-term "Gallecs" trial (Catalonia) was established in autumn 2011 at Gallecs, a periurban agricultural area near Barcelona. The effects of tillage (mouldboard versus chisel ploughing), fertilisation by farmyard manure (without versus with) and green manure (without versus with) on soil fertility indicators, weed abundance and grain crop yields were studied in a 4-years cereal-legume rotation for human consumption under organic farming conditions in the Mediterranean region (Catalonia, Spain)

Can organic agriculture contribute to sustainable development in the tropics?

Agricultural intensification over last decades has resulted in a great increase of crop yields, but it also had a detrimental impact on biodiversity. The dramatic decline of arable weed diversity is a matter of great concern because weeds have an important ecological function as a key component of the food web of agroecosystems. Weeds are suitable indicators of management effects on wildlife diversity in arable crops because they have high sensitivity to cultivation measures and have a strong relation to other organism groups. Nevertheless, the effect of farming management on weed abundance and diversity will be more reliable on weed seed bank rather than on aboveground weed community because it is the result of processes that have occurred in the past and consequently, it could better reflect the effect of the agricultural practices over the years

Franchisors' disclosure duty: market transparency and franchisee protection

The franchisee is usually the most vulnerable part of the franchise relationship, and should therefore receive greater protection from the legal framework. In this regard, the franchisor's pre-contractual disclosure duty has evolved in its legal status. Whereas its original purpose was to ensure transparency in the market, it now serves to protect the franchisee. In this paper, we compare the franchisor's obligations established by the legal framework in Spain with those set out in the Model Law drawn up by The International Institute for the Unification of Private Law.Lapiedra-Alcami, R.; Reig Fabado, I.; Rueda Armengot, C. (2014). Franchisors' disclosure duty: market transparency and franchisee protection. Service Industries Journal. 34(9-10):788-795. doi:10.1080/02642069.2014.905917S788795349-10Chaudey, M., & Fadairo, M. (2010). Contractual design and networks performance: empirical evidence from franchising. Applied Economics, 42(4), 529-533. doi:10.1080/00036840701704428Collins, H. (2008). Principles, Definitions and Model Rules of European Private Law: Draft Common Frame of Reference (DCFR) Interim Outline Edition, prepared by the Study Group on a European Civil Code and the Research group on EC Private Law (Acquis group) by Christian von Bar, Eric Clive, Hans Schulte-Nöcke (eds). Modern Law Review, 71(5), 840-844. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2230.2008.00718.xPeris-Ortiz, M., Peris Bonet, F. J., & Rueda-Armengot, C. (2011). Vertical integration in production and services: development in transaction cost economics. Service Business, 5(1), 87-97. doi:10.1007/s11628-011-0103-0Perryman, A. A., & Combs, J. G. (2011). Who should own it? An agency-based explanation for multi-outlet ownership and co-location in plural form franchising. Strategic Management Journal, 33(4), 368-386. doi:10.1002/smj.1947Rondan-Cataluña, F. J., Navarro-Garcia, A., Diez-De Castro, E. C., & Rodriguez-Rad, C. J. (2012). Reasons for the expansion in franchising: is it all said? The Service Industries Journal, 32(6), 861-882. doi:10.1080/02642069.2010.550041Shane, S. (2001). Organizational Incentives and Organizational Mortality. Organization Science, 12(2), 136-160. doi:10.1287/orsc.12.2.136.10108Vázquez, L. (2008). Complementarities between franchise contract duration and multi-unit propensity in franchise systems. The Service Industries Journal, 28(8), 1093-1105. doi:10.1080/0264206080218794

Auxin-regulated reversible inhibition of TMK1 signaling by MAKR2 modulates the dynamics of root gravitropism

Plants are able to orient their growth according to gravity, which ultimately controls both shoot and root architecture.1 Gravitropism is a dynamic process whereby gravistimulation induces the asymmetric distribution of the plant hormone auxin, leading to asymmetric growth, organ bending, and subsequent reset of auxin distribution back to the original pre-gravistimulation situation.1, 2, 3 Differential auxin accumulation during the gravitropic response depends on the activity of polarly localized PIN-FORMED (PIN) auxin-efflux carriers.1, 2, 3, 4 In particular, the timing of this dynamic response is regulated by PIN2,5,6 but the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we show that MEMBRANE ASSOCIATED KINASE REGULATOR2 (MAKR2) controls the pace of the root gravitropic response. We found that MAKR2 is required for the PIN2 asymmetry during gravitropism by acting as a negative regulator of the cell-surface signaling mediated by the receptor-like kinase TRANSMEMBRANE KINASE1 (TMK1).2,7, 8, 9, 10 Furthermore, we show that the MAKR2 inhibitory effect on TMK1 signaling is antagonized by auxin itself, which triggers rapid MAKR2 membrane dissociation in a TMK1-dependent manner. Our findings suggest that the timing of the root gravitropic response is orchestrated by the reversible inhibition of the TMK1 signaling pathway at the cell surface

Evaluation of Mucociliary Clearance by Three Dimension Micro-CT-SPECT in Guinea Pig: Role of Bitter Taste Agonists

Different image techniques have been used to analyze mucociliary clearance (MCC) in humans, but current small animal MCC analysis using in vivo imaging has not been well defined. Bitter taste receptor (T2R) agonists increase ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and cause bronchodilation but their effects in vivo are not well understood. This work analyzes in vivo nasal and bronchial MCC in guinea pig animals using three dimension (3D) micro-CT-SPECT images and evaluates the effect of T2R agonists. Intranasal macroaggreggates of albumin-Technetium 99 metastable (MAA-Tc99m) and lung nebulized Tc99m albumin nanocolloids were used to analyze the effect of T2R agonists on nasal and bronchial MCC respectively, using 3D micro-CT-SPECT in guinea pig. MAA-Tc99m showed a nasal mucociliary transport rate of 0.36 mm/min that was increased in presence of T2R agonist to 0.66 mm/min. Tc99m albumin nanocolloids were homogeneously distributed in the lung of guinea pig and cleared with time-dependence through the bronchi and trachea of guinea pig. T2R agonist increased bronchial MCC of Tc99m albumin nanocolloids. T2R agonists increased CBF in human nasal ciliated cells in vitro and induced bronchodilation in human bronchi ex vivo. In summary, T2R agonists increase MCC in vivo as assessed by 3D micro-CT-SPECT analysis

Vertical integration in production and services: development in transaction cost economics

In this paper, we first establish the core, fundamental concepts of Williamson's TCE, examining the different governance structures or the institutional alternatives that TCE theory proposes. We go on to describe some critical considerations and theoretical proposals that correspond fundamentally to Williamson's heuristic model, the integration of incentives in organizational forms, idiosyncratic demand, and how the concept of transaction is conceived in general.Peris-Ortiz, M.; Bonet, F.; Rueda Armengot, C. (2011). Vertical integration in production and services: development in transaction cost economics. Service Business. 5(1):87-97. doi:10.1007/s11628-011-0103-0S879751Alchian A (1965) The basic of some recent advances in the theory of management of the firm. J Ind Econ 14:30–41Alchian A (1969) Corporate management and property rights. In: Manne GH (ed) Economic Policy and Regulation of Corporate Securities. American Enterprise Institute of Public Policy Research, Washington, DCAlchian A, Demsetz H (1972) Production, information cost, and economic organization. Am Econ Rev 62:777–795Arrow KJ (1959) Toward a theory of price adjustment. In: Abramovitz M et al (eds) The allocation of resources. Stanford University Press, Stanford, CA, pp 41–51Arrow KJ (1973) Information and economic behaviour. Federation of Swedish Industries, StockholmArrow KJ (1974) The limits of organizations. W. W. Norton, New YorkBain J (1956) Barriers to new competition. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MABain J (1958) Industrial organization, 2nd edn. John Wiley & Sons, New YorkBarnard CI (1938) The functions of the executive. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, MAChandler AC Jr. (1962) Strategy and structure. MIT Press, Cambridge, MAChandler AC Jr. (1977) The visible hand. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MACoase RH (1937) The nature of the firm. Economica 4:386–405Coase RH (1972) Industrial organization: a proposal for research. In: Victor RF (ed) Policy issues and research opportunities in industrial organization. National Bureau of Economic Research, New York, pp 59–73Coase RH (1991) The institutional structure of production. Prize Lecture to the Memory of Alfred Nobel, December 9, 1991, http://www.nobel.se/economics/laureates/1991/coase-lecture.htmlCyert RM, March JG (1963) A behavioural theory of the firm. Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJDemsetz H (1967) Toward a theory of property rights. Am Econ Rev 57:347–359Demsetz H (1991) The theory of the firm revisited. In: Williamson O, Winter S (eds) The nature of the firm: origins, evolution, and development. Oxford University Press, New York, pp 159–178Galbraith JR (1993) The value-adding corporation: matching structure with strategy. In: Galbraith JR, Lawler III EE and Associates (eds) Organizing for the future. Jossey-Bass Publishers, San Francisco, pp 15–42Li J-M, Yang J-S, Wu HH (2009) Analysis of competence differences among frontline employees from various service typologies. Serv Ind J 29(12):1763–1778Ouchi WG (1979) A conceptual framework for the design of organizational control mechanism. Manag Sci 25(9):833–848Ouchi WG (1980) Markets, bureaucracies, and clans. Admin Sci Q 25:120–142Palmer M, Owens M, De Kervenoael R (2010) Paths of the least resistance: understanding how motives form in international retail joint venturing. Serv Ind J 30(6):965–989Robinson J (1933) The economics of imperfect competition. Macmillan, LondonSafón V (2009) The moderating effect of the technological level of industry on the relationship between innovation and corporate reputation. Int Entrep Manag J 5(4):515–526Simon HA (1947) Administrative behavior. Macmillan, New YorkSimon HA (1962) The architecture of complexity. Proc Am Philos Soc 106:467–482Simon HA (1973) Applying information technology to organization design. Public Admin Rev 33:268–278Un CA, Romero-Martínez AM, Montoro-Sánchez A (2009) Determinants of R&D collaboration of service firms. Serv Bus 3:373–394Warren L, Patton D, Bream D (2009) Knowledge acquisition processes during the incubation of new high technology firms. Int Entrep Manag J 5(4):481–495Williamson OE (1975) Markets and hierarchies: analysis and antitrust implication. Free Press, New YorkWilliamson OE (1979) Transaction-cost economics: the governance of contractual relations. J Law Econ 22:3–61Williamson OE (1981) The modern corporation: origins, evolution, attributes. J Econ Lit 19:1537–1568Williamson OE (1985) The economic institutions of capitalism. Free Press, New YorkWilliamson OE (1991) Comparative economic organization: the analysis of discrete structural alternatives. Admin Sci Q 36:269–296Williamson OE (1993) Calculativeness trust and economic organization. J Law Econ 36:453–486Williamson OE (1996) The mechanisms of governance. Oxford University Press, New York, pp 250–278Williamson OE (1999) Strategy research: governance and competence perspectives. Strateg Manag J 20:1087–1108Williamson OE (2000) The new institutional economics: taking stock, looking ahead. J Econ Lit 38:595–613Williamson OE (2003) Examining economic organization through the lens of contract. Ind Corp Change 12(4):917–938Williamson OE (2005) Transaction cost economics and business administration. Scand J Manag 21:19–40Williamson OE (2008) Outsourcing: transaction cost economics and supply chain management. J Supply Chain Manag 44(2):5–16Williamson OE, Bhargava WH (1986) Assessing and classifying the internal structure and control apparatus of the modern corporation. In: Williamson OE (ed) Economic organization. Firms, markets and policy control. Wheatsheaf Books, Great Britain, Brighton, pp 54–8