3D printing of gels based on xanthan/konjac gums

[EN] 3D printing technology is a promising technology with the possibility of use for developing personalised food. To make this technology easier, and readily available for consumers, greater knowledge of the printing conditions and characteristics of food-ink is needed. This paper investigates the printability of gels based on syrup, xanthan, and konjac gums, while affecting printing variables. Those variables include the printing temperature (25¿°C and 50¿°C) and the composition of the product analysed using rheological and textural characterisation techniques. Also, the link between rheological and textural properties of gels, and printability was analysed. The higher values of G¿, G¿ and ¿* correlated to the mixtures with lower syrup concentration, and higher values of xanthan and konjac gum. Syrup, xanthan gum and konjac gum content influenced the textural properties. With the increase of syrup content, the Fmax, Fmean, Area, and slope showed reductions giving more weak gels. Rheological and textural values can define composition of formulations that give rise to valid 3D printed figures. Industrial relevance There is an increasing market need for customized food products. Three-dimensional (3D) food printing will be developed in the coming years. Undoubtedly, food printing can have many advantages, but whether the market is ready for such a big change and the technology will grow fast enough are the questions. Also it seems to be the right solution to meet the needs of today's consumers who increasingly have too little time to prepare meals on their own, especially in small or single-person households. In the future, ready, healthy meal, tailored to their individual needs, will be waiting when coming home. 3D printed gels can contribute to develop personalised food with specific nutritional characteristics. For example, this kind of gels can be used to manufacture soft foods for the elderly who have problems to swallow.García-Segovia, P.; García-Alcaraz, V.; Balasch Parisi, S.; Martínez-Monzó, J. (2020). 3D printing of gels based on xanthan/konjac gums. Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies. 64:1-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifset.2020.102343S1964Abbaszadeh, A., MacNaughtan, W., Sworn, G., & Foster, T. J. (2016). New insights into xanthan synergistic interactions with konjac glucomannan: A novel interaction mechanism proposal. Carbohydrate Polymers, 144, 168-177. doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.02.026Agoub, A. A., Smith, A. M., Giannouli, P., Richardson, R. K., & Morris, E. R. (2007). «Melt-in-the-mouth» gels from mixtures of xanthan and konjac glucomannan under acidic conditions: A rheological and calorimetric study of the mechanism of synergistic gelation. Carbohydrate Polymers, 69(4), 713-724. doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2007.02.014Derossi, A., Caporizzi, R., Azzollini, D., & Severini, C. (2018). Application of 3D printing for customized food. A case on the development of a fruit-based snack for children. Journal of Food Engineering, 220, 65-75. doi:10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2017.05.015Diañez, I., Gallegos, C., Brito-de la Fuente, E., Martínez, I., Valencia, C., Sánchez, M. C., … Franco, J. M. (2019). 3D printing in situ gelification of κ-carrageenan solutions: Effect of printing variables on the rheological response. Food Hydrocolloids, 87, 321-330. doi:10.1016/j.foodhyd.2018.08.010Fitzsimons, S. M., Tobin, J. T., & Morris, E. R. (2008). Synergistic binding of konjac glucomannan to xanthan on mixing at room temperature. Food Hydrocolloids, 22(1), 36-46. doi:10.1016/j.foodhyd.2007.01.023Godoi, F. C., Prakash, S., & Bhandari, B. R. (2016). 3d printing technologies applied for food design: Status and prospects. Journal of Food Engineering, 179, 44-54. doi:10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2016.01.025Hamilton, C. A., Alici, G., & in het Panhuis, M. (2018). 3D printing Vegemite and Marmite: Redefining «breadboards». Journal of Food Engineering, 220, 83-88. doi:10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2017.01.008Holland, S., Foster, T., MacNaughtan, W., & Tuck, C. (2018). Design and characterisation of food grade powders and inks for microstructure control using 3D printing. Journal of Food Engineering, 220, 12-19. doi:10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2017.06.008Le Tohic, C., O’Sullivan, J. J., Drapala, K. P., Chartrin, V., Chan, T., Morrison, A. P., … Kelly, A. L. (2018). Effect of 3D printing on the structure and textural properties of processed cheese. Journal of Food Engineering, 220, 56-64. doi:10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2017.02.003Liu, Z., Bhandari, B., Prakash, S., Mantihal, S., & Zhang, M. (2019). Linking rheology and printability of a multicomponent gel system of carrageenan-xanthan-starch in extrusion based additive manufacturing. Food Hydrocolloids, 87, 413-424. doi:10.1016/j.foodhyd.2018.08.026Liu, Z., Zhang, M., Bhandari, B., & Wang, Y. (2017). 3D printing: Printing precision and application in food sector. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 69, 83-94. doi:10.1016/j.tifs.2017.08.018Liu, Z., Zhang, M., Bhandari, B., & Yang, C. (2018). Impact of rheological properties of mashed potatoes on 3D printing. Journal of Food Engineering, 220, 76-82. doi:10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2017.04.017Mao, C.-F., Klinthong, W., Zeng, Y.-C., & Chen, C.-H. (2012). On the interaction between konjac glucomannan and xanthan in mixed gels: An analysis based on the cascade model. Carbohydrate Polymers, 89(1), 98-103. doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2012.02.056Severini, C., Azzollini, D., Albenzio, M., & Derossi, A. (2018). On printability, quality and nutritional properties of 3D printed cereal based snacks enriched with edible insects. Food Research International, 106, 666-676. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2018.01.034Severini, C., & Derossi, A. (2016). Could the 3D Printing Technology be a Useful Strategy to Obtain Customized Nutrition? Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 50(Supplement 2), S175-S178. doi:10.1097/mcg.0000000000000705Sun, J., Peng, Z., Zhou, W., Fuh, J. Y. H., Hong, G. S., & Chiu, A. (2015). A Review on 3D Printing for Customized Food Fabrication. Procedia Manufacturing, 1, 308-319. doi:10.1016/j.promfg.2015.09.057Wang, L., Zhang, M., Bhandari, B., & Yang, C. (2018). Investigation on fish surimi gel as promising food material for 3D printing. Journal of Food Engineering, 220, 101-108. doi:10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2017.02.029Yang, F., Zhang, M., & Bhandari, B. (2015). Recent development in 3D food printing. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 57(14), 3145-3153. doi:10.1080/10408398.2015.1094732Yang, F., Zhang, M., Bhandari, B., & Liu, Y. (2018). Investigation on lemon juice gel as food material for 3D printing and optimization of printing parameters. LWT, 87, 67-76. doi:10.1016/j.lwt.2017.08.054Zhang, M., Vora, A., Han, W., Wojtecki, R. J., Maune, H., Le, A. B. A., … Nelson, A. (2015). Dual-Responsive Hydrogels for Direct-Write 3D Printing. Macromolecules, 48(18), 6482-6488. doi:10.1021/acs.macromol.5b0155

Mechanical Thinning of Mandarins with a Branch Shaker

[EN] Thinning is the process of removing some flowers or fruit to increase fruit size at harvest. In the Valencia region of Spain, the thinning operation for citrus fruit (Citreae) is performed for some mandarin varieties. This is always performed manually; however, this method is very expensive. The goal of this research study was to assess the mechanical thinning of mandarin ( Citrus reticulata) using a hand-held branch shaker. Different thinning treatments were conducted over a 3-year period. The gasoline-powered branch shaker was capable of detaching fruit four- to five-times faster than manual thinning. Final fruit size was significantly higher using manual and mechanical thinning compared with a no thinning treatment. Similar final fruit size was obtained with manual and mechanical thinning. However, no significant differences were found in final fruit yield by weight among no thinning, mechanical thinning, and manual thinning treatments. The use of a branch shaker could be recommended for thinning operations to increase efficiency, reduce labor costs, and obtain larger and higher-quality fruit.This work was supported by funding from the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agrarias (INIA) and European FEDER (Project RTA2014-00025-C05-02). Fontestat provided the experimental fields.Ortiz Sánchez, MC.; Torregrosa, A.; Ortí García, E.; Balasch Parisi, S. (2020). Mechanical Thinning of Mandarins with a Branch Shaker. HortTechnology. 30(6):745-750. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH04451-20S74575030

Detailed Analysis of the Causes of Bridge Fires and Their Associated Damage Levels

[EN] Although bridge fires pose a real threat, the topic is not covered in current design codes. This paper analyses information related to 154 cases of bridge fires, proposes classifying the damage levels suffered by a bridge during a fire, and establishes the main factors involved in bridge fire damage, which include: type of vehicle involved in the fire and its position, vertical clearance of the bridge, and the type of material composing the deck. The analysis shows that wooden bridges are the most vulnerable and that a tanker carrying gasoline under the bridge, or that is on the bridge and causes a serious spill under the bridge, is responsible for most of the fires that result in the collapse or demolition of the bridge.The research presented in this paper is sponsored by the Spanish Ministry of Education (Research Project BIA 2011-27104). The authors also thank Dr. J. Glassman for providing information for the present study and Dr. V. Yepes for his assistance. The authors are also grateful to D. Terrasa Diaz, J. Perez Armino, B. Black, and R. Campbell, who kindly gave permission to use the photos of Fig. 1.Peris-Sayol, G.; Paya-Zaforteza, I.; Balasch Parisi, S.; Alós-Moya, J. (2017). Detailed Analysis of the Causes of Bridge Fires and Their Associated Damage Levels. Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities. 31(3). https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CF.1943-5509.000097731

The effect of vibration therapy on neck myofascial trigger points: A randomized controlled pilot study

[EN] Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-frequency self-administered vibration therapy into myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius and levator scapulae on patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. Methods: Twenty-eight patients with chronic non-specific neck pain were randomly assigned into a vibration group, receiving 10 self-applied sessions of vibration therapy in the upper trapezius and levator scapulae trigger points; or a control group, receiving no intervention. Self-reported neck pain and disability (Neck Disability Index) and pressure pain threshold were assessed at baseline and after the first, fifth and 10th treatment sessions. Findings: Significant differences were found in the vibration group when compared to the control group after the treatment period: the vibration group reached lower Neck Disability Index scores (F = 4.74, P = .033, eta(2) = 0.07) and greater pressure pain threshold values (F = 7.56, P = .01, eta(2) = 0.10) than the control group. The vibration group reported a significant reduction in Neck Disability Index scores (chi(2) = 19,35, P = .00, Kendall's W = 0.28) and an increase in pressure pain threshold (chi(2) = 87,10, P = .00, Kendall's W = 0.73) between the assessment times over the course of the treatment. The mean increase in pressure pain threshold in the vibration group after the 10 sessions was 8.54 N/cm2, while the mean reduction in Neck Disability Index scores was 4.53 points. Interpretation: Vibration therapy may be an effective intervention for reducing self-reported neck pain and disability and pressure pain sensitivity in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. This tool could be recommended for people with non-specific neck pain.Dueñas, L.; Zamora, T.; Lluch, E.; Artacho Ramírez, MÁ.; Mayoral, O.; Balasch Parisi, S.; Balasch-Bernat, M. (2020). The effect of vibration therapy on neck myofascial trigger points: A randomized controlled pilot study. Clinical Biomechanics. 78:1-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2020.1050711978Andrade Ortega, J. A., Delgado Martínez, A. D., & Ruiz, R. A. (2010). Validation of the Spanish Version of the Neck Disability Index. Spine, 35(4), E114-E118. doi:10.1097/brs.0b013e3181afea5dArmstrong, W. J., Grinnell, D. C., & Warren, G. S. (2010). The Acute Effect of Whole-Body Vibration on the Vertical Jump Height. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 24(10), 2835-2839. doi:10.1519/jsc.0b013e3181e271ccBal, M. I., Sattoe, J. N. T., Roelofs, P. D. D. M., Bal, R., van Staa, A., & Miedema, H. S. (2016). Exploring effectiveness and effective components of self-management interventions for young people with chronic physical conditions: A systematic review. Patient Education and Counseling, 99(8), 1293-1309. doi:10.1016/j.pec.2016.02.012Bishop, M. D., Mintken, P., Bialosky, J. E., & Cleland, J. A. (2013). Patient Expectations of Benefit From Interventions for Neck Pain and Resulting Influence on Outcomes. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 43(7), 457-465. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.4492Cagnie, B., Dewitte, V., Barbe, T., Timmermans, F., Delrue, N., & Meeus, M. (2013). Physiologic Effects of Dry Needling. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 17(8). doi:10.1007/s11916-013-0348-5Cagnie, B., Castelein, B., Pollie, F., Steelant, L., Verhoeyen, H., & Cools, A. (2015). Evidence for the Use of Ischemic Compression and Dry Needling in the Management of Trigger Points of the Upper Trapezius in Patients with Neck Pain. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 94(7), 573-583. doi:10.1097/phm.0000000000000266Celik, D., & Mutlu, E. K. (2013). Clinical Implication of Latent Myofascial Trigger Point. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 17(8). doi:10.1007/s11916-013-0353-8Chan, Y.-C., Wang, T.-J., Chang, C.-C., Chen, L.-C., Chu, H.-Y., Lin, S.-P., & Chang, S.-T. (2015). Short-term effects of self-massage combined with home exercise on pain, daily activity, and autonomic function in patients with myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 27(1), 217-221. doi:10.1589/jpts.27.217Chesterton, L. S., Barlas, P., Foster, N. E., Baxter, D. G., & Wright, C. C. (2003). Gender differences in pressure pain threshold in healthy humans. Pain, 101(3), 259-266. doi:10.1016/s0304-3959(02)00330-5Cummings, M., & Baldry, P. (2007). Regional myofascial pain: diagnosis and management. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, 21(2), 367-387. doi:10.1016/j.berh.2006.12.006De-la -Llave-Rincon, A. I., Alonso-Blanco, C., Gil-Crujera, A., Ambite-Quesada, S., Svensson, P., & Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C. (2012). Myofascial Trigger Points in the Masticatory Muscles in Patients With and Without Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 35(9), 678-684. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2012.10.008Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C., & Dommerholt, J. (2017). International Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria and Clinical Considerations of Myofascial Trigger Points: A Delphi Study. Pain Medicine, 19(1), 142-150. doi:10.1093/pm/pnx207Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C., Alonso-Blanco, C., & Miangolarra, J. C. (2007). Myofascial trigger points in subjects presenting with mechanical neck pain: A blinded, controlled study. Manual Therapy, 12(1), 29-33. doi:10.1016/j.math.2006.02.002Fleckenstein, J., Zaps, D., Rüger, L. J., Lehmeyer, L., Freiberg, F., Lang, P. M., & Irnich, D. (2010). Discrepancy between prevalence and perceived effectiveness of treatment methods in myofascial pain syndrome: Results of a cross-sectional, nationwide survey. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 11(1). doi:10.1186/1471-2474-11-32Franklin, N. C., Ali, M. M., Robinson, A. T., Norkeviciute, E., & Phillips, S. A. (2014). Massage Therapy Restores Peripheral Vascular Function After Exertion. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 95(6), 1127-1134. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2014.02.007Frey Law, L. A., Evans, S., Knudtson, J., Nus, S., Scholl, K., & Sluka, K. A. (2008). Massage Reduces Pain Perception and Hyperalgesia in Experimental Muscle Pain: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. The Journal of Pain, 9(8), 714-721. doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2008.03.009Gam, A. N., Warming, S., Larsen, L. H., Jensen, B., Høydalsmo, O., Allon, I., … Mathiesen, B. (1998). Treatment of myofascial trigger-points with ultrasound combined with massage and exercise – a randomised controlled trial. 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Self-management interventions: Proposal and validation of a new operational definition. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 80, 34-42. doi:10.1016/j.jclinepi.2016.08.001Kim, D.-H., Yoon, D. M., & Yoon, K. B. (2015). The Effects of Myofascial Trigger Point Injections on Nocturnal Calf Cramps. The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 28(1), 21-27. doi:10.3122/jabfm.2015.01.140151Kraft, K., Kanter, S., & Janik, H. (2013). Safety and Effectiveness of Vibration Massage by Deep Oscillations: A Prospective Observational Study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 1-10. doi:10.1155/2013/679248Lauche, R., Cramer, H., Hohmann, C., Choi, K.-E., Rampp, T., Saha, F. J., … Dobos, G. (2012). The Effect of Traditional Cupping on Pain and Mechanical Thresholds in Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Randomised Controlled Pilot Study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, 1-10. doi:10.1155/2012/429718Lluch, E., Arguisuelas, M. D., Coloma, P. S., Palma, F., Rey, A., & Falla, D. (2013). Effects of Deep Cervical Flexor Training on Pressure Pain Thresholds Over Myofascial Trigger Points in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 36(9), 604-611. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2013.08.004Lobbezoo, F., Visscher, C. M., & Naeije, M. (2004). Impaired health status, sleep disorders, and pain in the craniomandibular and cervical spinal regions. European Journal of Pain, 8(1), 23-30. doi:10.1016/s1090-3801(03)00061-2Lu, X., Wang, Y., Lu, J., You, Y., Zhang, L., Zhu, D., & Yao, F. (2018). Does vibration benefit delayed-onset muscle soreness?: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Journal of International Medical Research, 47(1), 3-18. doi:10.1177/0300060518814999Lucas, K. R., Polus, B. I., & Rich, P. A. (2004). Latent myofascial trigger points: their effects on muscle activation and movement efficiency. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 8(3), 160-166. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2003.12.002Lundeberg, T., Nordemar, R., & Ottoson, D. (1984). Pain alleviation by vibratory stimulation. Pain, 20(1), 25-44. doi:10.1016/0304-3959(84)90808-xMacDermid, J. C., Walton, D. M., Avery, S., Blanchard, A., Etruw, E., McAlpine, C., & Goldsmith, C. H. (2009). Measurement Properties of the Neck Disability Index: A Systematic Review. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 39(5), 400-C12. doi:10.2519/jospt.2009.2930Mansilla-Ferragut, P., Fernández-de-las Peñas, C., Alburquerque-Sendín, F., Cleland, J. A., & Boscá-Gandía, J. J. (2009). Immediate Effects of Atlanto-Occipital Joint Manipulation on Active Mouth Opening and Pressure Pain Sensitivity in Women With Mechanical Neck Pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 32(2), 101-106. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2008.12.003Melzack, R., & Wall, P. D. (1965). Pain Mechanisms: A New Theory. Science, 150(3699), 971-979. doi:10.1126/science.150.3699.971Mintken, P. E., Rodeghero, J., & Cleland, J. A. (2018). Manual therapists – Have you lost that loving feeling?! Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 26(2), 53-54. doi:10.1080/10669817.2018.1447185Muñoz-Muñoz, S., Muñoz-García, M. T., Alburquerque-Sendín, F., Arroyo-Morales, M., & Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C. (2012). Myofascial Trigger Points, Pain, Disability, and Sleep Quality in Individuals With Mechanical Neck Pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 35(8), 608-613. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2012.09.003Pecos-Martín, D., Montañez-Aguilera, F. J., Gallego-Izquierdo, T., Urraca-Gesto, A., Gómez-Conesa, A., Romero-Franco, N., & Plaza-Manzano, G. (2015). Effectiveness of Dry Needling on the Lower Trapezius in Patients With Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 96(5), 775-781. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2014.12.016Peer, K. S., Barkley, J. E., & Knapp, D. M. (2009). The Acute Effects of Local Vibration Therapy on Ankle Sprain and Hamstring Strain Injuries. The Physician and Sportsmedicine, 37(4), 31-38. doi:10.3810/psm.2009.12.1739Sherman, K. J., Cherkin, D. C., Hawkes, R. J., Miglioretti, D. L., & Deyo, R. A. (2009). Randomized Trial of Therapeutic Massage for Chronic Neck Pain. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 25(3), 233-238. doi:10.1097/ajp.0b013e31818b7912Simons, D. G. (2004). Review of enigmatic MTrPs as a common cause of enigmatic musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 14(1), 95-107. doi:10.1016/j.jelekin.2003.09.018Thompson, W. R., Scott, A., Loghmani, M. T., Ward, S. R., & Warden, S. J. (2016). Understanding Mechanobiology: Physical Therapists as a Force in Mechanotherapy and Musculoskeletal Regenerative Rehabilitation. Physical Therapy, 96(4), 560-569. doi:10.2522/ptj.20150224Vanderweeën, L., Oostendorp, R. A. B., Vaes, P., & Duquet, W. (1996). Pressure algometry in manual therapy. Manual Therapy, 1(5), 258-265. doi:10.1054/math.1996.0276Vernon, H. (2008). The Neck Disability Index: State-of-the-Art, 1991-2008. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 31(7), 491-502. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2008.08.006Vernon, H., & Schneider, M. (2009). Chiropractic Management of Myofascial Trigger Points and Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 32(1), 14-24. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2008.06.012Voogt, L., de Vries, J., Meeus, M., Struyf, F., Meuffels, D., & Nijs, J. (2015). Analgesic effects of manual therapy in patients with musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review. Manual Therapy, 20(2), 250-256. doi:10.1016/j.math.2014.09.001Walton, D., MacDermid, J., Nielson, W., Teasell, R., Nailer, T., & Maheu, P. (2011). A Descriptive Study of Pressure Pain Threshold at 2 Standardized Sites in People With Acute or Subacute Neck Pain. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 41(9), 651-657. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3667Walton, D., MacDermid, J., Nielson, W., Teasell, R., Chiasson, M., & Brown, L. (2011). Reliability, Standard Error, and Minimum Detectable Change of Clinical Pressure Pain Threshold Testing in People With and Without Acute Neck Pain. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 41(9), 644-650. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3666Weerapong, P., Hume, P. A., & Kolt, G. S. (2005). The Mechanisms of Massage and Effects on Performance, Muscle Recovery and Injury Prevention. Sports Medicine, 35(3), 235-256. doi:10.2165/00007256-200535030-00004Ylinen, J., Nykänen, M., Kautiainen, H., & Häkkinen, A. (2007). Evaluation of repeatability of pressure algometry on the neck muscles for clinical use. Manual Therapy, 12(2), 192-197. doi:10.1016/j.math.2006.06.01

Estudio de las diferencias de costes de producción del cultivo de naranjo convencional, ecológico e integrado en la Comunidad Valenciana mediante el análisis factorial discriminante

[EN] The aim of this paper was to compare orange production costs in the region of Valencia (Spain), which depend on the way they are grown (conventional, IP or organically), identifying at the same time the cost differences between them. With this purpose, and after analysing the three orange populations cultivated in the region, a sample was designed taking into account not only the location of the plots, but also the irrigation system available at the farm level (drip or flow irrigation). Once the field work was completed, a multivariate analysis, concretely a factor discriminant analysis was implemented to reach the objectives of the research. The results obtained were consistent with the degree of adoption of the different alternative citrus production systems in the region studied.[ES] El propósito del presente trabajo es la comparación de los costes de producción del cultivo de naranjo en la Comunidad Valenciana según tres modalidades: cultivo convencional, en agricultura ecológica y en producción integrada, así como la identificación de las partidas de costes responsables de dichas diferencias. Para ello se ha llevado a cabo un estudio de las tres poblaciones de naranjo cultivadas, a partir del cual se ha diseñado una muestra estratificada por comarcas y según tipo de riego disponible en las parcelas. Los objetivos se han completado mediante el empleo de técnicas de análisis multivariante, en concreto del análisis factorial discriminante. Por último, se relacionan los resultados obtenidos con el mayor o menor grado de adopción de las técnicas alternativas en el cultivo del naranjo en la región estudiada.Peris Moll, EM.; Juliá Igual, JF.; Balasch Parisi, S. (2005). Production costs differences between conventional, organic and integrated orange farming systems in the region of Valencia (Spain) through factor discriminant analysis. Economía Agraria y Recursos Naturales - Agricultural and Resource Economics. 5(10):69-87. doi:10.7201/earn.2005.10.04SWORD698751

Assessment of the implantation of day-2 human embryos by morphometric nonsubjective parameters

Discuss: You can discuss this article with its authors and with other ASRM members at http:// fertstertforum.com/molinai-implantation-morphometric-nonsubjective/Objective: To demonstrate the usefulness of image analysis in designing objective embryonic morphometric variables. Design: Retrospective study of 214 top-quality day-2 embryo photographs from 50 double-embryo transfers resulting in no pregnancy (group 0) and 57 resulting in twin pregnancy (group 1). Setting: Human reproduction unit. Patient(s): Study of 107 in vitro fertilization intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF ICSI) cycles in women age<36 years with doubleembryo transfer of top-quality embryos. Only the first cycle of IVF ICSI was included. Intervention(s): Standard IVF ICSI protocols. Main Outcome Measure(s): The embryo photographs were analyzed using the ImageJ program. The effects of the embryo variables and the clinical variables on embryo implantation were evaluated using a stepwise dichotomous logistic regression. Result(s): Significant differences were observed, owing to the women's ages, internal perimeter, roundness factor, and zona pellucida thickness. Embryos with smaller internal perimeter, circular shape, and thinner zona pellucida were more likely to implant. Conclusion(s): Morphometric variables lower the subjectivity of the current embryo grading systems. These variables are nonsubjective factors to consider when predicting implantation. Embryo image analysis is an accurate tool that can improve IVF ICSI outcomes and reduce the number of twin pregnancies. (Fertil Steril 2014;102:1022 8. 2014 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.) Key Words: Embryo selection, embryo score, morphological and morphometric embryo variables, images analysis, embryo implantation, embryo grading systemsMolina Botella, MI.; Martinez-Sanchez, JV.; Pertusa, J.; Balasch Parisi, S.; Iniesta, I.; Pellicer, A. (2014). Assessment of the implantation of day-2 human embryos by morphometric nonsubjective parameters. Fertility and Sterility. 102(4):1022-1027. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.06.026S10221027102

Pointing Out Some Issues Regarding Reproduction Management in Murciano-Granadina Goats

[EN] The hypothesis of this experiment proposes that it could be possible to identify pregnant goats through maximum progesterone milk levels at any time in the pregnancy, and that there is an optimal moment to apply a lactation inhibitor to dry off lactating goats. The maximum progesterone concentration in milk varied depending on the season of the year, and those concentrations were similar for pregnant and non-pregnant goats, but significantly higher in the case of gestating goats with four foetuses, for which it would be possible to distinguish the pregnancy. The milk yield of goats at mating does not affect fertility until a value of at least 3250 mL/day. If using lactation inhibitors, their application up to the 10th week post-mating would be optimal for drying off lactating goats. Two of the most important problems in high-yielding dairy goat farms are early and accurate pregnancy diagnosis and the appropriate dry off of lactating does before the next kidding. The hypothesis posits that it could be possible to identify pregnant does through maximum progesterone milk levels at any time during the pregnancy, and that there is an optimal time to apply a lactation inhibitor to help dry off lactating does. Therefore, 114 Murciano-Granadina breed goats were used, from which 74 goats were inseminated at week 20 of lactation and samples of milk from pregnant and non-pregnant goats were taken at two-week intervals. The average maximum progesterone milk levels were higher outside the natural breeding season (40 degrees latitude) than in the breeding season (11.6 +/- 1.13 vs. 8.6 +/- 1.02 ng/mL), although the levels from pregnant and non-pregnant goats were similar (10.85 +/- 1.3 vs. 9.74 +/- 1.6 ng/mL), except in the case of pregnancy with four foetuses (12.5 +/- 1.3 ng/mL). Milk yield at mating does not affect fertility until a value of at least 3250 mL/day. Pregnancy started to affect milk yield up to the +7th week and was 59.9% lower in the +10th week after mating, so the use of lactation inhibitors could be more effective from this latter week. In conclusion, the results show that it is not possible to detect gestation in goats reliably through the maximum concentration of progesterone in milk at any time during lactation, except in the case of goats gestating four foetuses, that the milk yield of goats at mating does not affect fertility until a value of at least 3250 mL/day, and that from the 10th week post-mating, the application of lactation inhibitors would be optimal.This research was funded by the project RTA2017-00049-C02-02 (Agencia Estatal de Investigación) with ERDF funds.Fernández Martínez, N.; Beltrán Martínez, MC.; Romero, G.; Roca, MA.; Rodríguez Garcia, M.; Balasch Parisi, S. (2021). Pointing Out Some Issues Regarding Reproduction Management in Murciano-Granadina Goats. Animals. 11(6):1-13. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061781S11311

Sources of Salmonella contamination during broiler production in Eastern Spain

Prevention of Salmonella contamination of poultry products requires detailed knowledge of the main sources associated with its presence in the production system. The aims of this study were to determine the main sources of Salmonella contamination in broiler production during growing, to assess the risk factors for Salmonella contamination at the end of the rearing period and to determine the main serovars involved in broiler production systems in Eastern Spain. A total of 65 different broiler houses from different farms were sampled. Each house was sampled at different times during the rearing period. First, when the previous flock was taken to the slaughterhouse, samples of dust, surfaces and previous flock faeces were collected. After cleaning and disinfection (C&D), samples of dust and surfaces were also taken. On the first day of rearing, samples of water, bedding, farming boots, meconiums, delivery-box liners and feed were collected. During rearing, feed samples were taken directly from the truck and from feeders. On slaughter day, samples of dust, surfaces, water, feed and faeces were also collected. Finally, two days after slaughter, carriers (rodents, flies and beetles) were trapped. All samples collected were analysed according to ISO 6579:2002 (Annex D) and positive samples were serotyped in accordance with Kauffman-White-Le-Minor technique. Our results showed that all different types of samples collected were contaminated with Salmonella (prevalence ranged between 1.5% and 38.6%). The most contaminated samples related with poultry production were: delivery-box liners (32.0%), faeces samples (31.2%), dust samples (25.0%), farming boots (19.7%) and feed from feeders (16.0%). However, the most important risk factors for Salmonella contamination of the flocks at the end of the rearing period were Salmonella status of the house after cleaning and disinfection, Salmonella status of day-old chick flocks and feed from feeders. Twenty-one different serovars were isolated from the samples analysed. The most prevalent were in decreasing order: Salmonella Enteritidis (52.9%), S. Hadar (17.8%), S. Virchow (8.9%) and S. Ohio (5.4%). The study suggested that there are many sources for Salmonella contamination and persistence in broiler production. Hence, the whole production chain needs to be controlled to eradicate the bacteria from primary production. © 2010 Elsevier B.V.Marín, C.; Balasch Parisi, S.; Vega, S.; Lainez, M. (2011). Sources of Salmonella contamination during broiler production in Eastern Spain. Preventive Veterinary Medicine. 98(1):39-45. doi:10.1016/j.prevetmed.2010.09.006S394598

Quantifying the uncertainty of soil colour measurements with Munsell charts using a modified attribute agreement analysis

[EN] The use of Munsell colour charts is the classical way of determining colour information in soil science. The procedure is well-known and consists of visually comparing soil samples with colour chips ontained in the charts. This visual approach has several drawbacks and although the chart-based procedure is routinely used, it is not easy to find systematic studies on the accuracy of this methodology. In this paper, we seek to gain insight into the strengths and weaknesses of using soil colour charts as a colour measurement device. The tool used to conduct our study is a modification to the attribute agreement analysis (AAA) method which consists of finding matches between colour standards and colour designations obtained by several appraisers. In the experiment, standards were obtained using a trichromatic colorimeter coupled to a computer program that implements the k nearest neighbour (k-NN) classification algorithm. In order to do the experiment, 276 soil samples were observed twice by four trained appraisers (2208 data records). The naïve count of matches across all the records in the dataset gave <5% of agreement for all three colour components Hue, Value and Chroma. The modified AAA criterion implemented in the study gave a clear increase in all indicators with values ranging from 82.2% to 100% in the agreement within appraisers, 39.5% in the agreement between appraisers, and 42.8% in the agreement of appraisers vs. standards. Results also show that users of the Munsell charts tend to mostly report correct Hues but higher Values and Chromas than true soil colours.Marqués-Mateu, Á.; Moreno-Ramón, H.; Balasch Parisi, S.; Ibañez Asensio, S. (2018). Quantifying the uncertainty of soil colour measurements with Munsell charts using a modified attribute agreement analysis. CATENA. 171:44-53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2018.06.027S445317

Statistical relationships between soil colour and soil attributes in semiarid areas

Soil colour has become one of the most innovative indicators used to adjust amendment and fertilizer rates in precision agriculture. This paper uses a combination of colour variables together with geographical, management and pedologic variables in order to find relationships between the three colour components (lightness, hue, and chroma) and several soil characteristics, in a semiarid environment. In these areas soils are weakly developed, and organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorous and iron soil contents are usually low and undergo high spatial variability. Multivariate analysis was used to find statistical relationships that: determine soil colour in those environmental areas; reveal the most appropriate chromatic variables for each case; and determine the interactions between variables that can mask the effects of individual variables. Colour measurements were collected with a trichromatic colorimeter. Eighteen soil variables were used, of which eight resulted in statistically significant correlations with colour components. Those variables were sand (%), clay (%), parent material (marls), soil organic carbon (SOC), carbonate content, total nitrogen (TN), iron, and 1:5 soil:water extract electrical conductivity (EC1:5). Only sand was significant for all three colour components. The content of organic carbon was not significant in multiple regression analysis with respect to soil lightness in this study of semiarid soils. However it was significant in bivariate regression, in the same way as found in other studies. (c) 2013 IAgrE. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Ibañez Asensio, S.; Marqués Mateu, Á.; Moreno Ramón, H.; Balasch Parisi, S. (2013). Statistical relationships between soil colour and soil attributes in semiarid areas. Biosystems Engineering. 116(2):120-129. doi:10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2013.07.013S120129116