Comparison of Brans Promethee multicriteria decision method and Promethee modified by authors for the optimization of an erosion control integral plan in Chaco area in Salta province (Argentine)

Chaco area is situated in the Province of Salta at North West of Argentine. The desertification is a big problem. In order to mitigate the problem it is necessary to take into account not only pedologic criteria but the economical, environmental, cultural and sociological criteria. Six sub zones have been established following previous studies. Eight criteria and six alternatives have been introduced in the model. Following the results of the study carried out by a collaborative project between UPM and UCS financed by AECID (1) were established several initial matrix. Brans Promethee multicriteria decision method (MCDM) was applied and the authors modified that method introducing weights like in Electre metho

Continuous multi-criteria methods for crop and soil conservation planning on La Colacha (Río Cuarto, Province of Cordoba, Argentina)

Agro-areas of Arroyos Menores (La Colacha) west and south of Rand south of R?o Cuarto (Prov. of Cordoba, Argentina) basins are very fertile but have high soil loses. Extreme rain events, inundations and other severe erosions forming gullies demand urgently actions in this area to avoid soil degradation and erosion supporting good levels of agro production. The authors first improved hydrologic data on La Colacha, evaluated the systems of soil uses and actions that could be recommended considering the relevant aspects of the study area and applied decision support systems (DSS) with mathematic tools for planning of defences and uses of soils in these areas. These were conducted here using multi-criteria models, in multi-criteria decision making (MCDM); first of discrete MCDM to chose among global types of use of soils, and then of continuous MCDM to evaluate and optimize combined actions, including repartition of soil use and the necessary levels of works for soil conservation and for hydraulic management to conserve against erosion these basins. Relatively global solutions for La Colacha area have been defined and were optimised by Linear Programming in Goal Programming forms that are presented as Weighted or Lexicographic Goal Programming and as Compromise Programming. The decision methods used are described, indicating algorithms used, and examples for some representative scenarios on La Colacha area are given

A kinetic and Kinematic analysis in two assessment situation with bench press. Free Weight vs Smith Machine. Project pilot.

En este estudio piloto se analizan algunas de las variables cinéticas y cinemáticas que pueden afectar a la situación de ejecución/evaluación del Press de Banca, en máquina Smith (PMS) vs con barra y discos (PBL). Dos sujetos entrenados participaron en esta investigación habiendo sido informados previamente de la finalidad de la misma. En dos momentos se llevó a cabo un protocolo incremental de cargas hasta alcanzar su máximo peso a desplazar en una repetición (1-RM), uno para el PMS y otro para el PBL. El Sujeto 1 (S-1) manifestó valores de fuerza de 770 y 837 N, en PBL y PMS, alcanzando este pico máximo de fuerza (PMF) a los 28 y 12 ms, respectivamente. En el caso del Sujeto 2 (S-2), los valores de PMF fueron de 693 y 849 N, empleando un tiempo en alcanzar estos PMF fue de 60 y 66 ms, en PBL y PMS, respectivamente. Se realizó un análisis detallado de las curvas de “sticking period”, las distancias de agarre e inclinación de la barra. Como conclusión más relevante de nuestro trabajo y como base para futuras investigaciones, decir que a la hora de entrenar, el ejercicio en PBL puede ser más aconsejado. Mientras que para evaluar, el ejercicio en PMS aporta información más fiable en cuanto a las variables relevantes de la fuerza.This pilot study examines the most relevant kinetic and kinematics variables in two bench press exercises; Smith Machine (PMS) vs. free weights (PBL). Two trained subjects participated in the research following informed consent. To determine the maximum load (1- RM), two incremental protocols were used for PMS and PBL. Subject 1 (S-1) produced force values of 770N and 837N, peak force of 28ms and 12ms, in PBL and PMS respectively. Values for subject 2 (S-2) were 693N and 849N, PMF of 60ms and 66ms for PBL and PMS respectively. Detailed analyses of the following variables were performed; velocity curves for each load, the “sticking period”, the distances of grip width, and changes in bar inclination during the ascent phase of the lift were examined. The key findings of this research, and the basis for future research demonstrate that PBL is recommended as a training exercise, while more reliable information regarding force variables can be attained through using PMS in measurement sessions.peerReviewe

Decision theories used in planning of areas around La Colacha basin in Córdoba (Argentine) considering natural and human hazards

The authors of U.P.M. have had relations with Argentine Universities and Administrations, in part with J.M.Cisneros that is Professor at Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto in Prov. de Córdoba Arg., and have applied Decision Theories with Mathematic tools for the planning of defences and uses of soils in these areas and especially of La Colacha bassin enlarged with larger areas around it as “Cuenca de los Arroyos Menores” at West and South of Rio Cuarto. These large flat lands have loess soils brought by winds from Los Andes that are much far at West, there is a very old line of not high mountains at West near the study area from which rivers flow with little slopes to somehow lower flat areas at West with some marshes. Rivers through loess get regressive erosions with rains forming kilometres long ditches in the loess called “cárcavas” some meters deep and quite large across otherwise flat agricultural lands, and J.M. Cisneros, that has numerous publications about local soil uses, has directed diverse genie rural works to halt the regression of some of them. Part of the study is about protection against floods and “cárcavas”. There are famous experiences and records of higher inundations of large areas by rivers. Latitude of Rio Cuarto is 31º25’ South, that area is temperate refreshed by south winds, Zonda föhn winds from West being hotter and drier, and there are monsoons and so winter in July is dry and summer and December has rains, that average 829mm per year. Wind erosion and fires occur frequently on these loess soils in winter. This is an excellent area for agriculture but some actual uses may be not sustainable in long term such as excesses with genetically engineered soy, and the authors have studied aided with mathematical models (ELECTRE I, PROMETHEE and Expert Choice) the preferences of various alternative systems of land use (Autochthonous forest, High value forest, Traditional farms, Erosion control Crop with agriculture use, and Erosion control Crop with industrial use (biomass) ) in view of diverse Criteria (Water erosion index, Eolian erosion index, Implementation facility, Water resources, Economical Benefits, Hand power, Environmental Impacts, social Acceptance), as contribution for territorial planning, in part in relation with local official agencie

Sustainable agriculture using an intellingent mechatronic system

The goal of the Project group created by U.P.M. in collaboration with Foreign Universities, Research Institutions and Companies is the development of an intelligent mechatronic system for the use of precision and sustainable agriculture. The project as a whole includes the following components: photographing and decoding of the soil surface; fertility determination and formation of the fertility map; generation of the controlling signal for mechatronic dosing device; intelligent dosing of fertilizers; simulation, prototype and testing; human-machine interaction and training preparation

Mathematical Model to Select the Optimal Alternative for an Integral Plan to Desertification and Erosion Control for the Chaco Area in Salta Province (Argentine)

Multi-criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) is concerned with identifying the values, uncertainties and other issues relevant in a given decision, its rationality, and the resulting optimal decision. These decisions are difficult because the complexity of the system or because of determining the optimal situation or behavior. This work will illustrate how MCDA is applied in practice to a complex problem to resolve such us soil erosion and degradation. Desertification is a global problem and recently it has been studied in several forums as ONU that literally says: "Desertification has a very high incidence in the environmental and food security, socioeconomic stability and world sustained development". Desertification is the soil quality loss and one of FAO's most important preoccupations as hunger in the world is increasing. Multiple factors are involved of diverse nature related to: natural phenomena (water and wind erosion), human activities linked to soil and water management, and others not related to the former. In the whole world this problem exists, but its effects and solutions are different. It is necessary to take into account economical, environmental, cultural and sociological criteria. A multi-criteria model to select among different alternatives to prepare an integral plan to ameliorate or/and solve this problem in each area has been elaborated taking in account eight criteria and six alternatives. Six sub zones have been established following previous studies and in each one the initial matrix and weights have been defined to apply on different criteria. Three Multicriteria Decision Methods have been used for the different sub zones: ELECTRE, PROMETHEE and AHP. The results show a high level of consistency among the three different multicriteria methods despite the complexity of the system studied. The methods are described for La Estrella sub zone, indicating election of weights, Initial Matrixes, the MATHCAD8 algorithms used for PROMETHEE, and the Graph of Expert Choice showing the results of AHP. A brief schema of the actions recommended for each of the six different sub zones is reported in Conclusions, with "We can combine Autochthonous and High Value Forest" for La Estrell