Llenando Escuelas: una experiencia de aprendizaje-servicio en el sur de Marruecos

A group of children and young people boarding at the Casa-Escuela Santiago Uno (a type of orphanage/Pious School) and students from different levels and areas of professional training, travelled to the South of Morocco to implement a development cooperation project entitled “Llenando Escuelas” (“Filling Schools”). The main aim was to empower the local population in educational and professional terms and basic services, paying special attention to the most disadvantaged population groups: women, children and young people. They used theoretical and practical knowledge they had acquired in the previous academic year: catering, manufacturing, gardening, welding, first aid, social integration, sociocultural animation, sports and circus activities. For two months they lived together in a school with their educators and together with local residents they helped refurbish the school, in addition to carrying out training, organizing leisure and free time activities and setting up and supplying a medical clinic. This was a service-learning experience in which an enriching socio-cultural exchange took place.Un grupo de niños y jóvenes residentes en la Casa Escuela Santiago Uno, estudiantes de distintos niveles y áreas de Formación Profesional, se desplazan hasta el Sur de Marruecos para implementar el proyecto de cooperación para el desarrollo Llenando Escuelas cuyo objetivo principal es empoderar a la población local en materia de educación, formación profesional y servicios básicos, con atención prioritaria a los grupos poblacionales más desfavorecidos -mujer, infancia y juventud-. Aplican los conocimientos teórico-prácticos adquiridos durante el curso anterior (hostelería, fabricación, jardinería, soldadura, primeros auxilios, integración social, animación sociocultural, actividades deportivas y circenses). Durante dos meses conviven en una escuela con sus educadores y junto a la población local llevan a cabo la rehabilitación del recinto escolar, además de realizar de manera transversal actividades formativas, de ocio y tiempo libre e instaurar y abastecer un dispensario médico. Supone una experiencia de aprendizaje-servicio en la que se produce un enriquecedor intercambio sociocultural

Effects of maternal subnutrition during early pregnancy on cow hematological profiles and offspring physiology and vitality in two beef breeds

This experiment evaluated the effects of subnutrition during early gestation on hematology in cows (Bos Taurus) and on hematological, metabolic, endocrine, and vitality parameters in their calves. Parda de Montaña and Pirenaica dams were inseminated and assigned to either a control (CONTROL, 100% requirements) or a nutrient‐restricted group (SUBNUT, 65%) during the first third of gestation. Dam blood samples were collected on days 20 and 253 of gestation, and calf samples were obtained during the first days of life. Pirenaica dams presented higher red series parameters than Parda de Montaña dams, both in the first and the last months of gestation. During early pregnancy, granulocyte numbers and mean corpuscular hemoglobin were lower in Pirenaica‐SUBNUT than in Pirenaica‐CONTROL cows. Calves from the SUBNUT cows did not show a physiological reduction in red series values in early life, suggesting later maturation of the hematopoietic system. Poor maternal nutrition affected calf endocrine parameters. Newborns from dystocic parturitions showed lower NEFA concentrations and weaker vitality responses. In conclusion, maternal nutrition had short‐term effects on cow hematology, Pirenaica cows showing a higher susceptibility to undernutrition; and a long‐term effect on their offspring endocrinology, SUBNUT newborns showing lower levels of IGF‐1 and higher levels of cortisol.This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Business and the European Union Regional Development Funds (INIA RTA 2013‐00059‐C02 and INIA RZP 2015‐001) and the Government of Aragon under the Grant Research Group Funds (A14_17R). A. Noya received a PhD grant from INIA‐Government of Aragon

Differentially Addressable Cavities within Metal-Organic Cage-Cross-Linked Polymeric Hydrogels

Here we report a new class of hydrogels formed by polymers that are cross-linked through subcomponent self-assembled metal–organic cages. Selective encapsulation of guest molecules within the cages creates two distinct internal phases within the hydrogel, which allows for contrasting release profiles of related molecules depending on their aptitude for encapsulation within the cages. The hydrogels were fabricated into microparticles via a droplet-based microfluidic approach and proved responsive to a variety of stimuli, including acid and competing amine or aldehyde subcomponents, allowing for the triggered release of cargo

OPA1 functions in mitochondria and dysfunctions in optic nerve

OPA1 is the major gene responsible for Dominant Optic Atrophy (DOA), a blinding disease that affects specifically the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which function consists in connecting the neuro-retina to the brain. OPA1 encodes an intra-mitochondrial dynamin, involved in inner membrane structures and ubiquitously expressed, raising the critical question of the origin of the disease pathophysiology. Here, we review the fundamental knowledge on OPA1 functions and regulations, highlighting their involvements in mitochondrial respiration, membrane dynamic and apoptosis. In light of these functions, we then describe the remarkable RGC mitochondrial network physiology and analyse data collected from animal models expressing OPA1 mutations. If, to date RGC mitochondria does not present any peculiarity at the molecular level, they represent possible targets of numerous assaults, like light, pressure, oxidative stress and energetic impairment, which jeopardize their function and survival, as observed in OPA1 mouse models. Although fascinating fields of investigation are still to be addressed on OPA1 functions and on DOA pathophysiology, we have reached a conspicuous state of knowledge with pertinent cell and animal models, from which therapeutic trials can be initiated and deeply evaluated

Thru-reflect-line calibration for substrate integrated waveguide devices with tapered microstrip transitions

One of the main problems when exciting or measuring substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) devices lies in the need of a good interconnection with planar structures. In this reported work, the negative effects produced by the connectors and the tapered microstrip-to-SIW transitions are de-embedded from the measurements of the SIW structure by a thru-reflect-line calibration with an adequate and cheap SIW calibration kit.Díaz Caballero, E.; Belenguer Martínez, Á.; Esteban González, H.; Boria Esbert, VE. (2013). Thru-reflect-line calibration for substrate integrated waveguide devices with tapered microstrip transitions. Electronics Letters. 49(2):132-133. doi:10.1049/el.2012.3027S132133492Deslandes, D., & Wu, K. (2001). Integrated microstrip and rectangular waveguide in planar form. IEEE Microwave and Wireless Components Letters, 11(2), 68-70. doi:10.1109/7260.914305Henry, M., Free, C. E., Izqueirdo, B. S., Batchelor, J., & Young, P. (2009). Millimeter Wave Substrate Integrated Waveguide Antennas: Design and Fabrication Analysis. IEEE Transactions on Advanced Packaging, 32(1), 93-100. doi:10.1109/tadvp.2008.2011284Chen, X.-P., Wu, K., & Li, Z.-L. (2007). Dual-Band and Triple-Band Substrate Integrated Waveguide Filters With Chebyshev and Quasi-Elliptic Responses. IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, 55(12), 2569-2578. doi:10.1109/tmtt.2007.909603Deslandes, D., & Ke Wu. (2005). Analysis and design of current probe transition from grounded coplanar to substrate integrated rectangular waveguides. IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, 53(8), 2487-2494. doi:10.1109/tmtt.2005.852778Engen, G. F., & Hoer, C. A. (1979). Thru-Reflect-Line: An Improved Technique for Calibrating the Dual Six-Port Automatic Network Analyzer. IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, 27(12), 987-993. doi:10.1109/tmtt.1979.1129778Chih-Jung Chen, & Tah-Hsiung Chu. (2009). Measurement of Noncoaxial Multiport Devices Up to the Intrinsic Ports. IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, 57(5), 1230-1236. doi:10.1109/tmtt.2009.201735

New combined PIC-MCC approach for fast simulation of a radio frequency discharge at low gas pressure

A new combined PIC-MCC approach is developed for accurate and fast simulation of a radio frequency discharge at low gas pressure and high density of plasma. Test calculations of transition between different modes of electron heating in a ccrf discharge in helium and argon show a good agreement with experimental data. We demonstrate high efficiency of the combined PIC-MCC algorithm, especially for the collisionless regime of electron heating.Comment: 6 paged, 8 figure

Síndrome poliuria-polidipsia : ¿Como abordaría el diagnóstico?

El síndrome poliuria-polidipsia (PU/PD) es una entidad clínica que se presenta como signo predominante de numerosos procesos del perro y del gato. Tras un recuerdo fisiológico de los factores reguladores de la homeostasis del agua, presentamos las distintas etiologías responsables del síndrome PU/PD y los mecanismos fisiopatológicos implicados. Posteriormente se indican las pruebas laboratoriales más adecuadas para el diagnóstico y se recomienda una sistemática para abordar el diagnóstico diferencial. Terminamos exponiendo 8 casos clínicos en los que se plantean las historias, exploración y pruebas laboratoriales, discutiéndose finalmente el diagnóstico de los mismos.The polyuria-polydipsia syndrorne (PU/PD) is a clinical picture that is present in a lot of diseases of dog and cat. Firstly we study a physiologycal revision of mechanisms that control the homeostasis of the water, and after we describe the different causes of its physiopathology. The laboratory test more adecuated for the diagnosis are indicated and so the best way to do the differential diagnosis. Eventually we finish with clinical history, symptonms and laboratory findings are studied to arrive a diagnosis

Partially defatted olive cake in finishing pig diets: implications on performance, faecal microbiota, carcass quality, slurry composition and gas emission

[EN] One of the key factors to improve swine production sustainability is the use of agro-industrial by-products in feeds, such as olive by-products. However, it is necessary to assess its effects on the overall production process, including the animal and the environment. With this aim, an experiment was conducted to determine the effects of including a partially defatted olive cake (PDOC) in pig diets on growth performance, faecal microbiota, carcass quality and gas emission from the slurry. Two finishing diets were formulated, a control (C) diet and a diet with PDOC included at 120 g/kg. Eighty finishing male pigs Duroc-Danbred x (Landrace x Large White) of 60.4 +/- 7.00 kg BW were divided between these two treatments. During the finishing period (60 to 110 kg BW, 55 days) average daily gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio were recorded. Faecal samples from the rectum of 16 animals per treatment were incubated for bacteria enumeration. At the end of finishing period, backfat thickness and loin depth (LD) were measured. Animals were slaughtered to obtain carcass weight and carcass composition parameters, and subcutaneous fat was sampled to analyse the fatty acid (FA) profile. In addition greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions were measured during pig slurry storage using the methodology of dynamic flux chambers. An initial slurry characterisation and biochemical methane potential (B-0) were also determined. No significant differences between treatments were found in performance, carcass quality and microbial counts with the exception of LD, which was lower in PDOC compared with C animals (45.5 v. 47.5 mm, SEM: 0.62; P = 0.020). The FA profile of the subcutaneous fat did not differ between treatments, but the monounsaturated FA (MUFA) concentration was higher and the polyunsaturated FA was lower in the animals fed PDOC (50.9 v. 48.3, SEM: 0.48, P < 0.001; 17.6 v. 19.3, SEM: 0.30, P < 0.001 in mg/100 g of Total FA, for PDOC and C animals, respectively). The initial pig slurry characterisation only showed differences in ADF concentration that was higher (P < 0.05) in the slurry from PDOC treatment. Regarding gas emission, slurries from both treatments emitted similar amounts of ammonia (NH3), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), as well as B-0 values. The results obtained suggest that PDOC may be included in balanced pig diets at rates of up to 120 g/kg without negative effects on performance, carcass quality, gut microflora and slurry gas emission, while improving the MUFA concentration of subcutaneous fat.This project was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (AGL2014-56653). Preliminary results from this work have been published in an abstract form (Ferrer et al., 2017). Acknowledgements are also expressed to DCOOP for providing PDCO.Ferrer Riera, P.; Calvet, S.; García-Rebollar, P.; De Blas, C.; Jiménez Belenguer, AI.; Hernández, P.; Piquer, O.... (2020). Partially defatted olive cake in finishing pig diets: implications on performance, faecal microbiota, carcass quality, slurry composition and gas emission. Animal. 14(2):426-434. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731119002040S426434142Abo Omar, J. M., Daya, R., & Ghaleb, A. (2012). Effects of different forms of olive cake on the performance and carcass quality of Awassi lambs. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 171(2-4), 167-172. doi:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2011.11.002Alburquerque, J. (2004). Agrochemical characterisation of «alperujo», a solid by-product of the two-phase centrifugation method for olive oil extraction. Bioresource Technology, 91(2), 195-200. doi:10.1016/s0960-8524(03)00177-9Bach Knudsen, K. E., & Hansen, I. (1991). Gastrointestinal implications in pigs of wheat and oat fractions. British Journal of Nutrition, 65(2), 217-232. doi:10.1079/bjn19910082Beccaccia, A., Calvet, S., Cerisuelo, A., Ferrer, P., García-Rebollar, P., & De Blas, C. (2015). Effects of nutrition on digestion efficiency and gaseous emissions from slurry in growing-finishing pigs. I. Influence of the inclusion of two levels of orange pulp and carob meal in isofibrous diets. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 208, 158-169. doi:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2015.07.008Calvet, S., Hunt, J., & Misselbrook, T. H. (2017). Low frequency aeration of pig slurry affects slurry characteristics and emissions of greenhouse gases and ammonia. Biosystems Engineering, 159, 121-132. doi:10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2017.04.011Cámara, L., Berrocoso, J. D., Coma, J., López-Bote, C. J., & Mateos, G. G. (2016). Growth performance and carcass quality of crossbreds pigs from two Pietrain sire lines fed isoproteic diets varying in energy concentration. Meat Science, 114, 69-74. doi:10.1016/j.meatsci.2015.12.013Canh, T. T., Verstegen, M. W., Aarnink, A. J., & Schrama, J. W. (1997). Influence of dietary factors on nitrogen partitioning and composition of urine and feces of fattening pigs. Journal of Animal Science, 75(3), 700. doi:10.2527/1997.753700xCardona, F., Andrés-Lacueva, C., Tulipani, S., Tinahones, F. J., & Queipo-Ortuño, M. I. (2013). Benefits of polyphenols on gut microbiota and implications in human health. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 24(8), 1415-1422. doi:10.1016/j.jnutbio.2013.05.001Cava, R., Ruiz, J., López-Bote, C., Martín, L., García, C., Ventanas, J., & Antequera, T. (1997). Influence of finishing diet on fatty acid profiles of intramuscular lipids, triglycerides and phospholipids in muscles of the Iberian pig. Meat Science, 45(2), 263-270. doi:10.1016/s0309-1740(96)00102-7Cerisuelo, A., Castelló, L., Moset, V., Martínez, M., Hernández, P., Piquer, O., … Lainez, M. (2010). The inclusion of ensiled citrus pulp in diets for growing pigs: Effects on voluntary intake, growth performance, gut microbiology and meat quality. Livestock Science, 134(1-3), 180-182. doi:10.1016/j.livsci.2010.06.135Chamorro, S., Viveros, A., Alvarez, I., Vega, E., & Brenes, A. (2012). Changes in polyphenol and polysaccharide content of grape seed extract and grape pomace after enzymatic treatment. Food Chemistry, 133(2), 308-314. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.01.031De Blas, J. C., Rodriguez, C. A., Bacha, F., Fernandez, R., & Abad-Guamán, R. (2015). Nutritive value of co-products derived from olivecake in rabbit feeding. World Rabbit Science, 23(4), 255. doi:10.4995/wrs.2015.4036FAOSTAT, 2017. Production quantities by country, 2014. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Retrieved on 26 June 2018, from http://faostat3.fao.org/home/FEDNA 2010. Tablas FEDNA de composición y valor nutritivo de alimentos para la fabricación de piensos compuestos, 3ª edición. (ed. C de Blas, GG Mateos, P García-Rebollar), pp 310–311. Fundación Española para el Desarrollo de la Nutrición Animal, Madrid, Spain.Ferrer P, Calvet S, Piquer O, García-Rebollar P, de Blas C, Bonet J, Coma J and Cerisuelo A 2017. Olive cake in pigs feeding: effects on growth performance, carcass quality and gas emission from slurry. In Proceedings of the 2nd World Conference of Innovative Animal Nutrition and Feeding, 18–20 October 2017, Budapest, Hungary, pp. 63–64.Ferrer, P., García-Rebollar, P., Cerisuelo, A., Ibáñez, M. A., Rodríguez, C. A., Calvet, S., & De Blas, C. (2018). Nutritional value of crude and partially defatted olive cake in finishing pigs and effects on nitrogen balance and gaseous emissions. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 236, 131-140. doi:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2017.12.014García-González, D. L., & Aparicio, R. (2010). Research in Olive Oil: Challenges for the Near Future. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 58(24), 12569-12577. doi:10.1021/jf102735nGonzález, E., Hernández-Matamoros, A., & Tejeda, J. F. (2012). Two by-products of the olive oil extraction industry as oleic acid supplement source for Iberian pigs: effect on the meat’s chemical composition and induced lipoperoxidation. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 92(12), 2543-2551. doi:10.1002/jsfa.5669Jarrett, S., & Ashworth, C. J. (2018). The role of dietary fibre in pig production, with a particular emphasis on reproduction. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology, 9(1). doi:10.1186/s40104-018-0270-0Joven, M., Pintos, E., Latorre, M. A., Suárez-Belloch, J., Guada, J. A., & Fondevila, M. (2014). Effect of replacing barley by increasing levels of olive cake in the diet of finishing pigs: Growth performances, digestibility, carcass, meat and fat quality. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 197, 185-193. doi:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2014.08.007Leouifoudi, I., Harnafi, H., & Zyad, A. (2015). Olive Mill Waste Extracts: Polyphenols Content, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities. Advances in Pharmacological Sciences, 2015, 1-11. doi:10.1155/2015/714138Licitra, G., Hernandez, T. M., & Van Soest, P. J. (1996). Standardization of procedures for nitrogen fractionation of ruminant feeds. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 57(4), 347-358. doi:10.1016/0377-8401(95)00837-3Marín, L., Miguélez, E. M., Villar, C. J., & Lombó, F. (2015). Bioavailability of Dietary Polyphenols and Gut Microbiota Metabolism: Antimicrobial Properties. BioMed Research International, 2015, 1-18. doi:10.1155/2015/905215Mas, G., Llavall, M., Coll, D., Roca, R., Diaz, I., Gispert, M., … Realini, C. E. (2010). Carcass and meat quality characteristics and fatty acid composition of tissues from Pietrain-crossed barrows and gilts fed an elevated monounsaturated fat diet. Meat Science, 85(4), 707-714. doi:10.1016/j.meatsci.2010.03.028Molina-Alcaide, E., & Yáñez-Ruiz, D. R. (2008). Potential use of olive by-products in ruminant feeding: A review. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 147(1-3), 247-264. doi:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2007.09.021Morazán, H., Alvarez-Rodriguez, J., Seradj, A. R., Balcells, J., & Babot, D. (2015). Trade-offs among growth performance, nutrient digestion and carcass traits when feeding low protein and/or high neutral-detergent fiber diets to growing-finishing pigs. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 207, 168-180. doi:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2015.06.003O’Fallon, J. V., Busboom, J. R., Nelson, M. L., & Gaskins, C. T. (2007). A direct method for fatty acid methyl ester synthesis: Application to wet meat tissues, oils, and feedstuffs. Journal of Animal Science, 85(6), 1511-1521. doi:10.2527/jas.2006-491Pieper, R., Vahjen, W., & Zentek, J. (2015). Dietary fibre and crude protein: impact on gastrointestinal microbial fermentation characteristics and host response. Animal Production Science, 55(12), 1367. doi:10.1071/an15278Rosenvold, K., & Andersen, H. J. (2003). Factors of significance for pork quality—a review. Meat Science, 64(3), 219-237. doi:10.1016/s0309-1740(02)00186-9Serra, A., Conte, G., Giovannetti, M., Casarosa, L., Agnolucci, M., Ciucci, F., … Mele, M. (2017). Olive Pomace in Diet Limits Lipid Peroxidation of Sausages from Cinta Senese Swine. European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology, 120(1), 1700236. doi:10.1002/ejlt.201700236Torres-Pitarch, A., Moset, V., Ferrer, P., Cambra-López, M., Hernández, P., Coma, J., … Cerisuelo, A. (2014). The inclusion of rapeseed meal in fattening pig diets, as a partial replacer of soybean meal, alters nutrient digestion, faecal composition and biochemical methane potential from faeces. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 198, 215-223. doi:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2014.09.017Van Soest, P. J., Robertson, J. B., & Lewis, B. A. (1991). Methods for Dietary Fiber, Neutral Detergent Fiber, and Nonstarch Polysaccharides in Relation to Animal Nutrition. Journal of Dairy Science, 74(10), 3583-3597. doi:10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(91)78551-2Yemm, E. W., & Willis, A. J. (1954). The estimation of carbohydrates in plant extracts by anthrone. Biochemical Journal, 57(3), 508-514. doi:10.1042/bj0570508Zhao, P. Y., Wang, J. P., & Kim, I. H. (2013). Evaluation of dietary fructan supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, meat quality, fecal microbial flora, and fecal noxious gas emission in finishing pigs. Journal of Animal Science, 91(11), 5280-5286. doi:10.2527/jas.2012-539

Effects of alternative bedding substrates on lamb welfare, productive performance, and meat quality during the finishing phase of fattening

The study analyzed the effect of using sawdust, cellulose, straw, and rice husk bedding on the welfare, performance and meat quality of lambs during the finishing phase of fattening. Ninety-six lambs (fed ad libitum with concentrate) were assigned to pens containing 1 of 4 bedding materials in groups of 12 for 14 days. Live weight and feed consumption were recorded to estimate daily gain and conversion index, and carcass and meat quality variables were measured. Stereotypies, exploratory interactions with bedding material, and agonistic and affiliative interactions between animals were recorded by continuous sampling techniques using video recording. The substrates affected behavior and stress response variables. There were more stereotypies and agonistic interactions at the beginning of the experiment in all treatments (P ≤ 0.05). The lambs fattened on cellulose bedding interacted more with the substrate throughout the finishing stage (P ≤ 0.05), where there were also more affiliative interactions (P ≤ 0.05). Stress levels were lower in lambs on straw, followed by cellulose. No significant differences in production or carcass and meat quality traits were observed between treatments. The results suggest that all substrates evaluated could be efficiently incorporated into the system as bedding material without affecting productivity or product quality

The capacitated general windy routing problem with turn penalties

In this paper we present the capacitated general windy routing problem with turn penalties. This new problem subsumes many important and well-known arc and node routing problems, and it takes into account turn penalties and forbidden turns, which are crucial in many real-life applications, particularly in downtown areas and for large vehicles. We provide a way to solve this problem both optimally and heuristically by transforming it into a generalized vehicle routing problem. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.This work has been partially supported by the Ministerio de Educacion y Ciencia of Spain (project TIN2008-06441-C02-01). We are also indebted to the two anonymous referees for their valuable comments.Micó Ruiz, JC.; Soler Fernández, D. (2011). The capacitated general windy routing problem with turn penalties. Operations Research Letters. 39(4):265-271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orl.2011.04.007S26527139