Expanding the coverage of ecosystem services in life cycle assessment: an interdisciplinary venture

To contribute to the body of knowledge aiming at a better coverage of ecosystem service assessment in LCA studies, this thesis dives into the challenges of incorporating existing ecosystem service methods within the impact assessment phase of the conventional LCA framework. Through this thesis, we present an overview of ecosystem service categories that could represent an optimal coverage for their inclusion in LCA, and provide a clear example on how to overcome the challenges of characterizing key environmental impacts that are otherwise missing or misrepresented in LCA results and that influence the quality and supply of ecosystem services. We demonstrate the approach proposed with the development of readily applicable CFs that will allow future LCA studies to account for land use impacts on pollinator abundance, and provide further evidence on the benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration as a way to strengthen our capacity to estimate anthropogenic impacts, with the use of expert elicitation methods as a valuable tool to fill in key data gaps. Lastly, we recommend to continue efforts towards an overarching archetype classification that can facilitate the inclusion of multiple biogeographical and socio-economic factors for the identification of representative patterns, and provide input across multiple impact categories at relevant spatial scales.Conservation Biolog

Anatomical study of the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) using micro-computed tomography

Traditionally, the study of anatomy in insects has been based on dissection techniques. Microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) is an X-ray based technique that allows visualization of the internal anatomy of insects in situ and does not require dissections. We report on the use of micro-CT scans to study, in detail, the internal structures and organs of the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei), the most damaging insect pest of coffee worldwide. Detailed images and videos allowed us to make the first description of the aedeagus and the first report of differences between the sexes based on internal anatomy (flight musculature, midgut shape, hindgut convolutions, brain shape and size) and external morphology (lateral outline of the pronotum and number of abdominal tergites). This study is the first complete micro-CT reconstruction of the anatomy of an insect and is also the smallest insect to have been evaluated in this way. High quality rendered images, and additional supplementary videos and 3D models are suitable for use with mobile devices and are useful tools for future research and as teaching aids.This paper benefitted from sub-award agreement S15192.01 between Kansas State University (KSU) and the University of Granada, as part of the USDA-NIFA Award 2014-70016-23028 to Susan J. Brown (KSU), “Developing an Infrastructure and Product Test Pipeline to Deliver Novel Therapies for Citrus Greening Disease” (2015–2020)

Micro-CT to Document the Coffee Bean Weevil, Araecerus fasciculatus (Coleoptera: Anthribidae), Inside Field-Collected Coffee Berries (Coffea canephora)

The coffee bean weevil, Araecerus fasciculatus (De Geer) (Coleoptera: Anthribidae), is a cosmopolitan insect with >100 hosts, and has been reported as a pest of stored coffee. During a study involving the coffee berry borer, we observed coffee bean weevils emerging from field-collected coffee berries and used micro-computerized tomography (micro-CT) scans to observe the insect inside the berry. Two eggs had eclosed inside the berry, resulting in observations of a newly eclosed adult beetle and a 5th instar larva, each feeding on one of the two seeds. This is the first time since 1775, when the insect was first described, that the insect has been observed inside a coffee berry

Observing the devastating coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) inside the coffee berry using microcomputed tomography

The coffee berry borer is the most devastating insect pest of coffee throughout the world. The insect spends most of its life cycle inside the coffee berry, which makes it quite difficult to observe its behaviour. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was used to observe all developmental stages of the coffee berry borer inside coffee berries (Coffea canephora). An interesting oviposition pattern involving a sequential placement of eggs starting in the periphery of the seed and moving inwards was observed. Micro-CT should be useful in elucidating unknown life history aspects of other seed-feeding bark beetles as well as of bark and ambrosia beetles in general

Towards an optimal coverage of ecosystem services in LCA

Our society relies on the sustained provisioning of ecosystem services (ES), while such provisioning has been negatively affected by human activities. Recently, several authors proposed indicators for the assessment of ES in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies and developed corresponding characterization factors for integration in the impact assessment phase of LCA (LCIA). However, the vast majority of these indicators are still not operational and not a single study has presented a comprehensive list of ES for inclusion in LCIA. As a result, the individual efforts to incorporate ES in LCIA lack guidance from a framework to comprehensively assess and prioritize ES for inclusion in LCIA. This study addresses the aforementioned knowledge gap, and presents an original framework for the optimal coverage of ES in LCIA. We first identify, describe and visualize ecosystem services assessed currently (directly and indirectly) included in the widely applied LCIA method ReCiPe2016. Next, we propose an optimal coverage of ES in LCIA consisting of 15 categories of ES, including provisioning, regulation and maintenance, and cultural services, derived from the ES classification method CICES V5.1. Next, we identify the gap between the current and optimal coverage, consisting of 11 ES categories currently not covered by ReCiPe2016. As a proposal to help accelerate the incorporation of missing ES, we finally prioritize missing categories using available monetary valuation data, resulting in a ranking of ES categories to be included in LCIA. The four categories that rank highest are “Regulation of flows and protection from extreme events”, “Mediations of wastes, toxics and nuisances”, “Water conditions” and “Aesthetic value”. Our analysis and prioritization helps setting a research agenda for the scientific community to collaboratively and comprehensively incorporate missing ES categories in LCIA.Environmental Biolog

Age norms for grating acuity and contrast sensitivity in children using eye tracking technology

Key messages: Visual acuity is the most used method to assess visual function in children. Contrast sensitivity complements the information provided for visual acuity, but it is not commonly used in clinical practice. Digital devices are increasingly used as a method to evaluate visual function, due to multiple advantages. Testing with these devices can improve the evaluation of visual development in children from a few months of age. Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity tests, using eye tracking technology, are able to measure visual function in children across a wide range of ages, objectively, quickly and without need of an experienced examiner. Purpose: To report age-normative values for grating visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in healthy children using a digital device with eye tracking technology and to validate the grating acuity test. Methods: In the first project of the study, we examined healthy children aged between 6 months and 7 years with normal ophthalmological assessment. Grating visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS) were assessed using a preferential gaze paradigm with a DIVE (Device for an Integral Visual Examination) assisted with eye tracking technology to provide age norms. For the validation project, we compared LEA grating test (LGT) with DIVE VA in a group of children aged between 6 months and 4 years with normal and abnormal visual development. Results: Fifty-seven children (2.86 ± 1.55 years) were examined with DIVE VA test and 44 successfully completed DIVE CS test (3.06 ± 1.41 years). Both, VA and CS values increased with age, mainly along the first two years of life. Sixty-nine patients (1.34 ± 0.61 years) were included in the DIVE VA test validation. The mean difference between LGT and DIVE VA was − 1.05 ± 4.54 cpd with 95% limits of agreement (LoA) of − 9.95–7.84 cpd. Agreement between the two tests was higher in children younger than 1 year with a mean difference of − 0.19 ± 4.02 cpd. Conclusions: DIVE is an automatic, objective and reliable tool to assess several visual function parameters in children, and it has good agreement with classical VA tests, especially for the first stage of life

Formación práctica en orientación y movilidad de los futuros profesionales del área de la educación física y deportiva para alumnos ciegos y deficientes visuales

[ES] Se presenta una experiencia de cooperación institucional entre el Instituto Nacional de Educación Física de Castilla y León y la agencia provincial de la Organización Nacional de Ciegos Españoles (ONCE) de León. Para completar la formación práctica de los estudiantes de la licenciatura en Educación Física, se han reforzado los contenidos de la asignatura obligatoria de 4o curso «Fundamentos pedagógicos de la Educación Física Especial» con una serie de actividades, como el programa de entrenamiento en orientación y movilidad (OyM) que se describe en este trabajo. La metodología se basa en la presentación de situaciones simuladas y en sesiones prácticas dedicadas a movilidad en interiores y exteriores, uso del bastón, visitas y talleres. La valoración de los resultados obtenidos por los propios participantes ha sido muy positiva.[EN] Practica I orientation and mobility training for future professionals in thefield ofphysical education and sports for blind and visually iinpaired pupils: an experience involving instituional cooperation. The paper discusse institutional co-operation involving the National Physical Education Institute in Castile and León and the provincial agency of the Spanish National Organisation of the Blind in León. To round out practical training for Physical Education students, the syllabus of the 4th year requisite "Pedagógica! foundations of Special Physical Education" was supplemented with a series of activities, such as the orientation and mobility training programme described in this report. Methodology was based on the presentation of simulated situations and practical sessions devoted to indoor and outdoor mobility, and the use of long canes, as well as visits and wokshops. Participants assessed the experience very highly.N

Plan de trabajo Arrendadora ProParking, S. de R.L de C.V Investigación de Mercado Paralelo en China

El proyecto PAP elaborado para la empresa Arrendadora Pro-Parking S. de R.L de C.V. plantea realizar una investigación en mercados internacionales de donde surge el interés por un mercado particular, o mejor dicho un régimen preferencial para la importación de automóviles nuevos a China llamado “Parallel imports” de donde emana el know how el trabajo y a donde se vio dirigido todo el esfuerzo. Para ello, se investigará con especialistas en el rubro, que puedan proporcionar información que no está escrita en la Web, periódico o en libros. Esta afirmación surge de un constante freno en la búsqueda de información sensible del país destino (China). Creemos, con ello, obtener Información pertinente que nos dé la pauta para que ProParking pueda comenzar a exportar vehículos a este mercado, a la vez tratar de eliminar intermediarios y crear un flujo de efectivo más sano y rentable para la empresa y quienes están involucrados.ITESO, A.C

Determinar la viabilidad de exportación de la salsa marca Jachili para Asia

El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la viabilidad de exportación para los productos de Jachili a Asia, en relación a los cuatro países seleccionados: Japón, China, Corea del Sur y Singapur para diciembre de 2018. El proyecto consistió en realizar la investigación de los posibles países a los que se pudieran exportar los productos de la empresa Jachili. En la primera fase se realizó una selección de mercado a nivel mundial, y descarte de zonas geográficas, en relación a los hábitos de consumo principalmente. Después de que se escogió el área a la que se iba a buscar exportar el producto y se hizo una investigación cualitativa y cuantitativa para escoger los 4 países finalistas, en esta investigación se vio el PIB, el PIB per cápita, el valor y volumen de las importaciones de este tipo de productos al país y si se contaba con tratados libre de comercio o algún acuerdo comercial. A partir de este punto se buscó información de cada uno de los países. Se investigó la información general del país, de la población y características de la gente. En cuanto a alimentos investigamos el volumen de importación y exportación, tipos de condimentos, cual es la tendencia en cuanto a consumo salsas, los hábitos de consumo y quienes son la competencia. Se documentaron las mejores rutas y las barreras arancelarias y no arancelarias de los países. Finalmente se proporcionaron recomendaciones y conclusiones de la viabilidad y posible aceptación, cual fue el país con más posibilidades de éxito y cual el que menos posibilidades tiene de acuerdo a la investigación realizada.ITESO, A.C