Adoption and diffusion of no tillage practices in Southern Spain olive groves

This paper analyses the process of adoption of no tillage in South-eastern Spain’s olive groves. Olive tree groves in South-eastern Spain’s mountainous areas are subject to a high risk of soil erosion, which is the main environmental problem for this crop, and have to incur in high costs of soil conservation. This results in a greater difficulty to comply with the practices required to benefit from both the single payment and agri-environmental schemes. In many high-steeped areas, farmers have opted for non-tillage practices as an alternative to other conservation practices. Using our own data from a survey carried out in 2006 among 215 olive tree farmers from the Granada Province in Southern Spain regarding the adoption of soil conservation and management practices, we model the diffusion process of no tillage practices using several specifications (logistic, Gompertz and exponential). We also estimate an ordered probit model to analyse which socio-economic and institutional factors determine the adoption of no tillage. Our results show that 90% of farmers in the area of study perform no tillage with either localized (21%) or no localized (69%) application of weedicides. The diffusion process of no tillage has been very intense since the middle nineties, and has been based on the interactions among farmers in the area of study rather than in external factors such as EU policies or extension services. Among other relevant factors that positively affect the adoption of no tillage practices in general, such as farm size and irrigation, the probability of a farmer adopting no tillage with non-localized application of weedicides increases when there is a relative that will continue with the farming activity, what causes the farmer to incorporate long term effects in his farming decisions, when the farmer is only a manager or when he bought the farm rather than inherited it (i.e. on more professionalized farms), and with his educational level. These results confirm some findings from previous studies in other nearby areas.Spanish olive groves, soil erosion, no tillage, Crop Production/Industries, Land Economics/Use,

Adoption of Soil Erosion Control Practices in Southern Spain Olive Groves

This paper presents results from a survey carried out in 2005 among 147 olive tree farmers from the Alto Genil River Basin in Southern Spain regarding the adoption of soil conservation and management practices. Olive tree groves in South-eastern Spain's mountainous areas are subject to a high risk of soil erosion and have to incur in high costs of soil conservation. This results in great difficulties to comply with cross-compliance and to benefit from agri-environmental schemes. Our main objectives are to analyse the current level of adoption of soil conservation practices and to analyse which socio-economic and institutional factors determine such adoption. Three Probit models are estimated. Dependant variables are three different soil conservation practices, namely tillage following contour lines, maintaining the rests of pruning on the ground, and non-tillage with weedicides.olive groves, soil erosion, soil conservation, cross compliance, Crop Production/Industries, Q12, Q24,

Adoption of Soil Conservation Practices in Olive Groves: The Case of Spanish Mountainous Areas

This paper presents some results from a survey carried out in 2004 among 223 olive tree farmers from mountainous areas in the Spanish Southern provinces of Granada and Jaen regarding the adoption of soil conservation and management practices. Olive tree groves in mountainous areas are subject to a high risk of soil erosion and have to incur in higher costs of soil conservation. This results in greater difficulties to comply with cross-compliance and to benefit from agri-environmental schemes. Our main objectives are to analyse the current level of adoption of soil conservation practices and to analyse which socio-economic and institutional factors determine such adoption. Three Probit models are estimated. Dependant variables are three different soil conservation practices, namely tillage following contour lines, maintenance of terraces with stonewalls, and non-tillage with weedicides.olive groves, soil conservation, technology adoption, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, Q12, Q24,

Adopción y difusión de prácticas de no laboreo en el olivar de la provincia de Granada

En este trabajo se analiza el proceso de adopción del no laboreo en el olivar de la provincia de Granada utilizando información procedente de un sondeo realizado en 2005-2006 a 215 olivicultores. Se analiza en primer lugar el proceso de difusión agregada de las prácticas de no laboreo realizadas en la zona mediante la estimación de varios modelos de difusión temporal. A continuación se identifican, mediante la estimación de dos modelos probit, algunos factores que influyen en la adopción de dichas prácticas. Los resultados obtenidos muestran cómo las prácticas de no laboreo son realizadas por el 90% de los agricultores. Su difusión ha sido intensa desde mediados de los noventa, predominando el efecto imitación, basado en la interacción entre los agricultores de la zona, sobre otros factores externos. Algunos factores que influyen en la adopción de las diferentes prácticas de no laboreo son el regadío, la continuidad familiar de la explotación o la percepción que tiene el agricultor del problema de la erosión.Erosión, no laboreo, olivar, adopción de tecnologías, difusión de tecnologías., Agricultural and Food Policy, Q12, Q24, C50.,

The first republic of paraguay (1811-1870) and its alternative development strategy

Este trabajo se propone investigar algunas particularidades de la política de desarrollo científico y técnico de la Primera República del Paraguay (1811-1870) en el marco de la Revolución Industrial, con especial énfasis en los planos de la articulación política interna y externa, que resultaron determinantes del tipo de estrategia de desarrollo emprendido, distintivo respecto a otras unidades políticas regionales en el mismo contexto internacional.This paper aims to investigate some particularities of the scientific and technical development policy of the First Republic of Paraguay (1811- 1870) in the framework of the Industrial Revolution, with main emphasis in the plans of internal and external political articulation, which were decisive of the type of undertaken development strategy, distinctive compared with other regional political units in the same international context.Fil: Lucietto, Franco Agustin. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Filosofía y Letras; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

A Simple Gaze Tracker for Computer Operation by the Disabled in Education

A compact gaze tracker was developed which consists of a head band and electrodes which process the Electro-Oculo-Gram (EOG) reflecting the patient´s eye movements. We have confirmed that the processed EOG signal correlates well with gaze angle, and we show that the instrument we designed enables a child to move a target on a screen up to 40 degrees left-right from central sight. To achieve this, a signal processing circuit was designed and placed on a head band to minimize noise. Further processing is based on the identification of saccadic eye movements and on the educated calculation of the estimated gaze angle as a result of angle change in both directions. A 75% success rate was achieved to detect transitions of eye positions in 5° steps from +40° to -40°. First tests by normal children suggest that the device may prove useful for communication by the disabled (e.g. patients with no control on hand movements). In such cases, extensive personal training will tap on neurological plasticity to achieve the required performance level for computer mouse command of educational games and for interactive applications in general

The effects of Cuprizone on murine subventricular zone-derived neural stem cells and progenitor cells grown as neurospheres

Despite the extensive use of the cuprizone (CPZ) demyelination animal model, there is little evidence regarding the effects of CPZ on a cellular level. Initial studies have suggested that oligodendrocytes (OL) are the main cell targets for CPZ toxicity. However, recent data have revealed additional effects on neural stem cells and progenitor cells (NSC/NPC), which constitute a reservoir for OL regeneration during brain remyelination. We cultured NSC/NPC as neurospheres to investigate CPZ effects on cell mechanisms which are thought to be involved in demyelination and remyelination processes in vivo. Proliferating NSC/NPC cultures exposed to CPZ showed overproduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species and increased progenitor migration at the expense of a significant inhibition of cell proliferation. Although NSC/NPC survival was not affected by CPZ in proliferative conditions, we found that CPZ treated cultures undergoing cell differentiation were more prone to cell death than controls. The commitment and cell differentiation towards neural lineages did not seem to be affected by CPZ, as shown by the conserved proportions of OL, astrocytes and neurons. Nevertheless, when CPZ treatment was performed after cell differentiation, we detected a significant reduction in the number and the morphological complexity of OL, astrogliosis and neuronal damage. We conclude that, in addition to damaging mature OL, CPZ also reduces NSC/NPC proliferation and activates progenitor migration. These results shed light on CPZ toxicity in the brain and could serve to understand the exhaustion of regenerative mechanisms from NSC/NPC in the chronic CPZ animal model.Fil: Molinari, Yamila Azul. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquimica. Departamento de Quimica Biologica. Cátedra de Química Biológica Patológica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Química y Físico-Química Biológicas "Prof. Alejandro C. Paladini". Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Química y Físico-Química Biológicas; ArgentinaFil: Byrne, Agustin Jesus. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquimica. Departamento de Quimica Biologica. Cátedra de Química Biológica Patológica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Química y Físico-Química Biológicas "Prof. Alejandro C. Paladini". Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Química y Físico-Química Biológicas; ArgentinaFil: Perez, Maria Julia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Química y Físico-Química Biológicas "Prof. Alejandro C. Paladini". Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Química y Físico-Química Biológicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquimica. Departamento de Quimica Biologica. Cátedra de Química Biológica Patológica; ArgentinaFil: Silvestroff, Lucas. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquimica. Departamento de Quimica Biologica. Cátedra de Química Biológica Patológica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Química y Físico-Química Biológicas "Prof. Alejandro C. Paladini". Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Química y Físico-Química Biológicas; ArgentinaFil: Franco, Paula Gabriela. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquimica. Departamento de Quimica Biologica. Cátedra de Química Biológica Patológica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Química y Físico-Química Biológicas "Prof. Alejandro C. Paladini". Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Química y Físico-Química Biológicas; Argentin

Persistent Borrelia Infection in Patients with Ongoing Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Introduction: Lyme disease is a tickborne illness that generates controversy among medical providers and researchers. One of the key topics of debate is the existence of persistent infection with the Lyme spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, in patients who have been treated with recommended doses of antibiotics yet remain symptomatic. Persistent spirochetal infection despite antibiotic therapy has recently been demonstrated in non-human primates. We present evidence of persistent Borrelia infection despite antibiotic therapy in patients with ongoing Lyme disease symptoms. Methods: In this pilot study, culture of body fluids and tissues was performed in a randomly selected group of 12 patients with persistent Lyme disease symptoms who had been treated or who were being treated with antibiotics. Cultures were also performed on a group of ten control subjects without Lyme disease. The cultures were subjected to corroborative microscopic, histopathological and molecular testing for Borrelia organisms in four independent laboratories in a blinded manner. Results: Motile spirochetes identified histopathologically as Borrelia were detected in culture specimens, and these spirochetes were genetically identified as Borrelia burgdorferi by three distinct polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based approaches. Spirochetes identified as Borrelia burgdorferi were cultured from the blood of seven subjects, from the genital secretions of ten subjects, and from a skin lesion of one subject. Cultures from control subjects without Lyme disease were negative for Borrelia using these methods. Conclusions: Using multiple corroborative detection methods, we showed that patients with persistent Lyme disease symptoms may have ongoing spirochetal infection despite antibiotic treatment, similar to findings in non-human primates. The optimal treatment for persistent Borrelia infection remains to be determined

Aspectos morfológicos de la cuenca del arroyo Nagel (Misiones, Argentina)

Las características físicas de una cuenca hidrográfica son necesarias para estimar el potencial erosivo e hidrológico por causas naturales y antropogénicas; para ello se definen índices morfométricos que permiten explicar la forma, el relieve y la red de drenaje. El objetivo del trabajo fue analizar e interpretar los parámetros morfométricos de la cuenca del arroyo Nagel, en el departamento Leandro N. Alem (Misiones). Los parámetros calculados se determinaron sobre datos georreferenciados procesados con SIG, generando en gabinete, una base de datos digital morfométrica de la zona de estudio. La cuenca tiene un área 55,2 km2 con dirección principal en el eje NE-SO, con un rango altitudinal entre los 355 y 129 msnm. El análisis de forma mostró que es oval oblonga a rectangular, que propicia una evacuación rápida de la escorrentía que se genera en la misma. Presenta una red de drenaje bien estructurada. Estos resultados forman parte del procedimiento inicial para el diagnóstico de la dinámica del escurrimiento superficial en la cuenca, debido a que los mismos se corresponden con las formas de relieve terrestre, siendo el agua y su energía un factor modelador. Este trabajo constituye la etapa inicial para generar un modelo conceptual sobre el funcionamiento del sistema hidrológico del arroyo Nagel.The physical features of a river basin are necessary to estimate the erosive and hydrological potential due to natural and anthropogenic causes. For this purpose, morphometric indices that explain the shape, relief and drainage network are defined. The aim of this work was to analyze and interpret the morphometric parameters of the Nagel stream basin, located in Leandro N. Alem department (Misiones). The calculated parameters were determined from georeferenced data processed with GIS, generating a morphometric digital database of the study area by cabinet work. The basin covers an area of 55,2 km2 with a main direction along the NE-SO axis, with an altitudinal range between 129 and 355 meters above sea level. The shape analysis of the basin showed that it is oblong to rectangular oval, which facilitates a rapid evacuation of their runoff. It has a well-structured drainage network. These results belongs to the initial procedure for the diagnosis of the dynamics of surface runoff in the basin. In fact, they correspond to the landforms, where both water and its energy are the modeling factors. This work constitutes the initial stage to generate a conceptual model on the operation of the Nagel stream hydrological system.EEA Cerro AzulFil: Albarracín Franco, Silvia. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Cerro Azul; ArgentinaFil: Alvarenga, Fernando. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Cerro Azul; ArgentinaFil: Sanclement, Enrique. Municipalidad de Leandro N. Alem, Misiones; ArgentinaFil: Pauluzek, Astrick. Municipalidad de Leandro N. Alem, Misiones; Argentin

The flexibility applied to the curriculum of the Degree in Geography, for the strengthening of the new role of the geographer

Existen elementos para afirmar que la Flexibilización Curricular y los Planes de Estudio flexibles responden con lentitud a las características generales de planeación del proyecto, en este momento se confirma que se ha desarrollado con base en las necesidades de las Unidades de Aprendizaje, pero principalmente con relación a la naturaleza del perfil profesional, su poder político y competencia colegiada, a la evolución y presencia de la profesión; y evidentemente a la naturaleza de la disciplina.La Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, ha planteado un proceso de reforma curricular, transformando los ámbitos de la vida académica, redimensionando los procesos de la formación profesional para hacerlos más acordes a la vida actual, por ello ha formulado y operado el Programa de Innovación Curricular, el cual enmarca tres ejes de desarrollo que son la Innovación, las Competencias Profesionales y la Flexibilidad de los Planes de Estudio; en este orden de ideas la Facultad de Geografía se ha integrado a este proceso haciendo una revisión de los diferentes ámbitos en los que se ve inmersa, en este sentido mencionamos, los logros que se han tenido en el rubro de la flexibilidad curricular, al aplicarlos en la nueva organización curricular, al incluir la optatividad, el sistema de créditos, eliminación de la seriación y la movilidad estudiantil y del profesorado como elementos, estableciendo como un momento de ruptura del currículo rígido, por el planteamiento de una mayor atención al aprendizaje activo y procedimental, producto de una actividad vivencial real, que permite consolidar una práctica reflexiva del saber y del saber hacer lo que fomenta, la adecuación permanente de los nuevos conocimientos a los procesos de formación, promoviendo con ello la capacidad de decisión en el alumno, en el momento de su elección vocacional y determinación de sus ritmos de aprendizaje al administrar su carga crediticia conforme a su capacidad y compromiso personal, siempre cerca del docente-tutorUniversidad Autónoma del Estado de Méxic