Characterization of a population of helicotylenchus dihystera (cobb, 1893) sher, 1961, parasitizing maize roots, in southern Córdoba, Argentina

Los nematodos en espiral del género Helicotylenchus, son parásitos de raíz de numerosas plantas cultivadas y no cultivadas. La identificación específica puede resultar compleja porque comparten diferentes caracteres diagnósticos similares y muestran una considerable variabilidad interespecífica. Su reconocimiento resulta esencial para poder establecer estrategias apropiadas de control o para prevenir su propagación a otras áreas. En este trabajo se evaluaron caracteres morfológicos y caracteres morfométricos de una población relacionada con el cultivo de maíz. Al mismo tiempo, análisis moleculares por PCR de una región del D2-D3 del gen 28s y la región 5.8s-ITS2 permitieron generar dos nuevas secuencias que fueron depositadas en Genbank. Además, por análisis filogenéticos utilizando inferencia Bayesiana, se complementó la identificación de la especie. Este trabajo constituye la primera caracterización morfológica, morfométrica y molecular de una población de Helicotylenchus dihystera para Argentina.Fil: Brücher, Elsa. Universidad Católica de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; ArgentinaFil: Vuletic, Ezequiel Esteban.Universidad Católica de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; ArgentinaFil: Guerra, Fernando Andrés. Universidad Católica de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; ArgentinaFil: De Rossi, Roberto Luis. Universidad Católica de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; ArgentinaFil: Plazas, María Cristina. Universidad Católica de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; ArgentinaFil: Guerra, Gustavo Darío. Universidad Católica de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; Argentin

Heritabilities, phenotypic correlations, genetic correlations and repeatability of production variables in Argentine lamas

The objectives of this work were to determine heritabilities, phenotypic, and genetic correlations between production traits and to report means and standard deviations. The data comprised 2820 records, from 450 founding females and 45 founding males involving 816 measured animals. The llamas came from three different localities and the variables studied were: fleece weight (annual shearing), fleece strip weight (fleece weight predictor), staple length, mean fibre diameter, fibre diameter coefficient of variation, total medulation grade and thoracic circumference as an animal size measure. Genetic (co)variances, heritabilities and genetic and phenotypic correlations were obtained through a multivariate animal model with repeatabilities, using VCE4 (Variance Components Estimation) software. Fixed effects of the mixed model included: year of production, year of sampling (repeated), animal age at sampling, flock, coat color and type of fleece. The heritabilities and correlations obtained were generally lower than other estimates made out of the altiplano areas, but in concordance with values from the altiplano areas. It was concluded that important selection responses can be expected if these traits are used as selection criteria. The fact that the fleece strip weight can be used to predict fleece weight is an important finding, given the high genetic and phenotypic correlations between these two variables. The correlations between fleece weight, mean fibre diameter and body size were unfavorable

Carboxymethyl cellulose coated magnetic nanoparticles transport across a human lung microvascular endothelial cell model of the blood–brain barrier

Sustained and safe delivery of therapeutic agents across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is one of the major challenges for the treatment of neurological disorders as this barrier limits the ability of most drug molecules to reach the brain. Targeted delivery of the drugs used to treat these disorders could potentially offer a considerable reduction of the common side effects of their treatment. The preparation and characterization of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) coated magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@CMC) is reported as an alternative that meets the need for novel therapies capable of crossing the BBB. In vitro assays were used to evaluate the ability of these polysaccharide coated biocompatible, water-soluble, magnetic nanoparticles to deliver drug therapy across a model of the BBB. As a drug model, dopamine hydrochloride loading and release profiles in physiological solution were determined using UV-Vis spectroscopy. Cell viability tests in Human Lung Microvascular Endothelial (HLMVE) cell cultures showed no significant cell death, morphological changes or alterations in mitochondrial function after 24 and 48 h of exposure to the nanoparticles. Evidence of nanoparticle interactions and nanoparticle uptake by the cell membrane was obtained by electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) analyses. Permeability through a BBB model (the transwell assay) was evaluated to assess the ability of Fe3O4@CMC nanoparticles to be transported across a densely packed HLMVE cell barrier. The results suggest that these nanoparticles can be useful drug transport and release systems for the design of novel pharmaceutical agents for brain therapy

Validation and reconstruction of flow meter data in the Barcelona water distribution network

12 páginas, 16 figuras, 1 tabla.-- El PDF es la versión pre-print.-- et al.This paper presents a signal analysis methodology to validate (detect) and reconstruct the missing and false data of a large set of flow meters in the telecontrol system of a water distribution network. The proposed methodology is based on two time-scale forecasting models: a daily model based on a ARIMA time series, while the 10-min model is based on distributing the daily flow using a 10-min demand pattern. The demand patterns have been determined using two methods: correlation analysis and an unsupervised fuzzy logic classification, named LAMDA algorithm. Finally, the proposed methodology has been applied to the Barcelona water distribution network, providing very good results.This work is part of a applied research project granted by ADASA and AGBAR companies. The authors also wish to thank the support received by the Research Commission of the Generalitat of Catalunya (Group SAC Ref. 2009 SGR 1491) and by CICYT (Ref. HYFA DPI2008-01996 and WATMAN DPI2009-13744) of Spanish Ministry of Education.Peer reviewe

Oribatid mites in different Mediterranean crop rotations fertilized with animal droppings

Unsustainable soil management is one of the drivers of soil degradation, but impact assessment requires the development of indicators. Oribatids might be considered as early indicators of disturbances due to the stability of their community. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of oribatids as bioindicators of sustainable agricultural practices. Under a dry Mediterranean climate, three fertilization experiments – two under a two-crop rotation system and one under maize monoculture and established 12 years earlier – were sampled 3× for oribatid identification during the last annual cropping cycle. The hypothesis was that different nutrient and crop managements affect the number of oribatid species and individuals present, and these parameters could be used as indicators of soil degradation. In total, 18 oribatid species were identified, and 1974 adult individuals were recovered. Maximum abundance was found prior to sowing. Pig slurry (PS) vs. control, and dairy cattle manure (CM) vs. mineral fertilization increased oribatid abundance. This increase was evident when the average applied rates with PS were ca. 2 Mg of organic matter (OM) ha− 1 yr− 1, or higher than ca. 4 Mg OM ha− 1 yr− 1 for CM. When the preceding crop was wheat and PS or CM were used, Oribatula (Zygoribatula) excavata (which reproduces sexually) predominated. In maize monoculture fertilized with CM, Tectocepheus sarekensis and Acrotritia ardua americana (which can reproduce through parthenogenesis) prevailed vs. Oribatula, which indicated a heavily disturbed soil. Under this specific Mediterranean environment, the predominance of certain parthenogenic oribatid species and the number of individuals provide advanced warning on soil degradation.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Validation and reconstruction of flow meter data in the Barcelona water distribution network

This paper presents a signal analysis methodology to validate (detect) and reconstruct the missing and false data of a large set of flow meters in the telecontrol system of a water distribution network. The proposed methodology is based on two time-scale forecasting models: a daily model based on a ARIMA time series, while the 10-min model is based on distributing the daily flow using a 10-min demand pattern. The demand patterns have been determined using two methods: correlation analysis and an unsupervised fuzzy logic classification, named LAMDA algorithm. Finally, the proposed methodology has been applied to the Barcelona water distribution network, providing very good results.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author’s final draft

Marco cooperativo entre UTN-FRC y McAfee, basado en la seguridad informática

La industria del software ha crecido a tasas superiores al 10% año a año, durante la última década y medido en base a cantidad de profesionales trabajando en el mercado. Esto requiere un coordinado esfuerzo de las instituciones educativas, la industria y el gobierno, a los fines de mantener ese crecimiento en forma sustentable. En la Ciudad de Córdoba esto también es notorio y en este marco, la Empresa McAfee y el Departamento de Ingeniería en Sistemas de Información, de la Universidad Tecnológica Nacional - Facultad Regional Córdoba (UTN-FRC) establecieron una relación de cooperación mutua, plasmada en el Convenio firmado en Marzo de 2016. Esta relación es facilitada por docentes, graduados y estudiantes que participan y comparten ambos espacios. En la interacción se definieron líneas de investigación, que son de interés de la Carrera, pero también lo son en la Empresa, temáticas comunes y acciones a desarrollar, con participación de actores de ambas organizaciones. El resultado de esta interacción, hasta el momento, es lo que se comparte en este trabajo.Sociedad Argentina de Informática e Investigación Operativ

Marco cooperativo entre UTN-FRC y McAfee, basado en la seguridad informática

La industria del software ha crecido a tasas superiores al 10% año a año, durante la última década y medido en base a cantidad de profesionales trabajando en el mercado. Esto requiere un coordinado esfuerzo de las instituciones educativas, la industria y el gobierno, a los fines de mantener ese crecimiento en forma sustentable. En la Ciudad de Córdoba esto también es notorio y en este marco, la Empresa McAfee y el Departamento de Ingeniería en Sistemas de Información, de la Universidad Tecnológica Nacional - Facultad Regional Córdoba (UTN-FRC) establecieron una relación de cooperación mutua, plasmada en el Convenio firmado en Marzo de 2016. Esta relación es facilitada por docentes, graduados y estudiantes que participan y comparten ambos espacios. En la interacción se definieron líneas de investigación, que son de interés de la Carrera, pero también lo son en la Empresa, temáticas comunes y acciones a desarrollar, con participación de actores de ambas organizaciones. El resultado de esta interacción, hasta el momento, es lo que se comparte en este trabajo.Sociedad Argentina de Informática e Investigación Operativ

Biological activity of pumpkin byproducts: antimicrobial and antioxidant properties

Pumpkin fruits are widely appreciated and consumed worldwide. In addition to their balanced nutritional profile, pumpkin species also present valuable bioactive compounds that confer biological and pharmacological properties to them. However, the seeds, peels, and fibrous strands resulting from pumpkin processing are still poorly explored by the food industry. The current study used those fruit components from the genotypes of pumpkin that are economically significant in Portugal and Algeria to produce bioactive extracts. In order to support their usage as preservatives, their phenolic content (HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS) and antioxidant (OxHLIA and TBARS) and antimicrobial properties (against eight bacterial and two fungal strains) were assessed. In terms of phenolic profile, the peel of the Portuguese ‘Common Pumpkin’ showed the most diversified profile and also the highest concentration of total phenolic compounds, with considerable concentrations of (-)-epicatechin. Regarding the antioxidant capacity, the seeds of ‘Butternut Squash’ from both countries stood out, while the fibrous strands of Portuguese ‘Butternut Squash’ and the seeds of Algerian ‘Gold Nugget Pumpkin’ revealed the strongest antimicrobial activity. The bioactive compounds identified in the pumpkin byproducts may validate their enormous potential as a source of bio-based preservatives that may enhance consumers’ health and promote a circular economy.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Cambios en la porosidad del suelo asociados a la fertilización con purín porcino

En zonas de secano del Valle del Ebro (España), la siembra directa y el uso de deyecciones ganaderas resultan interesantes para reducir costes. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo evaluar, bajo siembra directa de cereal de invierno, el efecto de la fertilización con purines porcinos en la porosidad del horizonte superficial de un suelo de textura franco-limosa. Se establecieron seis dosis de purín, además de un control. El suelo se clasificó como Xerofluvent típico. La porosidad del suelo, sin alterar su estructura, se estudió mediante técnicas micromorfológicas. Los muestreos se realizaron en mayo. Se obtuvieron 21 muestras inalteradas de suelo (0-0,06 m de profundidad) que fueron tratadas hasta obtener láminas delgadas de 5 cm de alto, 13 cm de largo y 30 μm de grosor de las que se fotografiaron dos campos (3,15 cm × 4,2 cm). Los poros se estudiaron mediante análisis de imagen, clasificándose en diferentes intervalos de diámetros aparentes (DA), desde 15 μm hasta 400 μm. Se estableció una relación cuadrática significativa entre la cantidad de N aportada y el porcentaje de poros en los DA entre 200 μm y 400 μm (de 3,4 % a 5,2 % de porosidad total). A pesar de la detección de compactación y de la presencia de una estructura laminar, estos cambios en la porosidad responden a una mejora de la estructura, que podría deberse al hecho de facilitar la actividad de la macrofauna. Esta mejora estructural no se observa en aportaciones de purines inferiores a 100 kg N·ha–1 ni en las aportaciones más altas, próximas a 300 kg N·ha–1.In dryland Mediterranean areas, the usage of slurries and no-till are encouraged to reduce costs. Implementation of these practices is a challenge since they may make soil susceptible to a reduction in its physical quality (particularly through compaction). This paper aims to evaluate the effect of pig slurry fertilisation on superficial soil porosity when no-tillage is used in silty-loam soil. Winter cereal was fertilised with pig slurry at six rates. There was also a non-nitrogen treatment (control). The soil was classified as a Typic Xerofluvent. Soil porosity was studied within unaltered soil samples with a micromorphological approach. Soil samples were collected in May. From undisturbed soil samples (0-0.06 m depth), twenty-one thin sections (5 cm × 13 cm × 30 μm) were obtained and photographed into two areas of 3.15 cm × 4.20 cm. Pores were studied using image analysis and they were classified at different intervals of apparent pore diameter (APD) from >15 μm up to 400 μm. Photography analysis showed porosity changes at 200-400 μm of APD. In this interval, there was a quadratic relationship between nitrogen rate and percentage of pores (from 3.4 % to 5.2 % of total porosity). Even though the soil was compacted and had a laminar structure, these porosity changes were associated with an improvement of the soil structure. This positive consequence could be caused by the activity of the macrofauna. This effect was only detected when pig slurry was applied at agronomic rates and it was not observed in slurry treatments below 100 kg N·ha–1 nor close to 300 kg N·ha–1.Las autoras de este trabajo agradecen a J.M. Llop su apoyo en los trabajos de campo, así como al Departamento de Acción Climática, Alimentación y Agenda Rural por el mantenimiento de la parcela experimental. Asimismo, se agradece la colaboración del laboratorio de micromorfología de suelos de la Universitat de Lleida por haber facilitado la elaboración de las láminas delgadas. Este estudio ha sido financiado por el Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria – INIA (proyectos RTA2010- 126-C2-01, RTA2013-57-C5-01 y RTA2017-88- C3-03) y por el Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad