Stand types discrimination comparing machine-learning algorithms in Monteverde, Canary Islands.

Aim of study: The main objective is to determine the best machine-learning algorithm to classify the stand types of Monteverde forests combining LiDAR, orthophotography, and Sentinel-2 data, thus providing an easy and cheap method to classify Monteverde stand types.Area of study: 1500 ha forest in Monteverde, North Tenerife, Canary Islands.Material and methods: RF, SVML, SVMR and ANN algorithms are used to classify the three Monteverde stand types.  Before training the model, feature selection of LiDAR, orthophotography, and Sentinel-2 data through VSURF was carried out.  Comparison of its accuracy was performed.Main results: Five LiDAR variables were found to be the most efficient for classifying each object, while only one Sentinel-2 index and one Sentinel-2 band was valuable.  Additionally, standard deviation and mean of the Red orthophotography colour band, and ratio between Red and Green bands were also found to be suitable.  SVML is confirmed as the most accurate algorithm (0.904, 0.041 SD) while ANN showed the lowest value of 0.891 (0.073 SD).  SVMR and RF obtain 0.902 (0.060 SD) and 0.904 (0.056 SD) respectively.  SVML was found to be the best method given its low standard deviation.Research highlights: The similar high accuracy values among models confirm the importance of taking into account diverse machine-learning methods for stand types classification purposes and different explanatory variables.  Although differences between errors may not seem relevant at a first glance, due to the limited size of the study area with only three plus two categories, such differences could be highly important when working at large scales with more stand types.ADDITIONAL KEY WORDSRF algorithm, SVML algorithm, SVMR algorithm, ANN algorithm, LiDAR, orthophotography, Sentinel-2ABBREVIATIONS USEDANN, artificial neural networks algorithm; Band04, Sentinel-2 band 04 image data; BR, brezal; DTHM, digital tree height model; DTHM-2016, digital tree height model based on 2016 LiDAR data; DTM, digital terrain model; DTM-2016, digital terrain model based on 2016 LiDAR data; FBA, fayal-brezal-acebiñal; FCC, canopy cover; HEIGHT-2009, maximum height based on 2009 LiDAR data; HGR, height growth based on 2009 and 2016 LiDAR data; LA, laurisilva; NDVI705, Sentinel-2 index image data; NMF, non-Monteverde forest; NMG, non-Monteverde ground; P95-2016, height percentile 95 based on 2016 LiDAR data; RATIO R/G, ratio between Red and Green bands orthophotograph data; RED, Red band orthophotograph data; Red-SD, standard deviation of the Red band orthophotograph data; RF, random forest algorithm; SVM, support vector machine algorithm; SVML, linear support vector machine algorithm; SVMR, radial support vector machine algorithm; VSURF, variable selection using random forest.

Método rápido de obtención de aceite de oliva virgen para determinación de acidez

A rapid and simple method to obtain, from olive samples, enough quantity of oil to determine acidity grade is proposed. From paste samples of milled olives, different fraction are separated to be centrifugated during 5 minutes at 4500 r.p.m. Oil acidity results obtained from sodium sulfate anhidrous and natural microtalc added samples are compared with blank samples, and with those obtained by the Abencor extraction procedure. The correlation between the acidity of oil samples obtained by the Abencor method is also analyzed against other samples obtained by the normalized method in Spain, norm UNE 55070, Soxhlet system. Results show that in all the centrifugated samples enough amount of oil is obtained to determin the acidity grade, it also show that treatment with sodium sulfate anhidrous obtains a bigger recovery percentage, and that in all 3 cases, the acidity shows a good correlation with that of the Abencor system, doubling the number of samples analysed by the Abencor system. It also shows that the acidity grade obtained by using the UNE 55070 norm is aproximately 0,3 grades above that obtained by the Abencor system.<br><br>Se propone un método rápido y sencillo para obtener, a partir de muestras de aceitunas, suficiente cantidad de aceite para determinar su grado de acidez. A partir de muestras de pasta de aceitunas molidas se separan distintas fracciones que se someten a un proceso de centrifugación a 4500 r.p.m. durante 5 minutos. Se comparan los resultados de acidez de los aceites obtenidos de las muestras con adición de microtalco natural y sulfato sódico anhidro, con muestras testigo, así como con el procedimiento de extracción Abencor. Se analiza también la correlación entre la acidez de muestras de aceite obtenidas por el método Abencor, con otras obtenidas por el método normalizado en España, norma UNE 55070, basado en la extracción del aceite por el método Soxhlet. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto que en las muestras centrifugadas se obtiene cantidad suficiente de aceite para la determinación del grado de acidez, que el tratamiento con sulfato sódico anhidro consigue mayor porcentaje de recuperación, y que, en los tres casos, la acidez presenta buena correlación con la del sistema Abencor, duplicando el número de muestras analizadas respecto a este método. Así mismo, se demuestra que el valor de acidez obtenido al aplicar la norma UNE 55070 es aproximadamente 0,3 grados por encima del obtenido por el sistema Abencor

Understanding the UV luminescence of zinc germanate: The role of native defects

Achieving efficient and stable ultraviolet emission is a challenging goal in optoelectronic devices. Herein, we investigate the UV luminescence of zinc germanate Zn2GeO4 microwires by means of photoluminescence measurements as a function of temperature and excitation conditions. The emitted UV light is composed of two bands (a broad one and a narrow one) associated with the native defects structure. In addition, with the aid of density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the energy positions of the electronic levels related to native defects in Zn2GeO4 have been calculated. In particular, our results support that zinc interstitials are the responsible for the narrow UV band, which is, in turn, split into two components with different temperature dependence behaviour. The origin of the two components is explained on the basis of the particular location of Zn_i in the lattice and agrees with DFT calculations. Furthermore, a kinetic luminescence model is proposed to ascertain the temperature evolution of this UV emission. These results pave the way to exploit defect engineering in achieving functional optoelectronic devices to operate in the UV region

Coenzyme Q10 modulates sulfide metabolism and links the mitochondrial respiratory chain to pathways associated to one carbon metabolism

This work was supported by grants from Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion, Spain, and the ERDF (RTI2018-093503-B-100); the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA-602322); the University of Granada (grant reference 'UNETE', UCE-PP2017-06) (L.C.L.) and the National Institute of Health (NIH, United States) P01 HD080642-01 (C.M.Q.). A.H.-G. and P.G.-G. are `FPU fellows' from the Ministerio de Universidades, Spain. E.B.-C. was supported by the Junta de Andalucia. U.B.A. was supported by the Erasmus+ Program.Abnormalities of one carbon, glutathione and sulfide metabolisms have recently emerged as novel pathomechanisms in diseases with mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the mechanisms underlying these abnormalities are not clear. Also, we recently showed that sulfide oxidation is impaired in Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency. This finding leads us to hypothesize that the therapeutic effects of CoQ10, frequently administered to patients with primary or secondary mitochondrial dysfunction, might be due to its function as cofactor for sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase (SQOR), the first enzyme in the sulfide oxidation pathway. Here, using biased and unbiased approaches, we show that supraphysiological levels of CoQ10 induces an increase in the expression of SQOR in skin fibroblasts from control subjects and patients with mutations in Complex I subunits genes or CoQ biosynthetic genes. This increase of SQOR induces the downregulation of the cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase, two enzymes of the transsulfuration pathway, the subsequent downregulation of serine biosynthesis and the adaptation of other sulfide linked pathways, such as folate cycle, nucleotides metabolism and glutathione system. These metabolic changes are independent of the presence of sulfur aminoacids, are confirmed in mouse models, and are recapitulated by overexpression of SQOR, further proving that the metabolic effects of CoQ10 supplementation are mediated by the overexpression of SQOR. Our results contribute to a better understanding of how sulfide metabolism is integrated in one carbon metabolism and may explain some of the benefits of CoQ10 supplementation observed in mitochondrial diseases.Spanish GovernmentEuropean Union (EU) RTI2018-093503-B-100Muscular Dystrophy Association MDA-602322University of Granada UCE-PP2017-06United States Department of Health & Human Services National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA P01 HD080642-01Junta de AndaluciaErasmus+ Progra

On-line breath analysis of volatile organic compounds as a method for colorectal cancer detection

Background: Analysis of exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in breath is an emerging approach for cancer diagnosis, but little is known about its potential use as a biomarker for colorectal cancer (CRC). We investigated whether a combination of VOCs could distinct CRC patients from healthy volunteers. Methods: In a pilot study, we prospectively analyzed breath exhalations of 38 CRC patient and 43 healthy controls all scheduled for colonoscopy, older than 50 in the average-risk category. The samples were ionized and analyzed using a Secondary ElectroSpray Ionization (SESI) coupled with a Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (SESI-MS). After a minimum of 2 hours fasting, volunteers deeply exhaled into the system. Each test requires three soft exhalations and takes less than ten minutes. No breath condensate or collection are required and VOCs masses are detected in real time, also allowing for a spirometric profile to be analyzed along with the VOCs. A new sampling system precludes ambient air from entering the system, so background contamination is reduced by an overall factor of ten. Potential confounding variables from the patient or the environment that could interfere with results were analyzed. Results: 255 VOCs, with masses ranging from 30 to 431 Dalton have been identified in the exhaled breath. Using a classification technique based on the ROC curve for each VOC, a set of 9 biomarkers discriminating the presence of CRC from healthy volunteers was obtained, showing an average recognition rate of 81.94%, a sensitivity of 87.04% and specificity of 76.85%. Conclusions: A combination of cualitative and cuantitative analysis of VOCs in the exhaled breath could be a powerful diagnostic tool for average-risk CRC population. These results should be taken with precaution, as many endogenous or exogenous contaminants could interfere as confounding variables. On-line analysis with SESI-MS is less time-consuming and doesn’t need sample preparation. We are recruiting in a new pilot study including breath cleaning procedures and spirometric analysis incorporated into the postprocessing algorithms, to better control for confounding variables

Gene Therapy Corrects Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells and Fibroblasts from Coq9R239X Mice

This study has been submitted to the patent's offices at the "University of Granada" and "Fundación Progreso y Salud". Please note that the results of this manuscript have been submitted to patent protection (application number P201630630; title: “Uses of Coenzyme Q biosynthetic proteins”; date:05/16/2016).Recent clinical trials have shown that in vivo and ex vivo gene therapy strategies can be an option for the treatment of several neurological disorders. Both strategies require efficient and safe vectors to 1) deliver the therapeutic gene directly into the CNS or 2) to genetically modify stem cells that will be used as Trojan horses for the systemic delivery of the therapeutic protein. A group of target diseases for these therapeutic strategies are mitochondrial encephalopathies due to mutations in nuclear DNA genes. In this study, we have developed a lentiviral vector (CCoq9WP) able to overexpress Coq9 mRNA and COQ9 protein in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) from Coq9R239X mice, an animal model of mitochondrial encephalopathy due to primary Coenzyme Q (CoQ) deficiency. Ectopic over-expression of Coq9 in both cell types restored the CoQ biosynthetic pathway and mitochondrial function, improving the fitness of the transduced cells. These results show the potential of the CCoq9WP lentiviral vector as a tool for gene therapy to treat mitochondrial encephalopathies.This work was supported by grants from Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Spain) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) from the European Union, to LCL through the research grants SAF2013-47761-R and SAF2015-65786-R; by Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias ISCIII (Spain) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) from the European Union through the research grants PI12/01097 and ISCIII Red de Terapia Celular TerCel RD12/0019/0006 to FM; by the Consejería de Economía, Innovación, Ciencia y Empleo, Junta de Andalucía-FEDER/Fondo de Cohesion Europeo (FSE) de Andalucía through the research grants P10-CTS-6133 to LCL; P09-CTS-04532, PI-57069, PI-0001/2009 and PAIDI-Bio-326 to F.M.; PI-0160/2012 to KB and PI-0407/2012 to MC; by the NIH through the research P01HD080642 to LCL and by the foundation “todos somos raros, todos somos únicos” to LCL. LCL is supported by the ‘Ramón y Cajal’ National Programme, Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, Spain (RYC-2011-07643)

STOP ODIO. Instagram como punto de encuentro ético para la detección y análisis de delitos de odio en redes sociales

Este proyecto de innovación docente busca crear un espacio en las asignaturas y en redes sociales, donde el alumnado pudiera detectar, analizar y denunciar delitos de odio, producidos y publicados en esas mismas redes sociales. El alumnado de Grado sería de Periodismo, Publicidad y Relaciones Públicas, y Comunicación Audiovisual, tanto de asignaturas obligatorias (Teoría de la Información, Ética y Deontología Profesional), como de asignaturas optativas (Comunicación Política, Comunicación y Género)

European journalism observatory: An international consolidated platform for training and professional networks in the Faculty of Information Sciences

El objetivo principal de este proyecto Innova-Docenia era ampliar y consolidar una plataforma de formación internacional y consolidada, para alumnos y alumnas de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Información, como parte del European Journalism Observatory (EJO), fundado por el Instituto Reuters de la Universidad de Oxford. Se trataba de afianzar EJO Spain como plataforma de formación y escaparate de las acciones implementadas en España, donde la Universidad Complutense de Madrid se convertía en el socio español principal. El Observatorio Europeo de Periodismo (EJO), una red de instituciones independientes y sin ánimo de lucro del campo de la comunicación de 14 países, tiene como objetivo tender puentes entre la investigación y la práctica del periodismo en Europa y fomentar el profesionalismo y la libertad de prensa. Promueve el diálogo entre investigadores y profesionales de los medios. Acerca los resultados de la investigación a las personas que trabajan en los medios. Su objetivo es mejorar la calidad del periodismo, contribuir a una mejor comprensión de los medios y fomentar la libertad de prensa y la responsabilidad de los medios. Nació en 2004, como una red de varios socios europeos, coordinados por la Universidad de Lugano y la Universidad de Oxford. Fue diseñado para observar las tendencias en el periodismo y en los medios de comunicación, desde una perspectiva ética y deontológica muy amplia. Desde entonces, sus artículos, investigaciones y editoriales son publicados en las distintas páginas web de cada socio: https://es.ejo-online.eu/red-ej