Zóñar lakes and del Rincón (Córdoba, Spain). Approach to value of recreational use

La estimación del valor económico de espacios naturales protegidos, aporta una información muy útil en la gestión de las estrategias de protección y conservación del medio natural. En este sentido, el objetivo del estudio es determinar cuál es la demanda de uso recreativo de los visitantes públicos a las Lagunas del Sur de Córdoba (España). Para ello se realizaron 300 encuestas a los visitantes de las Lagunas, en puntos estratégicos y se han utilizado dos métodos de valoración medioambiental. El análisis de los resultados muestra que la máxima disposición al pago de los visitantes es de 3,3 € y de 3,7 €, respectivamente; y que el valor anual del excedente total para su uso recreativo es de 55.284,5 para Zóñar, y de 192.913,9 € para la Laguna del Rincón.The estimate of the economic value of protected areas, provides information useful in the management of strategies to protect and conserve the natural environment. In this sense, the objective of the study is to determine the demand for recreational use of public visitors to the Lakes of Southern Córdoba, Spain. 300 polls were conducted in strategic locations and have been using two methods of environmental assessment. Analysis of the results Zóñar Lagoons and Rincon shows that the maximum willingness to pay of visitors is € 3.3 and € 3.7, respectively, and the annual value of total surplus for recreational use is 55284.5 for Zóñar and € 192,913.9 for Rincon.L’estimation de la valeur économique des aires protégées, fournit renseignements utiles dans la gestion de stratégies pour protéger et conserver l’environnement naturel. En ce sens, l’objectif de l’étude est de déterminer la demande pour un usage récréatif de visiteurs publiques aux Lacs de Córdoba Sud, Spagne. 300 sondages ont été menées dans des endroits stratégiques et ont utilisé deux méthodes d’évaluation environnementale. L’analyse des résultats Zóñar lagunes et Rincon montre que le consentement à payer maximal de visiteurs est de 3,3 € et 3.7, respectivement, et la valeur annuelle de l’excédent total pour un usage récréatif est 55284,5 pour Zóñar et 192,913.9 € pour Rincón

L’estimation de la valeur économique générée par les parcs suburbains “Sierrezuela” et “Los Villares” dans la ville de Córdoba, Espagne

The aim of the study is to assess economically intangible two Suburban Parks Sierrezuela and Villares in the city of Córdoba (Spain).The economic valuation of non-market goods for recreational uses provides valuable management information. A survey with 305 face to face interviews were conducted using the contingent valuation method, using a fee as payment for entrance and the maximum willingness to donate for conservation. The Geographical Information Systems were used to determine the potential visiting population. The results show for the two parks a maximum willingness to pay of 3,5 € and 3,6 € and willingness to donate for conservation of 25,6 € and 53,3 €, respectively, suggesting the importance attached by the Society to these natural spaces.El objetivo del estudio es valorar económicamente intangibles en dos Parques Periurbanos La Sierrezuela y los Villares en la ciudad de Córdoba (España). La valoración económica de bienes que carecen de mercado como son los usos recreativos de libre acceso aporta una valiosa información de gestión. Se realizaron 305 entrevistas en puntos estratégicos de dichos Parques, utilizando el método de valoración contingente y considerando como vehículo de pago la entrada al mismo y la máxima disposición a donar para conservación del mismo. Se utilizó un SIG para determinar la población potencial de visitantes. El análisis de los resultados a los Parques de La Sierrezuela y Los Villares muestra que la máxima disposición al pago de los visitantes es de 3,5 €, y de 3,6 €, y que la disposición a donar para su conservación es de 25,6 € y de 53,3 € respectivamente. Estos valores justifican la existencia y conservación de estos espacios naturales.L’objectif de l’étude est d’évaluer économiquement incorporels deux parcs suburbains et Sierrezuela Villares dans la ville de Córdoba (Espagne). La valorisation économique du marché des marchandises manquant usages récréatifs tels que l’accès ouvert fournit des informations de gestion précieux. 305 entrevues ont été réalisées à des points stratégiques tels des parcs, selon la méthode d’évaluation contingente et compte tenu de frais d’entrée de véhicule la même et la volonté de faire un don maximal de conservation. SIG a été utilisé pour déterminer la population potentielle de visiteurs. L’analyse des résultats pour les Parcs Nationaux de Los Villares Sierrezuela et montre que la volonté à payer au maximum de visiteurs est 3,5 € et 3,6 €, et la volonté de faire un don pour la conservation est de 25,6 € et € 53,3 respectivement. Ces valeurs justifient l’existence et la préservation de ces ressources naturelles

Low-Cost Prototype to Automate the 3D Digitization of Pieces: An Application Example and Comparison

This work is aimed at describing the design of a mechanical and programmable 3D capturing system to be used by either 3D scanner or DSLR camera through photogrammetry. Both methods are widely used in diverse areas, from engineering, architecture or archaeology, up to the field of medicine; but they also entail certain disadvantages, such as the high costs of certain equipment, such as scanners with some precision, and the need to resort to specialized operatives, among others. The purpose of this design is to create a robust, precise and cost-effective system that improves the limitations of the present equipment on the market, such as robotic arms or rotary tables. For this reason, a preliminary study has been conducted to analyse the needs of improvement, later, we have focused on the 3D design and prototyping. For its construction, there have been used the FDM additive technology and structural components that are easy to find in the market. With regards to electronic components, basic electronics and Arduino-based 3D printers firmware have been selected. For system testing, the capture equipment consists of a Spider Artec 3D Scanner and a Nikon 5100 SLR Camera. Finally, 3D models have been developed by comparing the 3D meshes obtained by the two methods, obtaining satisfactory results

Implications of BREEAM Sustainability Assessment on the Design of Hotels

This original research paper analyses the actual and important topic of the implications of BREEAM sustainability assessment on the design of hotels and it is a personal response to “The Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development” and its influence on the Tourism and Hospitality Industry. The paper aims to examine the influence of the sustainable assessment method BREEAM on the design of hotels by using seven case studies and studying the changes that were implemented in order to achieve their targets. Qualitative data were obtained by conducting in-depth interviews and analyzing the supplied documentation. The authors notice that the results revealed that a BREEAM approach might limit the design of the hotels but, including the right measures at the early design stage of the project, the target can be easily achieved

Promoting the Sustainable Recovery of Hospitality in the Post-Pandemic Era: A Comparative Study to Optimize the Servicescapes

As COVID-19 spread throughout the world, the hospitality and tourism sectors were hard hit as no other industry. For this reason, the UNWTO developed the One Planet Vision as a response to a sustainable recovery of the tourism sector. At present, when people are starting to travel and stay at hotels again, it is important to analyze what their expectations are of hotels to move forward in the post-pandemic era. For instance, empirical research has been developed to examine people’s sentiments toward servicescapes, and a comparative study is presented between 2020 and 2022. Findings contribute to the research by identifying new servicescape attributes during a health crisis. These also lead to practical implications by proposing a scale to evaluate customers’ perceptions and to increase their wellbeing and resilience. The current research is one of the first studies to collaborate with the One Planet Vision by empirically proposing improvements in the servicescapes of hotels for a responsible recovery

Parameterisation and Optimisation of a Hand-Rake Sweeper: Application in Olive Picking

Olive picking is one of the most common social agricultural activities in many regions of Andalusia where the predominant crop is the traditional olive grove. The machinery used includes shakers, blowers and essential, low-cost hand-rake sweepers. The latter are generally used by the women of the squads to sweep the olives that fall from the trees. This article is focused on the design and optimisation of a hand-rake sweeper, in terms of durability and cost, for the picking of olives and other fruits, such as almonds, which are currently the main alternative to nonperennial crops in Andalusia. A parametric design of a hand-rake sweeper was created for this application using the design software CATIA, and its most vulnerable points were analysed in terms of effectiveness with varying design parameters, conducting usage simulations with ANSYS for a light material such as polypropylene. The maximum von Mises stress of the whole structure was 155.81 MPa. Using ANSYS, the dimension parameters of the hand-rake sweeper structure were optimised. The modified design was analysed again, showing a reduction of maximum tensions of 10.06%, as well as a decrease in its maximum elongations (0.0181 mm)

How the Implementation of BREEAM in Hotels Could Help to Achieve the SDGs

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was approved in 2015 by the United Nations. It is a call of action to protect our planet, end poverty and improve the lives and prospects of all. Sustainable development has been fundamental in the tourism and construction sectors in the past few decades. Nowadays, developing countries are leaders in green engineering procedures, and progressively, hotels are including sustainable standards in their designs, architecture and management. In places where tourism is the main contributor to the Gross Domestic Product, the incorporation of energy certifications is crucial. In this context, this article explores the positive implications of the application of the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) on hotels in relation to the achievement of SDGs. The study analyses the influence of BREEAM on hotel design using six case studies and examines the sustainable modifications incorporated. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews and by the analysis of the documentation provided. The results revealed that a BREEAM approach in the initial stage of a project will optimize the sustainability of the hotel and can help with the achievement of several of the SDGs

Consenso de expertos sobre el uso de alemtuzumab en la práctica clínica diaria en España

Introducción: Alemtuzumab es un fármaco de alta eficacia aprobado por la Agencia Europea de Medicamentos como tratamiento modificador de la enfermedad en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple remitente recurrente. Objetivo: Elaborar un documento de consenso sobre el manejo de alemtuzumab en la práctica clínica habitual, que sea de aplicación en el ámbito español. Desarrollo: Un grupo de expertos en esclerosis múltiple revisó las publicaciones disponibles hasta diciembre de 2017, de tratamiento con alemtuzumab y esclerosis múltiple. Se incluyeron trabajos sobre eficacia, efectividad y seguridad, despistaje de infecciones y vacunación, administración y monitorización. La propuesta inicial de recomendaciones fue desarrollada por un grupo coordinador con base en la evidencia disponible y en su experiencia clínica. El proceso de consenso se llevó a cabo en 2 etapas; se estableció como porcentaje inicial de acuerdo grupal el 80%. El documento final con todas las recomendaciones acordadas por el grupo de trabajo se sometió a revisión externa y los comentarios recibidos fueron considerados por el grupo coordinador. Conclusiones: El documento aportado pretende ser una herramienta útil para facilitar el manejo del fármaco en condiciones de práctica clínica habitual.Introduction: Alemtuzumab is a highly effective drug approved by the European Medicines Agency as a disease-modifying drug for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Objective: A consensus document was drafted on the management of alemtuzumab in routine clinical practice in Spain. Development: A group of multiple sclerosis specialists reviewed articles addressing treatment with alemtuzumab in patients with multiple sclerosis and published before December 2017. The included studies assessed the drug's efficacy, effectiveness, and safety; screening for infections and vaccination; and administration and monitoring aspects. The initial proposed recommendations were developed by a coordinating group and based on the available evidence and their clinical experience. The consensus process was carried out in 2 stages, with the initial threshold percentage for group agreement established at 80%. The final document with all the recommendations agreed by the working group was submitted for external review and the comments received were considered by the coordinating group. Conclusion: The present document is intended to be used as a tool for optimising the management of alemtuzumab in routine clinical practice

Role of age and comorbidities in mortality of patients with infective endocarditis

[Purpose]: The aim of this study was to analyse the characteristics of patients with IE in three groups of age and to assess the ability of age and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) to predict mortality. [Methods]: Prospective cohort study of all patients with IE included in the GAMES Spanish database between 2008 and 2015.Patients were stratified into three age groups:<65 years,65 to 80 years,and ≥ 80 years.The area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was calculated to quantify the diagnostic accuracy of the CCI to predict mortality risk. [Results]: A total of 3120 patients with IE (1327 < 65 years;1291 65-80 years;502 ≥ 80 years) were enrolled.Fever and heart failure were the most common presentations of IE, with no differences among age groups.Patients ≥80 years who underwent surgery were significantly lower compared with other age groups (14.3%,65 years; 20.5%,65-79 years; 31.3%,≥80 years). In-hospital mortality was lower in the <65-year group (20.3%,<65 years;30.1%,65-79 years;34.7%,≥80 years;p < 0.001) as well as 1-year mortality (3.2%, <65 years; 5.5%, 65-80 years;7.6%,≥80 years; p = 0.003).Independent predictors of mortality were age ≥ 80 years (hazard ratio [HR]:2.78;95% confidence interval [CI]:2.32–3.34), CCI ≥ 3 (HR:1.62; 95% CI:1.39–1.88),and non-performed surgery (HR:1.64;95% CI:11.16–1.58).When the three age groups were compared,the AUROC curve for CCI was significantly larger for patients aged <65 years(p < 0.001) for both in-hospital and 1-year mortality. [Conclusion]: There were no differences in the clinical presentation of IE between the groups. Age ≥ 80 years, high comorbidity (measured by CCI),and non-performance of surgery were independent predictors of mortality in patients with IE.CCI could help to identify those patients with IE and surgical indication who present a lower risk of in-hospital and 1-year mortality after surgery, especially in the <65-year group

Characterization and Differentiation between Olive Varieties through Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy, Neural Networks and IoT

Electrical impedance has shown itself to be useful in measuring the properties and characteristics of agri-food products: fruit quality, moisture content, the germination capacity in seeds or the frost-resistance of fruit. In the case of olives, it has been used to determine fat content and optimal harvest time. In this paper, a system based on the System on Chip (SoC) AD5933 running a 1024-point discrete Fourier transform (DFT) to return the impedance value as a magnitude and phase and which, working together with two ADG706 analog multiplexers and an external programmable clock based on a synthesized DDS in a FPGA XC3S250E-4VQG100C, allows for the impedance measurement in agri-food products with a frequency sweep from 1 Hz to 100 kHz. This paper demonstrates how electrical impedance is affected by the temperature both in freshly picked olives and in those processed in brine and provides a way to characterize cultivars by making use of only the electrical impedance, neural networks (NN) and the Internet of Things (IoT), allowing information to be collected from the olive samples analyzed both on farms and in factorie