Distinguishing colour variants of <i>Serapias perez-chiscanoi</i> (Orchidaceae) from related taxa on the Iberian Peninsula

Serapias perez-chiscanoi has a stable and uniform appearance with green flowers. Throughout its distribution area, however, plants have been found with deviant pink to red flowers that show similarities with other taxa that are occasionally pale flowered. S. perez-chiscanoi is easy to differentiate from S. cordigera subsp. cordigera by the colour of the flowers (S. cordigera subsp. cordigera has red to purple flowers) and the fact that the hypochile dimensions of S. perez-chiscanoi are significantly smaller. It is, however, more difficult to distinguish it from individuals of S. cordigera subsp. gentilii with pale flowers, which occur frequently. The two taxa differ in colour pattern and floral dimensions, especially the hypochile length, which is shorter in S. perez-chiscanoi. Pale-flowered individuals of another species, S. parviflora, are easily distinguished by their significantly smaller flowers. S. perez-chiscanoi occurs in Spain in the autonomous regions of Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha and in Portugal, S. cordigera subsp. gentilii seems to occur along the coastal regions of SW Portugal, while S. cordigera subsp. cordigera and S. parviflora are distributed throughout the Iberian Peninsula

Adaptación de la asignatura “tecnología de computadores” al espacio europeo de educación superior.

Este artículo describe la experiencia práctica en la adaptación de la asignatura de Tecnología de Computadores a las nuevas exigencias del EEES (Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior). Esta adaptación se ha realizado dentro del contexto de las acciones emprendidas por la ACSUG (Agencia para la Calidad del Sistema Universitario de Galicia) y la UDC (Universidad de A Coruña) como parte del proceso de convergencia hacia el EEES. La asignatura objeto de la adaptación es una asignatura troncal que se imparte en el primer curso de la titulación de Ingeniería Técnica en Informática de Gestión de la Facultad de Informática de la UDC. Los contenidos de la asignatura se desarrollaban tradicionalmente utilizando fundamentalmente la clase magistral, apoyada por clases de problemas y algunas sesiones prácticas de montaje de circuitos digitales en el laboratorio. La adaptación de la docencia se ha realizado con el objetivo de centrarla más en el alumno, definiendo de forma clara las competencias que estos desarrollarán al cursarla y proponiendo actividades que faciliten su desarrollo. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir como se realizó la adaptación de dicha asignatura, qué materiales y actividades se prepararon, qué dificultades se encontraron, cuáles fueron los objetivos conseguidos y cuál fue la respuesta de alumnos y profesores ante tales cambios.Este artigo descreve a experiência prática na adaptação da disciplina de Tecnologia dos Computadores com as novas exigências do EEES (Espaço Europeu de Ensino Superior). Esta adaptação foi feita no contexto das UDC (Universidade da Corunha) no processo de implementação do EEES. A disciplina objecto da adaptação é uma disciplina obrigatória ministrada no primeiro curso do plano de estudos da Engenharia Técnica em Informática de Gestão da Faculdade de Informática da U circuitos digitais no laboratório. A adaptação foi feita com o objectivo de centrar mais o ensino nos estudantes, definindo claramente as competências que eles vam adquirir e propondo actividades que facilitem o seu desenvolvimento. O objectivo deste artigo é descrever a adaptação realizada na cadeira, que materiais e actividades foram propostas, que dificuldades foram resolvidas, quais os objectivos obtidos e qual a resposta dos estudantes e professores diante de tais mudanças.This article describes the practical experience in the adaptation of the subject of Computer Technology to the new requirements of the EHEA (European Higher Education Area). This adaptation has been conducted within the context of the actions undertaken by the ACSUG (Agency for the quality of the University System of Galicia) and the UDC (University of A Coruña) as part of the process of convergence toward the EHEA. The course's subject of adaptation is a core subject that is taught in the first course of the degree in technical engineering degree in Computer Management from the Faculty of Informatics of the UDC. The content of the subject is traditionally developed using primarily the masterclass, supported by classes of problems and some practical sessions of mounting of digital circuits in the laboratory. The adaptation of teaching has been done with the aim to focus more on the student, by defining clear competencies that they develop the desirable and proposing activities that facilitate their development. The objective of this paper is to describe how you conducted the adaptation of this subject, materials and activities that were prepared, that difficulties were found, what were the goals achieved and what was the response of students and teachers before such changes

Novel parallelization of simulated annealing and Hooke & Jeeves search algorithms for multicore systems with application to complex fisheries stock assessment models

[Abstract] Estimating parameters of a statistical fisheries assessment model typically involves a comparison of disparate datasets to a forward simulation model through a likelihood function. In all but trivial cases the estimations of these models tend to be time-consuming due to issues related to multi-modality and non-linearity. This paper develops novel parallel implementations of popular search algorithms, applicable to expensive function calls typically encountered in fisheries stock assessment. It proposes two versions of both Simulated Annealing and Hooke & Jeeves optimization algorithms with the aim of fully utilizing the processing power of common multicore systems. The proposals have been tested on a 24-core server using three different input models. Results indicate that the parallel versions are able to take advantage of available resources without sacrificing the quality of the solution.Galicia. Consellería de Cultura, Educación e Ordenación Universitaria; R2014/04

Estimación de la velocidad de flujo del agua en cauces efímeros no aforados a partir de datos Lidar y GPS-RTK

The Manning formula is one of the most used to calculate the average velocity of water flow in ungauged channels. In order to be applied, it is necessary to measure in field the hydraulic radius (RH), the slope of the water surface (S), and to obtain the roughness coefficient (n), usually through tables created for this purpose. This involves a difficult, inefficient and subjective data collection in the field. This study evaluates the possibility to obtain these parameters in a more efficient manner, reducing the time of the process and allowing to work in larger areas. To achieve these objectives, the data used in this work were: 1) digital terrain models generated from airborne LiDAR data with a density of 2 points/ m2 , acquired when the channel was dry; 2) the height of the waterline and channel geometry measurements in the field using GPS; 3) Flow measurements. With this information, the velocity (Ve) was estimated and related to the average velocity of water flow (Vc) calculated from data measured in the field. The coefficient of determination between both velocity values was 73.52%, suggesting that the proposed methodology is useful to obtain the average velocity of flow, especially in remote areas or dry riverbeds

Analyzing the usability of the WYRED Platform with undergraduate students to improve its features

[EN]The WYRED ecosystem is a technological ecosystem developed as part of WYRED (netWorked Youth Research for Empowerment in the Digital society), a European Project funded by the Horizon 2020 program. The main aim of the project is to provide a framework for research in which children and young people can express and explore their perspectives and interests concerning digital society. The WYRED ecosystem supports this framework from a technological point of view. The WYRED Platform is one of the main software components of this complex technological solution; it is focused on supporting the social dialogues that take place between children, young people and stakeholders. The ecosystem, and in particular the Platform, are already developed, but it is vital to ensure the acceptance by the final users, the children and young people mainly. This work presents the usability test carried out to evolve the Platform through the System Usability Scale. This usability test allows the identification of the weaknesses of the Platform regarding its characteristics, also allowing the corresponding improvement of the WYRED Platform, and it will serve as a reference for further usability testin

Monitoreo de la actividad enzimática de las lipasas intracelulares de Ustilago maydis expresada durante el crecimiento en limitación de nitrógeno y su correlación en reacciones lipolíticas

Under nitrogen starvation, Ustilago maydis forms lipid droplets (LDs). Although the dynamics of these organelles are known in the literature, the identity of the lipases implicated in their degradation is unknown. We determined lipase activity and identified the intracellular lipases expressed during growth under nitrogen starvation and YPD media by zymograms. The results showed that cytosolic extracts exhibited higher lipase activity when cells were grown in YPD. Under nitrogen starvation, lipase activity was not detected after 24 h of culture, resulting in lipid accumulation in LDs. This suggests that these lipases could be implicated in LD degradation. In the zymogram, two bands, one of 25 and the other of 37 kDa, presented lipase activity. The YPD extracts showed lipase activity in olive and almond oils, which contain triacylglycerols with mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids. This is the first report about U. maydis cytosolic lipases involved in LD degradation.En ausencia de nitrógeno, Ustilago maydis forma cuerpos lipídicos (LDs). Aunque se conoce la dinámica de estos organelos, se desconoce la identidad de las lipasas implicadas en su degradación. En este estudio se determinó la actividad de lipasa, y se identificaron las lipasas intracelulares expresadas durante el crecimiento sin nitrógeno y en YPD mediante zimogramas. Los extractos citosólicos de células en YPD exhibieron mayor actividad de lipasa. En medio sin nitrógeno no se detectó actividad de lipasa después de 24 h de cultivo, presentándose acumulación de lípidos en los LDs. Esto sugiere que estas lipasas podrían implicarse en la degradación de los LDs. En el zimograma bandas de 25 y 37 kDa, presentaron actividad de lipasa. Los extractos de células cultivadas en YPD hidrolizaron triacilgliceroles compuestos de ácidos grasos mono y poliinsaturados. Este es el primer reporte sobre lipasas citosólicas de U. maydis implicadas en la degradación de LDs

Clasificación de fincas lecheras según dimensiones de la intensificación productiva en un nuevo modelo de gestión.

El trabajo se desarrolló entre 2011 al 2015 con el objetivo clasificar fincas lecheras según dimensiones de la intensificación productiva en  un nuevo modelo de gestión. Fueron seleccionadas 90 fincas de la región Jimaguayú-Camagüey, quedando conformada la muestra por 450 casos, pertenecientes a cinco años de estudio. La información se obtuvo a través de entrevistas a los productores en las áreas de trabajo. Para la clasificación fueron seleccionados indicadores de intensificación productiva; se aplicó el análisis de componente principal, con lo que se obtuvieron tres nuevas dimensiones, denominadas áreas, diversidad e insumos; finalmente fue clasificada la muestra mediante un análisis de conglomerados k-means clustering, en correspondencia con cada dimensión de la intensificación produ c-tiva. En relación a las áreas se observó un predominio para las categorías de media y media-alta, no así en la diversi-ficación y los insumos, donde las dos primeras agruparon la mayor cantidad de casos, con valores bajos y medios, para los indicadores que la forman.Classification of Dairy Farms According to Dimensions of Production Intensification Based on a New Management Model.ABSTRACTThis study took place between 2011 and 2015 in order to classify dairy farms according to the scope of production intensification based on a new management model. The study  lasted five years, and  comprised 90  local farms in Jimaguayú-Camagüey, which included a sample of 450 cases. The information was collected through interviews to farmers in their working places. Production intensification indicators were chosen for classification. Principal Com-ponent Analysis was used, which resulted in three new dimensions, named areas, diversity and supplies. Finally, the sample was classified by k means clustering conglomerate analysis, depending on every dimension and production intensification. Regarding the areas, the mid and mid-high categories were observed to prevail. The opposite was ob-served in diversification and supplies, where the two former  engulfed  most cases, with low and mid values for their indicators

Determinants of Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Patients With Heart Failure

[Abstract] Aims Maximum oxygen uptake (VO₂max) is an essential parameter to assess functional capacity of patients with heart failure (HF). We aimed to identify clinical factors that determine its value, as they have not been well characterized yet. Methods We conducted a retrospective, observational, single‐centre study of 362 consecutive patients with HF who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) as part of standard clinical assessment since 2009–2019. CPET was performed on treadmill, according to Bruce's protocol (n = 360) or Naughton's protocol (n = 2). We performed multivariable linear regression analyses in order to identify independent clinical predictors associated with peak VO₂max. Results Mean age of study patients was 57.3 ± 10.9 years, mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 32.8 ± 14.2%, and mean VO₂max was 19.8 ± 5.2 mL/kg/min. Eighty‐nine (24.6%) patients were women, and 114 (31.5%) had ischaemic heart disease. Multivariable linear regression analysis identified six independent clinical predictors of VO₂max, including NYHA class (B coefficient = −2.585; P < 0.001), age (B coefficient per 1 year = −0.104; P < 0.001), tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion (B coefficient per 1 mm = +0.209; P < 0.001), body mass index (B coefficient per 1 kg/m² = −0.172; P = 0.002), haemoglobin (B coefficient per 1 g/dL = +0.418; P = 0.007) and NT‐proBNP (B coefficient per 1000 pg/mL = −0.142; P = 0.019). Conclusions The severity of HF (NYHA class, NT‐proBNP) as well as age, body composition and haemoglobin levels influence significantly exercise capacity. In patients with HF, the right ventricular systolic function is of greater importance for the physical capacity than the left ventricular systolic function

The effects of age and emotional valence on recognition memory: An ex-Gaussian components analysis

This is the pre-peer reviewed version of the following article: Moret-Tatay, Carmen, Moreno-Cid, Amparo, Iracema de Lima Argimon, Irani , Quarty Irigaray, Tatiana , Szczerbinski, Marcin , Murphy, Mike , Vázquez-Martínez, Andrea , Vázquez-Molina, Joan , Saiz Mauleón, María Begoña, Navarro Pardo, Esperanza, Fernández de Córdoba, Pedro. (2014). The effects of age and emotional valence on recognition memory: An ex-Gaussian components analysis.Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 55, 5, 420-426. DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12136, which has been published in final form at http://doi.org/10.1111/sjop.12136. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.[EN] The aim of this work was to study the effects of valence and age on visual image recognition memory. The International Affective Picture System (IAPS) battery was used, and response time data were analyzed using analysis of variance, as well as an ex-Gaussian fit method. Older participants were slower and more variable in their reaction times. Response times were longer for negative valence pictures, however this was statistically significant only for young participants. This suggests that negative emotional valence has a strong effect on recognition memory in young but not in old participants. The tau parameter, often related to attention in the literature, was smaller for young than old participants in an ex-Gaussian fit. Differences on the tau parameter might suggest poorer attentional performance in old participants.This work was supported by the Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia of Spain (project MTM2006-14961-C05-02)Moret-Tatay, C.; Moreno-Cid, A.; Iracema De Lima Argimon, I.; Irigaray, TQ.; Szczerbinski, M.; Murphy, M.; Vázquez-Martínez, A.... (2014). The effects of age and emotional valence on recognition memory: An ex-Gaussian components analysis. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology. 55(5):420-426. https://doi.org/10.1111/sjop.12136S42042655

Facial onset sensory and motor neuronopathy: new cases, cognitive changes and pathophysiology

Purpose of review To improve our clinical understanding of facial onset sensory and motor neuronopathy (FOSMN). Recent findings We identified 29 new cases and 71 literature cases, resulting in a cohort of 100 patients with FOSMN. During follow-up, cognitive and behavioral changes became apparent in 8 patients, suggesting that changes within the spectrum of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are a part of the natural history of FOSMN. Another new finding was chorea, seen in 6 cases. Despite reports of autoantibodies, there is no consistent evidence to suggest an autoimmune pathogenesis. Four of 6 autopsies had TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP) 43 pathology. Seven cases had genetic mutations associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Summary FOSMN is a rare disease with a highly characteristic onset and pattern of disease progression involving initial sensory disturbances, followed by bulbar weakness with a cranial to caudal spread of pathology. Although not conclusive, the balance of evidence suggests that FOSMN is most likely to be a TDP-43 proteinopathy within the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis–FTD spectrum