Automatic crop canopy temperature measurement using a low-cost image-based thermal sensor: application in a pomegranate orchard under a permanent shade net house

Water scarcity in arid and semi-arid areas has led to the development of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) strategies on most species of fruit trees in order to improve water productivity. For a successful implementation, these strategies require continuous feedback of the soil and crop water status. This feedback is provided by physical indicators from the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum, as is the case of the crop canopy temperature, which can be used for the indirect estimation of crop water stress. Infrared Radiometers (IRs) are considered as the reference tool for temperature-based water status monitoring in crops. Alternatively, in this paper, we assess the performance of a low-cost thermal sensor based on thermographic imaging technology for the same purpose. The thermal sensor was tested in field conditions by performing continuous measurements on pomegranate trees (Punica granatum L. ‘Wonderful’) and was compared with a commercial IR. A strong correlation (R2 = 0.976) between the two sensors was obtained, demonstrating the suitability of the experimental thermal sensor to monitor the crop canopy temperature for irrigation management.This research was funded by the Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI), grant numbers AGL2016-77282-C33-R and PID2019-106226-C22 AEI/10.13039/501100011033; and the Ministerio de Educación y Formación Profesional, grant numbers FPU17/05155 and FPU19/00020

Materials requirements planning through an application based on particle swarm optimization

En este trabajo se aborda el problema de planificación de requerimiento de materiales (MRP) por medio de un algoritmo basado en enjambre de partículas. Se realizan diferentes experimentos por computadora con diferentes niveles de capacidad de producción donde el algoritmo mostró un buen desempeño. Se pueden observar que las soluciones de la adaptación del algoritmo de optimización por enjambre de partículas son mejor en un 6,31% a la presentada en la literatura estudiada.This work approaches the Material Requirements Planning (MRP) problem through a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) based algorithm. Results from various computer experiments are carried out considering different production capacity levels, where the algorithm shown good performance. It can be observed that the solutions found by the algorithm surpass by 6.31% the solution presented in the reviewed literature

Revisión Preliminar de la Literatura sobre la Capacidad de Carga en Playas del Pacifico y Caribe Colombiano: Preliminary Review of the Literature on Carrying Capacity in Colombian Pacific and Caribbean Beaches

In this preliminary review of the literature, we address the carrying capacity on the Colombian Pacific and Caribbean beaches, with the aim of answering the following question: What does the scientific literature available in the databases say about the carrying capacity in Caribbean and Pacific beaches of Colombia? To achieve this, an exhaustive literature review was carried out using the Google Scholar database, the search strategy focused on: (“Ecological Load Capacity for Tourists in Colombian Beaches”). A total of 11 selected manuscripts that were linked to the Colombian Pacific and Caribbean beaches were studied and used the estimation of carrying capacity in their studies. However, 978 documents were highlighted as they were not related to said beaches and did not address the estimation of carrying capacity. Two types of tourism present on the beaches stand out: sun and sand and ecological tourism. Regarding the methods to evaluate load capacity, it was found that the most used are physical, real and effective approaches. Unfortunately, there is concern about the shortage of jobs related to the carrying capacity in the specific area of ​​the beaches in the Pacific and Caribbean of Colombia. It is inferred that the lack of study shows the panorama on the lack of sustainable management of tourism in the area. Therefore, it is necessary that future studies address this issue to better understand the impact of tourism on beaches and develop appropriate strategies for their management and preservation.En esta revisión preliminar de la literatura, abordamos la capacidad de carga en las playas del pacífico y el Caribe colombiano, con el objetivo de responder al siguiente interrogante: ¿Qué dice la literatura científica disponible en las bases de datos sobre la capacidad de carga en Playas del Caribe y el Pacifico de Colombia? Para lograrlo se realizó una exhaustiva revisión de literatura utilizando la base de datos de Google académico, la estrategia de búsqueda se centró: (“Capacidad de Carga Ecológica para Turistas en Playas de Colombia”). Se estudiaron un total de 11 manuscritos seleccionados que estaban vinculados con las playas del pacífico y Caribe colombiano y utilizaron la estimación de capacidad de carga en sus estudios. Sin embargo, se destacaron 978 documentos ya que no estaban relacionados con dichas playas y no abordaban la estimación de capacidad de carga. Se destacan 2 tipos de turismo presentes en las playas: el de sol y playa y el ecológico. En cuanto a los métodos para evaluar capacidad de carga se encontró que los más empleados son enfoques físicos, real y efectivo. Lamentablemente, se revela una preocupación por la escasez de trabajos relacionados con la capacidad de carga en el área específica de las playas en el Pacifico y caribe de Colombia. Se infiere que la falta de estudio muestra el panorama sobre la falta de gestión sostenible del turismo en la zona. Por lo tanto, es necesarios que futuros estudios aborden esta cuestión para comprender mejor el impacto del turismo en las playas y desarrollen estrategias adecuadas para su manejo y preservación

Outcome of Antifungal Combination Therapy for Invasive Mold Infections in Hematological Patients is Independent of the Chosen Combination

Invasive mold infection (IMI) remains a major cause of mortality in high-risk hematological patients. The aim of this multicenter retrospective, observational study was to evaluate antifungal combination therapy (ACT) for proven and probable IMI in hematological patients. We analyzed 61 consecutive cases of proven (n=25) and probable (n=36) IMI treated with ACT collected from eight Spanish hospitals from January 2005 to December 2009. Causal pathogens were: Aspergillus spp (n=49), Zygomycetes (n=6), Fusarium spp (n=3), and Scedosporium spp (n=3). Patients were classified in three groups according to the antifungal combination employed: Group A, liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) plus caspofungin (n=20); Group B, LAmB plus a triazole (n=20), and Group C, voriconazole plus a candin (n=21). ACT was well tolerated with minimal adverse effects. Thirty-eight patients (62%) achieved a favorable response (35 complete). End of treatment and 12-week survival rates were 62% and 57% respectively, without statistical differences among groups. Granulocyte recovery was significantly related to favorable response and survival (p<0.001) in multivariate analysis. Our results suggest that comparable outcomes can be achieved with ACT in high risk hematological patients with proven or probable IMI, whatever the combination of antifungal agents used

Metabolites involved in cellular communication among human cumulus-oocyte-complex and sperm during in vitro fertilization

Background: Fertilization is a key physiological process for the preservation of the species. Consequently, different mechanisms affecting the sperm and the oocyte have been developed to ensure a successful fertilization. Thus, sperm acrosome reaction is necessary for the egg coat penetration and sperm-oolema fusion. Several molecules are able to induce the sperm acrosome reaction; however, this process should be produced coordinately in time and in the space to allow the success of fertilization between gametes. The goal of this study was to analyze the metabolites secreted by cumulus-oocyte-complex (COC) to find out new components that could contribute to the induction of the human sperm acrosome reaction and other physiological processes at the time of gamete interaction and fertilization. Methods: For the metabolomic analysis, eighteen aliquots of medium were used in each group, containing: a) only COC before insemination and after 3 h of incubation; b) COC and capacitated spermatozoa after insemination and incubated for 16–20 hours; c) only capacitated sperm after 16–20 h in culture and d) only fertilization medium as control. Six patients undergoing assisted reproduction whose male partners provided normozoospermic samples were included in the study. Seventy-two COC were inseminated. Results: The metabolites identified were monoacylglycerol (MAG), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and phytosphingosine (PHS). Analysis by PCR and in silico of the gene expression strongly suggests that the cumulus cells contribute to the formation of the PHS and LPC. Conclusions: LPC and PHS are secreted by cumulus cells during in vitro fertilization and they could be involved in the induction of human acrosome reaction (AR). The identification of new molecules with a paracrine effect on oocytes, cumulus cells and spermatozoa will provide a better understanding of gamete interaction.This study was supported by grant GV/2009/097 from Department of Education, Generalitat Valenciana, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain (Vigrob-137), the Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad AGL2012-40180-C03-02 and Fundación Seneca (04542/GERM/06)

Riego deficitario en granado. Relaciones hídricas y crecimiento del fruto

Con la convicción de que los agrosistemas mediterráneos tienen que afrontar la necesidad de convivir con la escasez de agua, y que resulta muy difícil, si no imposible, poder satisfacer las necesidades máximas de agua de la mayoría de los cultivos; diseñamos un ensayo de riego deficitario (RD) en granado “Wonderful” bajo malla, para estudiar las relaciones hídricas y poder ajustar los volúmenes de riego y elegir la estrategia de manejo más adecuada bajo las condiciones de cultivo. El ensayo se inició en 2021 en una plantación de granado “Wonderful” bajo malla de sombreo 30%, perteneciente al Grupo Paloma (Mazarrón). Los árboles formados en vaso abierto y a marco de 5 m x 3,5 m, presentaban un diámetro de tronco entre 11,5 – 12,2 cm y un porcentaje de área sombreada del 43%. El riego por goteo constó de un único lateral por hilera de árboles y 3 emisores autocompensantes de 4 L/h por árbol. El agua de riego, de pozo, presentó un pH de 7,9, CE25ºC de 2,6 dS m-1 y una concentración de cloruros y sodio de 10,9 y 11,9 meq L-1 , respectivamente. Los tratamientos en curso son: i) control (CTL) con riego al 115% ETc, ii) riego deficitario sostenido (RD) regado al 75% CTL, iii) riego deficitario controlado (RDC) con riego al 40 – 100 – 70% CTL durante las fases: floración, cuajado y crecimiento inicial del fruto (junio) – tramo II de la fase de rápido crecimiento del fruto - fase final del período de crecimiento y maduración del fruto, y iv) finca (FCA) regado de acuerdo al criterio del técnico de la empresa. El diseño experimental es de bloques al azar y tres repeticiones por tratamiento. Los resultados de la campaña de riego actual, periodo marzo-primera semana de julio, indican un ahorro de agua respecto a CTL del 20; 25 y 53% para FCA, RD y RDC, respectivamente. La evolución del fruto y diámetro medio es similar en los cuatro tratamientos (d = 62 mm-DDA 187). Aunque no hubo diferencias de potencial matricial del agua en el suelo (m), debido a su alta variabilidad, si se dieron de potencial de tallo a mediodía (t) para RDC desde principios de junio hasta el cambio de riego al 100% de CTL, primera semana de julio. De igual modo que en m, no se observaron diferencias de conductancia estomática (gs) a excepción de los días previos al cambio de riego en RDC. Aunque son resultados preliminares y se requiere de los resultados que deriven de los años posteriores, éstos sugieren una buena adaptabilidad del granado al déficit hídrico, al mantener una evolución y tamaño de fruto similar, el cual es una de las principales características de calidad de la granada a nivel comercial. Dada la excelente aceptación de la variedad Wonderful para exportación, tanto el volumen de riego actualmente aplicado como las características principales del fruto son resultados alentadores

Correlations between Different Heavy Metals in Diverse Body Fluids: Studies of Human Semen Quality

It has been hypothesized that exposure to heavy metals may impair male reproduction. To measure the effect produced by low doses of heavy metals on semen parameters, it is necessary to clarify in which body fluids those measurements must be performed. Sixty-one men attending infertility clinics participated in our study. Concentrations of lead, cadmium, and mercury were measured in whole blood, blood plasma, and seminal plasma using spectroanalytical and electrochemical methods. Semen analyses were performed according to World Health Organization criteria. For statistical analysis, Spearman's rank correlations, mean comparison tests, and discriminant analysis were calculated. Significant correlations between the measured concentrations of the three heavy metals in the same biological fluids were observed. However, no similar relationship was seen when comparing the concentrations in different body fluids of the same metal. According to our results and previous publications, seminal plasma might be the best body fluid for assessing impairment of human semen parameters

Phase I, multicenter, open-label study of intravenous VCN-01 oncolytic adenovirus with or without nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine in patients with advanced solid tumors

Background VCN-01 is an oncolytic adenovirus (Ad5 based) designed to replicate in cancer cells with dysfunctional RB1 pathway, express hyaluronidase to enhance virus intratumoral spread and facilitate chemotherapy and immune cells extravasation into the tumor. This phase I clinical trial was aimed to find the maximum tolerated dose/recommended phase II dose (RP2D) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of the intravenous delivery of the replication-competent VCN-01 adenovirus in patients with advanced cancer. Methods Part I: patients with advanced refractory solid tumors received one single dose of VCN-01. Parts II and III: patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma received VCN-01 (only in cycle 1) and nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine (VCN-concurrent on day 1 in Part II, and 7days before chemotherapy in Part III). Patients were required to have anti-Ad5 neutralizing antibody (NAbs) titers lower than 1/350 dilution. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses were performed. Results 26% of the patients initially screened were excluded based on high NAbs levels. Sixteen and 12 patients were enrolled in Part I and II, respectively: RP2D were 1 x10(13) viral particles (vp)/patient (Part I), and 3.3x10(12) vp/patient (Part II). Fourteen patients were included in Part Ill: there were no DLTs and the RP2D was 1 x10(13) vp/patient. Observed DLTs were grade 4 aspartate aminotransferase increase in one patient (Part I, 1x10(13) vp), grade 4 febrile neutropenia in one patient and grade 5 thrombocytopenia plus enterocolitis in another patient (Part II, 1 x10(13) vp). In patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma overall response rate were 50% (Part II) and 50% (Part III). VCN-01 viral genomes were detected in tumor tissue in five out of six biopsies (day 8). A second viral plasmatic peak and increased hyaluronidase serum levels suggested replication after intravenous injection in all patients. Increased levels of immune biomarkers (interferon- r,soluble lymphocyte activation ne-3, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10) were found after VCN-01 administration. Conclusions Treatment with VCN-01 is feasible and has an acceptable safety. Encouraging biological and clinical activity was observed when administered in combination with nab-paditaxel plus gemcitabine to patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma