Genetic evidence for a recent divergence and subsequent gene flow between Spanish and Eastern imperial eagles

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Dating of population divergence is critical in understanding speciation and in evaluating the evolutionary significance of genetic lineages, upon which identification of conservation and management units should be based. In this study we used a multilocus approach and the Isolation-Migration model based on coalescence theory to estimate the time of divergence of the Spanish and Eastern imperial eagle sister species. This model enables estimation of population sizes at split, and inference of gene flow after divergence.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Our results indicate that divergence may have occurred during the Holocene or the late Pleistocene, much more recently than previously suspected. They also suggest a large population reduction at split, with an estimated effective population size several times smaller for the western population than for the eastern population. Asymmetrical gene flow after divergence, from the Eastern imperial eagle to the Spanish imperial eagle, was detected for the nuclear genome but not the mitochondrial genome. Male-mediated gene flow after divergence may explain this result, and the previously reported lower mitochondrial diversity but similar nuclear diversity in Spanish imperial eagles compared to the Eastern species.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Spanish and Eastern imperial eagles split from a common ancestor much more recently than previously thought, and asymmetrical gene flow occurred after divergence. Revision of the phylogenetic proximity of both species is warranted, with implications for conservation.</p

Acid and Rennet Coagulation Properties of A2 Milk

This study investigated the acid and rennet milk coagulation properties of A2 milk (β-casein (CN) A2A2 genotype), in comparison to a control milk (blend of A2A1/A1A1/A2A2 genotypes). Acid and rennet coagulation were evaluated using the Optigraph system, measuring the coagulation time, aggregation rate, and gel density or curd firmness. The acidification kinetics were monitored using a CINAC system, evaluating the time to reach pH 4.6, the acidification rate, the maximum acidification rate, the time required to reach it, and the latency time. The water-holding capacity of acid milk gels and the potential yield, total solids, and syneresis of enzymatic gels were also evaluated. Some variables were highly influenced by the farm factor, showing the importance of the effect of extrinsic parameters. Acid and enzymatic coagulation times were not affected in either milk. The A2 milk presented higher acid gel density and latency time than the control milk. Although the differences in water-holding capacity were not statistically significant, the A2 milk presented lower values, related with the higher gel density. The A2 milk also showed higher rennet aggregation rate and curd firmness than the control milk. Potential yield and syneresis were higher in the A2 milk, which is in accordance with the higher firmness of curd. Coagulation results and gel and curd properties indicate that it is possible to manufacture acid and rennet coagulation dairy products from A2 milk with no major differences when compared with a control milk

Renewable energy systems and smart grids: platform to develop final year projects on automation and supervision

[Abstract] Studying Renewable Energy Systems (RES) in engineering degrees is acquiring an increasing importance given the current energetic scenario as well as the expected deployment of intelligent networks for power generation and distribution, the so-called smart grids. In the industrial engineering context, automation and supervision play a vital role, especially for intensifications in Electronics and Automation. Developing a Final Year Project (FYP) constitutes a final stage and a great opportunity for students to achieve skills and knowledge about complementary disciplines. This paper highlights the convenience of applying automation and supervision to renewable energy systems in FYPs of engineering degrees. To this aim, various FYPs successfully completed at the Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation Department of the University of Extremadura are presented.Junta de Extremadura; GR1815

Using the open source library Libnodave for monitoring tasks in the Smart Grid scenario

[Abstract] Monitoring in the future intelligent power grids, called Smart Grids, is a critical task for the proper operation and surveillance of the infrastructure. On the other hand, open source systems are being progressively applied in R&D activities. This paper presents the utilization of the open source library Libnodave to communicate a programmable logic controller with a monitoring system through a TCP/IP network. The obtained results prove the feasibility of the proposal to be applied in the Smart Grids scenario.Junta de Extremadura; IB1804

A Survey on Systems Integration in the Energy Automation Domain through OPC Interface

[Abstract] The Object Linking and Embedding for Process Control (OPC) interface provides an effective means to exchange data between automation-related entities, both hardware and software. Since its creation, it has been profusely used not only for industrial scenarios but also for other spheres, among which energy automation is an important scope. In order to portray the relevance of such protocol, this paper presents a survey of applications of OPC communication to manage systems integration in the context of energy automationJunta de Extremadura; GR1815

Integration of sensor and actuator networks and the SCADA System to promote the migration of the legacy flexible manufacturing system towards the industry 4.0 concept

Se implementan redes de sensores y actuadores en los procesos de fabricación automatizados utilizando buses de campo industriales, donde las unidades de automatización y los sistemas de supervisión también están conectados a intercambiar información operacional. En el contexto de la cuarta revolución industrial entrante, llamada Industria 4.0, la gestión de las instalaciones de legado es una cuestión primordial a tratar. Este documento presenta una solución para mejorar la conectividad de un sistema de fabricación flexible heredado, que constituye el primer paso en la adopción del concepto de Industria 4.0. Tal sistema incluye el PROCESO de bus de campo FIELD BUS (PROFIBUS) alrededor del cual se interconectan los sensores, actuadores y controladores. En orden para establecer una comunicación efectiva entre la red de sensores y actuadores y una red de supervision se implementa un enfoque de hardware y software que incluye la conectividad Ethernet. Este se prevé que la labor contribuya a la migración de los sistemas heredados hacia la desafiante industria 4.0 marco. Los resultados experimentales prueban el correcto funcionamiento del FMS y la viabilidad de la propuesta.Networks of sensors and actuators in automated manufacturing processes are implemented using industrial fieldbuses, where automation units and supervisory systems are also connected to exchange operational information. In the context of the incoming fourth industrial revolution, called Industry 4.0, the management of legacy facilities is a paramount issue to deal with. This paper presents a solution to enhance the connectivity of a legacy Flexible Manufacturing System, which constitutes the first step in the adoption of the Industry 4.0 concept. Such a system includes the fieldbus PROcess FIeld BUS (PROFIBUS) around which sensors, actuators, and controllers are interconnected. In order to establish effective communication between the sensors and actuators network and a supervisory system, a hardware and software approach including Ethernet connectivity is implemented. This work is envisioned to contribute to the migration of legacy systems towards the challenging Industry 4.0 framework. The experimental results prove the proper operation of the FMS and the feasibility of the proposal.peerReviewe

Neural Networks-Based Models for Greenhouse Climate Control

[Abstract] Greenhouses are multivariable and nonlinear systems with high degree of complexity, so it is hard to build models that represent the whole dynamics of the system. This paper presents models of greenhouse climate based on neural networks. The models predict inside air temperature and relative humidity in the greenhouse as a function of the variables used as input for the network, as outside temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, etc., and the actuators state signals, as window opening and others. Data sets used for modelling have been measured with real red pepper plants inside the greenhouse. The developed models are described and the achieved results are reported.[Resumen] Los invernaderos son sistemas multivariables y no lineales con un alto grado de complejidad, por lo que es difícil construir modelos que representen toda la dinámica del sistema. Este artículo presenta modelos de clima de invernadero basados en redes neuronales. Los modelos predicen la temperatura del aire interior y la humedad relativa en el invernadero en función de las variables utilizadas como entrada para la red, como la temperatura exterior, la humedad relativa, la radiación solar, etc., y las señales de estado de los actuadores, como la apertura de la ventana y otros. Los conjuntos de datos utilizados para el modelado se han medido con plantas reales de pimiento rojo dentro del invernadero. Se describen los modelos desarrollados y se reportan los resultados obtenidosJunta de Extremadura; GR1815

Alberto Lista: el liberal que amaba el orden

Entre los estertores de la Ilustración y el alborear del Romanticismo, Sevilla alumbra una imponente generación de escritores-periodistas de inequívoca orientación liberal, reformadores, decididos todos a cambiar la sociedad que tienen ante sí. Son años agitados, con la Guerra de la Independencia (1808-1814) y la posterior represión de Fernando VII como elementos decisivos. Esa generación, con un elevado porcentaje de periodistas-eclesiásticos, seguirá caminos muy divergentes, a veces por elección, a veces por necesidad. Unos resisten al pie del cañón, como el deán Manuel López Cepero, el redactor de A Sevilla Libre, que intenta la vía parlamentaria; otros optan por el exilio voluntario, como José María Blanco White, que sale de Sevilla al inicio de 1810 y ya nunca regresará a ella, y cuya principal obra periodística, El Español, se redactará en Londres, otros abrazan decididamente la Francia de la Revolución y luego la napoleónica y vivirán poco en Sevilla, como el abate José Marchena, y habrá los que, como Alberto Lista y Aragón, tengan una trayectoria sinuosa, contradictoria en apariencia, no siempre fácil de comprender desde nuestra perspectiva. El escritor que redacta periódicos contra los franceses invasores y se toma luego defensor de José 1, el liberal víctima de Fernando VII acaba escribiendo para sus últimos gobiernos. Quizá eso mismo los haga más atractivos, acaso más reales y humanos

Differences in basketball training loads between comprehensive and technical models of teaching/training

Researchers analyze differences between models of sport training in order to identify the most suitable one. In basketball studies are focused on finding out differences amongst the processes of sport learning and taking decisions. The basketball training load includes the total sum of stimulus to which players are subjected during the preparation process. The aim of this research was to identity differences in training loads amongst the different tasks designed by basketball coaches who used different comprehensive and technical models of teaching/training. Two expert coaches of each training model participated in the study. All tasks performed during 10 training sessions were analyzed. In each task several aspects were studied: opposition, density/intensity, number of performers, competitive load, game area, cognitive involvement, mean heart rate, total time and useful time of the task. After that, the load of the task, value of training, and utilization of the task were calculated. There are statistically significant differences (p < .05) between the proposed tasks under the Comprehensive and Technical Model in the level of opposition, the number of performers, the load of the task, total time, useful time and utilization of tasks. The Comprehensive Model of training increases training load compared to the Technical Model, increasing the level of opposition and the number of players participating in the tasks. It also provides better utilization of tasks. The training process is more effective in practice time under the comprehensive model.Los investigadores analizan las diferencias entre los modelos de entrenamiento deportivo para identificar cual es el más idóneo. En baloncesto los estudios se orientan a descubrir las diferencias en el aprendizaje deportivo y en la toma de decisiones. La carga de entrenamiento en baloncesto se considera como la suma total de estímulos a los que el jugador se ve sometido durante el proceso de preparación. El objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar la existencia de diferencias en la carga de entrenamiento en las tareas diseñadas por entrenadores de baloncesto posicionados en modelos de entrenamiento-aprendizaje comprensivo y técnico. Participaron en el estudio dos entrenadores expertos posicionados en cada uno de los modelos de entrenamiento. Se examinaron las tareas realizadas durante 10 sesiones de entrenamiento. En cada tarea se analizó el grado oposición, densidad/intensidad, número de ejecutantes, carga competitiva, espacio de juego, implicación cognitiva, frecuencia cardíaca media, tiempo total y tiempo útil de la tarea. Posteriormente se calculó la carga de la tarea, valor del entrenamiento, y el aprovechamiento de la tarea. Existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p < .05), entre las tareas propuestas bajo el Modelo Comprensivo y Técnico en el grado de oposición, el número de ejecutantes, la carga de la tarea, tiempo total, tiempo útil y el aprovechamiento de las tareas. El Modelo Comprensivo de entrenamiento incrementa la carga de entrenamiento frente al Modelo Técnico, al aumentar el grado de oposición y el número de jugadores que participan en las tareas. Además, ofrece un mayor aprovechamiento de las tareas. El proceso de entrenamiento es más eficaz en el tiempo de práctica bajo el modelo comprensivo