A framework for analysing the adoption of New Zealand pastoral farming systems in central Veracruz State, Mexico : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science in Farm Management at Massey University

Tropical areas of developing countries have significant potential for increased food production. In the case of Mexico, an important economic activity in the tropics is livestock production based on pasture. Tropical regions represent 25% of the total area of Mexico and support more than 50% of the country's cow production. Historically, however, animal production in Mexican, and other tropical areas, has been low. Low pasture utilisation, and associated poor herbage quality, is one factor that contributes to poor animal performance in the tropics. This situation contrasts with the success of New Zealand pastoral systems, which in comparative terms have been able to obtain high levels of animal production and efficient use of pasture. Differences in pasture productivity (both in quality and quantity) and social and economic conditions between the Mexican tropics and New Zealand are large. Nevertheless it was proposed that some of the pastoral farming methods used in New Zealand, could be adapted to the conditions of tropical farmers in Mexico, particularly in relation to effective planning and control of the farming system. To test this hypothesis, the consequences of implementing some of New Zealand's pastoral farming techniques under tropical conditions in Central Veracruz State were explored by developing a spreadsheet model to simulate local farming systems. The model included linked submodels for pasture growth and quality, livestock transactions, milk production and enterprise gross margins. The effect of improved farming systems of milk output and cash returns were evaluated relative to the average levels of performance currently achieved from a medium-sized farm in the Central region of Veracruz State in Mexico. Straight forward changes in the design of the farming system, such as synchronising calving with the pattern of pasture growth rather than year-round calving, would significantly affect milk production and cash returns to the farm family. The modelling process was seriously constrained by the lack of farm-level data on pasture production and animal performance. Nevertheless, the model framework clearly identifies which data should be collected, and priority should now be given to assembling these data so simulation decision support models such as that developed in this study, can be effectively used to plan improved farming systems. Keywords: tropical agricultural, Mexico, farming systems, spreadsheet model

Array retrodirectivo con mezcla subarmónica sin polarización

A novel phase conjugator for retrodirective array applications is presented in this paper. Such conjugator provides good operation, in terms of conversion efficiency, with no need of DC biasing. That is made possible thanks to the use of E-PHEMT transistors, whose characteristics are exploited in order to obtain a resistive mixing function in the desired VGS = VDS = 0V point. The proposed solution is validated through the successful implementation of a four element retrodirective array

Effects of lacto-vegetarian diet and stabilization core exercises on body composition and pain in women with fibromyalgia: randomized controlled trial

Introducción: la fibromialgia es una enfermedad de origen desconocido caracterizada por dolor muscular crónico. La falta de conocimientos sobre esta enfermedad es una de las principales causas por las que resulta complejo realizar un diagnóstico y tratamiento adecuados. Objetivo: el objetivo principal de este estudio fue conocer la eficacia de un tratamiento de fisioterapia combinado con una intervención dietético-nutricional lacto-vegetariana, sobre el dolor bajo de espalda y la composición corporal en mujeres con fibromialgia. Métodos: en el estudio participaron 21 mujeres, que fueron divididas aleatoriamente en 3 grupos: A (ejercicios estabilización core + dieta lacto-vegetariana), B (placebo + dieta lacto-vegetariana) y C (control). La intervención tuvo una duración de 4 semanas y se realizaron evaluaciones del dolor (escala EVA), y de la composición corporal (bioimpedancia), al inicio y final de la intervención. Resultados: el grupo A mostró cambios significativos en la reducción del dolor y la composición corporal al final de la intervención, aumentando la masa muscular y disminuyendo la masa grasa. Además, este grupo mejoró significativamente los resultados en comparación con los grupos B y C. Las correlaciones realizadas mostraron una relación entre la masa muscular y la disminución del dolor referido al final del estudio en las pacientes del grupo A. Conclusiones: un programa de intervención de 4 semanas de duración en el que se combina ejercicios de estabilización de core más dieta lacto-vegetariana en pacientes con fibromialgia que presentan dolor bajo de espalda contribuye a la reducción del dolor y la mejora de la composición corporal.Background: fibromyalgia is a disease of unknown origin characterized by chronic muscular pain. The lack of knowledge about this disease is one of the main causes that makes complex to make a diagnosis and an appropriate treatment. Objective: the main objective of this study was to know the efficacy of a physiotherapy treatment combined with a lacto-vegetarian dietary-nutritional intervention, on low back pain and body composition in women with fibromyalgia. Methods: twenty-one women were randomly divided into three groups: A (core stabilization exercises + lacto-vegetarian diet), B (placebo + lacto-vegetarian diet) and C (control). The intervention lasted 4 weeks. Pain assessments (EVA scale) and body composition (bioimpedance) were performed at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. Results: group A showed significant changes in pain reduction and body composition at the end of the intervention, increasing muscle mass and decreasing fat mass. In addition, this group significantly improved outcomes compared to groups B and C. The correlations showed a relationship between muscle mass and pain reduction referred to at the end of the study in patients in group A. Conclusions: four-week intervention program combining core stabilization exercises plus lacto-vegetarian diet in patients with fibromyalgia who have low back pain contributes to pain reduction and improved body composition

Optimal selection of conductors in three-phase distribution networks using a discrete version of the vortex search algorithm

En este estudio se propone una nueva metodología para realizar la selección óptima de conductores en redes de distribución trifásicas mediante una versión discreta del método metaheurístico de búsqueda de vórtices. Para representar el problema, se utiliza un modelo matemático de objetivo único con estructura de programación no lineal mixta entera (MINLP). Como función objetivo se considera la minimización de los costes de inversión en conductores junto con las pérdidas técnicas de la red para un periodo de estudio de un año. Además, el modelo se implementará en sistemas de prueba equilibrados, desequilibrados y con variaciones en la conexión de sus cargas, es decir, conexiones ∆- e Y. Para evaluar los costes de las pérdidas de energía, se implementa un método clásico de flujo de potencia trifásico hacia atrás/adelante. Se emplearon dos sistemas de prueba utilizados en la literatura especializada, que comprenden 8 y 27 nodos con estructuras radiales en niveles de media tensión. Todas las implementaciones computacionales se desarrollaron en el entorno de programación MATLAB, y todos los resultados se evaluaron en el software DigSILENT para verificar la eficacia y el método de flujo de potencia trifásico desequilibrado propuesto. Los análisis comparativos con los algoritmos genéticos clásicos y de Chu & Beasley, el algoritmo de búsqueda tabú y los enfoques MINLP exactos demuestran la eficacia del enfoque de optimización propuesto en relación con el valor final de la función objetivo.In this study, a new methodology is proposed to perform optimal selection of conductors in three-phase distribution networks through a discrete version of the metaheuristic method of vortex search. To represent the problem, a single-objective mathematical model with a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) structure is used. As an objective function, minimization of the investment costs in conductors together with the technical losses of the network for a study period of one year is considered. Additionally, the model will be implemented in balanced and unbalanced test systems and with variations in the connection of their loads, i.e., ∆- and Y-connections. To evaluate the costs of the energy losses, a classical backward/forward three-phase power-flow method is implemented. Two test systems used in the specialized literature were employed, which comprise 8 and 27 nodes with radial structures in medium voltage levels. All computational implementations were developed in the MATLAB programming environment, and all results were evaluated in DigSILENT software to verify the effectiveness and the proposed three-phase unbalanced power flow method. Comparative analyses with classical and Chu & Beasley genetic algorithms, tabu search algorithm, and exact MINLP approaches demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed optimization approach regarding the final value of the objective function.N

Effects of Manual Therapy on Fatigue, Pain, and Psychological Aspects in Women with Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterised by chronic widespread muscle pain and fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive disorders, and mood disturbance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a manual therapy technique performed with moderate digital pressure in women with fibromyalgia (n = 24). In this randomised, controlled trial, the participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group or placebo group. The experimental group was assisted with manual therapy sessions based on connective tissue massage, whereas the placebo group was “treated” with ultrasound sessions performed without conductive gel and with the machine turned off as the placebo. Fatigue severity scale (FSS), visual analogical scale (VAS), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and profile of mood states (POMS-29) were completed before and after the intervention. In the experimental group (manual therapy), significant results were obtained on a VAS scale, referring to the neck pain in patients with fibromyalgia (p < 0.001). Correlations showed a relationship between fatigue and sleep variables (R = 0.411; p = 0.046) and pain variables with the POMS anger-hostility subscale (R = 0.436; p = 0.033). Although the size of the sample could be a limitation, the study concluded that the application of manual therapy in fibromyalgia patients performed with moderate pressure for 15 min on the posterior cervical musculature decreased the perception of pain, muscle fatigue, and the state of tension-anxiety

Cognitive robotics in a soccer game domain: a proposal for the e-league competition

In this work, we will discuss the design of a team of robots to play soccer at RoboCup E-League. This task is being carried out in the Cognitive Robotics group of the Laboratory of Research and Development in Artificial Intellgence (LIDIA), Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Universidad Nacional del Sur. The RoboCup competition provides a great opportunity to develop a multi-agent system in which we can test and apply new ideas and results. In the following sections, we will briefly describe the league in which we will participate, and our proposal for the implementation of a team.Eje: Inteligencia artificial distribuida, aspectos teóricos de la inteligencia artificial y teoría de computaciónRed de Universidades con Carreras en Informática (RedUNCI

Cognitive robotics in a soccer game domain: a proposal for the e-league competition

In this work, we will discuss the design of a team of robots to play soccer at RoboCup E-League. This task is being carried out in the Cognitive Robotics group of the Laboratory of Research and Development in Artificial Intellgence (LIDIA), Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Universidad Nacional del Sur. The RoboCup competition provides a great opportunity to develop a multi-agent system in which we can test and apply new ideas and results. In the following sections, we will briefly describe the league in which we will participate, and our proposal for the implementation of a team.Eje: Inteligencia artificial distribuida, aspectos teóricos de la inteligencia artificial y teoría de computaciónRed de Universidades con Carreras en Informática (RedUNCI

Cognitive robotics in a soccer game domain: a proposal for the e-league competition

In this work, we will discuss the design of a team of robots to play soccer at RoboCup E-League. This task is being carried out in the Cognitive Robotics group of the Laboratory of Research and Development in Artificial Intellgence (LIDIA), Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Universidad Nacional del Sur. The RoboCup competition provides a great opportunity to develop a multi-agent system in which we can test and apply new ideas and results. In the following sections, we will briefly describe the league in which we will participate, and our proposal for the implementation of a team.Eje: Inteligencia artificial distribuida, aspectos teóricos de la inteligencia artificial y teoría de computaciónRed de Universidades con Carreras en Informática (RedUNCI

Whole-exome sequencing reveals ZNF408 as a new gene associated with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa with vitreal alterations

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of progressive inherited retinal dystrophies that cause visual impairment as a result of photoreceptor cell death. RP is heterogeneous, both clinically and genetically making difficult to establish precise genotype–phenotype correlations. In a Spanish family with autosomal recessive RP (arRP), homozygosity mapping and whole-exome sequencing led to the identification of a homozygous mutation (c.358_359delGT; p.Ala122Leufs*2) in the ZNF408 gene. A screening performed in 217 additional unrelated families revealed another homozygous mutation (c.1621C>T; p.Arg541Cys) in an isolated RP case. ZNF408 encodes a transcription factor that harbors 10 predicted C2H2-type fingers thought to be implicated in DNA binding. To elucidate the ZNF408 role in the retina and the pathogenesis of these mutations we have performed different functional studies. By immunohistochemical analysis in healthy human retina, we identified that ZNF408 is expressed in both cone and rod photoreceptors, in a specific type of amacrine and ganglion cells, and in retinal blood vessels. ZNF408 revealed a cytoplasmic localization and a nuclear distribution in areas corresponding with the euchromatin fraction. Immunolocalization studies showed a partial mislocalization of the p.Arg541Cys mutant protein retaining part of the WT protein in the cytoplasm. Our study demonstrates that ZNF408, previously associated with Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy (FEVR), is a new gene causing arRP with vitreous condensations supporting the evidence that this protein plays additional functions into the human retina.This work is supported by CIBERER (06/07/0036), FIS (PI013/00226), Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness-FEDER (BFU2012-36845), RETICS (RD12/0034/0010), Fundación ONCE, Fundaluce and grants BIO2011-27069 from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, and PROMETEOII/2014/025 from the Conselleria de Educacio of the Valencia Community. PC is supported by Fundación Conchita Rábago (FCR), MC by Miguel Servet ISCIII (CP/03256) and dS by CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil