A distance between multivariate normal distributions based in an embedding into the siegel group

AbstractThis paper shows an embedding of the manifold of multivariate normal densities with informative geometry into the manifold of definite positive matrices with the Siegel metric. This embedding allows us to obtain a general lower bound for the Rao distance, which is itself a distance, and we suggest employing it for statistical purposes, taking into account the similitude of the above related metrics. Further-more, through this embedding, general statistical tests of hypothesis are derived, and some geometrical properties are studied too

Soil porosity changes in orchards with subsurface irrigation: quantification and interpretation

In order to assess the irrigation efficiency under water-limiting conditions, four different treatments of subsurface irrigation of peach trees in a semi-arid Mediterranean climate near Lleida (NE Iberian Peninsula) were tested. The treatments included pressurized air injection, deficit irrigation, full irrigation (as control) and an addition of rice husk around the pipe to improve porosity. Because the latter treatment improved physical conditions and resulted in better tree growth, a micromorphological study was conducted in order to understand the reason for this behaviour. The experiment was carried out in a commercial peach orchard (Prunus persica L.). The soil was a Xeric Torriorthent, with a loam texture, affected by salinity and with low organic matter content. One undisturbed block (30 cm each side) was taken from each treatment, and two vertical thin sections, 5 × 13 cm, including the subsurface pipe, were made. A fluorescent dye was added to the polyester resin to obtain UV light images of the porosity. The pore parameters and the pore size distribution were obtained for each treatment. Strong changes in the pore types of the four treatments are evident in the thin sections. Full and deficit irrigation treatments are characterised by a weakly developed subangular blocky structure, with a vesicular intra-aggregate structure. Deficit irrigation with air injection produced, in its upper part, a structure similar to the full and deficit irrigation treatments. In the surroundings and below the pipe, where the effect of pressurized air was higher, the soil structure is apedal, with vesicles (bubbles), 200 – 500 µm in size. Porosity of the soil modified with rice husk is greater than that of the other three treatments: the 15 – 30 µm porosity fraction is double, and the larger fractions three times that of the other treatments. It contains many oval excrements of mites (probably Oribatidae), 50 – 100 µm in size, associated with moderately decomposed rice husk tissues. We conclude that the modifications around the irrigation pipes that promoted faunal activity are very effective in conveying water to the soil in comparison to that of pressurized air, which only increases vesicular (non connected) porosity.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Elementos para una pedagogía de la conciencia

Este artículo parte de la necesidad cada vez más evidente de que los pedagogos emprendan una reflexión sobre el papel de la conciencia en la educación del hombre. Para ello se revisan, en primer lugar, algunas de las críticas clásicas a la conciencia y a lo mental y se ve que es imposible concluir resultados absolutamente ciertos. En consecuencia, se parte de un programa de trabajo que le supone a la conciencia existencia autónoma, propositividad y fuerza causal. Posteriormente se analizan los mecanismos mentales, distinguiéndose los procesos de representación, modificación y construcción del yo autoconsciente. Se concluye proponiendo la autorregulación consciente y el dominio del yo como una de las posibles vías de la pedagogía de la conciencia.This article springs from the increasingly evident need for pedagogues to reflect upon the role of consciousness in the education of man. Thus some of the classic criticisms of the conscious and the mental are first revised, .which proves the failure to reach absolutely accurate results. Accordingly, the starting-point is the assumption that consciousness has autonomous existence, purpose and causal force. Subsequently, mental mechanisms are anlysed and the processes of representation, modification and building up the self-aware Ego are distinguished. In conclusion, the conscious self-regulation and mastery of the Ego are proposed as one of the possible ways of pedagogy of consciousnes