Searching for non-unitary neutrino oscillations in the present T2K and NOν\nuA data

The mixing of three active neutrino flavors is parameterized by the unitary PMNS matrix. If there are more than three neutrino flavors and if the extra generations are heavy isosinglets, the effective $3\times 3$ mixing matrix for the three active neutrinos will be non-unitary. We have analyzed the latest T2K and \nova data with the hypothesis of non-unitary mixing of the active neutrinos. We found that the 2019 NO$\nu$A data slightly (at $\sim 1\, \sigma$ C.L.) prefer the non-unitary mixing over unitary mixing. In fact, allowing the non-unitary mixing brings the \nova best-fit point in the $\sin^2\theta_{23}-\delta_{CP}$ plane closer to the T2K best-fit point. The 2019 T2K data, on the other hand, cannot rule out any of the two mixing schemes. A combined analysis of the NO$\nu$A and T2K 2019 data prefers the non-unitary mixing at $1\, \sigma$ C.L.. We derive constraints on the non-unitary mixing parameters using the best-fit to the combined NO$\nu$A and T2K data. These constraints are weaker than previously found. The latest 2020 data from both the experiments prefer non-unitarity over unitary mixing at $1\, \sigma$ C.L. The combined analysis preferes non-unitarity at $2\, \sigma$ C.L. The stronger tension, which exists between the latest 2020 data of the two experiments, also gets reduced with non-unitary analysis.Comment: 30 pages, 19 figures, 3 tables. Results for 2020 data from NOvA and T2K have been include

Estimation of the friction velocity in stably stratified boundary-layer flows over hills

A method is suggested for the calculation of the friction velocity for stable turbulent boundary-layer flow over hills. The method is tested using a continuous upstream mean velocity profile compatible with the propagation of gravity waves, and is incorporated into the linear model of Hunt, Leibovich and Richards with the modification proposed by Hunt, Richards and Brighton to include the effects of stability, and the reformulated solution of Weng for the near-surface region. Those theoretical results are compared with results from simulations using a non-hydrostatic microscale-mesoscale two-dimensional numerical model, and with field observations for different values of stability. These comparisons show a considerable improvement in the behaviour of the theoretical model when the friction velocity is calculated using the method proposed here, leading to a consistent variation of the boundary-layer structure with stability, and better agreement with observational and numerical data

Las patentes de invención como medio para la promoción y registro de los resultados científico-tecnológicos de investigación

Las nuevas condiciones globalizadas de producción y comercialización exigen de las empresas, y en general de la sociedad, un esfuerzo en la aplicación de recursos a la creatividad, a la investigación científica y tecnológica, y a la innovación. Las inversiones de cada empresa han de recibir garantías del ordenamiento jurídico nacional o supranacional para que el retorno del capital revierta primariamente en la empresa inversora. Por otra parte, las asignaciones presupuestarias de las administraciones en materia de investigación deben ejecutarse en condiciones de transparencia y de eficacia en el logro de los objetivos marcados. En este artículo se describen las características de las patentes y de otras formas de propiedad industrial, que pueden resultar una protección suficiente para muchos científicos y tecnólogos que consiguen unos resultados susceptibles de invención, además de aquéllos que desarrollan su labor en empresas. En España se detecta, en general, una escasa información sobre las posibilidades de protección de los resultados de investigaciones científicas y tecnológicas mediante registro de la propiedad industrial. Esto supone un freno a la innovación por falta de confianza en estas inversiones. Se revisan las entidades nacionales y supranacionales de registro de las diversas formas de propiedad industrial. Además, se muestra la evolución histórica del registro de patentes en diversos países y, por último, se indica el ranking de países que en la actualidad presentan mayor dinamismo en esta actividad.New globalised conditions of production and marketing require business, and society as a whole, to apply their resources to creativity, scientific and technological research and innovation. A company’s investments must be provided with guarantees by national or international legal systems that return on capital will primarily revert to the investing company. In addition, public administrations’ budgetary allocations for research should be used with transparency and efficacy in order to achieve the chosen goals. In this article, we describe the characteristics of patents and other forms of industrial property that can provide sufficient protection for many scientists and technologists with results of interest to be protected as inventions, besides those working at the enterprises. In Spain, in general, little information is generally available on the possibilities of protecting technology by means of the industrial property registry, which represents an obstacle for innovation, due to lack of confidence in such investments. It is reviewed the National and International registry entities for the various types of industrial property. Likewise, it is described the historical evolution of patents registration in different countries, giving a ranking of the most dynamic countries at the present involved in this activity.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad MAT2011-2298

Avaluació de la formació inicial dels mestres de música de la UAB en l'àmbit de la direcció musical

En aquest treball analitzem el procés de formació dels mestres de música de la UAB en l'àmbit de la direcció musical i avaluem si allò que han après els serveix per donar resposta a les necessitats que tindran com a professionals de l'educació. Igualment deixem les portes obertes a possibles estudis en altres universitats

Effects of types and doses of yeast on gas production and in vitro digestibility of diets containing maize (Zea mays) and lucerne (Medicago sativa) or oat hay

Two yeast products formulated with Saccharomyces cerevisiae were evaluated at the same colonyforming units (CFUs) per gram of substrate. Samples of maize, lucerne and oat hays were mixed (0.5 kg) to a proportion of 80% forage (lucerne or oat) with 20% maize (DM basis) and combined with each yeast to obtain 1.5 x 107 or 3.0 x 107 CFU/g DM. There was also a control without yeast. In vitro gas production was measured at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 60, and 72 h incubation. There was no forage/yeast interaction. Both yeast products tended to reduce the maximum volume produced quadratically and lag time linearly, while in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) increased linearly. Ruminal ammonia N and lactic acid were not affected, whereas methane and carbon dioxide tended to be reduced with the intermediate dose of yeast. When the mixture included oat hay, the total volume of gas increased, the lag time decreased, and there was higher IVDMD than in the lucerne-based mixtures, which were associated with lower methane production. Ammonia and lactic acid remained unchanged. The two yeast products showed the same effects on the dynamics of gas production and in vitro digestibility when dosed at the same number of viable cells or CFUs, and there was no interaction with forage quality

IAA : Información y actualidad astronómica (9)

Sumario : Investigación: Las colas de polvo de los cometas.-- Agua en el Universo.-- Ventana Abierta: Sobre la enseñanza de la ciencia en la educación secundaria.-- Charlas con… Max Pettini.-- Actualidad Científica: La luz y los colores de las nebulosas planetarias.-- Magnetares.-- Actividades IAA.-- Agenda.Esta revista se publica con la ayuda de la Acción Especial DIF 2001-4284-E del Programa Nacional de Difusión de la Ciencia y la Tecnología, del Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología.Peer reviewe

Changes in Muscle Oxygen Saturation Measured Using Wireless Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Resistance Training: A Systematic Review

This work was supported by DGI-University Andres Bello, No DI-6-20/CBC.This paper will be part of Claudia Miranda-Fuentes’ Doctoral Thesis performed in the Biomedicine Doctorate Program of the University of Granada.Background: This study aimed to report, through a systematic review of the literature, the baseline and final reference values obtained by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) of muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) during resistance training in healthy adults. Methods: Original research studies were searched from four databases (Scopus, PubMed, WOS, and SportDiscus). Subsequently, three independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts, followed by full-text reviews to assess the studies' eligibility. Results: Four studies met the inclusion criteria, data were extracted and methodological quality was assessed using the Downs and Black scale. Muscle oxygen saturation (% SmO2) during reported muscle strength exercises showed a decreasing trend after a muscle strength protocol; that is, before the protocol (range = 68.07-77.9%) and after (range = 9.50-46.09%). Conclusions: The trend of the SmO2 variables is to decrease after a muscle strength protocol. Studies are lacking that allow expanding the use of these devices during this type of training.DGI-University Andres Bello DI-6-20/CB

Evaluation of inbred lines, commercial materials, and two maize populations for aluminum tolerance

Avaliação da tolerância a Al (4,5 mg/l) de 39 linhagens, 98 materiais comerciais, 167 progênies de uma população IAC-Maya e de 466 progênies de uma população IAC-Taiuba de milho (Zea mays L), usando-se a técnica de solução nutritiva. Foram utilizados os seguintes índices: ICR (índice de crescimento da radícula), determinado através da multiplicação dos índices CRR  (comprimento relativo da radícula) e CRRSML (comprimento relativo da raiz secundária mais longa), e CLR (comprimento líquido da radícula) calculado pela diferença entre os valores de CR (comprimento da radícula) obtidos no inicio e fim do período de crescimento das plantas em presença de alumínio. Os índices CRR e CRRSML foram 4erivados da relação obtida entre os valores obtidos na presença e ausência de Al. As linhagens e as progênies da população IAC-Maya foram avaliadas através do ICR, enquanto os demais o foram pelo índice CLR. Os materiais controles foram IAC HS1227 (tolerante a Al) e IAC HS7777 (sensível a Al). O método de solução nutritiva foi eficiente na diferenciação da tolerância a Al dentre os materiais testados, evidenciando a ocorrência de ampla variabilidade genética para essa característica. As seguintes linhagens e materiais comerciais apresentaram tolerância ao Al (4,5 mg/l): Porto Rico 70.D.2, Ip 48-5-3, Ip 365-4-1, IA 2992-3-1-2-3, Viç 3-2-3-30-V-6,490,519, 532, 535-2 e 820 (linhagens) e AG 82, AG 260, AGROMEM 1022, ASGROW 1255, DINA 03 5, DINA 47, IAC Hmd 7974,SS 1243 e UNICAMP 720 (materiais comerciais).The evaluation of 39 inbred lines, 98 commercial materials, 167 progenies from, an IAC-Maya population, and 466 progenies from an IAC-Taiuba population of maize (Zea mays L.) for Al tolerance in nutrient solutions was carried out. The following root characteristics were use: CRI (growth radicle index), determined by multiplying RRL (relative radicle length) and RLLSR (relative length of the longest secondary root), and NRL (net radicle length) estimated by the difference between the measurements of RL (radicle length) obtained at the beginning and at the end of the growth period in Al-stressed nutrient solutions. Both indices RRL and RLLSR were determined by dividing the values obtained in solutions with and no added Al. The characteristic GRI was used to evaluate the inbred lines and the IAC-Maya populations, while NRL was used for the commercial materials. The control materials were IAC HS 1227 (Al tolerant) and IAC HS 7777 (Al susceptible). The nutrient solution technique was efficient to differentiate Al tolerance among the maize genotypes tested. A wide genetic variability was found regarding the Al tolerance trait among the maize genotypes tested. The following maize inbred lines and commercial materials were tolerant to Al (4,5 mg/l): Porto Rico 70.D.2, Ip 48-5-3, Ip 365-4-1, IA 2992-3-1-2-3, Viç 3-2-3-30-V-6, 490, 519, 532, 535-2, and 820 (inbred lines) and AG 82, AO 260, AGROMEM 1022, ASGROW 1255, DINA 03S, DINA 47, IAC Hmd 7974, SS 1243, and UNICAMP 720 (commercial materials)

Calcium-Looping performance of steel and blast furnace slags for thermochemical energy storage in concentrated solar power plants

The Calcium Looping (CaL) process, based on the carbonation/calcination of CaO, has been proposed as a feasible technology for Thermochemical Energy Storage (TCES) in Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants. The CaL process usually employs limestone as CaO precursor for its very low cost, non-toxicity, abundance and wide geographical distribution. However, the multicycle activity of limestone derived CaO under relevant CaL conditions for TCES in CSP plants can be severely limited by pore plugging. In this work, the alternative use of calcium-rich steel and blast furnace slags after treatment with acetic acid is investigated. A main observation is that the calcination temperature to regenerate the CaO is significantly reduced as compared to limestone. Furthermore, the multicycle activity of some of the slags tested at relevant CaL conditions for TCES remains high and stable if the treated samples are subjected to filtration. This process serves to remove silica grains, which helps decrease the porosity of the CaO resulting from calcination in the mesoporous range thus mitigating pore plugging.Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad CTQ2014-52763-C2-2-R, CTQ2014-52763-C2-1-

MÉTODO PARA O MONITORAMENTO DE PONTOS EM ÁREAS INSTÁVEIS

Several studies have been carried out aiming the characterization and validation of techniques for performing monitoring survey. Such interest is mainly due to the disasters occurred in the last years, where monitoring survey is one of the tools used to define the actions that need to be carried out to restore the stability and security conditions in the affected region. Taking this into account, in this article a methodology that can be used in the monitoring of unstable areas is presented. In such way, an experiment was accomplished through applying the concept of Reference Line Ratio Method - for corrections of the distances, and with the use of control points to verify with the Total Station the stability of the occupied reference points. It appears that the proposed method is feasible, because when you compare the obtained coordinates with the known ones, the differences were of the order of few millimeters. Therefore, for topographical surveys, the results can be considered satisfactory, since such differences are within the nominal accuracy of the equipment.Vários estudos estão sendo realizados com o intuito de caracterizar e validar técnicas de posicionamento para monitorar variações nas coordenadas de pontos de interesse. Parte disso se deve a grandes desastres acontecidos em áreas instáveis nos últimos anos, onde o posicionamento faz  parte das ferramentas utilizadas para priorizar as ações necessárias ao restabelecimento das condições de estabilidade e segurança. Diante disso, o que se propõe nesse artigo é apresentar um método de posicionamento que possa ser empregado no monitoramento de áreas instáveis. Para tanto, um experimento foi realizado aplicando-se o conceito de Método de Relação da Linha de Referência - para correções das distâncias, com o da utilização de pontos de controle para verificar a estabilidade de pontos de referência ocupados com a Estação Total. Pode-se verificar que o método proposto é viável, pois ao se comparar as coordenadas obtidas com a aplicação desse método com as conhecidas, as diferenças encontradas  foram da ordem de milímetros. Logo, para fins de levantamentos topográficos, os resultados  foram considerados satisfatórios, visto que tais diferenças encontram-se dentro da precisão nominal do equipamento