Mulch materials in processing tomato: a multivariate approach.

Mulch materials of different origins have been introduced into the agricultural sector in recent years alternatively to the standard polyethylene due to its environmental impact. This study aimed to evaluate the multivariate response of mulch materials over three consecutive years in a processing tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.) crop in Central Spain. Two biodegradable plastic mulches (BD1, BD2), one oxo-biodegradable material (OB), two types of paper (PP1, PP2), and one barley straw cover (BS) were compared using two control treatments (standard black polyethylene [PE] and manual weed control [MW]). A total of 17 variables relating to yield, fruit quality, and weed control were investigated. Several multivariate statistical techniques were applied, including principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and discriminant analysis. A group of mulch materials comprised of OB and BD2 was found to be comparable to black polyethylene regarding all the variables considered. The weed control variables were found to be an important source of discrimination. The two paper mulches tested did not share the same treatment group membership in any case: PP2 presented a multivariate response more similar to the biodegradable plastics, while PP1 was more similar to BS and MW. Based on our multivariate approach, the materials OB and BD2 can be used as an effective, more environmentally friendly alternative to polyethylene mulches

Changing family models in Spain: the impact of the sociodemographic factors

Abstract During the last few decades, there has been an increasing international recognition of the studies related to the analysis of the family models change, the focus being the determinants of the female employment and the problems related to the work family balance (Lewis, 2001; Petit & Hook, 2005Saraceno, Crompton & Lyonette, 20062008; Pfau-Effinger, 2012). The majority of these studies have been focused on the analysis of the work-family balance problems as well as the effectiveness of the family and gender policies in order to encourage female employment (Korpi et al., 2013). In Spain, special attention has been given to the family policies implemented, the employability of women and on the role of the father in the family (Flaquer et al., 2015; Meil, 2015); however, there has been far less emphasis on the analysis of the family cultural models (González and Jurado, 2012; Crespi and Moreno, 2016). The purpose of this paper is to present some of the first results on the influence of the socio-demographic factors on the expectations and attitudes about the family models. This study offers an analytical reflection upon the foundation of the determinants of the family ambivalence in Spain from the cultural and the institutional dimension. This study shows the Spanish family models of preferences following the Pfau-Effinger (2004) classification of the famiy living arrangements. The reason for this study is twofold; on the one hand, there is confirmed the scarcity of studies that have focused their attention on this objective in Spain; on the other hand, the studies carried out in the international context have confirmed the analytical effectiveness of researching on the attitude and value changes to explain the meaning and trends of the family changes. There is also presented some preliminary results that have been obtained from the multinomial analysis related to the influence of the socio-demographic factors on the family model chosen by the individuals in Spain (father and mother working full time; mother part-time father full-time; mother not at work father full-time; mother and father part-time). 3 The database used has been the International Social Survey Programme: Family and Changing Gender Roles IV- ISSP 2012-. Spain is the only country of South Europe that has participated in the survey. For this reason it has been considered as a representative case study.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Producción de etanol a partir de biomasa lignocelulósica: estimación dinámica de parámetros con enfoque simultáneo

En este trabajo se lleva a cabo estimación de parámetros en modelos cinéticos correspondientes a las diferentes operaciones involucradas en la producción bioquímica de etanol lignocelulósico. El modelo resultante se representa con un sistema de ecuaciones algebraico-diferenciales (DAE), que incluye las principales variables del proceso. El problema de estimación de parámetros se resuelve mediante un enfoque simultáneo en el que el DAE se convierte en un sistema algebraico mediante la técnica de colocación ortogonal sobre elementos finitos. Así, estimar los parámetros del modelo implica minimizar una función objetivo de cuadrados mínimos ponderados sujeta a restricciones algebraicas. Los modelos cinéticos se pueden emplear en futuros trabajos de diseño y simulación de plantas productoras de etanol. En cada modelo se lograron ajustes satisfactorios de los datos experimentales obtenidos de bibliografía.Fil: Andersen, Federico Ezequiel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahía Blanca. Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química (i); Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur; ArgentinaFil: Moreno, Marta Susana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahía Blanca. Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química (i); Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur; ArgentinaFil: Diaz, Maria Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahía Blanca. Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química (i); Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur; Argentin

Envolvimento dos pais no TPC de matemática: desenvolvimento da comunicação matemática dos alunos

Dissertação de Mestrado em Didáctica da Matemática e das Ciências apresentada na Escola Superior de Educação do Instituto Politécnico de Viana do CasteloA aprendizagem da Matemática necessita que os alunos trabalhem de diversas formas tanto na escola como em casa. O TPC pode ser entendido como um meio de ajudar os alunos a reforçar e a desenvolver uma atitude positiva face à aprendizagem realizada (Cooper, 2001) e de aumentar o envolvimento da família nas aprendizagens escolares das suas crianças (Epstein, 2001; Paiva & Gaspar, 2005). A presente dissertação centra-se no estudo do envolvimento dos pais no TPC de matemática e no seu contributo para o desenvolvimento da comunicação matemática dos alunos. Para orientar o estudo definiram-se várias questões: a) como se carateriza o envolvimento dos pais participantes no TPC de matemática?, b) como se descreve e como evolui a comunicação matemática de alunos no início da escolaridade?, c) como se carateriza a motivação dos alunos quanto ao TPC de matemática proposto?, d) que dificuldades manifestam os alunos na resolução de tarefas matemáticas (TPC) e como é que se podem superar?, e) que apreciações fazem estes pais do seu envolvimento no TPC de matemática e que conceções manifestam sobre o ensino e aprendizagem da Matemática? O estudo realizado situa-se no paradigma de investigação qualitativa, optando-se pelo formato de estudo de caso longitudinal, tendo sido realizados três estudos de caso. Os participantes foram três alunas e as respetivas mães. Os dados foram recolhidos durante a frequência do 1º ano e 2º anos de escolaridade com recurso a tarefas, entrevistas semiestruturadas, observação participante, gravação áudio e análise documental. A análise dos dados permitiu evidenciar uma associação positiva entre o envolvimento parental e o desempenho académico das crianças. Registaram-se evoluções na qualidade da comunicação matemática de todas as alunas. As mães mostraram interesse e vontade em motivar as filhas para a resolução de tarefas matemáticas (TPC) e as alunas sentiram-se mais motivadas para o realizar com a contribuição do envolvimento das mães. As alunas manifestaram dificuldades na resolução dessas tarefas mas, ao longo do tempo, foram sendo superadas. Com este tipo de envolvimento, as mães reconheceram que construíram possibilidades das suas filhas aumentarem os seus saberes e competências matemáticas e admitiram que contribuíram e podem continuar a contribuir para o desenvolvimento da comunicação matemática das alunas, pretendendo continuar a envolver-se no TPC das suas filhas.Learning mathematics requires that students work in different ways both at school and at home. Homework can be understood as a means of helping students to strengthen and develop a positive attitude towards learning (Cooper, 2001) and to increase family involvement in their childrens’ school learning (Epstein, 2001; Paiva & Gaspar, 2005). This dissertation focuses on the study of parental involvement in math homework and its contribution to the development of students' mathematical communication. The following research questions were defined: a) how can be characterized the involvement of parents in the math homework?, b) how can be described and how evolves the mathematical communication of students at the beginning of school?, c) how can be characterized student’s motivation at the assigned math homework?, d) how did students overcome difficulties in solving mathematical tasks (homework)?, e) how did parents assessed their involvement in math homework and what are their perceptions about teaching and learning mathematics? Within a qualitative approach, the present study adopted a longitudinal case study methodology, having conducted three case studies. Participants were three students and their mothers. Data were collected during the 1st year and 2nd year of schooling, using tasks, interviews, participant observation, audio recording and document analysis. Data analysis evidenced a positive association between parental involvement and childrens’ academic performance. It was evidenced a positive evolution in the quality of mathematical communication for all students. The mothers expressed interest and willingness to motivate their children in solving mathematical tasks at homework, and students felt more motivated to perform with the contribution of their mothers’ involvement. Students expressed difficulties in solving these tasks, but they were overcome. Mothers recognized that this type of involvement enlarged the possibilities for their daughters to increase their mathematical knowledge and skills. They also admitted that they may have contributed and will continue to contribute to the development of students' mathematical communication, and were intending to continue engaging in their daughters’ homework

Projecte CLICK: creant vincles entre les tesines del Màster en Sostenibilitat de la UPC i la pràctica professional i social

El projecte CLICK neix de la col•laboració entre els/les alumnes del Màster en Sostenibilitat, professorat, el Centre per a la Sostenibilitat (CITIES) i l’Associació Barrinar cap a la Sostenibilitat. El Màster en Sostenibilitat de la UPC té com a objectiu formar professionals emprenedors i agents del canvi cap a la Sostenibilitat, amb capacitat per a dissenyar i avaluar solucions globals i sostenibles, de forma interdisciplinària i amb rigor científic i tècnic. El projecte CLICK pretén vincular les tesines de final de Màster amb la pràctica professional i social del sector associatiu i no governamental, de l'empresa privada i del sector públic, possibilitant que els estudiants contribueixin a la resolució de problemes reals de la comunitat oferint una pràctica professional, basant-se en els resultats de la seva recerca. Mitjançant la col•laboració dels alumnes i professorat, esperem crear i dinamitzar una plataforma d’interacció entre el Màster en Sostenibilitat de la UPC i el món professional, social i cultural, que ofereixi als alumnes la possibilitat d’aplicar els resultats de la recerca al món real, i que ofereixi als socis la resolució de problemes reals de la seva activitat. El projecte CLICK s’emmarca dins la concepció de la Universitat com a un servei públic d’educació superior que ha de rendir comptes a la societat que n’és receptora. Des d’aquesta visió, la Universitat no només imparteix coneixement sinó que esdevé un instrument de dinamització social i econòmica, al que li cal dotar-se de les eines necessàries per identificar i donar resposta a les necessitats socials.Peer Reviewe

Impact of the pandemic on seasonal agricultural of Mendoza

En este artículo proponemos analizar el impacto de la pandemia en el trabajo estacional agrícola retomando a Mendoza (Argentina) como caso de estudio, en la provincia la movilidad territorial para el trabajo estacional en la agricultura resulta una práctica que perdura desde mediados del siglo XX. Para alcanzar este objetivo procedemos a reconstruir el establecimiento del ASPO (“Aislamiento Social, Preventivo y Obligatorio”) y posteriormente DISPO (“Distanciamiento Social, Preventivo y Obligatorio”) en la actividad, considerando los protocolos y políticas implementadas; así como sus efectos sobre el heterogéneo conjunto de trabajadoras/es estacionales. La metodología adoptada se basa en una triangulación de fuentes que incluyen el seguimiento de la problemática en los medios de comunicación y redes sociales, la revisión de fuentes primarias y secundarias de investigación, la participación en conversatorios de especialistas abocados a estos temas, y entrevistas en profundidad. Los resultados apuntan a remarcar que aun cuando las/os trabajadoras/es migrantes se tornaron ‘esenciales’ durante la pandemia, las políticas implementadas se han dirigido a asegurar la disponibilidad de mano de obra sin considerar la histórica precariedad en las condiciones de trabajo.In this article we propose to analyze the impact of the pandemic on seasonal agricultural work, taking Mendoza (Argentina) as a case study. In the province, territorial mobility for seasonal work in agriculture is a practice that has persisted since the mid-20th century. In order to achieve this objective, we proceeded to reconstruct the process of establishing the ASPO (“Social isolation, Preventive and Obligatorio”) and later DISPO (“Social distance, Preventive and Obligatorio”) in the activity, considering the protocols and policies implemented; as well as its effects on the heterogeneous set of seasonal workers. The methodology adopted is based on a triangulation of sources including the follow-up of the problem in the media and social networks, the review of primary and secondary sources of research, the participation in conversation of specialists focused on these topics, and depth interviews. The results point out that even when migrant workers became 'indispensable / essential' during the pandemic, the policies implemented so far have been aimed at ensuring the availability of labor without considering the historical precariousness in working conditions.Fil: Moreno, Marta Silvia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Ciencias Humanas, Sociales y Ambientales; ArgentinaFil: Salatino, Maria Noelia. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Mendoza-San Juan. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria La Consulta; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza; Argentin

Produção e consumo de cerâmica islâmica em Lisboa: conclusões de um projecto de investigação

Peer reviewe

Stimulation of mycelial growth of pathogenic and seabed isolates of Fusarium oxysporum in presence of salts

Efecto de los contenidos de sal del medio en el crecimiento y viabilidad de aislados de F. oxysporu

Comparison of vaccination protocols against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae during the gilt acclimation period

This study evaluated different gilt vaccination protocols againstMycoplasma (M.) hyopneumoniaeat acclimationand their effect on the genetic diversity. A total of 180M. hyopneumoniaenaïve gilts were selected 1 week post-entry (wpe) at the acclimation barn in a clinically affectedM. hyopneumoniaefarm. Gilts were distributed ac-cording to theM. hyopneumoniaeantibodies levels into three different vaccination schedules: A) four doses of aM. hyopneumoniaecommercial vaccine at 2, 4, 6 and 8 wpe; B) two vaccine doses at 2 and 6 wpe and PBS at 4 and8 wpe; and C) four PBS doses at the same wpe. Detection ofM. hyopneumoniae(rt-PCR) and antibodies (ELISA)were assessed in gilts at 1, 14, 27 and 34 wpe and in 6 of their piglets at weaning. Rt-PCR positive gilts weredetected at 14 wpe, being the proportion significantly lower in groups A and B (3/120, 3%) than C (27/60, 45%).Seroconversion was detected at 14 wpe, showing significant differences in percentage of inhibition (PI) betweengroups A (median 4.9, range 3.1–19.9) and B (5.5, 3.7–13.5), and C (14.3, 3.3–53.2). Gilts remained seropositiveover the study and significant differences in PI were detected between groups A and B versus C. All piglets werert-PCR negative, but the proportion of seropositive piglets coming from vaccinated gilts was significantly higherthan the non-vaccinated group.M. hyopneumoniaecharacterization showed high variability. Hence, gilt vacci-nation with 2 or 4 doses significantly decreased the pathogen infectious pressure, variability, and provided highantibody levels to gilts and their offspring.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Relationship between Falls and the Use of Medications and Diseases in an Otago Exercise Programme in Old People Living in the Community in Spain

Background: Falls are a significant health problem among older adults, and can result in severe injuries, disability, and even death. In Spain, the prevalence of falls is lower if the person lives in the community than if they are institutionalized. Research has shown that exercise is an effective strategy for reducing the risk of falls among older adults. The objective of this study was to study the influence of a multicomponent exercise intervention on falls in people between 65 and 80 years of age despite the presence of diseases and drug use that are risk factors for falls. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study that focuses on people aged 65-80 who attended 21 primary healthcare centres. Target: Inclusion criteria were people between 65 and 80 years of age, living in the community with independent ambulation, and who were served by the healthcare centre of their region. Variables analysed: The number and characteristics of falls, sociodemographic, drug use, and previous diseases. Results: The drugs associated with falls are benzodiazepines (OR 2.58), vasodilators (OR = 2.51), and psychotropics (OR = 1.61). For one of the years, a relationship was found between the consumption of antidepressants and falls (OR = 1.83). The associated diseases were mental and behavioural (OR = 2.53). Discussion: The intervention has been related to the reduction in falls in people who consumed benzodiazepines, vasodilators, and psychotropics and in people with mental disorders. Conclusion: This research concludes the importance of the implementation of the Otago Exercise Programme in the prevention of falls in the elderly.This study was supported by the Health Research Fund PI16CIII/00031, ISCIII (Spanish Institute of Health Carlos III; grant number PI16/00821) and co-funded by ERDF “A way to make Europe”, the Region of Asturias PI16/00821, the Region of Murcia (CARM, FFIS17/AP/02/04), the Region of the Basque Country (2016111005) and the Carlos III Health Institute through the REDISSEC (RD12/0001/0016), RETICEF (RD12/0043/0006) and CIBERFES (CB16/10/00468). Open access was funded by the Official College of Nursing of the Principality of Asturias (CODEPA). The study protocol was previously published (Albornos-Muñoz et al., 2018) and registered on ClinicalTrials.org (NCT03320668).S