Estudio de la estabilidad estructural del suelo en relación con el complejo de cambio (comportamiento de algunos suelos característicos españoles)

Se ha tenido en cuenta la trascendencia del tema de la estructura, tanto desde el punto de vista edafogenético, en la formación y diferenciación de los horizontes, como agronómico por su influencia en las propiedades físicas de aireación y permeabilidad. Su estudio se ha abordado según un concepto dinámico, considerando tanto su morfología en campo cómo su carácter de estabilidad en condiciones de laboratorio. De la amplia bibliografía, se ha hecho una revisión crítica en el capítulo de antecedentes, haciendo una selección del gran número de trabajos extranjeros y de los escasos españoles. Del estudio de los antecedentes se llega a la conclusión de que a pesar del gran número de trabajos que existen, pocos han abordado el tema per se, y que éste tanto desde el punto de vista teórico como práctico es de gran trascendencia. El primer problema con que nos enfrentamos a la hora de estudiar la estabilidad estructural, es la metodología, un número inestimable de métodos tan grande cómo la imaginación de los investigadores y ninguno de ellos aceptado internacionalmente. Esto nos ha llevado a tener que hacer una selección, que creemos ecléctica, eligiendo tres métodos: la estabilidad de la estructura por el método de HENIN, difundido principalmente en Francia y países de su influencia cultural; la granulometría naturalmente dispersa, teniendo cómo base Soil Survey Laboratory Methods, aunque modificada de forma que se pudiera adaptar a una mayor tipificación; y la permeabilidad, considerando el coeficiente de proporcionalidad de Darcy (K) , es decir, la conductividad hidráulica de muestra alterada y saturada con carga de agua constante. Estos objetivos se han procurado cubrir, con el estudio experimental sobre algunos suelos característicos españoles, seleccionados entre varios estudiados, resultando elegidos los siguientes: Suelos de la Alcarria (Terra Rossa), "Rhodoxeralfs" y análogos; La Mancha (suelos de alto contenido calizo y cementación acentuada) "Xerochrepts" en general; Suelos sobre arcosas (Monte de El Pardo) "Haploxeralfs" y otros análogos; Campo Arañuelo "Palexeralfs"; suelos sobre raña, "Palexerults", Montes de Toledo; suelos yesíferos, "Gypsiorthids", en general en aluviones del río Cigüela; y salino-alcalinos con tendencia vértica (Marismas del Guadalete) "Camborthids" y "Salorthids" en general. Estas tres metodologías han sido puestas a punto y comprobadas, obteniéndose las causas de error más importantes y se han aplicado a los citados suelos españoles de distinta naturaleza y propiedades físicas y químicas; estableciéndose su aplicación y sus limitaciones. Por otra parte, se ha realizado un estudio estadístico entre los distintos coeficientes de estabilidad de dichas metodologías y las propiedades físicas, químicas y físico-químicas intentando llegar a establecer, cuáles son las propiedades que mayor influencia tienen en la estabilidad estructural. Dada la importancia agronómica de la práctica de encalado en suelos ácidos y dado el escaso número de trabajos sobre su influencia en las propiedades físicas, una vez realizada la caracterización de la estabilidad se ha realizado una serie de ensayos en laboratorio para modificar dicha propiedad con una serie de productos enmendantes entre los que se han seleccionado: cementos portland, polvos de electrofiltro, caliza, yeso, y espumas de azucarería. También se ha llevado a cabo un ensayo de invernadero para poder establecer el efecto de dichos materiales en la productividad a través del peso en materia fresca, seca, y superficie foliar. SUMMARY Considering the importance of soil structure, in the formation and differenciation of soil horizons in a pedogenetic point of view, and in an agronomic sence due to its influence on physical properties, aireation and permability, the study has been carried on as a dynamic concept taking in account its field morphology, and its stability under laboratory conditions. Due to the extensive bibliography, a crytical revision of the numerous woks abroad and the few spanish ones has been done. Of this preliminar study we get to the conclusion that although the numerous works, few have treated the subject "per se". And one of the first problems which appears, is the methodology, an inestimable amount and none accepted internationally. Because of this, we have been oblige to choose, we think in an eclectic way, selecting three methods: the method of aggregate analysis from Henin, the naturally dispersed textural components, based on Soil Survey Laboratory Methods modified in order to fullfil a better standarization, and the permeability, obtaining the proportional coefficient of the hydraulic conductivity of Darcy, in altered samples with a constant water flow. In order to fullfil the objectives of this work, the experimental study of some spanish charactheristic soils, selected between some studied were choosen: Soils from La Alcarria, (Terra Rossa), "Rhodoxerals" and similar. Soils from La Mancha, (rich in lime, and some indurated) , "Xerochrepts" in general. Arkosic soils from Monte de El Pardo, "Haploxeralfs" and similar, as well as a "Palexeralfs" from Campo Arañuelo. Soils from Raña geomorphic formations, from Los Montes de Toledo, "Palexerults". Gypsiferous soils from fluvial deposits of the Cigüela river basin, "Gypsiorthids". Saline-alcaline soils with vertic tendency, from the Marismas of the Guadalete river, "Camborthids" and "Salorthids" in general. The three methodologies have been related, and applied to the above mentioned spanish soils, stablishing their application and limitations. An statistical study, in order to relate the stability coefficients obtained from the methods and the physico-chemical properties, has been carried out, so as to determine which of properties most influence the structure stability. Taking in consideration the importance of the agronomic practice of "liming", and the few works about its influence on physical properties, some laboratory experiments has been stablish in order to forseek its inluence on stability; using the following ammendements: Portland cements, electrophyltric powder, lime, gypsum, and lime from sugar factory. Together with this, a greenhouse experiment has been stablished to study its influence on productivity

Wetting-drying cycles effect on persistence of a natural mucilage, iron chloride and alum as structuring materials

Organic matter as well as iron and aluminium are determinant on formation and stability of soils´ microaggregates and peds. The functional groups of synthetic flocculating conditioners materials like PAM, are similar to those of natural polymers found on soil organic matter which release H+ and leave negative charges exposed (Bouranis et al., 1995). Henríquez et al. (2000) studied the effect of the mucilage extracted from cactaceae plants on soils hydraulic conductivity (HC), depth of surface applied water penetration (WP) and concentration of suspended particles (CSP). All treatments increased HC and WP and reduced CSP

Effects on suspensions dispersed particles & water purification produced by Cardon Dato mucilage, Iron Chloride, alum, and their combinations

Pressure to use dispersive soils has increased worldwide, soil conservation against erosion is crucial and water contamination by eroded materials is a relevant problem. Organic and inorganic conditioners reduce soils’ particles dispersion, improve soils´ structure and permeability, and reduce water sources contamination. The effects of a Cardon Dato (Stenocereus griseus (Haw.) F. Buxb) mucilage (CD), FeCl3.6H2O and AlCl3.6H2O, on flocculating suspensions and arrangement of suspended particles from a Spain kaolin were comparatively studied

Archaeological History of a Fijian Island: Moturiki, Lomaiviti Group

Moturiki is one of the high islands in the Lomaiviti Group, central Fiji. In this article we present exhaustive empirical information on archaeological survey and test pit excavations carried out in 2008 and 2010. An interesting archaeological landscape emerged, with 89 archaeological sites found on Moturiki and neighboring islands Yanuca Levu, Leleuvia, and Caqalai. The sites include ring-ditch villages, terraced villages, isolated house mounds (yavus), and burial sites. Results from one of the test pits on the southeast of the island indicate possible landscape changes in the last millennium, since the ancient coastline is currently buried at around 1 m below the surface. This lowland area has therefore received large amounts of sediment from higher areas, a likely result of human activity. We also documented remains from a previously recorded Lapita site in the island. Overall, a shift in the settlement patterns from the coast, to the interior areas, back to the coast, has been documented. This shift, taking place on extremely small islands, can hardly be explained by environmental changes. The article puts together our findings and hypothesis, as well as providing the emphasis of our methodological approach

Detoxification of azo dyes by a novel pH-versatile, salt-resistant laccase from Streptomyces ipomoea

A newly identified extracellular laccase produced by Streptomyces ipomoea CECT 3341 (SilA) was cloned and overexpressed, and its physicochemical characteristics assessed together with its capability to decolorize and detoxify an azotype dye. Molecular analysis of the deduced sequence revealed that SilA contains a TAT-type signal peptide at the N-terminus and only two cupredoxine domains; this is consistent with reports describing two other Streptomyces laccases but contrasts with most laccases, which contain three cupredoxine domains. The heterologous expression and purification of SilA revealed that the homodimer is the only active form of the enzyme. Its stability at high pH and temperature, together with its resistance to high concentrations of NaCl and to typical laccase inhibitors such as sodium azide confirmed the unique properties of this novel laccase. The range of substrates that SilA is able to oxidize was found to be pH-dependent; at alkaline pH, SilA oxidized a wide range of phenolic compounds, including the syringyl and guayacil moieties derived from lignin. The oxidative potential of this enzyme to use phenolic compounds as natural redox mediators was shown through the coordinated action of SilA and acetosyringone (as mediator), which resulted in the complete detoxification of the azo-type dye Orange II.This work was financially supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science (CICYT Project CTQ2004-0344/PPQ to MEA and BFU 2006-00972/BMC to JMD). We thank the Autonomous Government of Madrid and the University of Alcalá for the fellowship awarded to R.M

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in heart failure and serum sodium levels

Aims: To determine whether there are differences in blood pressure profile on dynamic assessment by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) according to serum sodium levels in stable heart failure patients.Methods: Data were collected from the Spanish National Registry on Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Heart Failure (DICUMAP). Patients underwent ABPM by the oscillometric principle using a Spacelabs 90121 monitor. The sample was divided into three groups according to sodium levels and their clinical and laboratory data and echocardiographic findings were analyzed. Robust statistical methods were used to compare the groups in univariate and multivariate models.Results: A total of 175 patients (44.57% male) were analyzed. We found a predominance of anomalous circadian blood pressure profiles in all three groups, with a significantly higher percentage of risers in the lowest serum sodium group (p=0.05). In addition, in this group there were significant differences in mean 24-hour systolic blood pressure (SBP) (24-h SBP, p=0.05) and in mean daytime SBP (dSBP, p=0.008), with significant differences in nocturnal fall in SBP (p=0.05) and in diastolic blood pressure (p=0.005). In multivariate analysis a significant relationship was found between sodium levels and 24-h SBP (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.99, p=0.01) and dSBP (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.99, p=0.004).Conclusion: A relationship was found between lower sodium levels and lower systolic blood pressure, especially during waking hours, with a lower decline between daytime and night-timeblood pressure

Risk analysis for patient safety in surgical departments: Cross-sectional design usefulness

(1) Background: Identifying and measuring adverse events (AE) is a priority for patient safety, which allows us to define and prioritise areas for improvement and evaluate and develop solutions to improve health care quality. The aim of this work was to determine the prevalence of AEs in surgical and medical-surgical departments and to know the health impact of these AEs. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study determining the prevalence of AEs in surgical and medical-surgical departments was conducted and a comparison was made among both clinical areas. A total of 5228 patients were admitted in 58 hospitals in Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Peru, within the Latin American Study of Adverse Events (IBEAS), led by the Spanish Ministry of Health, the Pan American Health Organization, and the WHO Patient Safety programme. (3) Results: The global prevalence of AEs was 10.7%. However, the prevalence of AEs in surgical departments was 11.9%, while in medical-surgical departments it was 8.9%. The causes of these AEs were associated with surgical procedures (38.6%) and nosocomial infections (35.4%). About 60.6% of the AEs extended hospital stays by 30.7 days on average and 25.8% led to readmission with an average hospitalisation of 15 days. About 22.4% resulted in death, disability, or surgical reintervention. (4) Conclusions: Surgical departments were associated with a higher risk of experiencing AEs

Implantación de metodologías de aprendizaje y evaluación continua en la docencia de la Edafología en el ámbito de la ingeniería agronómica

[SPA] El objetivo fundamental de este trabajo es la evaluación de la implantación de metodologías de enseñanza-aprendizaje en la materia de Edafología en diferentes grados del ámbito agronómico y analizar los resultados académicos obtenidos en cada uno de los grados. El Grupo de Innovación edu-SOIL (UPM) aprovechando los recursos de las TIC, con materiales interactivos de consulta y apoyo de Webquest para elaborar un trabajo de curso, ha establecido un proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje acorde con los sistemas metodológicos previstos en el EEES. Se presentan en el trabajo, además de una breve recopilación de la metodología aplicada, la evolución de las tasas de eficiencia y éxito a lo largo de 2-3 años desde la implantación de los planes de estudio. Se pone de manifiesto la influencia de la estructura de cada plan de estudios en los resultados alcanzados así como la influencia del número de ECTS en la impartición de la materia. [ENG] The main objective of this study was to evaluate the implementation of teaching-learning methodologies in the field of Soil Science in different degrees of the agronomic ambits and to analyze the results obtained in each degree. The edu-SOIL Innovation Group (UPM) taking advantage of TIC resources, using interactive course material and using a Webquest for a class project has established a process of teaching and learning in line with the methodological systems under the European system. This work presents a brief description of the methodology used along with the evolution of efficiency and success rates over 2-3 years since the implementation of the curriculum. The study shows the influence of the structure of each curriculum in the results achieved and also the effect of the number of ECTS in teaching the subject

Revista de Vertebrados de la Estación Biológica de Doñana

Página 298 con error de impresiónEstudio cariológico en dos especies de Serránidos del Mediterráneo (Peces: PerciformesRelaciones morfométricas de Atherina boyeri Risso (Pisces: Atherinidae) de la laguna de Zoñar (Córdoba, España)Contribución al conocimiento de la biometríay osteología de Barbus barbus bocagei, Steindachner, 1866 (Pisces: CyprinidaeLa actividad de la salamandra, Salamandra salamandra (L.), en Galicia.Estudios sobre el sapo corredor (Bufo calamita) en el Sur de España.1. BiometríaEstudios sobre el sapo corredor (Bufo calamita) en el Sur de España. II. AlimentaciónBiología de la reproducción de Rana iberica Boulenger 1879 en zonas simpátridas con Rana temporaria Linneo, 1758Nuevos datos sobre la distribución geográfica de Lacerta monticola cantabrica Mertens, 1929. (Sauria, lacertidae).Datos sobre Lacerta monticola Boulenger, 1905 (Saurio: lacertidae)en el oeste del Sistema Central.Nueva especie de Anolis (lacertilia, Iguanidae) para CubaEtograma cuantificado del cortejo en Falco naumannOntogénesis del comportamiento predador en Falco naumanniContaminación xenobiótica del Parque Nacional de Doñana. 1. Residuos de insecticidas organoclorados, bifenilos policlorados y mercurio en anseriformes y gruiformesReproducción del críalo (Clamator glandarius) en Sierra Morena CentraNidificación de Picus viridis en taludes de arcilla en Ramblas de Guadix (Granada)Comportamiento del calamón Porphyrio porphyrio (Linnaeus, 1758) en Doñana, Marismas del GuadalquiviBiología y ecología de la malvasía (Oxyura leucocephala) en Andalucía.On the differential diet of Carnivora in islands:a method for analysing it and a particular case.Notas sobre la distribución pasada y actual del meloncillo Herpestes ichneumon (L.) en la Península IbéricaEstructuración de las interacciones en una camada de lobos (Canís lupus)Nuevos datos sobre la distribución del Cottus gobio L. (pisces, cottidae) en EspañaSobre la alimentación de Callopistes maculatus (Reptilia,teiidaeObservación de Lacerta lepida depredando un nido de Alectoris rufaNueva cita del galápago leproso Mauremys leprosa (Scheigger, 1812) en los pirineosPrimera cita de Psammodromus hispanicus (Fitzinger) para GaliciaSobre la presencia de Gallotia (=Lacerta) atlantica (Peters y Doria, 1882) en Gran CanariaNota sobre las Lacerta monticola Boulenger, 1905 de las zonas del norte de GaliciaPrimeras notas herpetológicas de la provincia de Soria.Datos sobre selección de hábitat y ecología alimenticia del porrón pardo (Aythya nyroca)Probable nueva área de cría del pechiazul (Luscinia svecica cyanecula) en el sistema central. PerisPredación de Falco peregrinus y Falco subbuteo sobre quirópterosResultados de la producción de Oxyura leucocephala en el año 1981 en las lagunas de Zóñar y el rincónAnálisis de la dieta de Tyto alba en un medio árido antropógeno de los alrededores de Almería¿Son Eudocimus ruber y E. albus distintas especies?EL Estornino pinto (Sturnus vulgaris) en Canarias: nueva especie nidifiante en el archipiélagoDatos sobre la alimentación otoñal del cárabo (Strix aluco) en la sierra de CádizObservación primaveral de rapaces y otras aves en el páramo del estado de Mérida (Venezuela).Murciélago hematófago (Desmodus rotundus) parasitando a un chigüire (Hidrochoerus hydrochaeris)Observaciones sobre la reproducción del zacatuche o teporinho Romerolagus diazi (Mammalia: lagomorpha)Estudio electroforético de hemoglobinas y esterasas sanguíneas en Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Chiroptera: rhinolophidae) y de hemoglobinas en Tadaria taeniotis (chiroptera: molossidae)Peer reviewe

Fostering English-taught higher education programs in a Spanish university: the "TechEnglish" innovative project

In recent years, coinciding with adjustments to the Bologna process, many European universities have attempted to improve their international profile by increasing course offerings in English. According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), Spain has notably increased its English-taught higher education programs, ranking fifth in the list of European countries by number of English-taught Master's programs in 2013. This article presents the goals and preliminary results of an on-going innovative education project (TechEnglish) that aims to promote course offerings in English at the Technical University of Madrid (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, UPM). The UPM is the oldest and largest of all Technical Universities in Spain. It offers graduate and postgraduate programs that cover all the engineering disciplines as well as architecture. Currently, the UPM has no specific bilingual/multilingual program to promote teaching in English, although there is an Educational Model Whitepaper (with a focus on undergraduate degrees) that promotes the development of activities like an International Semester or a unique shared curriculum. The TechEnglish project is an attempt to foster courses taught in English at 7 UPM Technical Schools, including students and 80 faculty members. Four tasks were identified: (1) to design a university wide framework to increase course offerings, (2) to identify administrative difficulties, (3) to increase visibility of courses offered, and (4) to disseminate the results of the project. First, to design a program we analyzed existing programs at other Spanish universities, and other projects and efforts already under way at the UPM. A total of 13 plans were analyzed and classified according to their relation with students (learning), professors (teaching), administration, course offerings, other actors/institutions within the university (e.g., language departments), funds and projects, dissemination activities, mobility plans and quality control. Second, to begin to identify administrative and organizational difficulties in the implementation of teaching in English, we first estimated the current and potential course offerings at the undergraduate level at the UPM using a survey (student, teacher and administrative demand, level of English and willingness to work in English). Third, to make the course offerings more attractive for both Spanish and international students we examined the way the most prestigious universities in Spain and in Europe try to improve the visibility of their academic offerings in English. Finally, to disseminate the results of the project we created a web page and a workspace on the Moodle education platform and prepared conferences and workshops within the UPM. Preliminary results show that increasing course offerings in English is an important step to promote the internationalization of the University. The main difficulties identified at the UPM were related to how to acknowledge/certify the departments, teachers or students involved in English courses, how students should register for the courses, how departments should split and schedule the courses (Spanish and English), and the lack of qualified personnel. A concerted effort could be made to increase the visibility of English-taught programs offered on-line