Influence of Di erent Sieving Methods on Estimation of Sand Size Parameters

Sieving is one of the most used operational methods to determine sand size parameters which are essential to analyze coastal dynamics. However, the influence of hand versus mechanical shaking methods has not yet been studied. Herein, samples were taken from inside the hopper of a trailing suction dredger and sieved by hand with sieves of 10 and 20 cm diameters on board the dredger. Afterwards, these same samples were sieved with a mechanical shaker in the laboratory on land. The results showed di erences for the main size parameters D50, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis. Amongst the main results, it should be noted that the highest values for D50 and kurtosis were given by the small sieves method. On the other hand, the lowest values were given by the mechanical shaker method in the laboratory. Furthermore, standard deviation and skewness did not seem to be a ected by the sieving method which means that all the grainsize distribution was shifted but the shape remained unchanged. The few samples that do not follow these patterns have a higher percentage of shells. Finally and definitely, the small sieves should be rejected as a sieving method aboard

Mechanisms of Action of Non-Canonical ECF Sigma Factors

Extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factors are subunits of the RNA polymerase specialized in activating the transcription of a subset of genes responding to a specific environmental condition. The signal-transduction pathways where they participate can be activated by diverse mechanisms. The most common mechanism involves the action of a membrane-bound anti-sigma factor, which sequesters the ECF sigma factor, and releases it after the stimulus is sensed. However, despite most of these systems following this canonical regulation, there are many ECF sigma factors exhibiting a non-canonical regulatory mechanism. In this review, we aim to provide an updated and comprehensive view of the different activation mechanisms known for non-canonical ECF sigma factors, detailing their inclusion to the different phylogenetic groups and describing the mechanisms of regulation of some of their representative members such as EcfG from Rhodobacter sphaeroides, showing a partner-switch mechanism; EcfP from Vibrio parahaemolyticus, with a phosphorylation-dependent mechanism; or CorE from Myxococcus xanthus, regulated by a metal-sensing C-terminal extension.Spanish Government (PID2020-112634GB-I00)FEDER funds (grant A-BIO-126-UGR20

Development versus predation: Transcriptomic changes during the lifecycle of Myxococcus xanthus

Myxococcus xanthus is a multicellular bacterium with a complex lifecycle. It is a soil-dwelling predator that preys on a wide variety of microorganisms by using a group and collaborative epibiotic strategy. In the absence of nutrients this myxobacterium enters in a unique developmental program by using sophisticated and complex regulatory systems where more than 1,400 genes are transcriptional regulated to guide the community to aggregate into macroscopic fruiting bodies filled of environmentally resistant myxospores. Herein, we analyze the predatosome of M. xanthus, that is, the transcriptomic changes that the predator undergoes when encounters a prey. This study has been carried out using as a prey Sinorhizobium meliloti, a nitrogen fixing bacteria very important for the fertility of soils. The transcriptional changes include upregulation of genes that help the cells to detect, kill, lyse, and consume the prey, but also downregulation of genes not required for the predatory process. Our results have shown that, as expected, many genes encoding hydrolytic enzymes and enzymes involved in biosynthesis of secondary metabolites increase their expression levels. Moreover, it has been found that the predator modifies its lipid composition and overproduces siderophores to take up iron. Comparison with developmental transcriptome reveals that M. xanthus downregulates the expression of a significant number of genes coding for regulatory elements, many of which have been demonstrated to be key elements during development. This study shows for the first time a global view of the M. xanthus lifecycle from a transcriptome perspective.Grant PID2020-112634GB-I0 funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033FEDER funds (grant A-BIO-126-UGR20

Sexually Selected Egg Coloration in Spotless Starlings

It has been recently proposed that the blue-green coloration in eggs of many avian species may constitute a sexually selected female signal. Blue-green color intensity would reflect the physiological condition of females, and hence it might also affect the allocation of male parental care. In this study, we use three different experimental approaches to explore the importance of sexual selection on blue-green egg coloration of spotless starling (Sturnus unicolor) eggs. First, experimental deterioration of female body condition (by means of wing feather removal) negatively affected the intensity of blue-green egg coloration. Second, blue-green color intensity of artificial model eggs had a significant positive influence on paternal feeding effort. Finally, we found a negative relationship between the effect of experimental food supply on nestling immunocompetence and the intensity of blue-green coloration of eggs, suggesting that egg color predicts nutritional conditions that nestlings will experience during development. All these results taken together strongly support a role of sexual selection in the blue-green coloration of spotless starling eggs.This research was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science and the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER; CGL2004-01777/BOS).Peer reviewe

Humanos ∞ Robots en Marte: exploración y re-trazos del tiempo y el espacio interplanetario

This paper addresses some dimensions of the relationship humans∞robots in the exploration of outer space from the scientific-technological experience of the mission to Mars by NASA’s Martian Explorer Rovers (MER) robots (2004-2018). The work, based on socio-anthropological research on this mission on Martian terrain, traces the evolution of scientific interest in Mars observation, the scientific and technological challenges in the design of MERs, the operational dilemmas and problems (mobility, imaging, telecommunication) on the surface of the red planet, and the challenges of time synchronization for space research from Earth. Finally, we outline some paths and learnings that emerge from this experience for future Latin American space exploration.Este trabajo aborda algunas dimensiones de la relación humanos∞robots en la exploración del espacio exterior a partir de la experiencia científico-tecnológica de la misión a Marte por los robots Martian Explorer Rovers (MER) de la NASA (2004-2018). La reflexión, basada en las investigaciones socioantropológicas sobre esta misión en terreno marciano, traza la evolución del interés científico por la observación de Marte, los desafíos científicos y tecnológicos en el diseño de los MER, los dilemas y problemas operativos (movilidad, imágenes, telecomunicación) en la superficie del planeta rojo y los retos de la sincronización temporal para la investigación espacial desde la Tierra. Por último, se esbozan algunos caminos y aprendizajes que emergen de esta experiencia para la futura exploración espacial latinoamericana

Effect of sit-to-stand-based training on muscle quality in sedentary adults: a randomized controlled trial

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of sit-to-stand (STS) training programs with 5 vs. 10 repetitions on muscle architecture and muscle function in sedentary adults. Sixty participants were randomly assigned into three groups: five-repetition STS (5STS), 10-repetition STS (10STS), or a control group (CG). Participants performed three sets of five or 10 repetitions of the STS exercise three times per week for 8 weeks. Before and after 8 weeks, all groups performed ultrasound measures to evaluate muscle thickness (MT), pennation angle (PA), and fascicle length (FL), and the five-repetition STS test to estimate the relative STS power and muscle quality index (MQI). After 8 weeks, both experimental groups improved MQI (40–45%), relative STS power (29–38%), and MT (8–9%) (all p < 0.001; no differences between the 5STS vs. 10STS groups). These improvements in both groups resulted in differences regarding the CG, which did not present any change. In addition, only the 5STS group improved PA (15%; p = 0.008) without differences to the 10STS and CG.This suggests that STS training is time-effective and low-cost for improving muscle function and generating adaptations in muscle architectureRecualificación del Profesorado Universitario. Modalidad Margarita Salas”, Universidad de Granada/ Ministerio de Universidades y Fondos Next Generation de la Unión Europe

¿Cambia mucho el tamaño de grano obtenido mediante tamizado manual frente al mecánico?

Los procesos erosivos en el litoral, junto con la importancia económica del turismo (Houston, 2008), hacen que las realimentaciones periódicas de nuestras playas sean sumamente frecuentes. Y el tamaño de la arena es uno de los más importantes parámetros a la hora proyectar este tipo de obras. La media o la desviación típica del tamaño de grano son imprescindibles para comprobar si la arena de préstamo (terrestre o sumergida) es adecuada para sustituir a la transportada previamente por el mar (Pranzini et al., 2018). Además, el conocimiento de la distribución granulométrica del sedimento hace posible prever la reacción del perfil transversal ante una tormenta (Larson y Kraus, 1991), o calcular la cantidad necesaria de arena para abordar una regeneración (USACE, 2002). Por otra parte, a la hora de tomar decisiones sobre la zona de vertido de una cántara llena de arena, el gestor precisa conocer los parámetros antes mencionados de manera casi inmediata. Eso significa que los análisis del sedimento deben efectuarse a bordo de la draga, mientras se desplaza de la zona de préstamo hacia la costa a regenerar. Sin embargo, debido a la habitual escasez de espacio, a la ausencia de un laboratorio adecuado y al no siempre fiable suministro eléctrico, los tamizados deben hacerse a mano. Ya se ha estudiado la influencia del tiempo de tamizado a la hora de analizar la distribución granulométrica de una arena de playa o de duna (Roman-Sierra et al., 2013). Sin embargo, hasta este momento no se ha analizado la posible diferencia en la media y la desviación típica de una arena tamizada de manera manual a bordo de una draga frente a una tamizadora mecánica en un laboratorio en tierra. Asímismo, para ahorrar espacio y esfuerzo físico, a bordo de la draga suelen usarse tamices de 10 cm de diámetro frente a los más habituales de 20 cm en laboratorio. Para dar respuesta a estas preguntas, se aprovechó una regeneración efectuada en Cádiz en el año 2017 para efectuar una serie de pruebas a bordo de la draga Njord. Los extrapolables y más que útiles resultados, así como la influencia y consecuencias que tienen las diferencias observadas en la dirección de obras de regeneración de playas, se expondrán durante la presentación oral

Aspectos de la reproducción de la merluza (Merluccius merluccius L) de la plataforma gallega y cantábrica

En este estudio, que abarca el periodo de abril de 1980 a junio de 1982, se presentan datos sobre aspectos reproductivos de la merluza en aguas de la plataforma gallega y cantábrica (zonas VIIIc y IXa del ICES). Así se obtiene la talla de primera maduración para machos y hembras, se localiza la epoca de puesta, se aportan datos sobre el desarrollo de los ovocitos y la mecánica de la puesta, así como la fecundidad individual y el porcentaje de sexos.This paper was realized during the period April 1980 - June 1982 and provides data about reproductive aspects of hake in Galician and Cantabric shelf (Divisions VIIIc and IXa). The length at first maturation for male and female and the spawning period were determined. Data about the oocytes development and the spawning process were presented. Data about fecundity and sex-ratio were also given.Versión del editor0,000

How to build a brand-oriented family firm: The impact of socioemotional wealth (SEW) dimensions

Producción CientíficaLiterature has recently increased its attention on brand management in family firms. Blurring boundaries between family and business, divergent interests of family and non-family members, or a peculiar strategic decision-making framework in which the family’s socioemotional wealth (SEW) may be prioritized make brand management particularly complex. We contribute to the literature through a pioneering study of the benefits of brand orientation for family firm performance, and by examining how the different SEW dimensions drive the adoption of a brand-oriented culture in this kind of firm. Empirical findings from a representative sample of 120 Chilean family firms reveal the positive impact on brand orientation of binding social ties, renewal of family bonds, and identification with the family firm, and confirm that brand orientation enhances performance. Brand orientation thus emerges as a key, yet hitherto neglected, mediating factor to reconcile SEW preservation with economic performance, which entails relevant theoretical and managerial implications.Junta de Castilla y León - FEDER [VA219P20]Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad [PID2021-123004NB-I00

LA AUSENCIA DE INFORMACIÓN EN LOS PROCESOS DE MANTENIMIENTO COMO PRINCIPAL FACTOR QUE IMPIDE LA TOMA DE DECISIONES EN LA EMPRESA SODINLEC EN LOS AÑOS 2018 Y 2019.

El proyecto desarrollado como proyecto de grado de la Especialización en Gestión de Proyectos denominado “LA AUSENCIA DE INFORMACIÓN EN LOS PROCESOS DE MANTENIMIENTO COMO PRINCIPAL FACTOR QUE IMPIDE LA TOMA DE DECISIONES EN LA EMPRESA SODINLEC EN LOS AÑOS 2018 Y 2019”. El principal objetivo es analizar la importancia de la disponibilidad de la información en los procesos operativos de mantenimiento en redes eléctricas ofrecidos por la empresa Sodinlec Ltda, para la toma oportuna de decisiones que apoye y promueva el proceso de mejora continua de la compañía, identificando el impacto negativo que causa la ausencia de datos para la medición de la calidad y eficiencia en la realización de las actividades asociadas a los servicios prestados.This project development as degree of specialization in project management called “THE ABSENCE OF THE INFORMATION IN THE PROCESS OF MAINTENANCE WITH PRINCIPAL FACTOR WHAT DO NOT LEFT TO TAKE THE DECISIONS IN THE COMPANY SODINLEC BETWEN THE YEARS 2018 – 2019”. The principal objective is analyze the importance of the information available in the operator process of maintenance of electrical networks to offer for the company SODINLEC LTDA, for the opportunity take decisions what support and promoted the continuous improvement process of the company, identify the negative impact what cause of the absence of the data for measurement of the quality and efficiency in the realization the activities associated to the services provided