Recommendations for coastal planning and beach management in Caribbean insular states during and after the COVID19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has implications for coastal planning and management. Rules for isolation and physical distancing, among other measures for human life protection, have led to the closure of most beaches around the world. The present critical situation has raised the following question: How can some recommendations be designed in sun, sea, and sand tourism-dependent-insular countries to face “the COVID-19 new normality?” We used the content analysis technique to analyze representative publications on a global level to ascertain information on best management practices. A survey of 58 experts provided additional information. We used inferential statistics for sample selection and produced a list of 43 practices and beach planning and management actions to face the COVID-19 pandemic. This led to 27 new recommendations designed for beach planning and management within insular contexts, some of which were tested in the Republic of Cuba. Recommendations aim to guarantee a culture of safety and improvement within the field of beach or coastal planning and management. These recommendations should prove useful for other insular countries, during the COVID-19 period, in the new normality that follows, and in other post-pandemic scenarios

Caracterización química y cuantificación del rendimiento de extracción de pigmento en siete accesiones mexicanas de Bixa orellana

Achiote (Bixa orellana) is a plant used for obtaining a natural dye rich on carotenoids (mainly bixin and norbixin); it is also the plant species with the highest content of tocotrienols in nature. In the present work, the pigment extraction yield of seven Mexican accessions of Bixa orellana was quantified. Also color parameters and content of tocotrienols, tocopherols, norbixin, bixin, total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity were evaluated in the corresponding annatto extracts. The highest percentage of pigment extraction yield was obtained with KOH (4.84%). Accessions 43 (L*= 4.01 ± 0.79, C*= 7.33 ± 1.07, h= 25.76 ± 6.35) and 50 (L*= 3.17 ± 0.64, C*= 6.81 ± 0.53, h= 26.41 ± 4.41) had the lowest color values, meaning these accessions had a darker and redder color. Four accessions showed the highest content of bixin: accession 48 (3.1%), 45 (2.6%) 43 (2.4%) and 47 (2.2%). Accession 50 had showed the highest content of total phenolic compounds and of tocotrienols (T3), mainly the isoform δ-T3 (5.03 ± 0.64 mg g−1 Seed Dry Weight), as well as the highest antioxidant capacity.El achiote (Bixa orellana) es una planta utilizada para obtener un colorante natural rico en carotenoides (principalmente bixina y norbixina); además, es la especie vegetal con el mayor contenido de tocotrienoles. En este trabajo, se determinó el rendimiento de extracción de pigmento de siete accesiones mexicanas de Bixa orellana. También se evaluaron los parámetros de color y el contenido de tocotrienoles, tocoferoles, norbixina, bixina, compuestos fenólicos totales y la capacidad antioxidante en extractos de annato. El mayor porcentaje de rendimiento de extracción de pigmento fue obtenido con KOH (4.847905%). Las accesiones 43 (L*= 4.01 ± 0.79, C*= 7.33 ± 1.07, h= 25.76 ± 6.35) y 50 (L*= 3.17 ± 0.64, C*= 6.81 ± 0.53, h= 26.41 ± 4.41) presentaron los valores más bajos de los párametros de color, lo que significa que estas accesiones tuvieron un color más oscuro y más rojo. Cuatro accesiones mostraron el mayor contenido de bixina: accesión 48 (3.1%), 45 (2.6%) 43 (2.4%) and 47 (2.2%). La accession 50 mostró el mayor contenido de compuestos fenólicos totales y de tocotrienoles (T3), principalmente la isoforma δ-T3 (5.03 ± 0.64 mg g-1 Peso Seco), así como también la mayor capacidad antioxidante.Fil: Raddatz Mota, D.. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana; MéxicoFil: Pérez Flores, L. J.. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana; MéxicoFil: Carrari, Fernando Oscar. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Biotecnología; ArgentinaFil: Insani, Ester Marina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Biotecnología; ArgentinaFil: Asis, Ramón. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; ArgentinaFil: Mendoza Espinoza, J. A.. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; MéxicoFil: Díaz de León Sánchez, F.. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana; MéxicoFil: Rivera Cabrera, F.. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana; Méxic

3D model evolution of a leak based on GPR image interpretations

This paper presents some aspects of the time propagation of underground water leakage in controlled laboratory conditions using a drilled polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe and interpreting ground penetrating radar (GPR) images. GPR pre-processed images are interpreted for easy identification and extraction of surfaces and volumes of water leakage. Finally, the temporal evolution of a water leak is shown using 3D models based on interpretation of GPR images. Water volumes obtained using this approach can be easily observed by personnel who lack highly specialized training in the analysis of raw data. The results of this study are promising and can help develop techniques to validate non-destructive models for the identification, distribution, and prediction of water leaks in water supply systems using GPR.Part of this work has been developed under the support of an FPI (Formacion de Personal Investigador)-UPV (Universitat Politecnica de Valencia) scholarship granted to the second author by the Programa de Ayudas de Investigacion y Desarrollo (PAID) of the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, and the support of Fundacion Carolina PhD, within its short stances scholarship program for the first author. The use of English in this paper has been revised by John Rawlins.Ocana-Levario, S.; Ayala Cabrera, D.; Izquierdo Sebastián, J.; Pérez García, R. (2015). 3D model evolution of a leak based on GPR image interpretations. Water Science and Technology: Water Supply. 15(6):1312-1319. doi:10.2166/ws.2015.093S1312131915

Las playas de Tulum en la Riviera maya mexicana: caracterización y diagnóstico como base del manejo integrado costero

En el contexto del Programa Hacia la Certificación de la Calidad de las Playas de Tulum, que viene desarrollando la Unidad de Atención a Playas - Tulum, adscripta a la Fundación Orígenes de Quintana Roo (México), durante el primer trimestre del año 2008 se realizó un exhaustivo trabajo de campo que permitió actualizar la Caracterización general y el Diagnóstico físico-ambiental de este sector costero. En este trabajo se presenta una descripción sintetizada de los rasgos físicogeográficos de las playas y se identifican los principales problemas ambientales que las afectan actualmente, para finalmente esbozar los lineamientos generales que perrrútirán continuar avanzando hacia la conformación de un Programa de Manejo integrado costero y Certificación de las playas de Tulum.By the context of the "Programa Hacia la Certificación de la Calidad de las Playas de Tulum", which is developing by the "Unidad de Atención a Playas - Tulum" , attached to the "Fundación Orígenes de Quintana Roo" (Mexico), during the first quarter of 2008, was a comprehensive work allowing field upgrade a physical-environment characterization and diagnostics of this coastal sector. This paper presents a summary description of the physical-geographical features of the beaches and identifies the main environmental problems that affect them now, and finally outline the general guidelines that allow us to continue moving toward the establishment of an Integrated Coastal Management Program and Certification from the beaches of Tulum

Relationship between anthropometric parameters, physiological responses, routes and competition results in formula windsurfing

Formula windsurfing is faster than the Olympic version, due to anumber of unique differences. This study was designed to identify the importance of anthropometric and cardiac factors on the final result of the European Formula Windsurf Championships (2007). We selected 45 competitors (30 amateurs and 15 professionals) of 30±9.77 years of age, a height of 182.6±0.06 cm, a weight of 81.67±7.35 kg and a BMIof 24.7±2.1 kg. They were divided into three groups (PG: 15; TG: 45and GPSG: 12). We followed the recommendations of Carter and Marfell-Jones for the anthropometric measurements. The route, speed, distance and heart rate were recorded using an FRWD W600 GPS (Global Positioning System) unit. The anthropometric measurements indicate a professional profile with 2.3±0.4 endomorphy 5±0.8 mesomorphy and 2.4±0.6 ectomorphy. Arm span and fat mass show a significant (p≤0.02) and very significant (p≤0.005) correlation with the final classification. The average speed was 11.84±2.38 km·h–1, the heart rate varied from 128 to 180 b·min–1 and the average was 127.62±13.73 b·min–1. The distances covered (12784.77±5522.19 m) and the times used for the races (2049.3±989.68 s) were very variable. This will assist not only in initial selection for the sport, but also in the design of training programmes which further develop that morphology, where possible, in the pursuit of improved performance

Effects of Jatropha lubricant thermo-oxidation on the tribological behaviour of engine cylinder liners as measured by a reciprocating friction test

Bio-lubricants have emerged as a potential and viable way to replace, totally or partially, mineral oils due to their effectiveness in the boundary lubrication regime for different applications, including, automotive engine operation. However, the effect of thermo-oxidation caused by the long-term use of the bio-lubricants on their tribological properties has been scarcely analysed. In this work, the effect of thermo-oxidation of Jatropha oil (JO), an engine mineral oil (EMO) and a blend made up of 80%vol. EMO and 20%vol. JO (B20) on the tribological behaviour of a simulated piston ring/engine cylinder liner interface was studied in reciprocating friction tests at 26 and 100 °C. The oils were thermally oxidized and characterized in terms of carbonyl compounds, depletion of ZDDP additives, changes in kinematic viscosity and viscosity index. Friction coefficients, wear rates and scar morphologies were assessed. Thermo-oxidation resulted in significant viscosity increases in JO compared to EMO and B20. Also, it generated increased friction coefficients for JO and B20. However, they were lower than those for fresh and aged EMO. EMO increased the wear rate after thermo-oxidation in contrast to JO. Smearing was generated using most oil samples while severe scuffing was only produced by using fresh JO at 100 °C

The OTELO survey. A case study of [O III]4959,5007 emitters at <z> = 0.83

The OTELO survey is a very deep, blind exploration of a selected region of the Extended Groth Strip and is designed for finding emission-line sources (ELSs). The survey design, observations, data reduction, astrometry, and photometry, as well as the correlation with ancillary data used to obtain a final catalogue, including photo-z estimates and a preliminary selection of ELS, were described in a previous contribution. Here, we aim to determine the main properties and luminosity function (LF) of the [O III] ELS sample of OTELO as a scientific demonstration of its capabilities, advantages, and complementarity with respect to other surveys. The selection and analysis procedures of ELS candidates obtained using tunable filter (TF) pseudo-spectra are described. We performed simulations in the parameter space of the survey to obtain emission-line detection probabilities. Relevant characteristics of [O III] emitters and the LF([O III]), including the main selection biases and uncertainties, are presented. A total of 184 sources were confirmed as [O III] emitters at a mean redshift z=0.83. The minimum detectable line flux and equivalent width (EW) in this ELS sample are $\sim$5 $\times$ 10$^{-19}$ erg s$^{-1}$ cm$^{2}$ and $\sim$6 \AA, respectively. We are able to constrain the faint-end slope ($\alpha = -1.03\pm0.08$) of the observed LF([O III]) at z=0.83. This LF reaches values that are approximately ten times lower than those from other surveys. The vast majority (84\%) of the morphologically classified [O III] ELSs are disc-like sources, and 87\% of this sample is comprised of galaxies with stellar masses of M$_\star$ $<$ 10$^{10}$ M$_{\odot}$.Comment: v1: 16 pages, 6 figures. Accepted in Astronomy \& Astrophysics. v2: Author added in metadat

The coincidence and angular clustering of Chandra and SCUBA sources

NRC publication: N