On-The-Go VIS plus SW - NIR Spectroscopy as a Reliable Monitoring Tool for Grape Composition within the Vineyard

Visible-Short Wave Near Infrared (VIS + SW - NIR) spectroscopy is a real alternative to break down the next barrier in precision viticulture allowing a reliable monitoring of grape composition within the vineyard to facilitate the decision-making process dealing with grape quality sorting and harvest scheduling, for example. On-the-go spectral measurements of grape clusters were acquired in the field using a VIS + SW - NIR spectrometer, operating in the 570-990 nm spectral range, from a motorized platform moving at 5 km/h. Spectral measurements were acquired along four dates during grape ripening in 2017 on the east side of the canopy, which had been partially defoliated at cluster closure. Over the whole measuring season, a total of 144 experimental blocks were monitored, sampled and their fruit analyzed for total soluble solids (TSS), anthocyanin and total polyphenols concentrations using standard, wet chemistry reference methods. Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression was used as the algorithm for training the grape composition parameters' prediction models. The best cross-validation and external validation (prediction) models yielded determination coefficients of cross-validation (R-cv(2)) and prediction (R-P(2)) of 0.92 and 0.95 for TSS, R-cv(2) = 0.75, and R-p(2) = 0.79 for anthocyanins, and R-cv(2) = 0.42 and R-p(2) = 0.43 for total polyphenols. The vineyard variability maps generated for the different dates using this technology illustrate the capability to monitor the spatiotemporal dynamics and distribution of total soluble solids, anthocyanins and total polyphenols along grape ripening in a commercial vineyard

Análisis del uso de datos geográficos y Sistemas de Información Geográfica en las enseñanzas de grado y máster de una universidad

El uso de datos geográficos y software específico para su gestión y en particular los Sistemas de Información Geográfica (SIG) se ha extendido entre áreas de muy diferente ámbito de estudio (Geografía Física, Análisis Geográfico Regional, Agricultura de Precisión, Análisis de Redes Sociales o Tecnologías Informáticas entre otras). En este trabajo se ha generado un catálogo de las distintas asignaturas de una universidad dada que utilizan SIG. Al realizar este catálogo se observa que este tipo de datos y software son utilizados en asignaturas de diez titulaciones de grado y máster de al menos tres facultades de las cinco que forman la universidad. Este catálogo permite una categorización del uso de los SIG en cada asignatura detectada y la propuesta de acciones de mejora en la coordinación multidisciplinar entre las distintas asignaturas que requieren SIG y datos geográficos. El objetivo es crear recursos docentes que se utilicen de manera transversal para enriquecer la práctica docente a partir de la propia experiencia y de la coordinación de enfoques, desde los propios de las asignaturas informáticas (programación, teoría de datos …) hasta los puramente aplicados (geografía física, agricultura, etc.). Con esta incorporación de prácticas y material docente interdisciplinar se pretende mejorar los sistemas de enseñanza aprendizaje de la universidad, de tal manera que el docente disponga de documentación de apoyo, al mismo tiempo que se fomente el interés y la motivación de los estudiantes, los cuales mejorarán sus competencias en la utilización de SIG de manera eficiente.The use of geographical data and specific software related to them, in particular GIS has grown in several knowledge areas such as Physical Geography, Regional Geographic Analysis, Social Network Analysis, Precission Agriculture or Computer Technologies. In this work we have developed a catalogue of those subjects (both at undergraduate and master level) that use GIS and geographical software in a given university. We observe that these are used in ten different degrees and masters in three different faculties (among the five that constitute the university). This catalogue allows us to categorize the use of GIS and geographical data in university and to propose improving actions in multidisciplinary coordination. The goal is to produce teaching materials to be used in a transversal manner so that the teaching experience is enriched based on the experience in basic computer science subjects (programming, data theory) or more applied fields (physical geography, agriculture, etc). Using this interdisciplinary teaching material we intend to improve the teaching and learning processes in our university so that the lecturers have helpful material available and the students are more interested ad competent in their use of GIS software

Monitoring and Mapping Vineyard Water Status Using Non-Invasive Technologies by a Ground Robot

[EN] There is a growing need to provide support and applicable tools to farmers and the agro-industry in order to move from their traditional water status monitoring and high-water-demand cropping and irrigation practices to modern, more precise, reduced-demand systems and technologies. In precision viticulture, very few approaches with ground robots have served as moving platforms for carrying non-invasive sensors to deliver field maps that help growers in decision making. The goal of this work is to demonstrate the capability of the VineScout (developed in the context of a H2020 EU project), a ground robot designed to assess and map vineyard water status using thermal infrared radiometry in commercial vineyards. The trials were carried out in Douro Superior (Portugal) under different irrigation treatments during seasons 2019 and 2020. Grapevines of Vitis vinifera L. Touriga Nacional were monitored at different timings of the day using leaf water potential (psi(l)) as reference indicators of plant water status. Grapevines' canopy temperature (T-c) values, recorded with an infrared radiometer, as well as data acquired with an environmental sensor (T-air, RH, and AP) and NDVI measurements collected with a multispectral sensor were automatically saved in the computer of the autonomous robot to assess and map the spatial variability of a commercial vineyard water status. Calibration and prediction models were performed using Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression. The best prediction models for grapevine water status yielded a determination coefficient of cross-validation (r(cv)(2)) of 0.57 in the morning time and a r(cv)(2) of 0.42 in the midday. The root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSEcv) was 0.191 MPa and 0.139 MPa at morning and midday, respectively. Spatial-temporal variation maps were developed at two different times of the day to illustrate the capability to monitor the grapevine water status in order to reduce the consumption of water, implementing appropriate irrigation strategies and increase the efficiency in the real time vineyard management. The promising outcomes gathered with the VineScout using different sensors based on thermography, multispectral imaging and environmental data disclose the need for further studies considering new variables related with the plant water status, and more grapevine cultivars, seasons and locations to improve the accuracy, robustness and reliability of the predictive models, in the context of precision and sustainable viticulture.This research was funded by the European Union under grant agreement number 737669 (Vinescout project).Fernández-Novales, J.; Saiz Rubio, V.; Barrio, I.; Rovira Más, F.; Cuenca-Cuenca, A.; Alves, FS.; Valente, J.... (2021). Monitoring and Mapping Vineyard Water Status Using Non-Invasive Technologies by a Ground Robot. Remote Sensing. 13(14):1-20. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs13142830120131

Aplicación y evaluación de metodologías activas de enseñanza-aprendizaje que faciliten la adquisición de competencias relacionadas con los Sistemas de Información Geográfica en los programas de Grado y Máster de la Universidad de La Rioja

[ES] En las últimas décadas se ha generalizado la utilización de sistemas de información, gracias a una mayor disponibilidad de datos, así como a la mejora de la potencia y capacidad de los sistemas y programas informáticos. En concreto, el manejo de los datos geográficos mediante los denominados Sistemas de Información Geográficos (SIG) ha supuesto una revolución en la capacidad de obtención de información y avance de la ciencia. En este trabajo se han identificado las asignaturas de Grado y Máster de la Universidad de la Rioja en las que se aplican metodologías activas de enseñanza de los SIG. Se ha diseñado y realizado una encuesta de autoevaluación que nos ha permitido valorar el punto de partida de los conocimientos sobre SIG de los que disponen los estudiantes. Así mismo, en estas asignaturas se está utilizando el material didáctico creado para el aprendizaje y cuya estructura responde precisamente al nivel de uso y demanda de los SIG y datos geográficos en general y en particular de los universitarios. Con los resultados obtenidos se puede analizar la eficiencia de la metodología diseñada para el aprendizaje.[EN] In recent decades, the use of information systems has become widespread, thanks to greater data availability, as well as the improvement of the power and capacity of computer systems and programs. Specifically, the management of geographical data through the so-called Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has brought about a revolution in the ability to obtain information and advanced science. In this work, a list of the Undergraduate and Master's subjects of the University of La Rioja in which active GIS teaching methodologies are applied has been identified. A self-evaluation survey has been designed and carried out that has allowed us to assess the starting point of the knowledge about GIS that students have. Likewise, in these subjects a novel didactic material created for GIS learning is being used and its structure responds precisely to the level of use and demand of GIS and geographic data in general and in particular of university students. With the results obtained, the efficiency of the methodology designed for learning can be analyzedDiago Santamaria, MP.; Andrades Rodríguez, MS.; Aransay Azofra, JM.; Llorente Adán, JÁ.; Ruíz Flaño, P.; Lana-Renault Monreal, NS. (2021). Aplicación y evaluación de metodologías activas de enseñanza-aprendizaje que faciliten la adquisición de competencias relacionadas con los Sistemas de Información Geográfica en los programas de Grado y Máster de la Universidad de La Rioja. En IN-RED 2020: VI Congreso de Innovación Educativa y Docencia en Red. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 239-249. https://doi.org/10.4995/INRED2020.2020.12008OCS23924

A new method for pedicel/peduncle detection and size assessment of grapevine berries and other fruits by image analysis

[EN] The berry size of wine-grapes has often been considered to influence wine composition and quality, as it is related to the skin-to-pulp ratio of the berry and the concentration of skin-located compounds that play a key role in the wine quality. The size and weight of wine-grapes are usually measured by hand, making it a slow, tedious and inaccurate process. This paper focuses on two main objectives aimed at automating this process using image analysis: (1) to develop a fast and accurate method for detecting and removing the pedicel in images of berries, and (2) to accurately determine the size and weight of the berry. A method to detect the peduncle of fruits is presented based on a novel signature of the contour. This method has been developed specifically for grapevine berries, and was later extended and tested with an independent set of other fruits with different shapes and sizes such as peppers, pears, apples or mandarins. Using this approach, the system has been capable of correctly estimating the berry weight (R-2 > 0.96) and size (R-2 > 0.97) of wine-grapes and of assessing the size of other fruits like mandarins, apples, pears and red peppers (R-2 > 0.93). The proven performance of the image analysis methodology developed may be easily implemented in automated inspection systems to accurately estimate the weight of a wide range of fruits including wine-grapes. In this case, the implementation of this system on sorting tables after de-stemming may provide the winemaker with very useful information about the potential quality of the wine.This work has been partially funded by the Instituto Nacional de Investigacio´n y Tecnologı´a Agraria y Alimentaria de Espan˜ a (INIA) through research project RTA2012-00062-C04-01 and RTA2012-00062-C04-03 with the support of European FEDER funds, by the UPV-IVIA collaboration agreement through UPV2013000005, and by UPV-SP10120276 Project.Cubero García, S.; Diago, MP.; Blasco Ivars, J.; Tardáguila Laso, J.; Millán, B.; Aleixos Borrás, MN. (2014). A new method for pedicel/peduncle detection and size assessment of grapevine berries and other fruits by image analysis. Biosystems Engineering. 117:62-72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2013.06.007S627211

Assessment of an intervention to optimise antenatal management of women admitted with preterm labour and intact membranes using amniocentesis-based predictive risk models : Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial (OPTIM-PTL Study)

Introduction The majority of women admitted with threatened preterm labour (PTL) do not delivery prematurely. While those with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) represent the highest risk group, this is a condition that is not routinely ruled out since it requires amniocentesis. Identification of low-risk or high-risk cases might allow individualisation of care, that is, reducing overtreatment with corticosteroids and shorten hospital stay in low-risk women, while allowing early antibiotic therapy in those with MIAC. Benefits versus risks of amniocentesis-based predictor models of spontaneous delivery within 7 days and/or MIAC have not been evaluated. Methods and analysis This will be a Spanish randomised, multicentre clinical trial in singleton pregnancies (23.0-34.6 weeks) with PTL, conducted in 13 tertiary centres. The intervention arm will consist in the use of amniocentesis-based predictor models: if low risk, hospital discharge within 24 hours of results with no further medication will be recommended. If high risk, antibiotics will be added to standard management. The control group will be managed according to standard institutional protocols, without performing amniocentesis for this indication. The primary outcome will be total antenatal doses of corticosteroids, and secondary outcomes will be days of maternal stay and the occurrence of clinical chorioamnionitis. A cost analysis will be undertaken. To observe a reduction from 90% to 70% in corticosteroid doses, a reduction in 1 day of hospital stay (SD of 2) and a reduction from 24% to 12% of clinical chorioamnionitis, a total of 340 eligible patients randomised 1 to 1 to each study arm is required (power of 80%, with type I error α=0.05 and two-sided test, considering a dropout rate of 20%). Randomisation will be stratified by gestational age and centre. Ethics and dissemination Prior to receiving approval from the Ethics Committee (HCB/2020/1356) and the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) (identification number: 2020-005-202-26), the trial was registered in the European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials database (2020-005202-26). AEMPS approved the trial as a low-intervention trial. All participants will be required to provide written informed consent. Findings will be disseminated through workshops, peer-reviewed publications and national/international conferences. Protocol version V.4 10 May 2021. Trial registration numbers NCT04831086 and Eudract number 2020-005202-26

Uso de Software y datos geográficos en trabajos fin de estudio (TFG y TFM) y tesis doctorales en la Universidad de La Rioja (1992-2018)

[ES] La utilización de datos geográficos y programas informáticos específicos como los Sistemas de Información Geográfica (SIG) es muy común en disiciplinas de muy diversa índole dentro de la planificación de grados y masters universitarios. De hecho, en el caso de la Universidad de La Rioja, se utilizan en diez titulaciones de las 26 ofertadas, pertenecientes a tres de las cinco facultades que componen la Universidad. De la misma manera, los trabajos de fin de estudio que utilizan en sus metodologías datos geográficos y SIG pertenecen a ámbitos de estudio muy diferentes. En este sentido, tras analizar y estudiar las características de los trabajos fin de estudio y tesis doctorales (software utilizado, tipo de fuentes de datos geográficos empleados, etc.) se ha planteado la necesidad de crear material didáctico que se pueda utilizar de manera transversal y que solvente cuestiones básicas y comunes independientemente del campo de estudio. Ello ha implicado aunar enfoques y la coordinación entre docentes de distintos departamentos universitarios, lo que ha dado como resultado una guía didáctica de carácter interdisciplinar cuya finalidad es la mejora en el manejo de datos geográficos y en la profundización de SIG de manera más eficiente.[EN] The use of geographic data and specific computer programs such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is very common in fields of study of very diverse nature within the planning of university degrees and masters. In fact, in the case of the University of La Rioja, they are used in 10 degrees of the 26 offered, belonging to three of the five faculties of the University. Also, the BSc thesis that use geographical data and GIS belong to very different fields of study. After analyzing and studying the characteristics of the BSc, MSc and PhD thesis (software used, type of geographic data sources used, etc.) we considered the need of creating teaching materials that could be used cross-sectionally and that solve basic and common questions regardless of the field of study. This work has involved combining approaches and the coordination between teachers from different faculties; the result has been a didactic guide of interdisciplinary nature whose purpose is the improvement in the management of geographic data and the use of GIS in a more efficient way.Llorente Adán, JÁ.; Aransay Azofra, JM.; Saenz-De-Cabezon, E.; Diago Santamaría, MP.; Lana-Renault Montreal, N.; Ruiz Flaño, P.; Andrades Rodríguez, MS. (2019). Uso de Software y datos geográficos en trabajos fin de estudio (TFG y TFM) y tesis doctorales en la Universidad de La Rioja (1992-2018). En IN-RED 2019. V Congreso de Innovación Educativa y Docencia en Red. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 241-251. https://doi.org/10.4995/INRED2019.2019.10372OCS24125

Assessment of an intervention to optimise antenatal management of women admitted with preterm labour and intact membranes using amniocentesis-based predictive risk models: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial (OPTIM-PTL Study).

Introduction: The majority of women admitted with threatened preterm labour (PTL) do not delivery prematurely. While those with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) represent the highest risk group, this is a condition that is not routinely ruled out since it requires amniocentesis. Identification of low-risk or high-risk cases might allow individualisation of care, that is, reducing overtreatment with corticosteroids and shorten hospital stay in low-risk women, while allowing early antibiotic therapy in those with MIAC. Benefits versus risks of amniocentesis-based predictor models of spontaneous delivery within 7 days and/or MIAC have not been evaluated. Methods and analysis: This will be a Spanish randomised, multicentre clinical trial in singleton pregnancies (23.0-34.6 weeks) with PTL, conducted in 13 tertiary centres. The intervention arm will consist in the use of amniocentesis-based predictor models: if low risk, hospital discharge within 24 hours of results with no further medication will be recommended. If high risk, antibiotics will be added to standard management. The control group will be managed according to standard institutional protocols, without performing amniocentesis for this indication. The primary outcome will be total antenatal doses of corticosteroids, and secondary outcomes will be days of maternal stay and the occurrence of clinical chorioamnionitis. A cost analysis will be undertaken. To observe a reduction from 90% to 70% in corticosteroid doses, a reduction in 1 day of hospital stay (SD of 2) and a reduction from 24% to 12% of clinical chorioamnionitis, a total of 340 eligible patients randomised 1 to 1 to each study arm is required (power of 80%, with type I error α=0.05 and two-sided test, considering a dropout rate of 20%). Randomisation will be stratified by gestational age and centre

Estudio y desarrollo del deshojado precoz como técnica para el control del rendimiento productivo de la vid (Vitis vinifera L.): Efectos sobre el desarrollo vegetativo, los componentes de la producción, así como sobre la composición y la calidad de la uva y del vino

Background and aims: The economic regulation of yield is becoming more important as pressure increases to consistently produce high-quality fruit and manage production costs. The main goal of this study was to verify whether early leaf removal may be an efficient technique to regulate crop yield and to improve cluster microclimate as well as grape and wine quality in Mediterranean Vitis vinifera cultivars. Methods: Early leaf removal was manual and mechanically conducted at two timings (pre-bloom and fruit-set) in Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo cultivars. The effects of early defoliation on yield components, leaf growth, canopy porosity and fruit health were assessed. Moreover, the impact on grape and wine composition as well as on the wine sensory properties was also studied. Results: Early leaf removal induced a significant decrease of fruit set, cluster weight and yield per vine. As a result, looser clusters of less number of berries were obtained. Berry weight was found to be similar or smaller than that of control but of increased relative skin and skin-to-pulp ratio. A leaf recovery response to defoliation was showed by the vines, leading to similar or even increased leaf-to-fruit ratios. Cluster exposure and canopy porosity were substantially improved, favoring a diminishment of Botrytis rot. In terms of grape composition, both technological and phenolic maturities were improved, leading to more alcoholic wines of higher anthocyanin and polyphenol (hidroxycinnamic acids and flavonols) concentrations, as well as of better mouthfeel sensory properties. Furthermore, when no biotic stress (such as Botrytis) was present, early leaf removal induced higher concentrations of resveratrol in the wines. Both timing and modality of defoliation were important in reducing yield components as well as in improving grape and wine quality and the more pronounced effects were observed for the pre-bloom and mechanical treatments, respectively. Hand removal of 4 leaves was overall ineffective in altering yield components and grape and wine composition. Conclusions: Early leaf removal may be an efficient and valid strategy for grapevine crop regulation. It is an important viticultural technique easy to be mechanically performed in order to substantially improve grape and wine quality in cultivars Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo. Significance of the study: Early defoliation might become a novel, powerful and efficient technique to regulate grapevine yield and improve grape and wine quality. Its easiness of mechanization may be very interesting for the grape and wine industry, and may become an economically important alternative to traditional, expensive, and labor intensive practices, such as manual cluster thinning.Introduccion y objetivos: La regulacion del rendimiento del vinedo es una cuestion de gran importancia en la viticultura actual, a medida que crece la presion por producir uva de calidad a unos costes sostenibles. El objetivo principal de este trabajo era verificar si el deshojado precoz puede ser una tecnica eficaz para regular la produccion de uva, mejorar el microclima de los racimos asi como la calidad de la uva y del vino en variedades de vid caracteristicas de la viticultura mediterranea. Metodologia: Se realizo un deshojado en dos epocas (pre-floracion y cuajado) de forma manual y mecanica, en las variedades de vid (Vitis vinifera L.) Tempranillo, Graciano y Mazuelo. Se estudio los efectos del deshojado precoz sobre los componentes de la produccion, el desarrollo vegetativo, la porosidad de la canopy y el estado sanitario de los frutos. Asimismo, se estudio el impacto del deshojado sobre la composicion de la uva, del vino y de sus caracteristicas sensoriales. Resultados: El deshojado precoz redujo significativamente la tasa de cuajado, el peso del racimo y la produccion de uva por cepa. Se obtuvieron racimos mas sueltos, con menor numero de bayas. Estas eran de menor o igual peso de baya pero con mayor proporcion de hollejos y ratio hollejo/pulpa. En respuesta a la defoliacion las cepas mostraron un crecimiento vegetativo compensatorio, que se tradujo en el mantenimiento e incluso incremento de la relacion hoja/fruto. La porosidad de la canopy y la exposicion de los racimos mejoraron sustancialmente y favorecieron una menor incidencia de Botrytis. Mejoro significativamente el grado de madurez tecnologica y fenolica en la uva, que dio lugar a vinos con mayor grado alcoholico, antocianos y polifenoles (acidos hidroxicinamicos y flavonoles), asi como mejores caracteristicas organolepticas en boca. Ademas, en ausencia de un estres biotico como la Botrytis, el deshojado precoz condujo al aumento de la concentracion de resveratrol en vino. La epoca y modo de ejecucion tuvieron un efecto importante en la reduccion de los componentes de la produccion asi como en la mejora de la calidad de la uva y del vino, observandose los efectos mas acusados en las cepas deshojadas en pre-floracion, y de forma mecanica, respectivamente. El deshojado manual de 4 hojas fue en general insuficiente para alterar los componentes de la produccion o la composicion de la uva y del vino. Conclusiones: El deshojado precoz es una estrategia valida y eficaz para regular el rendimiento productivo de la vid. Ademas, es una importante practica viticola, facil de mecanizar, para mejorar sustancialmente la calidad de la uva y del vino en las variedades Tempranillo, Graciano y Mazuelo. Importancia e impacto: El deshojado precoz podria convertirse en una novedosa, potente y eficaz tecnica para regular el rendimiento productivo y mejorar notablemente la calidad de la uva y del vino. Su facil mecanizacion puede ser de gran importancia para el sector vitivinicola, ya que puede resultar una alternativa economicamente competitiva a las costosas practicas manuales tradicionales, como el aclareo manual de racimos