Integration of biophysical connectivity in the spatial optimization of coastal ecosystem services

Ecological connectivity in coastal oceanic waters is mediated by dispersion of the early life stages of marine organisms and conditions the structure of biological communities and the provision of ecosystem services. Integrated management strategies aimed at ensuring long-term service provision to society do not currently consider the importance of dispersal and larval connectivity. A spatial optimization model is introduced to maximise the potential provision of ecosystem services in coastal areas by accounting for the role of dispersal and larval connectivity. The approach combines a validated coastal circulation model that reproduces realistic patterns of larval transport along the coast, which ultimately conditions the biological connectivity and productivity of an area, with additional spatial layers describing potential ecosystem services. The spatial optimization exercise was tested along the coast of Central Chile, a highly productive area dominated by the Humboldt Current. Results show it is unnecessary to relocate existing management areas, as increasing no-take areas by 10% could maximise ecosystem service provision, while improving the spatial representativeness of protected areas and minimizing social conflicts. The location of protected areas was underrepresented in some sections of the study domain, principally due to the restriction of the model to rocky subtidal habitats. Future model developments should encompass the diversity of coastal ecosystems and human activities to inform integrative spatial management. Nevertheless, the spatial optimization model is innovative not only for its integrated ecosystem perspective, but also because it demonstrates that it is possible to incorporate time-varying biophysical connectivity within the optimization problem, thereby linking the dynamics of exploited populations produced by the spatial management regime.Comment: 30 pages, 5 figures, 2 tables; 1 graphical abstract. In this version: numbering of figures corrected, updated figure 2, typos corrected and references fixe

On the improvement of the low energy neutrino factory

The low energy neutrino factory has been proposed as a very sensitive setup for future searches for CP violation and matter effects. Here we study how its performance is affected when the experimental specifications of the setup are varied. Most notably, we have considered the addition of the 'platinum' nu_{mu} -> nu_{e} channel. We find that, whilst theoretically the extra channel provides very useful complementary information and helps to lift degeneracies, its practical usefulness is lost when considering realistic background levels. Conversely, an increase in statistics in the 'golden' nu_{e} -> nu_{mu} channel and, to some extent, an improvement in the energy resolution, lead to an important increase in the performance of the facility, given the rich energy dependence of the 'golden' channel at these energies. We show that a low energy neutrino factory with a baseline of 1300 km, muon energy of 4.5 GeV, and either a 20 kton totally active scintillating detector or 100 kton liquid argon detector, can have outstanding sensitivity to the neutrino oscillation parameters theta13, delta and the mass hierarchy. For our estimated exposure of 2.8 x 10^{23} kton x decays per muon polarity, the low energy neutrino factory has sensitivity to theta13 and delta for sin^{2}(2theta13) > 10^{-4} and to the mass hierarchy for sin^{2}(2theta13) > 10^{-3}.Comment: 13 pages, 8 eps figures. Version published in PRD - experimental section with preliminary results removed, abstract and conclusions re-written accordingly, title changed, author list amended

Evaluation of Emotional Abilities in Alexithymia

[EN]The aim of this research was to assess two emotional abilities in the alexithymia dysfunction: capacity to recognize and to express emotions and empathy. Emotional abilities of 306 participants were assessed by means of TAS-20, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) and a computerized test designed to evaluate the identification and the memory of the emotional expression. Results support partially the hypotheses of cognitive and relational deficit, since differences neither in recognition tests nor in emotional expressions memory were found. Only some dimensions of empathy were proved to be different. Results are discussed taking into account different theoretical approaches. To clarify the controversy, some lines for future work are pointed out

MPA network design based on graph network theory and emergent properties of larval dispersal

Despite the recognised effectiveness of networks of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as a biodiversity conservation instrument, nowadays MPA network design frequently disregards the importance of connectivity patterns. In the case of sedentary marine populations, connectivity stems not only from the stochastic nature of the physical environment that affects early-life stages dispersal, but also from the spawning stock attributes that affect the reproductive output (e.g., passive eggs and larvae) and its survivorship. Early-life stages are virtually impossible to track in the ocean. Therefore, numerical ocean current simulations coupled to egg and larval Lagrangian transport models remain the most common approach for the assessment of marine larval connectivity. Inferred larval connectivity may be different depending on the type of connectivity considered; consequently, the prioritisation of sites for marine populations' conservation might also differ. Here, we introduce a framework for evaluating and designing MPA networks based on the identification of connectivity hotspots using graph theoretic analysis. We use as a case of study a network of open-access areas and MPAs, off Mallorca Island (Spain), and test its effectiveness for the protection of the painted comber Serranus scriba. Outputs from network analysis are used to: (1) identify critical areas for improving overall larval connectivity; (2) assess the impact of species' biological parameters in network connectivity; and (3) explore alternative MPA configurations to improve average network connectivity. Results demonstrate the potential of graph theory to identify non-trivial egg/larval dispersal patterns and emerging collective properties of the MPA network which are relevant for increasing protection efficiency.Comment: 8 figures, 3 tables, 1 Supplementary material (including 4 table; 3 figures and supplementary methods

Habilidades fonológicas y lectura en adultos analfabetos

[Resumen] El objetivo de nuestro trabajo es analizar la capacidad de lectura, las habilidades fonológicas y la relación entre lectura y habilidades fonológicas en adultos analfabetos españoles que asisten a cursos de alfabetización. Se recogieron datos de 14 sujetos, ninguno de los cuales había estado escolarizado anteriormente. Se les administró una tarea de lectura de palabras, pseudopalabras y no palabras en la que se manipularon diferentes variables (frecuencia léxica y categoría léxica). Para evaluar sus habilidades fonológicas se utilizó la Prueba de Segmentación Lingüística (Ji~énez y Ortiz, 1995) que comprende un conjunto de diferentes tareas metafonológicaso Los resultados mostraron un efecto significativo en las variables manipuladas. El comportamiento en éstas variables apunta a la utilización de dos procedimientos de lectura (léxico y fonológico). Por otro lado, en las habilidades fonológicas, se observan diferentes niveles de dificultad siendo las habilidades de segmentación silábica más fáciles que las habilidades de análisis fonémico de las palabras. Finalmente, se encontró una correlación significativa entre la lectura de pseudopalabras y no palabras con las habilidades fonológicas pero no con respecto a la lectura de palabras. Estos resultados sugieren la utilización de los dos procedimientos de lectura propuestos por el modelo de doble ruta y muestran el importante papel desempeñado por los procesos fonológicos en el desarrollo de la habilidad lectora en estos sujetos.[Abstract] The aim of our study is to examine reading ability, phonological awareness and the relationship between reading and phonological awareness in adult illiterates in a transparent language such as Spanish. Fourteen people illiterates were tested. None of the subjects had attended school in childhood. All the subjects were assessed using a reading test composed of 306 items in which we manipulated difIerent variables (lexicality and frecuency). Phonological awareness was measured using the Linguistic Segmentation Test (Prueba de Segmentación Lingüística) (Jiménez y Ortiz, 1995). This test has different tasks for evaluating word consciousness andphonemic awareness skills. Our results showed that all the above mentioned variables produced a significant effect. The behaviour of the variables lexicality andfrequency, suggest the use of the two reading procedures (lexical and phonologica!). On the other hand, regarding phonological awareness; adults did better in segmentation tasks than in rhyme recognition or isolation and deletion ofsyllables andphonemes. Finally, the reading performance with pseudowords and no words showed significant correlation with phonological awareness, this relation wasn 't significant with words. These results suggest the use ofthe dual route model, and show la importance ofphonological processes lor the development of word reading skills in this subject

Critical thinking: the ARDESOS-DIAPROVE programme in dialogue with the Inference to the Best and Only explanation

[EN]In our daily lives, we are often faced with the need to explain various phenomena, but we do not always select the most accurate explanation. For example, let us consider a “toxic” relationship with physical and psychological abuse, where one of the partners is reluctant to end it. Explanations for this situation can range from emotional or economic dependency to irrational hypotheses such as witchcraft. Surprisingly, some people may turn to the latter explanation and consequently seek ineffective solutions, such as visiting a witch doctor instead of a psychologist. This choice of an inappropriate explanation can lead to actions that are not only ineffective but potentially harmful. This example underscores the importance of inference to the best explanation (IBE) in everyday decision making. IBE involves selecting the hypothesis that would best explain the available body of data or evidence, a process that is crucial to making sound decisions but is also vulnerable to bias and errors of judgment. Within this context, the purpose of our article is to explore how the IBE process and the selection of appropriate explanations impact decision making and problem solving in real life. To this end, we systematically analyze the role of IBE in the ARDESOS-DIAPROVE program, evaluating how this approach can enhance the teaching and practice of critical thinking

Enanismo y podredumbre basal de Eustoma grandiflorum y su relación con la densidad de Fusarium solani en el suelo

En cultivos comerciales de lisianthus de La Plata y alrededores (Argentina), se observó que Fusarium solani afecta al 100% de los establecimientos productivos provocando enanismo y podredumbre basal. Se realizó un ensayo para analizar la densidad de F. solani del suelo bajo el efecto de distintos tratamientos y relacionarla con la evolución de ambas patologías. Los análisis del suelo se hicieron en 3 épocas: antes del transplante (octubre), al inicio (enero) y al final (marzo) de la floración. En enero y marzo se evaluó la incidencia de cada enfermedad y se cuantificaron las plantas cosechadas. La población de F. solani no varió en las 3 épocas y se redujo significativamente con los fumigantes y el vapor. Esto determinó una incidencia del enanismo (enero) de 0 a 9,5% con los primeros y de 31,4% con el vapor. Para el testigo y los fungicidas la incidencia varió entre el 87,9 y el 100%, disminuyendo las plantas cosechadas. La podredumbre basal comenzó con el ingreso del patógeno a través de las heridas producidas por la cosecha. Ésta fue significativamente mayor con los fumigantes (90,7 a 99%) y también con el vapor (76,8%), produciéndose la mayor incidencia en marzo (15,7 a 22,2 y 10,1% respectivamente), reduciéndose el período productivo. Se destaca la importancia de disminuir la densidad de F. solani en el momento del transplante. Entre los métodos de control el Metam sodio y Dazomet podrían ser eficaces sustitutos del Bromuro de metilo, seguidos por el vapor.Fusarium solani was recorded in 100% of the commercial crops of lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) located around La Plata (Argentina). The pathogen causes stunt and basal rot. A trial was carried out to analyse the F. solani soil density and its relation to the development of both diseases. Soil samples were analysed at three times: before transplant (October), at the beginning of flowering (January) and at the ending of flowering (March) of flowering. The incidence of each disease was evaluated in January and March, and the plants harvested were quantified. The soil density of F. solani was not altered during the three times for each treatment, and fumigants and steam decrease it significantly. In January the stunt incidence reached 0 to 9.5% with the fumigants and 31.4% with the steam treatment. In the control and fungicide plots, the incidence reached 87.9 to 100%, and a consequent reduction of flower production was observed. Stem rot began after the flowers were harvested as a result of pathogen entry through the wounds. The major values of harvested plants were obtained with fumigants (90.7 to 99%) and steam (76.8%), so the greatest stem rot incidence was 15.7 to 22.2 and 10.1%, respectively, in March, and the productive period was shortened. The need of reducing F. solani soil density before lisianthus transplant is emphasized. Among soil control treatments, Metham sodium and Dazomet could be effective substitutes for Methil bromide followed by steam treatment

Effect of replacing conventional Italian ryegrass by organic nitrogen source systems on chemical soil properties

Aim of study: To evaluate agronomic performance and changes on soil chemical properties in two types of managements: conventional or sustainable.Area of study: Principality of Asturias, Spain.Material and methods: On a sandy-clay-loam texture soil, three winter forage legumes (faba bean, red clover and white lupin), in monoculture or mixed with Italian ryegrass and with organic fertilization (sustainable management) versus Italian ryegrass in monoculture and inorganic fertilization (conventional management) were evaluated during three consecutive years. After the harvest in spring, the rotations were completed with maize crop with the purpose to evaluate the effect of the sustainable management on forage yield and soil chemical parameters.Main results: The results showed that faba bean and red clover in monoculture and mixed with Italian ryegrass had better edaphic quality than Italian ryegrass in monoculture, and white lupin in monoculture or mixed with Italian ryegrass. Faba bean in monoculture and mixed with Italian ryegrass, both with organic fertilization, could be competitive crops since both had yields comparable to Italian ryegrass in monoculture with inorganic fertilization.Research highlights: Current agricultural practice could be changed for a more sustainable management system, including organic fertilization and legume crops

Graduate studies on optoelectronics in Argentina: an experience

The number of graduate programs in Optoelectronics in Argentina is scarce. The current Optics and Photonics Education Directory lists only three programs. One of them was launched in 2001 in the Facultad de Ingeniería (College of Engineering), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA). This was the first graduate program in the field, leading to a Master Degree in Optoelectronics. This decision arose from the demand of telecommunications industries and several estate- or private-funded research institutions working with us in the fields of lasers, optics, remote sensing, etc. A great bonus was the steady work, during several decades, of research groups in the College on the development of different type of lasers and optical non destructive tests and their engineering applications. As happened in many engineering graduate programs in Argentina at that time, few non full-time students could finish their studies, which called for 800 hours of traditional lecture-recitation classes, and the Master Thesis. In recent years Argentine Education authorities downsized the Master programs to 700 hours of blended learning and we redesigned the Graduate Optoelectronic Engineering Program to meet the challenge, dividing it in two successive one year programs, the first aimed at a professional training for almost immediate insertion in the labor market (called Especialización en Ingeniería Optoelectrónica), and the second (called Maestría en Ingeniería Optoelectrónica y Fotónica) aimed at a more academic and research target to comply with the UBA standards for Master degrees. The present work is a presentation of the new program design, which has begun in the current year. © (2014) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.Fil: Fernández, Juan Carlos. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ingeniería; ArgentinaFil: Garea, María T.. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ingeniería; ArgentinaFil: Isaurralde, Silvia. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ingeniería; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Perez, Liliana Ines. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ingeniería; ArgentinaFil: Raffo, Carlos A.. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ingeniería; Argentin