A neuroimaging study of pleasant and unpleasant olfactory perceptions of virgin olive oil

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been used to collect information from neurons that receive direct input from olfactory bulbs when subjects smell virgin olive oil. The pleasant aroma of three extra virgin olive oils (var. Royal, Arbequina and Picual) and three virgin olive oils with sensory defects (rancid, fusty and winey/vinegary) were presented to 14 subjects while a fMRI scan acquired data from the brain activity. Data were subjected to a two-sample t test analysis, which allows a better interpretation of results particularly when data are studied across different subjects. Most of the activations, which were located in the frontal lobe, are related to the olfactory task regardless of the hedonic component of perception (e.g. Brodmann areas 10, 11). Comparing the samples with pleasant and unpleasant aromas, differences were found at the anterior cingu�late gyrus (Brodmann area 32), at the temporal lobe (Brodmann area 38), and inferior frontal gyrus (Brodmann area 47), while intense aromas activated Brodmann area 6. The actual perceptions described by the subjects and the concentration of the odorant compounds in the samples were considered in the interpretation of the results.Estudio mediante neuroimagen de percepciones olfativas agradables y desagradables de aceites de oliva virgen. La imagen por resonancia magnética funcional (fMRI) ha sido empleada para estudiar la información de la respuesta cerebral producida al estimular las neuronas que participan en el proceso olfatorio tras percibir el aroma del aceite de oliva virgen (AOV). Se utilizó fMRI para la adquisición de los datos de la actividad cerebral de 14 sujetos a los que se presentaron tres aceites de oliva vírgenes de aroma agradable (var. Royal, Arbequina and Picual) y tres aceites de oliva vírgenes con defectos sensoriales (rancio, atrojado, avinado/avinagrado). Los datos se sometieron a una prueba t para observar diferencias entre dos grupos, la cual permite una mejor interpretación de los resultados, particularmente cuando los datos se estudian a través de diferentes sujetos. La mayoría de las activaciones, que se localizaron en lóbulos frontales, se relacionaron con la tarea olfatoria independientemente de la componente hedónica de la percepción (por ejemplo, áreas Brodmann 10, 11). Al comparar las muestras con aromas agradables y desagradables, se encontraron diferencias significativas en el giro cingulado anterior (área Brodmann 32), el lóbulo temporal (área Brodmann 38) y el giro frontal inferior (área Brodmann 47), mientras que los aromas más intensos activaron el área Brodmann 6. En la interpretación de los resultados se tuvo en cuenta tanto la percepción descrita por los sujetos como las concentraciones de los compuestos volátiles en las muestras.Ramón y Cajal Program AGL2008-01411, AGL2011- 30371-C02-01/02

Tracking Sensory Characteristics of Virgin Olive Oils During Storage: Interpretation of Their Changes from a Multiparametric Perspective

Virgin olive oil is inevitably subject to an oxidation process during storage that can affect its stability and quality due to off-flavors that develop before the oil surpasses its ‘best before’ date. Many parameters are involved in the oxidation process at moderate conditions. Therefore, a multiparametric study is necessary to establish a link between physico-chemical changes and sensory quality degradation in a real storage experiment. In this context, a storage experiment of 27 months was performed for four monovarietal virgin olive oils, bottled in transparent 500-mL PET bottles and subjected to conditions close to a supermarket scenario. Volatile composition, quality parameters and phenolic compounds were determined monthly. Simultaneously, an accredited sensory panel assessed their sensory characteristics. The stability of the fresh samples was also studied with the oxidative stability index (OSI) and mesh cell-FTIR. (E)-2-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol and (E)-2-hexen-1-ol were identified as markers of the fruity attribute. Hexanal and nonanal were also identified as compounds that were associated with the rise of median of defect during storage. Some disagreements were observed between the sensory assessment and the OSI analyzed by Rancimat. However, the increase of concentration of rancid markers agreed with the increase of aldehyde band measured with mesh cell-FTIR.Spanish Research State Agency (research projects AGL2015-69320-R and RTI2018-101546-B-C21

Modelling global solar radiation to optimise agricultural production

Aim of study: To present a complete global radiation model that includes direct, diffuse sky and ground-reflected radiation, and compare the values with those obtained by the pyranometers.Area of study: The data were analyzed at the meteorological station network in Extremadura, Spain, to validate the results calculated by the model.Material and methods: The method uses the maps from meteorological station data are based on a single piece of daily solar radiation data for an area of 8,000 to 9,000 ha, whereas the maps created by the models are obtained using the spatial resolution of the digital elevation model, in this case 25 × 25m.Main results: The analytical model used in the study obtained global radiation values with a difference of 1.44% relative to the values captured by the meteorological stations in Extremadura. Analysis of the data indicates that on days with a specific type of fog or very diffuse cloud, the global radiation captured by sensors is greater than it would be on clear-sky days in the same area. The method was suitable for calculating global solar radiation on any type of terrain with its corresponding diversity of crop types.Research highlights: The research highlights the importance of understanding and modelling solar radiation for efficient use of water resources in agriculture. Adding these global radiation models to a GIS would provide a very valuable tool for developing regions

Miscellaneous properties of embeddings of line, total and middle graphs

Chartrand et al. (J. Combin. Theory Ser. B 10 (1971) 12–41) proved that the line graph of a graph G is outerplanar if and only if the total graph of G is planar. In this paper, we prove that these two conditions are equivalent to the middle graph of G been generalized outerplanar. Also, we show that a total graph is generalized outerplanar if and only if it is outerplanar. Later on, we characterize the graphs G such that Full-size image (<1 K) is planar, where Full-size image (<1 K) is a composition of the operations line, middle and total graphs. Also, we give an algorithm which decides whether or not Full-size image (<1 K) is planar in an Full-size image (<1 K) time, where n is the number of vertices of G. Finally, we give two characterizations of graphs so that their total and middle graphs admit an embedding in the projective plane. The first characterization shows the properties that a graph must verify in order to have a projective total and middle graph. The second one is in terms of forbidden subgraphs

Marco jurídico laboral de los contratos formativos: antecedentes y regulación actual

A lo largo de los últimos años, los contratos formativos se han convertido en la herramienta perfecta para combatir el desempleo juvenil en nuestro país. No son contratos ordinarios, pues conllevan un período de aprendizaje y obtención de experiencia para todos aquellos jóvenes que quieren seguir formándose y pasar a formar parte del mercado laboral español, el cual, cada vez es más competitivo y necesita de mano de obra más cualificada

Synthesis, Photochemical, and Redox Properties of Gold(I) and Gold(III) Pincer Complexes Incorporating a 2,2′:6′,2″-Terpyridine Ligand Framework

Reaction of [Au(C6F5)(tht)] (tht = tetrahydrothiophene) with 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (terpy) leads to complex [Au(C6F5)(η1-terpy)] (1). The chemical oxidation of complex (1) with 2 equiv of [N(C6H4Br-4)3](PF6) or using electrosynthetic techniques affords the Au(III) complex [Au(C6F5)(η3-terpy)](PF6)2 (2). The X-ray diffraction study of complex 2 reveals that the terpyridine acts as tridentate chelate ligand, which leads to a slightly distorted square-planar geometry. Complex 1 displays fluorescence in the solid state at 77 K due to a metal (gold) to ligand (terpy) charge transfer transition, whereas complex 2 displays fluorescence in acetonitrile due to excimer or exciplex formation. Time-dependent density functional theory calculations match the experimental absorption spectra of the synthesized complexes. In order to further probe the frontier orbitals of both complexes and study their redox behavior, each compound was separately characterized using cyclic voltammetry. The bulk electrolysis of a solution of complex 1 was analyzed by spectroscopic methods confirming the electrochemical synthesis of complex 2

Radiografía de un castro de la Edad del Hierro: arqueología no invasiva en el asentamiento de Villasviejas del Tamuja (Botija, Cáceres)

The aim of this paper is to present the progress that has been made in the study of the hillfort of Villasviejas del Tamuja (Botija, in the province of Cáceres), based on a combination of non-destructive techniques. The possibility of cross-referencing the results obtained with different geophysical methods (magnetometry, georadar and electric tomography) raises the opportunity to formulate a reliable diagnosis on the spatial organization of this site. The most relevant results are described, and their contribution to a general interpretation of the urban structure and morphology of domestic spaces is analyzed. This information is contrasted with previously available excavation data and its framing is analysed within the existing knowledge on this type of settlements. In addition, elements of interest about the diachronic evolution of the site are added, which are relevant in relation to the hypotheses formulated about the impact of the Roman conquest. Ultimately, the potential of this type of research strategy for the study and revaluation of large and complex archaeological zones is considered.El objetivo de este trabajo es proporcionar un primer avance del estudio del castro de Villasviejas del Tamuja (Botija, provincia de Cáceres) a partir de la combinación de técnicas no destructivas. La posibilidad de cruzar los resultados obtenidos con diversos métodos geofísicos (magnetometría, georradar y tomografía eléctrica) plantea la oportunidad de formular un diagnóstico fiable sobre la organización espacial de este enclave.Se describen los resultados más relevantes, y se valora su aportación para una interpretación general de la estructura urbana y la morfología de los espacios domésticos. Esta información es contrastada con los datos de excavación previamente disponibles, y se analiza su encuadre dentro del conocimiento actualmente existente sobre este tipo de asentamientos. Asimismo, se añaden elementos de interés acerca de la evolución diacrónica del sitio, que son relevantes en relación con las hipótesis formuladas acerca del impacto de la conquista romana.En última instancia se pondera el potencial de este tipo de estrategias de investigación para el estudio y revalorización de zonas arqueológicas grandes y complejas

Quantifying change in an agrarian landscape. Application of multicriteria models in the archaeological study of Medellin (Badajoz, Spain) and its territory

Póster presentado a la Conferencia EuroGEOSS: "Advancing the Vision for GEOSS", celebrada en Madrid (España) del 25 al 27 de enero de 2012.“The evolution of an agrarian landscape: the territory of Medellin from protohistoric to medieval times” is a project funded by the Autonomous Government of Extremadura through its III Development and Research Regional Plan.Peer Reviewe

Geological characterization of the settlement of Villasviejas del Tamuja (Cáceres

Trabajo presentado a la XV Reunión Nacional de Cuaternario, celebrada en Bilbao del 1 al 5 de julio del 2019.A geological study in the settlement of Villaviejas del Tamuja is carried out with the aim of providing the knowledge and characteristics of the geological basemente. By electrical tomography, from the different profiles at different depths, it has been possible to establish the boundary between the archaeological and geological layer and to define the geometry of the original slate substrate. In depth, a possible granite intrusion has been identified under the slates that would have generated the bulge and also a contact aureole that would mark the compositional discordance. With these data, the geological knowledge of the study area is covered both in surface and in depth, enabling future research.Este trabajo de ha desarrollado en el marco del Proyecto PRI IB116150 del Plan Regional de Investigación de la Junta de Extremadura

The high climate vulnerability of western Mediterranean forests

Incluye un apéndice con un fichero de datos complementarios.Understanding the effects of climate change is one of the most challenging goals for biodiversity conservation. The forests of Andalusia, in Southern Spain, are part of an important Mediterranean Basin biodiversity hotspot. However, great changes in climate are expected to occur in this region, and there is an increasing need to assess the vulnerability of its vegetation. We assess the vulnerability of twelve forest types in the region that are included in the European Directive 92/43/EEC as Habitats of Community Interest (HCI). HCI are natural habitat types which are in danger, have a small natural range, or present an outstanding example of a biogeographical regions in the European Union. We assessed vulnerability by analyzing the climate exposure level of each forest type under two global climate models [...], two emission scenarios [...] by the mid- and end-century time periods. The vulnerability analysis also includes the sensitivity and adaptive capacity of the dominant tree species which compose each forest type. An overall vulnerability score was calculated for each forest type, model, scenario and time period. [...] However, the effects of climate change will be perceptible by the mid-century, with most of the HCI forest types suffering climate stress. The “Andalusian oak forest” and the “Corylus wet forest” types were the most vulnerable to climate change, while the “Mediterranean pine forest”, the “Olea and Ceratonia forests” and the “oak forests” were the least vulnerable. This assessment identifies the vulnerable forest types to climate change in the south of the Iberian Peninsula, and provides context for natural resource managers in making decisions about how to adapt forests to the impacts of climate change.This study was partially supported by the European Project (FEDER) through the Ministry for Science and Innovation 2014–2020 LIFEWATCH-2019-UMA-01 “EnBiC2-Lab”. University of Málaga (“I Plan Propio de Investigación, Transferencia y Divulgación Científica de la Universidad de Málaga”) funded a research stay at the University of Davis (California, USA). Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málaga / CBUA