Riparian forest quality, land-use dynamics and their influence on macroinvertebrate communities. An evaluation of the ecological status of Pesquería River (N.E., Mexico)

[eng] Worldwide, biological diversity is declining at an unprecedented rate. Current environmental changes are causing water, ecological and biodiversity crises that, coupled with climate change, are affecting landscape patterns and sustainable development efforts. Thus, anthropogenic pressures are changing the world's landscapes in pervasive ways. Additionally, these anthropogenic pressures on the natural landscape have been associated with changes in landscape and to the ecological condition of freshwater ecosystems. Therefore, freshwater ecosystems, particularly rivers, must be examined in detail, and it is important to consider their relationship with terrestrial ecosystems, particularly the “transitional land-water” ecosystems (i.e. the riparian channel). This is particularly important for developing countries given to their ecosystems are constantly threatened by anthropogenic activities. Additionally, the lack of research, proper legislation and management hinders the restoration and conservation plans for their freshwater ecosystems. Within this context, the overarching goal of this PhD thesis is to evaluate the ecological status of the Pesquería River and assess the effects of landscape degradation along its riparian channel. Since changes in landscape composition can significantly affect a riparian channel, we aimed to evaluate how said changes can also impact biological quality and subsequently affect the ecological integrity of a river ecosystem. We focused into provide simple and reliable methods to define the ecological status and discern the effects of landscape degradation on the ecological state of the Pesquería River using a variety of tools for diagnosis and monitoring. On this PhD thesis we explored land-use cover/change dynamics (LUCCD) in the riparian channel also we describe the land use processes in the riparian zone during the period 1976-2016 in order to ascertain whether land use dynamics can provide useful information about the current ecological status of a riparian zone (Chapter 1). Additionally, we evaluated the riparian forest quality of the Pesquería River (Chapter 2) using an adaptation of the riparian forest quality index (QBR), modifying it for the specific local conditions (QBR-RNMX). Finally, we investigate how the macroinvertebrate communities in the Pesquería River are affected by different land use covers and assess their potential use as bioindicators to evaluate the ecological status of Mexican semi-arid rivers with similar conditions (Chapter 3). On this PhD thesis we demonstrated that LUCCD analysis at riparian channel level should be viewed as a key tool for the improvement of conservation policies targeting freshwater ecosystems in Mexico. We remark the importance of consider the riparian buffer width as an ecosystem, not as a federal area, in order to protect the freshwater ecosystems in Mexico. We corroborated the efficiency of the adaptation of the QBR-RNMX also we recommend the application of the index annually to evaluate the riparian forest’s quality, and to assess its ecological status. This may be used for the establishment of restoration plans in high-impact zones and contingency plans to eliminate invasive species along the Pesquería River. This PhD thesis has provided eleven biological metrics and thirty-two representative taxa that can be used as bioindicators in future research. However, more studies, and especially the relationship of this index with the river pressures are necessary to establish an index for the Pesquería River in the future. Furthermore, in the general discussion we propose a macroinvertebrate-based index (BMWP-system) as a first step for the evaluation of the ecological status of the river. Finally, this thesis highlights the lack of research and the bad current ecological status of the Pesquería River. Our findings suggest the creation of a Mexican framework similar to the European Water Framework Directive, where the ecological quality of the river should be the main objective of riparian ecosystems recovery.[spa] A nivel mundial, la diversidad biológica está disminuyendo a un ritmo sin precedentes. Los cambios ambientales actuales están causando crisis hídricas, ecológicas y de biodiversidad que, junto con el cambio climático, están afectando los patrones del paisaje y los esfuerzos de desarrollo sostenible. Por lo tanto, las presiones antropogénicas están cambiando los paisajes del mundo de manera generalizada. Además, estas presiones antropogénicas en el paisaje natural se han asociado con cambios en el paisaje y en las condiciones ecológicas de los ecosistemas de agua dulce. Esto es importante para los países en desarrollo, dado que sus ecosistemas están amenazados por actividades antropogénicas. Además, la falta de investigación, legislación y gestión dificultan los planes de restauración y conservación de sus ecosistemas de agua dulce. En este contexto, el objetivo general de esta tesis doctoral es evaluar el estado ecológico del río Pesquería y evaluar los efectos de la degradación del paisaje a lo largo de su canal ribereño. En esta tesis doctoral demostramos que el análisis de dinámicas de uso de suelo a nivel de los canales ribereños debe verse como una herramienta para la mejora de los ecosistemas acuáticos en México. Observamos la importancia de considerar el ancho del amortiguador ribereño como un ecosistema, no como un área federal, para proteger los ecosistemas acuáticos de México. Corroboramos la eficiencia de la adaptación del QBR-RNMX para usarse en el establecimiento de planes de restauración y contingencia para eliminar especies invasoras del río Pesquería. Esta tesis doctoral proporcionó once métricas biológicas y treinta y dos taxones representativos que pueden usarse como bioindicadores en futuras investigaciones. Sin embargo, se necesitan más estudios, y especialmente la relación de este índice con las presiones del río para establecer un índice para el río Pesquería en el futuro. Además, en la discusión general, proponemos un índice basado en macroinvertebrados como un primer paso para la evaluación del estado ecológico del río. Finalmente, nuestros hallazgos sugieren la creación de un marco mexicano similar a la Directiva Marco del Agua Europea, donde la calidad ecológica del río debería ser el objetivo principal de la recuperación de los ecosistemas ribereños

Applications of mushrooms residual substrate in horticultural production

El cultivo de hongos comestibles y medicinales crece y a su paso genera considerables volúmenes de sustrato degradado por hongos (SDH). Dicho cultivo implica una fermentación en estado sólido(FES), con aparición de metabolitos fúngicos y la consecuente biodegradación de materiales lignocelulósicos. La FES acelera la mineralización de la materia orgánica; como resultado, el SDH final es más estable que el sustrato original. Las propiedades del SDH dependen en gran medida de si, previo a la inoculación del hongo, el sustrato es compostado o sólo descontaminado. El primer caso aplica a hongos más exigentes en cuanto a componentes orgánicos de la materia. El segundo, a especies más adaptables a diferentes materiales, a su vez las más adoptadas por pequeños y medianos productores. Finalizado el cultivo, el SDH se retira del lugar de producción. Dependiendo de su uso ulterior, habrá que disponerlo bajo ciertas condiciones de almacenamiento y adecuación fisico química. Para su uso en horticultura es especialmente necesaria la reducción del tamaño de partícula y la dilución del exceso de sales. Esta revisión tiene como objetivo general poner en relieve el potencial de los SDH como recurso valioso. En particular, se describen sus propiedades físicas y químicas y sus aplicaciones en sistemas de producción hortícola. Entre éstas destacan: sustrato para plantines, enmienda de suelos y biofertilizante.The cultivation of edible and medicinal mushrooms generates large volumes of substrate degraded by fungi (SDF). Mushroom cultivation implies a solid-state fermentation (SSF) with production of fungal metabolites and the consequent biodegradation of lignocellulosic materials. SSF accelerates organic matter mineralization; therefore, at the end of the cultivation cycle, SDH has greater stability than the original substrate. SDF properties depend largely on whether prior to inoculation of the mushroom species, the starting substrate is composted or just decontaminated. In the first case, the cultivated mushroom species are more substrate-sensitive. In the latter, the mushroom species used are more substrateadaptable, and are the most widely adopted by small and medium-sized producers as well. After mushroom cultivation, SDF is removed from the production site. Henceforth, depending on its further use, certain storage conditions should be observed, and physical and/or chemical conditioning is usually needed. In horticulture, particle size reduction and dilution of excess salts, by mixing with other materials or leaching, are especially required. The aim of this review is to highlight SDF’s potential as a valuable resource. Particularly, the physical and chemical properties of SDF reported in the literature are summarized, and its different uses evaluated in horticultural systems are described. Among these are: substrate for seedlings, soil amendment and biofertilizer.Fil: Postemsky, Pablo Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiarida. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiarida; ArgentinaFil: López Castro, Ramón Ignacio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiarida. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiarida; Argentin

Chironomidae as indicators of water pollution in Pesquería River (México)

Despite their potential as indicators of water quality and their key role in river ecosystems, Chironomidae is still poorly studied in Neotropical rivers. This lack of knowledge is especially relevant for rivers subjected to intense human activities, such as many rivers in Mexico. The aim of this investigation is to contribute to the knowledge of the midges of the Pesquería River (Mexico) along its main courses and relate the composition and abundance to river health. Thirty samples were collected during two different periods (August 2015 and February 2016) using a D-frame and kick sampling. Thirty-five taxa were found in total, with four taxa found in more than 50% of the sites and 19 only found once. Midges accounted for more than 50% of the total macroinvertebrate abundance. Chironomus gr. plumosus, Rheotanytarsus spp. and Cricotopus gr. bicinctus were the most abundant species. Collector-gatherers dominated in August (71% of individuals), whereas collector-filterers dominated in February (43,2%). The major factor explaining the midge distribution and abundance is pollution, while the structure of riparian area does not explain much of the midge richness. This is most likely related to the organic pollution coming from untreated or poorly treated sewage in the city of Monterrey and its surroundings. Three main sectors are distinguished along the river: i) the upper part section with higher biodiversity and presence of intolerant taxa; ii) the middle sewage polluted area with the presence of large red midges very tolerant to pollution (Chironomus, Dicrotendipes); iii) the lower section in the agricultural zone where the community is dominated by red, small midges (Rheotanytarsus). Overall, our study shows that Chironomidae can be useful as better indicators of water quality when genera or species levels are used instead of family or subfamily, as is usually found in most papers on river pollution

A Comparative Study of Low Cost Open Source EEG Devices

[Abstract] A comparison of two open source electroencephalography devices designed to acquire signals associated to the brain activity is presented in this work. The experiments are developed considering the task of determining the user eye state i.e., open eyes or closed eyes, applying an algorithm based on computing the sliding Fourier Transform of the captured signals.Xunta de Galicia; ED481A-2018/15

A double closed loop to enhance the quality of life of Parkinson's disease patients: REMPARK system

This paper presents REMPARK system, a novel approach to deal with Parkinson's Disease (PD). REMPARK system comprises two closed loops of actuation onto PD. The first loop consists in a wearable system that, based on a belt-worn movement sensor, detects movement alterations that activate an auditory cueing system controlled by a smartphone in order to improve patient's gait. The belt-worn sensor analyzes patient's movement through real-time learning algorithms that were developed on the basis of a database previously collected from 93 PD patients. The second loop consists in disease management based on the data collected during long periods and that enables neurologists to tailor medication of their PD patients and follow the disease evolution. REMPARK system is going to be tested in 40 PD patients in Spain, Ireland, Italy and Israel. This paper describes the approach followed to obtain this system, its components, functionalities and trials in which the system will be validated.Postprint (published version

Proposals and Comparisons from One-Sensor EEG and EOG Human-Machine Interfaces

[Abstract] Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) allow users to interact with different devices such as computers or home elements. A key part in HMI is the design of simple non-invasive interfaces to capture the signals associated with the user’s intentions. In this work, we have designed two different approaches based on Electroencephalography (EEG) and Electrooculography (EOG). For both cases, signal acquisition is performed using only one electrode, which makes placement more comfortable compared to multi-channel systems. We have also developed a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that presents objects to the user using two paradigms—one-by-one objects or rows-columns of objects. Both interfaces and paradigms have been compared for several users considering interactions with home elements.Xunta de Galicia; ED431C 2020/15Xunta de Galicia; ED431G2019/01Agencia Estatal de Investigación de España; RED2018-102668-TAgencia Estatal de Investigación de España; PID2019-104958RB-C42Xunta de Galicia; ED481A-2018/156This work has been funded by the Xunta de Galicia (by grant ED431C 2020/15, and grant ED431G2019/01 to support the Centro de Investigación de Galicia “CITIC”), the Agencia Estatal de Investigación of Spain (by grants RED2018-102668-T and PID2019-104958RB-C42) and ERDF funds of the EU (FEDER Galicia & AEI/FEDER, UE); and the predoctoral Grant No. ED481A-2018/156 (Francisco Laport

A Prototype of EEG System for IoT

[Abstract] In this work, we develop open source hardware and software for eye state classification and integrate it with a protocol for the Internet of Things (IoT). We design and build the hardware using a reduced number of components and with a very low-cost. Moreover, we propose a method for the detection of open eyes (oE) and closed eyes (cE) states based on computing a power ratio between different frequency bands of the acquired signal. We compare several real- and complex-valued transformations combined with two decision strategies: a threshold-based method and a linear discriminant analysis. Simulation results show both classifier accuracies and their corresponding system delays.Xunta de Galicia; ED431G2019/01)Agencia Estatal de Investigación de España; TEC2016-75067-C4-1-RXunta de Galicia; ED481A-2018/156Xunta de Galicia; ED431G 2019/01This work has been funded by the Xunta de Galicia (ED431G2019/01), the Agencia Estatal de Investigacion of Spain (TEC2016-75067-C4-1-R) and ERDF funds of the EU (AEI/FEDER, UE), and the predoctoral Grant No. ED481A-2018/156 (Francisco Laport). CITIC as a Research Centre of the Galician University System is financed by the Conselleria de Educacion, Universidades e Formacion Profesional (Xunta de Galicia) through the ERDF (80%), Operational Programme ERDF Galicia 2014–2020 and the remaining 20% by the Secretaria Xeral de Universidades (Ref. ED431G 2019/01

Study of Machine Learning Techniques for EEG Eye State Detection

[Abstract] A comparison of different machine learning techniques for eye state identification through Electroencephalography (EEG) signals is presented in this paper. (1) Background: We extend our previous work by studying several techniques for the extraction of the features corresponding to the mental states of open and closed eyes and their subsequent classification; (2) Methods: A prototype developed by the authors is used to capture the brain signals. We consider the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) and the Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) for feature extraction; Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) for state classification; and Independent Component Analysis (ICA) for preprocessing the data; (3) Results: The results obtained from some subjects show the good performance of the proposed methods; and (4) Conclusion: The combination of several techniques allows us to obtain a high accuracy of eye identification.Xunta de Galicia; ED431G2019/01Xunta de Galicia; ED481A-2018/156Agencia Estatal de Investigación de España; TEC2016-75067-C4-1-RThis work has been funded by the Xunta de Galicia (ED431G2019/01), the Agencia Estatal de Investigación of Spain (TEC2016-75067-C4-1-R) and ERDF funds of the EU (AEI/FEDER, UE), and the predoctoral Grant No. ED481A-2018/156 (Francisco Laport

Eye State Detection Using Frequency Features from 1 or 2-Channel EEG

© The Author(s) This is an Open Access article published by World Scientific Publishing Company. It is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY) License which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.[Abstract]: Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) establish a direct communication channel between the human brain and external devices. Among various methods, electroencephalography (EEG) stands out as the most popular choice for BCI design due to its non-invasiveness, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. This paper aims to present and compare the accuracy and robustness of an EEG system employing one or two channels. We present both hardware and algorithms for the detection of open and closed eyes. Firstly, we utilize a low-cost hardware device to capture EEG activity from one or two channels. Next, we apply the discrete Fourier transform to analyze the signals in the frequency domain, extracting features from each channel. For classification, we test various well-known techniques, including Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree (DT), or Logistic Regression (LR). To evaluate the system, we conduct experiments, acquiring signals associated with open and closed eyes, and compare the performance between one and two channels. The results demonstrate that employing a system with two channels and using SVM, DT, or LR classifiers enhances robustness compared to a single-channel setup and allows us to achieve an accuracy percentage greater than 95% for both eye states.This work has been supported by Grant No. ED431C 2020/15 funded by Xunta de Galicia and ERDF Galicia 2014–2020; by Grant No. PID2019-104958RB-C42 (ADELE) funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100 011033; and by project TED2021-130240B-I00 (IVRY) funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by the European Union NextGeneration EU/PRTR and by the postdoctoral Grant No. ED481B 2022/012 funded by Xunta de Galicia.Xunta de Galicia; ED431C 2020/15Xunta de Galicia; ED481B 2022/01

Evaluation of the rejuvenation of asphalt by means of oil-saturated porous aggregates

Road degradation is an increasing problem for assets managers. Roads deteriorate mainly due to the combination of different factors, such as temperature, climate and traffic loads. This causes the asphalt to age and, consequently, the bituminous mixtures become more fragile and microcracks begin to appear. To eliminate these degradation effects, the most widely used performed actions are based on the renovation of the pavement to achieve an asphalt surface under acceptable conditions of use. In order to reduce the application of corrective measures when the asphalt pavement is already facing significant defects, it is important to perform regular preventive maintenance that minimise the renovation works of the pavement and improves the asphalt durability. This paper shows a method for the continuous rejuvenation of asphalt, by analysing the evolution of asphalt mixture stiffness and the resistance to cracking on asphalt mixtures with rejuvenator added after having been submitted to a laboratory ageing protocol (short and long-term ageing). The rejuvenator was added to the mixtures following either of these two procedures: first, directly added to the mixture and the second, saturated in porous aggregates, what the authors call encapsulated. Results from this study demonstrate the effectiveness of the second method (encapsulated rejuvenator) as an original solution to achieve long-term performance mixtures with reduced cracking.The authors acknowledge the financial support from a National project, REPARA v2.0, funded by the Centre for Industrial Technological Development (CDTI) of the Spanish Government within the programme supporting the Strategic National Consortiums for Technical Investigation (CIEN).Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version