Estudio económico de las explotaciones de regadío de la zona "El Saltador" de Huércal-Overa (Almería)

Este trabajo recoge los resultados de un estudio económico de las explotaciones de la zona de Transformación en Riego y Colonización de "El Saltador", Comarca de Huércal-Overa (Almería). Se investiga sobre las posibles causas del abandono de las mismas, realizando un estudio de la realidad socioeconómica de dichas explotaciones y un análisis económico del agua de riego. Se detecta además del abandono de la actividad agraria en esta zona de regadío, un alto grado de infrautilización de la SAU (Superficie Agrícola Útil). Todo ello obedece fundamentalmente a razones tanto de la estructura de la producción como de la comercialización, que se traducen en una baja productividad media de la tierra, el trabajo y el agua. Se propone mejorar el sistema de riego y establecer una labor de extensión enfocada a conseguir un mejor uso del agua y del abonado, y potenciar la comercialización

A Survey of Software-Defined Networks-on-Chip: Motivations, Challenges and Opportunities

Current computing platforms encourage the integration of thousands of processing cores, and their interconnections, into a single chip. Mobile smartphones, IoT, embedded devices, desktops, and data centers use Many-Core Systems-on-Chip (SoCs) to exploit their compute power and parallelism to meet the dynamic workload requirements. Networks-on-Chip (NoCs) lead to scalable connectivity for diverse applications with distinct traffic patterns and data dependencies. However, when the system executes various applications in traditional NoCs—optimized and fixed at synthesis time—the interconnection nonconformity with the different applications’ requirements generates limitations in the performance. In the literature, NoC designs embraced the Software-Defined Networking (SDN) strategy to evolve into an adaptable interconnection solution for future chips. However, the works surveyed implement a partial Software-Defined Network-on-Chip (SDNoC) approach, leaving aside the SDN layered architecture that brings interoperability in conventional networking. This paper explores the SDNoC literature and classifies it regarding the desired SDN features that each work presents. Then, we described the challenges and opportunities detected from the literature survey. Moreover, we explain the motivation for an SDNoC approach, and we expose both SDN and SDNoC concepts and architectures. We observe that works in the literature employed an uncomplete layered SDNoC approach. This fact creates various fertile areas in the SDNoC architecture where researchers may contribute to Many-Core SoCs designs.Las plataformas informáticas actuales fomentan la integración de miles de núcleos de procesamiento y sus interconexiones, en un solo chip. Los smartphones móviles, el IoT, los dispositivos embebidos, los ordenadores de sobremesa y los centros de datos utilizan sistemas en chip (SoC) de muchos núcleos para explotar su potencia de cálculo y paralelismo para satisfacer los requisitos de las cargas de trabajo dinámicas. Las redes en chip (NoC) conducen a una conectividad escalable para diversas aplicaciones con distintos patrones de tráfico y dependencias de datos. Sin embargo, cuando el sistema ejecuta varias aplicaciones en las NoC tradicionales -optimizadas y fijadas en el momento de síntesis, la disconformidad de la interconexión con los requisitos de las distintas aplicaciones genera limitaciones en el rendimiento. En la literatura, los diseños de NoC adoptaron la estrategia de redes definidas por software (SDN) para evolucionar hacia una solución de interconexión adaptable para los futuros chips. Sin embargo, los trabajos estudiados implementan un enfoque parcial de red definida por software en el chip (SDNoC) de SDN, dejando de lado la arquitectura en capas de SDN que aporta interoperabilidad en la red convencional. Este artículo explora la literatura sobre SDNoC y la clasifica en función de las características SDN que presenta cada trabajo. A continuación, describimos los retos y oportunidades detectados a partir del estudio de la literatura. Además, explicamos la motivación para un enfoque SDNoC, y exponemos los conceptos y arquitecturas de SDN y SDNoC. Observamos que los trabajos en la literatura emplean un enfoque SDNoC por capas no completo. Este hecho crea varias áreas fértiles en la arquitectura SDNoC en las que los investigadores pueden contribuir a los diseños de SoCs de muchos núcleos

Conductance and application of organic molecule pairs as nanofuses

We propose that a pair of organic molecules can mimic the behavior of a macroscopic fuse at nanoscale, one component of the pair being the on state and the other the off state. For this task wemake use of density-functional theory to calculate the physical properties of selected molecules, which have also been synthesized by our team. By this means we obtain the transmission spectra and the current of the proposed devices, which allows us to compare the behavior of the on and off states.Of particular interest is the on/off switch ratios, defined as the current ratios of the on and off structures at the corresponding bias voltage. In a first stage, we examine the best linker between the device and the electrode for high on/off switch ratios. Once this is determined, we test the influence of the electron richness of the system to provide a high on/off switch ratio. The entire analysis is also supported by the molecular projected self-consistent Hamiltonian, which provides a good way of understanding the molecular behavior. All the calculations support that interesting on/off switch ratios of two orders of magnitude could be obtained with these prototypical nanofusesWe thank the Regional Government of Andalucía for financial support (Projects No. P06-FQM-01726 and No. P09-FQM-04571), the “Centro de Supercomputación de la Universidad de Granada,” and the “Centro de Computación Científica-UAM” for computation time. The authors are also grateful to the Spanish Secretaría de Estado de Universidades e Investigación, Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia, for financial support within research projects TEC2007-66812 and TEC2010-16211. N.F. thanks the Regional Government of Andalucía for her research contract, and LAC thanks the University of Granada for his research contrac

Six Collective Challenges for Sustainability of Almería Greenhouse Horticulture

Globally, current food consumption and trade are placing unprecedented demand on agricultural systems and increasing pressure on natural resources, requiring tradeoffs between food security and environmental impacts especially given the tension between market-driven agriculture and agro-ecological goals. In order to illustrate the wicked social, economic and environmental challenges and processes to find transformative solutions, we focus on the largest concentration of greenhouses in the world located in the semi-arid coastal plain of South-east Spain. Almería family farming, predominantly cooperative, greenhouse intensive production, commenced after the 1960s and has resulted in very significant social and economic benefits for the region, while also having important negative environmental and biodiversity impacts, as well as creating new social challenges. The system currently finds itself in a crisis of diminishing economic benefits and increasing environmental and social dilemmas. Here, we present the outcomes of multi-actor, transdisciplinary research to review and provide collective insights for solutions-oriented research on the sustainability of Almeria’s agricultural sector. The multi-actor, transdisciplinary process implemented collectively, and supported by scientific literature, identified six fundamental challenges to transitioning to an agricultural model that aims to ameliorate risks and avoid a systemic collapse, whilst balancing a concern for profitability with sustainability: (1) Governance based on a culture of shared responsibility for sustainability, (2) Sustainable and efficient use of water, (3) Biodiversity conservation, (4) Implementing a circular economy plan, (5) Technology and knowledge transfer, and (6) Image and identity. We conclude that the multi-actor transdisciplinary approach successfully facilitated the creation of a culture of shared responsibility among public, private, academic, and civil society actors. Notwithstanding plural values, challenges and solutions identified by consensus point to a nascent acknowledgement of the strategic necessity to locate agricultural economic activity within social and environmental spheres.This paper demonstrates the need to establish transdisciplinary multi-actor work-schemes to continue collaboration and research for the transition to an agro-ecological model as a means to remain competitive and to create value

Balance sectorial utilizando modelos matemáticos. Aplicación en Cuba

The objective of the paper is to equilibrate the sectorial imbalances of the production of goods and services, identified in the Cuban productive structure, following a methodology that includes mathematical modeling. Econometric and goal programming (GP) models are designed to assess the relative importance, to estimate and to solve the imbalances between the intermediate and final destination in economic sectors of the Cuban economy. This makes it possible to design public policies focused on improving economic complementarity and integration, a relevant aspect in the process of updating the Cuban economic and social model, endorsed in the government documents governing the economic reform undertaken since 2011. As a result, the methodology is applied in the province of Santiago de Cuba, where sectorial imbalances were estimated and productive capacities reserves of goods and services by 42.500 million pesos were identified to equilibrate the imbalances, which can contribute to investment decision-making within the framework of the country's economic and social development strategy until 2030.El artículo tiene como objetivo equilibrar los desbalances o desequilibrios sectoriales en la producción de bienes y servicios, identificados en la estructura productiva de Cuba, siguiendo una metodología que incluye la modelización matemática. Se diseñan y aplican modelos econométricos y de programación por metas (GP) para evaluar la importancia relativa, estimar y resolver los desequilibrios entre los sectores económicos de destinos intermedio y final de la economía cubana. Lo que posibilita el diseño de políticas públicas enfocadas a la mejora de la complementariedad e integración económica; aspecto relevante en el proceso de actualización del modelo económico y social cubano, refrendado en los documentos gubernamentales que rigen la reforma económica emprendida en 2011. Se aplica la metodología en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba, donde se estimaron desequilibrios sectoriales e identificaron reservas de capacidades productivas de bienes y servicios por 42.500 millones de pesos para equilibrar los desbalances, lo que puede contribuir a la toma de decisiones de inversión en el marco de la estrategia de desarrollo económico y social del país hasta 2030

Intraamniotic sealing of fetoscopic membrane defects in ex vivo and in vivo sheep models using an integrated semirigid bioadhesive patch

BACKGROUND: Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes is the most frequent complication of fetoscopic surgery. Strategies to seal the membrane defect created by fetoscopy have been attempted with little success. We previously developed an integrated semirigid bioadhesive patch composed of silicone and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose that achieved ex vivo sealing of membrane defects. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of the insertion of our integrated semirigid bioadhesive patches using a fetoscopic technique and to test the adhesion in ex vivo human membranes and in an in vivo ovine model. STUDY DESIGN: An experimental study involving 2 experiments: (1) ex vivo—human fetal membranes were mounted in a custom-designed model with saline solution simulating intraamniotic pressure. The insertion of 2 different bioadhesive patches made of silicone-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and silicone-polyurethane-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose was performed through a 12-Fr cannula mimicking fetoscopic surgery technique. The experiment was repeated 10 times with membranes from different donors. Measures included insertion time, successful insertion, and adhesion at 5 minutes; (2) in vivo—16 patches of silicone-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose were inserted by fetoscopy in the amniotic cavity of pregnant sheep (4 bioadhesives per animal, in 4 ewes). Measures included successful insertion, adhesion at 5 minutes, and adhesion at the end of surgery. RESULTS: In the ex vivo insertion study, there was no difference in the insertion time between silicone-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and silicone-polyurethane-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose patches (P=.49). Insertion was successful in all cases, but complete adhesion at 5 minutes was superior for silicone-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (P=.02). In the in vivo study, insertion of silicone-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose by fetoscopy was feasible and successful in all cases, and no complications were reported. Adhesion persisted at 5 minutes and at the end of the surgery in 68.8% and 56.3% of the patches, respectively. CONCLUSION: We describe the feasibility of deploying through a fetoscopic trocar a semirigid silicone-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose patch that seals fetal membranes after an invasive fetal procedure. The results warrant further research for improving long-term adhesion and developing a clinically applicable system.This project has been funded by the Cellex Foundation and the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union (Framework Agreement number: 2013-0040). This publication reflects only the authors’ views, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein. T.M. was supported by a predoctoral grant from Erasmus Mundus FetalMed-PhD. E.E. has received funding from the Departament de Salut under grant number SLT008/18/00156.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Recicland, demostration on the management of organic and inorganic waste from agriculture

La agricultura protegida que se desarrolla principalmente en el litoral oriental andaluz es una actividad de gran importancia económica y social para Andalucía. Sin embargo, el crecimiento exponencial de la superficie de invernadero ha dado lugar a un incremento del volumen de residuos agrarios. Además, este sistema agrícola está evolucionando hacia nuevas técnicas de cultivo que implican, no sólo la generación de residuos, sino también una mayor diversificación que hace más complicada su gestión. El principal problema para la gestión de estos residuos agrarios no está sólo en su dispersión geográfica, sino también en su estacionalidad, ya que se genera gran cantidad en determinados periodos anuales, coincidiendo con la finalización de las campañas agrícolas. Por este motivo, la capacidad máxima de recogida y almacenamiento y el proceso de gestión están condicionados por el volumen generado al finalizar los ciclos de cultivo. En este contexto, surge el proyecto RECICLAND que pretende palear dichos problemas y contribuir a la gestión sostenible de los residuos generados en los procesos productivos. Concretamente, el objetivo general de este proyecto es desarrollar actividades demostrativas piloto, informando de modo práctico sobre diferentes técnicas para la gestión específica de residuos inorgánicos y restos vegetales. Para ello, se ha establecido un área de reciclaje, junto con actividades de transferencia (jornadas prácticas, visitas, vídeos demostrativos y publicaciones) en el Centro IFAPA La Mojonera (Almería).Protected agriculture, which takes place mainly on the eastern coast of Andalusia, constitutes the major economic and social activity for this region. However, greenhouse area exponential growth has led to an increase in the volume of agricultural waste. In addition, this agricultural system is evolving towards new cultivation techniques that not only involve the generation of waste, but also a greater diversification that makes its management hard to tackle. The main issue regarding management of this agricultural waste is not only its geographical dispersion, but also its seasonality, as a large quantity is generated during certain periods of the year, coinciding with the end of agricultural campaigns. Indeed, the maximum collection and storage capacity and the management process itself are conditioned by the volume generated at the end of cropping cycles. In this context, the RECICLAND project arises, which aims to alleviate these problems and contribute to the sustainable management of the waste generated in the production processes. Specifically, the general objective of project is to develop pilot demonstration activities, providing practical information on different techniques for the specific management of inorganic waste and plant debris. For this purpose, a recycling area has been set up, where transference activities such as practical workshops, guide visits, demonstration, videos, and publications are being carried out in IFAPA La Mojonera (Almería)

Treatment with tocilizumab or corticosteroids for COVID-19 patients with hyperinflammatory state: a multicentre cohort study (SAM-COVID-19)

Objectives: The objective of this study was to estimate the association between tocilizumab or corticosteroids and the risk of intubation or death in patients with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) with a hyperinflammatory state according to clinical and laboratory parameters. Methods: A cohort study was performed in 60 Spanish hospitals including 778 patients with COVID-19 and clinical and laboratory data indicative of a hyperinflammatory state. Treatment was mainly with tocilizumab, an intermediate-high dose of corticosteroids (IHDC), a pulse dose of corticosteroids (PDC), combination therapy, or no treatment. Primary outcome was intubation or death; follow-up was 21 days. Propensity score-adjusted estimations using Cox regression (logistic regression if needed) were calculated. Propensity scores were used as confounders, matching variables and for the inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTWs). Results: In all, 88, 117, 78 and 151 patients treated with tocilizumab, IHDC, PDC, and combination therapy, respectively, were compared with 344 untreated patients. The primary endpoint occurred in 10 (11.4%), 27 (23.1%), 12 (15.4%), 40 (25.6%) and 69 (21.1%), respectively. The IPTW-based hazard ratios (odds ratio for combination therapy) for the primary endpoint were 0.32 (95%CI 0.22-0.47; p < 0.001) for tocilizumab, 0.82 (0.71-1.30; p 0.82) for IHDC, 0.61 (0.43-0.86; p 0.006) for PDC, and 1.17 (0.86-1.58; p 0.30) for combination therapy. Other applications of the propensity score provided similar results, but were not significant for PDC. Tocilizumab was also associated with lower hazard of death alone in IPTW analysis (0.07; 0.02-0.17; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Tocilizumab might be useful in COVID-19 patients with a hyperinflammatory state and should be prioritized for randomized trials in this situatio

Famílies botàniques de plantes medicinals

Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona. Ensenyament: Grau de Farmàcia, Assignatura: Botànica Farmacèutica, Curs: 2013-2014, Coordinadors: Joan Simon, Cèsar Blanché i Maria Bosch.Els materials que aquí es presenten són els recull de 175 treballs d’una família botànica d’interès medicinal realitzats de manera individual. Els treballs han estat realitzat per la totalitat dels estudiants dels grups M-2 i M-3 de l’assignatura Botànica Farmacèutica durant els mesos d’abril i maig del curs 2013-14. Tots els treballs s’han dut a terme a través de la plataforma de GoogleDocs i han estat tutoritzats pel professor de l’assignatura i revisats i finalment co-avaluats entre els propis estudiants. L’objectiu principal de l’activitat ha estat fomentar l’aprenentatge autònom i col·laboratiu en Botànica farmacèutica