Irrigation from the Sixties: Flumen-Monegros

53 Pags.- Tabls.- Maps.In arid and semiarid areas, agricultural land use is mainly restricted, in the first place, by the availability of water for crop growth. The transformation to irrigation of about 600 000 ha in the Ebro Valley has led to high increases in yield and in diversity of crops. After the Spanish Civil War (1936-39), which was followed by II World War, the Spanish food production system was heavily disrupted and food shortages appeared. This put high pressure on the development of new irrigated schemes which had been planned many years ago. In the Flumen-Monegros area, the technology available in the late fifties was based on flood-irrigation systems, with no previous soil studies, an empirical land evaluation, no control of saltinization risk and, finally, levelling without topsoil preservation. The extension of salinity and/or sodicity-affected soils in the Ebro Valley (IRYDA, 1977) was 200 000 ha, from which 160 000 were located in Aragon, mainly in Bardenas, Cinca and Flumen-Monegros area. But Alberto et al. (1984) reckron this data in 300 000 ha. As a result of these studies, ILACO (1975) designed two experimental drainage plots. Although the existence of salt-affected soils was known, information about the extent, location and general functioning at landscape level of those soils was lacking in the area. Some of the problems related to land use and soil management which are present now in the area or can be expected in the near future are:- Salinity-Sodicity: Diagnosis, monitoring and rehabilitation of salt-affected soils. - Soil structural degradation and surface crust formation. - Need for improved efficiency in water use: irrigation technology, water reuse, ... - Control of drainage-system degradation: open-air drains as well as underground drains. Several approaches at different scales have been adopted to work on these issues. Satellite images have been used to monitor land use and its temporal variability. Classical soil mapping at 1: 100000 level have been performed; in addition various detailed studies have been undertaken in model areas using the electromagnetic and four electrode sensors, micromorphological techniques, scanning electronic microscopy, and land evaluation procedures. The results have been presented in several papers: about salinity-sodicity trends in the Flumen sector (Herrero, 1987); about parameters related to water behaviour (Aragues, 1986); about soil porosity in plough horizons (Rodriguez-Ochoa, 1998); about translocation of solid materials (Rodriguez-Ochoa, et al. 1989; Porta and Rodriguez-Ochoa, 1991; Rodriguez-Ochoa, 1998); about degradation of underground drainage systems by mineral siltation (Herrero et al. 1989; Rodriguez-Ochoa, et al. 1989; Munoz, 1991; RodriguezOchoa, 1998).Other studies performed in the area include: Soil-vegetation relationships (Herrero, 1981); laboratory trials with different amendments in the drainage trench infilling material (Porta et al. 1996); dispersive processes because of soil structural instability (Amezketa and Aragues, 1990; Aragues and Amezketa, 1991; Amezketa and Aragues, 1995) and degradation of the hydraulic conductivity of soils (Amezketa and Aragues, 1989; Aragues and Amezketa, 1991; Amezketa and Aragues, 1995). The trip to the Flumen-Monegros area undertakes some of these points, and the stops are located in some of the main soil units. Discussion will be centered on aspects of soil genesis, classification and mapping, land use and soil conservation.Peer reviewe

Influence of MWCNT/surfactant dispersions on the mechanical properties of Portland cement pastes

This work studies the reinforcing effect of Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) on cement pastes. A 0.35% solid concentration of MWCNT in powder was dispersed in deionized water with sodium dodecyl sulfate (cationic surfactant), cetylpyridinium chloride (anionic surfactant) and triton X-100 (amphoteric surfactant) using an ultrasonic tip processor. Three concentrations of each surfactant (1mM, 10mM and 100mM) were tested, and all samples were sonicated until an adequate dispersion degree was obtained. Cement pastes with additions of carbon nanotubes of 0.15% by mass of cement were produced in two steps; first the dispersions of MWCNT were combined with the mixing water using an ultrasonic tip processor to guarantee homogeneity, and then cement was added and mixed until a homogeneous paste was obtained. Direct tensile strength, apparent density and open porosity of the pastes were measured after 7 days of curing. It was found that the MWCNT/surfactants dispersions decrease the mechanical properties of the cement based matrix due to an increased porosity caused by the presence of surfactants. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd

Morbilidad Asistida y morbilidad real por infecciones respiratorias agudas

ResumenEl presente trabajo aborda el estudio de la morbilidad por Infecciones Respiratorias Agudas (IRA) en áreas del municipio Lisa en Ciudad Habana, así como en localidades del municipio Isla de la Juventud (Cuba), con objeto de caracterizar algunos aspectos de la morbilidad por demanda de consultae identificar la morbilidad real. Alrededor del 90% de las consultas por IRA fueron por primera vez y en general la razón de éstas, respecto al seguimiento fue de 5,3. A través de la búsqueda activa de enfermos se obtuvieron las tasas de morbilidad real (TMR) entre valores de 110,4 y 163,4 casos por 1000 habitantes, que fueron muy superiores a las tasas de morbilidad por demanda de consulta (TMDC) en iguales periodos de tiempo. Resultado de la división de ambas tasas se obtuvo el«índice de morbilidad real» (IMR) cuyo cociente osciló entre 5 y 15, aproximadamente. Una alta proporción (47,6%) de enfermos refirieron no haber solicitado atención médica. Estos resultados permiten hacer estimaciones aproximadas del comportamiento real de las IRA en el universo de estudio y establecer bases para un nuevo programa de control, perfeccionando ademcis la vigilancia epidemiolóigica en la atención primaria de salud.SummaryThe present work presents the study of morbidity due to acute respiratory infections (ARI) in areas of the town of Lisa in Ciudad Habana, and Isla Juventud (Cuba), to caracterise different aspects of morbidity measured by health care attendance and to measure true morbidity. About 90% of consultations for ARI were first-time consultations, while their ratio to further consultations was 5.3. True morbidity rates (TMR), obtained trough active research, ranged from 110.4 to 163.4 cases per 1000 inhabitants, considerably higher than morbidity rates measured by primary care consultations (MRPCC) in the same time period. The true morbidity index (TMI), as measured by the ratio of the two previous rates, ranged from 5 to 15. Ahigh proportion (47.6%) of cases reported no medical careattendance. These results provide approximate estimates of true morbidity in the study area, and allow the establishment of a new control program, also improving epidemiologic surveillance within primary care activities

Creatinine used as an indicator of urinary excretion in Nelore cattle

ABSTRACT: Urinary excretion is fundamental for the understanding of several variables related to ruminant nutrition. The total collection of urine from grazing animals is a complex and difficult procedure, while in confined animal it requires the installation of funnels or urinary catheters that generate discomfort along with an increased risk of injury. Objective: the aim of this study was to validate the predictive ability of urine creatinine on urine output, in comparison with the total collection method. Methods: five Nelore animals were used. Animals were kept in confinement conditions and were offered feed and water ad libitum. The total volume of urine produced, determined by total collection in metabolic cages was compared with the estimated production calculated from creatinine excretion. Spot samples collected four hours after feeding the animals were analyzed for creatinine concentration during four experimental periods. Results: the statistical significance of paired t-test and the trend of the regression slope in the Bland-Altman analysis allow concluding that creatinine excretion, under our experimental conditions, was not an adequate predictor of urine volume. Conclusions: creatinine concentration in spot samples can be considered as the critical factor in this methodology due to the common diurnal variations of urine output and, therefore, the variations in the excretion of the metabolite.RESUMEN: El conocimiento de la excreción urinaria es necesario para la determinación de diversas variables contempladas en la nutrición de rumiantes. Con animales en pastoreo, la recolección total de la orina representa un procedimiento complejo; y en confinamiento, demanda la instalación de embudos o sondas urinarias, que generan incomodidad y aumentan el riesgo de lesiones. Objetivo: el objetivo de este trabajo fue validar la capacidad de predicción de la producción urinaria a través de la excreción de creatinina, con respecto a la determinación realizada vía recolección total. Métodos: cinco cebuínos criados en régimen de confinamiento, recibiendo alimento y agua ad libitum, fueron empleados. La producción total de orina, determinada mediante recolección total en jaula metabólica, fue comparada con la producción estimada desde la excreción de creatinina. Muestras spot fueron recolectadas cuatro horas después de la alimentación y analizadas para concentración de creatinina durante cuatro fases experimentales. Resultados: la significancia estadística de la prueba t pareada y a la tendencia registrada por la pendiente de regresión en el análisis de Bland-Altman, permiten concluir que la excreción de creatinina, bajo nuestras condiciones experimentales, no predijo adecuadamente el volumen urinario. Conclusiones: la concentración de creatinina en la muestra spot se considera el punto crítico de la metodología por las variaciones diurnas que se registran en la producción urinaria y, por tanto, en la excreción del metabolito

Estudo piloto em cuidadores de pacientes com enfermidades neurológicas, sobre o significado e conhecimento de cuidados paliativos

Aim. To describe the meaning attributed to palliative care (PC) by caregivers, as well as their preference with respect to informing the patient and their satisfaction in their caring role. Methodology: Study descriptive transversal, sample intended of 40 caregivers of neurologic patients needing PC. A questionnaire about knowledge of the topic and their burnout status was applied. A descriptive-comparative analysis was carried out with 95% (pObjetivo. Describir el significado que atribuyen cuidadores a los cuidados paliativos (CPS), así como su preferencia respecto a informar al paciente y su satisfacción con el papel de cuidador. Metodología. Estudio descriptivo transversal, muestra intencional de 40 cuidadores de enfermos neurológicos con necesidad de CPS. Se aplicó un cuestionario de conocimientos sobre el tema y sobrecarga. Se realizó análisis descriptivo-comparativo con un intervalo de confianza de 95% (pObjetivo. Descrever o significado que atribuem cuidadores aos cuidados paliativos (CPS), assim como sua preferência com respeito a informar ao paciente e sua satisfação com o papel de cuidador. Metodologia. Estudo descritivo transversal, amostra intencional de 40 cuidadores de enfermos neurológicos com necessidade de CPS. Aplicou-se um questionário de conhecimentos sobre o tema e sobrecarga. Realizou-se análise descritivo-comparativa com um intervalo de confiança de 95% (

Relict periglacial soils on Quaternary terraces in the central Ebro Basin (NE Spain)

Pedofeatures associated with ancient cold climatic conditions have been recognized in soils on terraces in the Monegros area (central Ebro Basin, Spain), at a latitude of 41°49′N and an altitude of 300 m a.s.l. Eleven soil profiles were described on fluvial deposits corresponding to the most extensive terrace (T5) of the Alcanadre River, Middle Pleistocene in age (MIS8–MIS7). Each soil horizon was sampled for physical, chemical, mineralogical and micromorphological analyses. Macromorphological features related to pedocryogenic processes were described: involutions, jacked stones, shattered stones, detached and vertically oriented carbonatic pendents, fragmented carbonatic crusts, laminar microstructures, succitic fabric, silt cappings on rock fragments and aggregates, and irregular, broken, discontinuous and deformed gravel and sandy pockets. Accumulations of Fe–Mn oxides, dissolution features on the surface of carbonatic stones, and calcitic accumulations were identified related to vadose–phreatic conditions. The observed periglacial features developed under cold environmental conditions in exceptional geomorphic and hydrological conditions. This soil information may have potential implications in studies of paleoclimate in the Ebro Valley as well as in other Mediterranean areas

2D Cu(I)‑I Coordination Polymer with Smart Optoelectronic Properties and Photocatalytic Activity as a Versatile Multifunctional Material

This work presents two isostructural Cu(I)-I 2-fluoropyrazine (Fpyz) luminescent and semiconducting 2D coordination polymers (CPs). Hydrothermal synthesis allows the growth of P-1 space group single crystals, whereas solvent-free synthesis produces polycrystals. Via recrystallization in acetonitrile, P21 space group single crystals are obtained. Both show a reversible luminescent response to temperature and pressure. Structure determination by single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 200 and 100 K allows us to understand their response as a function of temperature. Applying hydrostatic/uniaxial pressure or grinding also generates significant variations in their emission. The high structural flexibility of the Cu(I)-I chain is significantly linked to the corresponding alterations in structure. Remarkably, pressure can increase the conductivity by up to 3 orders of magnitude. Variations in resistivity are consistent with changes in the band gap energy. The experimental results are in agreement with the DFT calculations. These properties may allow the use of these CPs as optical pressure or temperature sensors. In addition, their behavior as a heterogeneous photocatalyst of persistent organic dyes has also been investigatedThanks to Micro and Nanotechnology Institute CNM-CSIC for SEM images. Thanks to the SCXRD laboratory of the Interdepartmental Research Service and to Servicios Generales de Apoyo a la Investigación (SEGAI) at La Laguna University. This work has been supported by MCINN/AEI/ 10.13039/ 5011000011033 under the National Program of Sciences and Technological Materials, PID2019-108028GB-C22, PID2019- 106383GB-C41/C44, and TED2021-131132B-C22. Thanks to Gobierno d e Canarias and EU-FEDER (grant: ProID2020010067). This study forms part of the Advanced Materials program and was supported by MCIN with funding from European Union Next Generation EU (PRTR-C17.I1) and by Generalitat Valenciana (grant MFA/2022/007 and PROMETEO CIPROM/2021/075-GREENMAT). A.L. (R.T.) and D.E. thank the Generalitat Valenciana for the Ph.D. (Postdoctoral) Fellowship No. GRISOLIAP/2019/025 (CIAPOS/2021/20). J.C.G. and R. W. acknowledge the support from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (RTI2018-097508-B-I00, PID2021-128313OB-I00, TED2021- 131018B-C22) and the Regional Government of Madrid through projects NMAT2D-CM (S2018/NMT-4511). J.C.G. acknowledges support from the Regional Government of Madrid through “Proyectos Sinérgicos de I + D” (grant Y2018/NMT-5028 FULMATEN-CM) and NANOCOV-CM (REACT-UE). IMDEA Nanociencia acknowledges support from the Severo Ochoa Programme for Centres of Excellence in R&D (MINECO, grant CEX2020-001039-S

The p.(Cys150Tyr) variant in CSRP3 is associated with late-onset hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in heterozygous individuals

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Up to 50% of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) show no disease-causing variants in genetic studies. Mutations in CSRP3 have been associated with HCM, but evidence supporting pathogenicity is inconclusive. In this study, we describe an HCM cohort with a missense variant in CSRP3 (p.Cys150Tyr) with supporting evidence for pathogenicity and a description of the associated phenotype. METHODS: CSRP3 was sequenced in 6456 index cases with a diagnosis of HCM and in 5012 probands with other cardiomyopathies. In addition, 3372 index cases with hereditary cardiovascular disorders other than cardiomyopathies (mainly channelopathies and aortopathies) were used as controls. RESULTS: The p.(Cys150Tyr) variant was identified in 11 unrelated individuals of the 6456 HCM probands, and it was not identified in patients with other cardiomyopathies (p < 0.0001) or in our control population (p < 0.0001). Ten of the index cases were heterozygous and one was homozygous. Homozygous had a more severe phenotype. Family screening identified 17 other carriers. Wild-type individuals showed no signs of disease. The mean age at diagnosis of affected individuals was 55 ± 13 years, and the mean left ventricular wall thickness was 18 ± 3 mm. The variant showed highly age-dependent penetrance. After a mean follow-up of 11 (±8) years, no adverse events were reported in any of the HCM patients. CONCLUSIONS: The p.(Cys150Tyr) variant in CSRP3 causes late-onset and low risk form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in heterozygous carriers

Imposition, resistance, and alternatives in the face of an interregional water crisis in Mexico: El Zapotillo project

En este dossier se analizan los complejos aspectos socio-políticos, económicos, hidrológicos, legales, entre otros, relacionados con la construcción del proyecto El Zapotillo, que incluye un trasvase del Río Verde entre los estados mexicanos de Jalisco y Guanajuato con consecuencias significativas paras las comunidades humanas y los ecosistemas. El Cuaderno de Trabajo presenta doce artículos escritos por especialistas en las diferentes dimensiones del proceso, e incluye el trabajo de estudiantes de doctorado, activistas, y miembros de las comunidades locales afecadas directamente por el proyecto. It is a dossier focused on the complex socio-political, economic, hydrological, legal and other aspects involving the construction of El Zapotillo project, which includes an inter-basin transfer of the Verde River between the Mexican states of Jalisco and Guanajuato with significant consequences for human communities and ecosystems. The Working Paper features twelve articles written by specialists in the different dimensions of the process, and includes the work of doctoral students, activists, and members of the local communities directly affected by the project.ITESO, A.C.Universidad de BernaEl Colegio de JaliscoUNAMUniversidad de GuanajuatoUniversidad de GuadalajaraCartocríticaIMDECCIDEComité Salvemos Temacapulín, Acasico y PalmarejoColectivo de Abogad@