Diálogos imaginarios

La dialéctica como método para la búsqueda de conocimiento es sin lugar a dudas uno de los procedimientos más recurridos en la historia del pensamiento humano. Con ella es posible ensayar desde    la lógica una confrontación de ideas que finalmente posibilita la validación o no de una forma nueva de pensar. Como tal, supone por tanto una herramienta adecuada para el estudio de las posibles relaciones  que caben en el desarrollo y establecimiento de un cuerpo cognitivo

Chemical Fingerprints in an Underwater Archaeological Shipwreck using a Remote Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy System

Nowadays, one of the most important areas of interest in archeology is the characterization of the submersed cultural heritage. Mediterranean Sea is rich in archaeological findings due to storms, accidents and naval battles since prehistoric times. Chemical analysis of submerged materials is an extremely valuable source of information on the origin and precedence of the wrecks, and also the raw materials employed during the manufacturing of the objects found in these sites. Sometimes extracting the archeological material from the marine environment is not practical due to the size of the sample, or is not permitted by the legislation or preservation practices. In these cases, the in-situ analysis turns into the only alternative. The versatility of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been successfully tested in oceanography [1]. Advantages such as rapid and in situ analysis with no sample preparation make LIBS a suitable alternative for field measurements. A fiber-optics-based remote instrument has been designed for the recognition and identification of artworks in underwater archaeological shipwrecks. The LIBS prototype featured both single-pulse (SP-LIBS) and multipulse excitation (MP-LIBS). The use of multi-pulse excitation allowed an increased laser beam energy (up to 95 mJ) transmitted through the optical fiber. This excitation mode results in an improved performance of the equipment in terms of extended range of analysis (to a depth of 50 m) and a broader variefy of samples to be analyzed (i.e., rocks, marble, ceramics and concrete). In this work, parametric studies in the laboratory such as gas flow pressure, beam focal conditions and angle of incidence, among others, were performed to optimize the best conditions for field analysis. Finally, results obtained in these field trials confirmed the capability of remole LIBS for in-situ analysis of underwater archeological samples.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Remote Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy in Underwater Archaeology: Identification of Chemical Fingerprints in Shipwrecks

Nowadays, one of the most important areas of interest in archeology is the characterization of the submersed cultural heritage. Mediterranean Sea is rich in archaeological findings due to storms, accidents and naval battles since prehistoric times. Chemical analysis of submerged materials is an extremely valuable source of information on the origin and precedence of the wrecks, and also the raw materials employed during the manufacturing of the objects found in these sites. Sometimes extracting the archeological material from the marine environment is not practical due to the size of the sample, or is not permitted by the legislation or preservation practices. In these cases, the in-situ analysis turns into the only alternative. The versatility of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been successfully tested in oceanography 1. Advantages such as rapid and in situ analysis with no sample preparation make LIBS a suitable alternative for field measurements. A fiber-optics-based remote instrument has been designed for the recognition and identification of artworks in underwater archaeological shipwrecks. The LIBS prototype featured both single-pulse (SP-LIBS) and multi-pulse excitation (MP-LIBS). The use of multi-pulse excitation allowed an increased laser beam energy (up to 95 mJ) transmitted through the optical fiber. This excitation mode results in an improved performance of the equipment in terms of extended range of analysis (to a depth of 50 m) and a broader variety of samples to be analyzed (i.e., rocks, marble, ceramics and concrete). In this work, parametric studies in the laboratory such as gas flow pressure, beam focal conditions and angle of incidence, among others, were performed to optimize the best conditions for field analysis. Finally, results obtained in these field trials confirmed the capability of remote LIBS for in-situ analysis of underwater archeological samples.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Libs in cultural heritage: recognition and identification of objects in an underwater archaeological shipwreck

Nowadays, one of the most important areas of interest in archeology is the characterization of the submersed cultural heritage. Mediterranean Sea is rich in archaeological findings due to storms, accidents and naval battles since prehistoric times. Chemical analysis of submerged materials is an extremely valuable source of information on the origin and precedence of the wrecks, and also the raw materials employed during the manufacturing of the objects found in these sites. Nevertheless, sometimes it is not possible to extract the archaeological material from the marine environment due to size of the sample, the legislation or preservation purposes. In these cases, the in-situ analysis turns into the only alternative for obtaining information. In spite of this demand, no analytical techniques are available for the in-situ chemical characterization of underwater materials. The versatility of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been successfully tested in oceanography 1. Advantages such as rapid and in situ analysis with no sample preparation make LIBS a suitable alternative for field measurements. To further exploit the inherent advantages of the technology, a mobile fiber-based LIBS platform capable of performing remote measurements up to 50 meters range has been designed for the recognition and identification of artworks in underwater archaeological shipwrecks. The LIBS prototype featured both single-pulse (SP-LIBS) and multi-pulse excitation (MP-LIBS) 2. The use of multi-pulse excitation allowed an increased laser beam energy (up to 95 mJ) transmitted through the optical fiber. This excitation mode results in an improved performance of the equipment in terms of extended range of analysis (to a depth of 50 m) and a broader variety of samples to be analyzed (i.e., rocks, marble, ceramics and concrete). In the present work, the design and construction considerations of the instrument are reported and its performance is discussed on the basis of the spectral response, the remote irradiance achieved upon the range of analysis and its influence on plasma properties, as well as the effect of the laser pulse duration and purge gas to the LIBS signal. Also, to check the reliability and reproducibility of the instrument for field analysis several robustness tests were performed outside the lab. Finally, the capability of this instrument was successfully demonstrated in an underwater archaeological shipwreck (San Pedro de Alcántara, Malaga).Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucí

Praying for rain, resilience, and social stability in Murcia (southeast Spain)

©2022. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ This document is the Published, version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in Ecology and Society. To access the final edited and published work seehttps://doi.org/10.5751/ES-12875-270209We analyze the case of pro-pluvia rogations (PPR) performed by the Catholic Church in Murcia, Spain since 1600. PPR were ceremonies to ask God for rain. We show a structural break in the prayer data during the 1830s, coinciding with the end of the ancien régime in Spain. PPR responded to environmental shocks and were used by the civil and ecclesiastical authorities to control the population, ensure stability, and maintain the status quo. Thus, PPR in Murcia have acted as a social resilience instrument. At the same time, PPR highlight the conflict between civil and religious authorities and within religious authorities. Understanding the motives, timing, and other characteristics of religious rituals is crucial to understand the evolution of institutions, the persistence of beliefs and strategies for social adaptation to the environment over the long ru

Tecnología LIBS Subacuática. Investigación, Desarrollo y Aplicación al Estudio de Materiales Arqueológicos Sumergidos

Para estudiar, proteger y conservar los bienes sumergidos es necesario avanzar decididamente en la localización, identificación y evaluación del patrimonio arqueológico subacuático, manteniendo intacto, en la medida de lo posible, su estado original. De hecho, la UNESCO considera la conservación in-situ del Patrimonio Cultural como “la opción prioritaria antes de autorizar o emprender actividades dirigidas a ese patrimonio”. Además, es frecuente que este análisis in-situ se perfile como la única alternativa posible para obtener información sobre la composición química de un objeto. Por ello, es necesario mejorar los métodos, técnicas y herramientas para la investigación en el entorno subacuático, lo que supone un reto científico de gran alcance debido a las dificultades intrínsecas del medio marino y a la complejidad y precariedad de las tecnologías de inspección susceptibles de ser utilizadas bajo agua. Por el momento, LIBS o Espectroscopía de Plasmas Inducidos por Láser, es una de las pocas técnicas de análisis químico que permite obtener información sobre el patrimonio sumergido. La utilidad de LIBS en arqueología ha sido ampliamente demostrada, permitiendo el diseño de equipos remotos. Todo ello motivó la realización de esta Tesis Doctoral, donde se describen los siguientes logros: 1. Por primera vez, se ha demostrado la utilidad de LIBS para el reconocimiento e identificación in-situ de materiales sumergidos a decenas de metros de profundidad. Para ello se empleó un instrumento LIBS remoto basado en el guiado de radiación láser a través de un cable de fibra óptica, permitiendo analizar objetos situados hasta 30 m de profundidad. 2. Se han conseguido fusionar las ventajas de la excitación multi-pulso con las posibilidades que ofrece el guiado de la radiación láser a través de fibra óptica. Así es posible transportar altas dosis de energía a través de un cable de fibra óptica lo que permite analizar incluso aquellas muestras que ofrecen mayor dificultad. 3. Se ha diseñado, construido y patentado un analizador subacuático transportable con todas las ventajas que ofrece la excitación mediante multi-pulsos. Dicho analizador es capaz de analizar, de modo remoto, sólidos sumergidos hasta 50 m de profundidad. 4. Por primera vez se ha demostrado la capacidad de LIBS para llevar a cabo la identificación de material arqueológico en un yacimiento subacuático real: el pecio del “Bucentaure” hundido en el Océano Atlántico. 5. Se ha demostrado que es posible analizar cuantitativamente materiales de bronce sumergidos mediante curvas de calibración construidas previamente en el laboratorio en un entorno atmosférico, con independencia de la profundidad a la que se encuentren y minimizando el efecto de fraccionamiento. 6. Se ha demostrado, por primera vez, el potencial de stand-off LIBS para la caracterización química de sólidos sumergidos. Los resultados conseguidos sugieren la posibilidad de integrar esta tecnología en el interior de un ROV para caracterizar químicamente objetos situados hasta 4000 m de profundidad. Estos resultados, publicados en prestigiosas revistas especializadas, permiten ampliar el rango de aplicación de la técnica LIBS, abriendo nuevas vías de investigación relacionadas con el medido subacuático

Deconstructing risks. Four centuries of changes in vulnerability and adaptation to floods and drought in Murcia

Pocos aspectos tienen mayor relevancia que los destinados a mejorar la seguridad de las personas, máxime en un contexto de cambio global en que los desastres naturales y el número de personas afectadas aumentan año a año. Este escenario hace necesario reducir la vulnerabilidad y mejorar la estrategia de adaptación y resiliencia de las sociedades. Para esto es necesario tener en cuenta tanto criterios ambientales, como perceptuales, culturales e históricos. Una forma de sacar las lecciones que nos brinda nuestra historia, es valorar la vulnerabilidad secular ante dos de los principales riesgos que afectan a las sociedades: las inundaciones y las sequías. En este trabajo se aplica el Índice de Cambios Perceptuales a los Riesgos Climáticos (ICPRC) en Murcia desde el siglo XVII. Los resultados muestran una mejora de la percepción del peligro y que la vulnerabilidad, a pesar de haber descendido, sigue siendo alta, en parte porque la estrategia de adaptación se basa en las grandes obras de ingeniería y no se ponen límites a la exposición de bienes y personas.In a context of global change in which natural disasters and the number of people affected increase every year, few aspects are more relevant than those that are intended to improve security of people. This scenario makes it necessary to reduce vulnerability and improve the adaptation and resilience strategy of societies. In order to do so, it is necessary to consider on the one hand, environmental criteria and on the other hand, perceptual, cultural and historical criteria. One way to draw lessons from our history is to assess the secular vulnerability of floods and droughts. In this work the Index of Perceptual Changes to Climate Risks (ICPRC) has been applied in Murcia from the seventeenth century to now. The results show an improvement in the hazard perception. In addition, the vulnerability, despite having fallen, remains high, due to the adaptation strategy is based on large engineering works and there are no clear limits to the exposition of goods and people.Este trabajo ha sido realizado gracias a la financiación de la Fundación Seneca (Agencia de Ciencia y Tecnología de La Región de Murcia) a través de una Beca Contrato Predoctoral de Formación de Personal Investigador percibida por el autor durante el periodo 2009/2013 (Expediente: 09498/FPI/08)

La información catastral como herramienta para el análisis de la exposición al peligro de inundaciones en el litoral mediterráneo español

El análisis de riesgo en áreas urbanas es una exigencia legal en España. La normativa estatal del suelo y las autonómicas de ordenación territorial y urbanística contemplan la obligación de incluir cartografía de riesgo en los procesos de planificación. En las últimas tres décadas, el riesgo frente a inundaciones se ha incrementado notablemente en algunas regiones españolas en relación con la ocupación de áreas inundables con usos residenciales. La información catastral se convierte en una herramienta eficaz para la valoración de la exposición al peligro de inundaciones. En este artículo se analiza la potencialidad de esta información y su integración con la cartografía del Sistema Nacional de Cartografías de Zonas Inundables en un área del litoral mediterráneo que ha experimentado un incremento desaforado de su parque de viviendas, como método de trabajo aplicable en otros territorios para la valoración de la exposición al riesgo y la elaboración de cartografía de detalle.Risk analysis in urban areas is a legal requirement in Spain. The state legislation of land and various regional regulations of territorial and urban planning include an obligation to produce maps showing the risk in land use processes. In the last three decades flood risk has increased significantly in some Spanish regions due to an increase in human occupation of flood-prone areas. Cadastral data becomes a powerful tool for the assessment of exposure to flood hazards. This paper analyzes the potential of this information and its integration with the maps of National Cartographic System of Flood Zones in an area of the Mediterranean coastal region that has experienced a significant increase in its housing stock. This method of analysis is applicable to other territories for the assessment of exposure to risk and the elaboration of detail mapping

The blessing of the “year without summer”: Climatic and socioeconomic impact of the Krakatoa eruption (1883) in the south‐east of the Iberian Peninsula

In the current context of climate change–induced warming, interest in analysing the impact of volcanic eruptions on the climate has renewed. The main conclusions from related papers indicate that volcanic eruptions alter the terrestrial radiative balance and cause cooling in the years after an eruption: known as “years without summer.” These episodes of cyclical cooling have been related to negative socio‐economic impacts (such as crop reduction, famine, and social unrest). However, the effect on precipitation has been studied less. Detailed studies on the economic impact of large eruptions are scarce, especially for historical eruptions. This study analysed the effects of the 1883 Krakatoa eruption on temperature and precipitation in the south‐east of the Iberian Peninsula and related economic and social effects. It was concluded that this eruption incited a significant decrease in maximum temperatures and stability, an increase in minimum temperatures, a decrease in average temperatures, and a significant increase in rainfall. This climatic context produced a decrease in cereal prices and a reduction in climatic risks (droughts and frosts). Therefore, the effects of the eruption of Krakatoa improved socioeconomic conditions in the south‐eastern Iberian Peninsula.This work was partially supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Innovation (CGL 2016‐75996‐R). S. G.‐G. acknowledges the support of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through a “Juan de la Cierva Incoporación” grant (IJCI‐2016‐29016)

La “Doña” è Mobile: The Role of Women in Social Mobility in a Pre-Modern Economy

We use data from marriage records in Murcia, Spain, in the eighteenth century to study the role of women in social mobility in the pre-modern era. Our measure of social standing is identification as a don or doña, an honorific denoting high, though not necessarily noble, status. We show that this measure, which is acquired over the lifecycle, shows gendered transmission patterns. In particular, same-sex transmission is stronger than opposite-sex, for both sons and daughters. The relative transmission from fathers versus mothers varies over the lifecycle, and grandparents may affect the status of their grandchildre