Preliminary study of the atmospheric pollen in "Sierra de las Nieves" Natural Park (Southern Spain)

‘Sierra de las Nieves’ is a Natural Park and a Biosphere Reserve located in the south of Spain. This protected area has a high diversity of ecosystems with abundant endangered species which have led it to be in ways to become a National Park. Some of those species have anemophilous pollination strategies. Since 1991, the Aerobiology research team of the University of Malaga has been sampling and studying airborne pollen in different cities of Malaga province. Nevertheless, a pollen trap has never been installed inside a Natural Park for a continuous sampling process. The objectives of this study were to determinate the atmospheric pollen behaviour of the main taxa registered during winter and spring months in this protected area, as well as compare the results with the data obtained in urban stations during the same period searching for significant differences. The pollen samplings were made by means of a Hirst-type volumetric pollen trap inside the protected area of the Natural Park. The samples obtained were mounted and counted according to the methodology proposed by the Spanish Aerobiology Network (REA). The high vegetal diversity of ‘Sierra de las Nieves’ are reflected in the pollen counts. Significant differences between the sampligs obtained at ‘Sierra de las Nieves’, Malaga and the neraby city of Ronda stations were found regarding to the daily pollen concentration. The qualitative and quantitative differences can be explained by the different land use, altitude, climatic characteristics and by the distance between aerobiological stations and pollen emission sources. There is an important influence of wind dymanic and others meteorological factors.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tec

Backward air trajectory models for detecting pollen airborne sources of Castanea in Ronda (South Spain)

Ronda is located in a rural area close to the natural Parks Sierra de Grazalema and Sierra de las Nieves, surrounded by crops, natural and seminatural vegetation. The Genal Valley, which is located at the southwest of Ronda, is the biggest Castanea sativa Mill. crop area in Andalusia (South Spain) but there are also others C. sativa crops in different areas close to Ronda. This increases the Castanea atmospheric pollen levels in Ronda, the highest of Malaga province. Castanea pollen has been cited by different authors as potentially allergenic. The objective of this preliminary study was to determine the main sources of Castanea pollen detected in Ronda during the period in which the highest concentrations were detected along the year 2017. The pollen samplings were made by means of a Hirst-type volumetric pollen trap. The samples obtained were mounted and counted according to the methodology proposed by the Spanish Aerobiology Network (REA). Backward air trajectories were calculated according to HYSPLIT 4 model. Models were run five times a day by using R software for the whole month of June 2017. Due to the wind dynamics in Ronda, the main source of Castanea airborne pollen was not the expected (the Genal Valley). The dominant winds in June 2017 came from the southeast of Ronda and brought Castanea pollen from the crops of two nearby localities, Istan and Ojen, which are widely smaller than those situated in the Genal Valley. Therefore, due to the high pollen production of these crops, predictive models for the Castanea airborne pollen in Ronda should be done in future researches in order to prevent allergic diseases in the population. Additionally, by studing air trajectory models, the cross pollination between Castanea populations in the area can be estimated.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

The use of cyclohexane as a new adhesive for airborne pollen sampling

Se estudia la adherencia del fluido de silicona, utilizando como disolvente el ciclohexano en lugar del tetracloruro de carbono, como se venía haciendo anteriormente. Se comparan los resultados entre ambos disolventes en un captador aerobiológico de tipo Hirst.Carbon Tetrachloride, used as a solvent for the silicone adhesive in airborne pollen sampling, has been recently interdicted by the Registration Evaluation Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) protocol due to its dangerous effects on environment and human health (Manibusan et al. 2007) and it will no longer be produced. Therefore, the need to find a new solvent for the silicon-coating solution is mandatory in order to continue aerobiological research. In a previous study, Thibaudon et al. (2014) concluded that there were no-significant differences between Diethyl Ether and Carbon Tetrachloride and the first can be used as solvent for capturing airborne pollen. The importance of this topic led us to investigate the efficiency of other solvents to use alternatively for the adhesive coating solution. The aim of this preliminary study is to compare the efficiency of airborne pollen grain capture on silicone fluid by using Cyclohexane solvent as an alternative to Carbon Tetrachloride, the solvent used by the Spanish Aerobiology Network (REA). The study was carried out in Malaga (southern Spain), from 16 February to 26 April, 2015 (10 weeks), with the aid of a 7-day Hirst type volumetric trap, located on the roof of the Faculty of Science, 15 m above ground level. For this, the drum was covered by a Melinex tape, coated with silicone adhesive containing two different solvents: one half of the tape with Carbon Tetrachloride and the other half with Cyclohexane, following the methodology previously described by Thibaudon et al. (2015). The position of the two sampling adhesives was reversed from right to left every week. The counting method consisted of 2 continuous horizontal sweeps per each half of the tape (Galán et al., 2007). The results obtained, expressed as number of pollen grains/m3, will be statistically analyzed in order to detect possible differences, if any. Finally, the results, regarding total pollen as well as the different pollen types, separately, will be presented in order to propose or not Cyclohexane as an alternative solvent to Diethyl Ether and Carbon Tetraclorhidre, more dangerous substances from a toxic point of view (Toxicology Data Network, TOXNET, http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/).Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

An object-based approach for mapping forest structural types based on low-density LiDAR and multispectral imagery

[EN] Mapping forest structure variables provides important information for the estimation of forest biomass, carbon stocks, pasture suitability or for wildfire risk prevention and control. The optimization of the prediction models of these variables requires an adequate stratification of the forest landscape in order to create specific models for each structural type or strata. This paper aims to propose and validate the use of an object-oriented classification methodology based on low-density LiDAR data (0.5 m−2) available at national level, WorldView-2 and Sentinel-2 multispectral imagery to categorize Mediterranean forests in generic structural types. After preprocessing the data sets, the area was segmented using a multiresolution algorithm, features describing 3D vertical structure were extracted from LiDAR data and spectral and texture features from satellite images. Objects were classified after feature selection in the following structural classes: grasslands, shrubs, forest (without shrubs), mixed forest (trees and shrubs) and dense young forest. Four classification algorithms (C4.5 decision trees, random forest, k-nearest neighbour and support vector machine) were evaluated using cross-validation techniques. The results show that the integration of low-density LiDAR and multispectral imagery provide a set of complementary features that improve the results (90.75% overall accuracy), and the object-oriented classification techniques are efficient for stratification of Mediterranean forest areas in structural- and fuel-related categories. Further work will be focused on the creation and validation of a different prediction model adapted to the various strata.This work was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad and FEDER under [grant number CGL2013-46387-C2-1-R]; Fondo de Garantia Juvenil under [contract number PEJ-2014-A-45358].Ruiz Fernández, LÁ.; Recio Recio, JA.; Crespo-Peremarch, P.; Sapena, M. (2018). An object-based approach for mapping forest structural types based on low-density LiDAR and multispectral imagery. Geocarto International. 33(5):443-457. https://doi.org/10.1080/10106049.2016.1265595S44345733

Preliminary study of the airborne pollen in the atmosphere of Puerto Ayora (Galapagos Islands, Ecuador)

Galapagos is an archipelago of volcanic islands located 972 km west from the continental Ecuador. They were declared by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve due to their singular environmental value, where a third part of the native plants are endemic to this archipelago (Jaramillo et al., 2011). In spite of the numerous scientific studies carried out in Galapagos, there are not any aerobiological samplings being performed currently. The main objectives of this study were to install a pollen trap for detecting the presence of pollen in the atmosphere of Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands) and qualitatively identify the different pollen types detected during the studied period. A Durham (1946) gravimetric pollen trap was modified to turn it into a passive impact pollen trap based on Pla Dalmau (1957) modifications. It was placed on the roof of the Galapagos National School (Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island) at a height of 15m above ground level. The samples were obtained by using silicone fluid as adhesive substance and glycerine gelatine as mounting mean. The pollen grains were counted in a surface of 14 x 48 mm in each sample. The pollen types were identified with the aid of the pollen guide of the Galapagos Island by Jaramillo & Trigo (2011) and the Charles Darwin Foundation pollen bank. Pollen types of endemic plants such as Darwiniothamnus sp., Passiflora foetida var. galapagensis Killip, Justicia galapagana Lindau and Castela galapageia Hook. f. were detected together with those of other native and introduced species. A high diversity of pollen types was detected, reflecting the particular vegetation of the island. This preliminary aerobiological information can be used as precedent for further studies on the pollination of native and introduced species of the Galapagos Islands, as well as for detecting possible allergic diseases in the population.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Control de miopía. Herramientas actuales para su manejo y control

La miopía es un defecto de refracción muy común que cada vez afecta a un mayor porcentaje de población, convirtiéndose en un importante problema de salud por su impacto socioeconómico y su afectación en la salud visual. Puede deberse a un problema refractivo (miopía refractiva) o a un incremento de la longitud axial (miopía axial), pudiéndose diferenciar también entre miopía baja y alta. Esta última puede progresar a una miopía patológica que conlleva un mayor riesgo de patologías asociadas. En los últimos años se ha despertado mucho el interés científico respecto a la miopía, sus factores desencadenantes y el desarrollo de mecanismos que ayuden a frenar su progreso. La extensa investigación al respecto señala a que no existe una única causa que justifique la evolución de la miopía, pero hay determinados factores de riesgo juegan un importante papel en la aparición y progresión de la miopía, como la educación, el trabajo continuado en visión próxima, las actividades al aire libre y exposición a la luz y determinados factores genéticos. Además, se han propuesto diversas teorías para tratar de explicar la etiología que hay detrás de la aparición y desarrollo de la miopía. Actualmente existen ciertos tratamientos destinados al control de la miopía los cuáles pueden ser clasificados en tratamientos farmacológicos, tratamientos mediante lentes de contacto (LC) y lentes oftálmicas y que pueden emplearse de manera aislada o en combinación para intentar ejercer un mayor control en la progresión de la miopía.Myopia is a very common refractive defect that increasingly affects a greater percentage of the population, becoming an important health problem due to its socioeconomic impact and its impact on visual health. It can be due to a refractive problem (refractive myopia) or an increase in axial length (axial myopia), and it is also possible to differentiate between low and high myopia. The latter can progress to pathological myopia that carries an increased risk of associated pathologies. In recent years, scientific interest has been aroused regarding myopia, its triggers and the development of mechanisms that help slow its progress. Extensive research in this regard indicates that there is no single cause that justifies the evolution of myopia, but certain risk factors play an important role in the appearance and progression of myopia, such as education, continuous work in near vision, outdoor activities and exposure to light and these genetic factors. In addition, various theories have been proposed to try to explain the etiology behind the appearance and development of myopia. Currently there are certain treatments aimed at the control of myopia which can be classified into pharmacological treatments, contact lens treatments (CL) and ophthalmic lenses and that can be used in isolation or in combination to try to exert greater control in the progression of myopia.Departamento de Física Teórica, Atómica y ÓpticaGrado en Óptica y Optometrí

Diseño de un programa para la orientación educativa, vocacional y profesional en el ámbito de la tecnología: acompañamiento a profesionales por un día

Proporcionar a los alumnos orientación educativa, vocacional y profesional desde el papel que desempeña el docente resulta fundamental en la toma de decisión de los alumnos con respecto a su trayectoria académica y profesional. El resultado de esa toma de decisiones se ve reflejado en la sociedad con desajustes entre la oferta y la demanda de perfiles profesionales STEAM o en los índices de paro juvenil, entre otros. Este trabajo surge de la necesidad de dar visibilidad a los puestos de trabajo de los perfiles STEAM y de proporcionar orientación a los alumnos para ayudarles en la toma de decisión. Con este objetivo, se ha diseñado una situación de aprendizaje basada en un programa experiencial de job shadowing. Para realizar este diseño, en primer lugar, se ha analizado los pilares legislativos que sustentan la orientación. Posteriormente se han analizado las distintas metodologías didácticas que proporcionarán una experiencia de valor a los estudiantes, para a continuación, realizar una revisión bibliográfica sobre programas experienciales similares llevados a cabo en la actualidad. Finalmente se ha aplicado la propuesta abordando el programa desde la asignatura de Tecnología de 4º de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria. El resultado del trabajo supone una guía para llevar a cabo este tipo de experiencias de job shadowing al entorno educativo en las asignaturas STEAM.For the teachers to provide students with educational, vocational and professional guidance is essential in students' decision making regarding their academic and professional careers. The result of their decision is reflected in society with mismatches between the supply and demand of STEAM professional profiles or in youth unemployment rates, among others. This work emerges from the need to give visibility to STEAM profile jobs and to provide guidance to students to help them in their decision making. With this objective, a learning situation has been designed based on an experiential job shadowing program. To carry out this design, first, the legislative pillars that support guidance were analyzed. Subsequently, the different didactic methodologies that will provide a valuable experience to the students were analyzed followed by a bibliographic review of similar experiential programs that are currently being carried out. Finally, the proposal has been implemented by addressing the program within the subject of Technology in the 4th year of Compulsory Secondary Education. The result of this study is a guide to develop this type of job shadowing experience in the educational environment in STEAM subjects.Departamento de Ingeniería Energética y FluidomecánicaMáster en Profesor de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria y Bachillerato, Formación Profesional y Enseñanzas de Idioma

La natalidad empresarial en el medio rural: el caso de Castilla y León

Uno de los grandes problemas en España es la despoblación de las zonas rurales, siendo Castilla y León una de las regiones que más lo está sufriendo. Ante este problema, el papel de las empresas como mecanismo de desarrollo y crecimiento económico es fundamental, de tal manera que activar el tejido empresarial es una de las tareas clave. A través de este trabajo analizaremos el parque empresarial de Castilla y León contrastando la apertura de sociedades mercantiles de responsabilidad limitada en el medio rural durante el periodo 2010 a 2016. Con el objetivo de comprobar qué condiciona dicha natalidad y de qué manera, utilizaremos modelos de regresión lineal simple, tomando como variables explicativas tres de los principales factores que, según la literatura, condicionan dicha natalidad: la población, el paro y el nivel de empleo de los territorios.Departamento de Economía AplicadaGrado en Economí

La conservación preventiva en exposiciones temporales:"Yì Lái Colectivo"

Previo a que una pieza sea exhibida y contemplada por el público, tiene lugar una extensa red de actividades imprescindibles para que el proyecto expositivo concluya con éxito. En este proceso, juega un papel fundamental la conservación preventiva, disciplina que tiene por objetivo detectar posibles riesgos que afecten a las obras de arte, con el fin de minimizarlos o incluso evitarlos. El presente trabajo pretende reflejar la importancia de adoptar unos criterios de conservación preventiva adecuados para asegurar la protección y salvaguarda de las piezas. Para ello, se ha elegido como caso de estudio YÌ LÁI COLECTIVO, una plataforma que se encarga de organizar exposiciones temporales pero que no dispone de recursos ni de conocimientos sobre conservación preventiva. Se analizan dos exposiciones con el fin de detectar posibles fallos y carencias para que no vuelvan a cometerse, a la vez que se aportan propuestas y soluciones que puedan tenerse en cuenta en futuras exposiciones temporales

Producción de polen en un matorral del Sur de España

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