Optimizing precision irrigation of a vineyard to improve water use efficiency and profitability by using a decision-oriented vine water consumption model

While the agronomic and economic benefits of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) strategies have long been established in red wine grape varieties, spatial variability in water requirements across a vineyard limits their practical application. This study aims to evaluate the performance of an integrated methodology—based on a vine water consumption model and remote sensing data—to optimize the precision irrigation (PI) of a 100-ha commercial vineyard during two consecutive growing seasons. In addition, a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) was conducted of the tested strategy. Using an NDVI generated map, a vineyard with 52 irrigation sectors and the varieties Tempranillo, Cabernet and Syrah was classified in three categories (Low, Medium and High). The proposed methodology allowed viticulturists to adopt a precise RDI strategy, and, despite differences in water requirement between irrigation sectors, pre-defined stem water potential thresholds were not exceeded. In both years, the difference between maximum and minimum water applied in the different irrigation sectors varied by as much as 25.6%. Annual transpiration simulations showed ranges of 240.1–340.8 mm for 2016 and 298.6–366.9 mm for 2017. According to the CBA, total savings of 7090.00 € (2016) and 9960.00 € (2017) were obtained in the 100-ha vineyard with the PI strategy compared to not PI. After factoring in PI technology and labor costs of 5090 €, the net benefit was 20.0 € ha−1 in 2016 and 48.7 € ha−1 in 2017. The water consumption model adopted here to optimize PI is shown to enhance vineyard profitability, water use efficiency and yield.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Naturalizing consciousness emergence for ai implementation purposes: A guide to multilayered management systems

© 2017, IGI Global. All rights reserved. The purpose of this chapter is to delineate a naturalistic approach to consciousness. This bioinspired method does not try to emulate into a 1:1 scale real mechanisms but instead of it, we capture some basic brain mechanisms prone to be implemented into computational frameworks. Consequently, we adopt afunctional view on consciousness, considering consciousness as one among other cognitive mechanisms useful for survival purposes in natural environments. Specifically, we wish to capture those mechanisms related to decision-making processes employed by brains in order to produce adaptive answer to the environment, because this is the main reason for the emergence and purpose of consciousness

La plaqueta pintada del yacimiento epipaleolítico de Picamoixons (Alt Camp, Tarragona) : aproximación al estudio de la cadena operativa

En este trabajo se presenta el estudio realizado sobre una plaqueta pintada localizada en el yacimiento de Picamoixons, cuya cronología oscila entre 9.l70±80 y 11.050±90 B.P. A su vez se desarrolla una metodología referida al medio de aplicación de la pintura mediante las técnicas digital, pincel y "a crayon", en base a un programa experimental. Se describen los primeros resultados y su aplicación a la plaqueta de Picamoixons.In this work we present the study concerning a painted tablet on limestone located at the Picamoixons site, whose dating stands between 9.170±80 and 11.050±90 B.P. At the same time, a methodology is currently being developed regarding the means of application of (he painting through the digital, paintbrush and "a crayon" techniques, based on an experimental programo The frrst results and their application on the Picamoixons tablet are described

Deoxynivalenol degradation in wheat kernels by exposition to ammonia vapours: A tentative strategy for detoxification

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin produced mainly by Fusarium species and occurs predominantly in cereal grains such as wheat. Due to its toxic effects, in the European Union DON content in unprocessed cereals and processed cereal-based products for human consumption has been regulated, and recommended maximum limits have been established for animal feed. In this study, a method for degrading DON on wheat kernels, by exposition to ammonia (NH3) vapours, was optimized. Results have shown that with a simple treatment with ammonia vapours at 90ºC (for two hours), degradations higher than 75% were achieved in kernels affected by a moderated contamination up to 2000 µg/kg DON. The study of the reaction between DON and NH3 allowed us to tentatively establish the structure of possible degradation products. In addition, in silico evaluation indicated, in general, lower toxicity and biological effects for the degradation products than for DON.B.B.-V. and J. J R.-B. appreciate the FD pre-doctoral fellowship (PRE2018-085278) of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, and the postdoctoral contract from Agrotecnio center, respectively. This work was funded through the project AGL2017-87755-R awarded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities

Bio-plausible simulation of three monoamine systems to replicate emotional phenomena in a machine

© 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. In this paper we present the validation of the three-dimensional model of emotions by Hugo Lövheim the "cube of emotion" via neurosimulation in the NEST. We also present the extension of original "cube of emotion" with the bridge to computational processes parameters. The neurosimulation is done via re-implementation of DA, 5-HT and NA subsystems of a rat brain to replicate 8 basic psycho-emotional states according to the "cube of emotion". Results of neurosimulations indicate the incremental influence of DA and NA over computational resources of a psycho-emotional state while 5-HT decreases the computational resources used to calculate a psycho-emotional state. This way we indicate the feasibility of the bio-plausible re-implementation of psycho-emotional states in a computational system. This approach could be useful extension of decision making and load balancing components of modern artificial agents as well as intelligent robotic systems

Influence of agronomic factors on mycotoxin contamination in maize and changes during a 10-day harvest-till-drying simulattion period: a different perspective

Aquest article pertany al número especial: "Evaluation and Prevention of Mycotoxin Contamination and Toxicological Effects"Agronomic factors can affect mycotoxin contamination of maize, one of the most produced cereals. Maize is usually harvested at 18% moisture, but it is not microbiologically stable until it reaches 14% moisture at the drying plants. We studied how three agronomic factors (crop diversification, tillage system and nitrogen fertilization rate) can affect fungal and mycotoxin contamination (deoxynivalenol and fumonisins B1 and B2) in maize at harvest. In addition, changes in maize during a simulated harvest-till-drying period were studied. DON content at harvest was higher for maize under intensive tillage than using direct drilling (2695 and 474 μg kg−1, respectively). We found two reasons for this: (i) soil crusting in intensive tillage plots caused the formation of pools of water that created high air humidity conditions, favouring the development of DON-producing moulds; (ii) the population of Lumbricus terrestris, an earthworm that would indirectly minimize fungal infection and mycotoxin production on maize kernels, is reduced in intensive tillage plots. Therefore, direct drilling is a better approach than intensive tillage for both preventing DON contamination and preserving soil quality. Concerning the simulated harvest-tilldrying period, DON significantly increased between storage days 0 and 5. Water activity dropped on the 4th day, below the threshold for DON production (around 0.91). From our perspective, this study constitutes a step forward towards understanding the relationships between agronomic factors and mycotoxin contamination in maize, and towards improving food safety.This work is part of the R+D+I project PID2020-114836RB-I00, financed by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/ 501100011033. B.B.-V. and J.F.-O. have been funded by the FD pre-doctoral fellowship (PRE2018- 085278 and PRE2018-084610 respectively) of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities

Is eating raisins healthy?

Raisins are dried grapes consumed worldwide that contain beneficial components for human health. They are rich in fiber and phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds. Despite a 60% sugar content, several studies have reported health-promoting properties for raisins and this review compiles the intervention studies, as well as the cell line and animal model studies carried out to date. It has been demonstrated that raisins possess a low-to-moderate glycemic index, which makes them a healthy snack. They seem to contribute to a better diet quality and may reduce appetite. Their antioxidant capacity has been correlated to the phenolic content and this may be involved in the improvement of cardiovascular health. In addition, raisins maintain a good oral health due to their antibacterial activity, low adherence to teeth and an optimum oral pH. Raisin consumption also seems to be favorable for colon function, although more studies should be done to conclude this benefit. Moreover, gut microbiota could be affected by the prebiotic content of raisins. Cell line and animal model studies show other potential benefits in specific diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease. However, deeper research is required and future intervention studies with humans are needed. Overall, incorporating an 80-90 g portion of raisins (half a cup) into the daily diet may be favorable for human health

Simulation of a fear-like state on a model of dopamine system of rat brain

© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016.In this paper we present the following hypothesis: the neuromodulatory mechanisms that control the emotional states of mammals could be translated and re-implemented in a computer by means of controlling the computational performance of a hosted computational system. In our specific implementation we represent the simulation of the fear-like state based on the three dimensional neuromodulatory model of affects (here the basic emotional inborn states) that we have inherited from works of Hugo Lövheim. We have managed to simulate 1000 ms of work of the dopamine system using NEST Neural Simulation Tool and the rat brain as the model. We also present the results of that simulation and evaluate them to validate the overall correctness of our hypothesis

Advanced Research on Biologically Inspired Cognitive Architectures

© 2017, IGI Global. All rights reserved. There are many different approaches to understanding human consciousness. By conducting research to better understand various biological mechanisms, these can be redefined and utilized for technological purposes. Advanced Research on Biologically Inspired Cognitive Architectures is an essential reference source for the latest scholarly research on the biological elements of human cognition and examines the applications of consciousness within computing environments. Featuring exhaustive coverage on a broad range of innovative topics and perspectives, such as artificial intelligence, bio-robotics, and human-computer interaction, this publication is ideally designed for academics, researchers, professionals, graduate students, and practitioners seeking current research on the exploration of the intricacies of consciousness and different approaches of perception