Poo Power: Revisiting Biogas Generation Potential on Dairy Farms in Texas

Biogas created from anaerobic digestion on dairy farms can be used to generate electricity, produce coproducts, and reduce reliance on off-farm inputs. We incorporate risk into simulation models representing dairy farms in Texas and demonstrate the profitability of new anaerobic digester installation. Based on this market, results indicate projects that have low investment costs, receive grant support for construction, utilize coproducts, or have some combination of these factors have higher net present value at the end of the study period; however, even with generous grant support and high electricity prices, projects with average investment costs remain unprofitable

Crecimiento físico, alimentación y redes sociales en ciudad de Nieva

Como parte de la tesis de Licenciatura en Antropología, se realizó un relevamiento antropométrico transversal de niños y adolescentes de familias de bajo nivel socioeconómico, residentes en el barrio Ciudad de Nieva de San Salvador de Jujuy. Se trabajó con 72 grupos familiares que reciben cobertura del Centro de Salud. Totalizaron 173 niños y jóvenes, 97 varones y 76 mujeres de 4 a 19 años. Se midió Talla Total y Peso Corporal confrontando con la referencia nacional. Se registró el contexto familiar y barrial, mediante observación en campo y entrevistas a madres seleccionadas, para conocer los hábitos alimentarios de niños y jóvenes. Los resultados mostraron diferencias entre sexos, especialmente en Talla Total Las mujeres presentaron distribución semejante a la referencia para ambas variables. En el registro de hábitos alimentarios, se observó que los merenderos barriales tuvieron fuerte influencia en el consumo, especialmente en familias vinculadas mediante redes sociales de parentesco y con el Centro de Salud. También sobresalieron el nivel de ingreso económico, y las preferencias alimentarias de los progenitores. Los factores socioculturales tendrían fuerte influencia sobre el crecimiento físico de la población relevada, principalmente las relaciones interfamiliares, la asistencia social y las características internas de los grupos familiares.Eje: Crecimiento, nutrición y desarrolloAsociación de Antropología Biológica de la República Argentina (AABRA

Crecimiento físico, alimentación y redes sociales en ciudad de Nieva

Como parte de la tesis de Licenciatura en Antropología, se realizó un relevamiento antropométrico transversal de niños y adolescentes de familias de bajo nivel socioeconómico, residentes en el barrio Ciudad de Nieva de San Salvador de Jujuy. Se trabajó con 72 grupos familiares que reciben cobertura del Centro de Salud. Totalizaron 173 niños y jóvenes, 97 varones y 76 mujeres de 4 a 19 años. Se midió Talla Total y Peso Corporal confrontando con la referencia nacional. Se registró el contexto familiar y barrial, mediante observación en campo y entrevistas a madres seleccionadas, para conocer los hábitos alimentarios de niños y jóvenes. Los resultados mostraron diferencias entre sexos, especialmente en Talla Total Las mujeres presentaron distribución semejante a la referencia para ambas variables. En el registro de hábitos alimentarios, se observó que los merenderos barriales tuvieron fuerte influencia en el consumo, especialmente en familias vinculadas mediante redes sociales de parentesco y con el Centro de Salud. También sobresalieron el nivel de ingreso económico, y las preferencias alimentarias de los progenitores. Los factores socioculturales tendrían fuerte influencia sobre el crecimiento físico de la población relevada, principalmente las relaciones interfamiliares, la asistencia social y las características internas de los grupos familiares.Eje: Crecimiento, nutrición y desarrolloAsociación de Antropología Biológica de la República Argentina (AABRA

Professional Perspectives on Bilingualism in Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study

Purpose: The present study examined the perspectives of professionals regarding bilingualism and ASD. Methods: A total of 27 professionals participated in this study. Data was collected via an online survey. The survey was designed based on a literature review and consultation with a team of experts in the field of ASD. Information relating to demographic information, professional practice information, and perspectives of bilingualism and ASD was collected. Results: Professionals participating in the present study were most likely to agree with the statement, “A child with ASD from a bilingual household is able to understand both languages” and least likely to agree with the statement, “There are enough bilingual service providers and resources.” Responses to 5 of the 8 statements related to professional perspectives on bilingualism in children with ASD were near the scale midpoint indicating the participants did not strongly agree nor disagree with the perceptions. When asked what language parents should speak to their children with ASD from a bilingual household, 44% of participants recommended a bilingual approach, and 30% indicated a monolingual approach. Participants reported professional experience and the ability to communicate with caregivers/others in the environment/parent language use as influences for these recommendations. Furthermore, sex, level of education, and bilingual caseload were found to be significantly related to perspectives on bilingualism and ASD. Conclusion: The results of this study support previous literature which has identified a disconnect between research and clinical practice regarding bilingualism and ASD. Furthermore, the relationship between specific demographic and professional variables found in this study can now be used by future research studies and programs targeting bilingualism and ASD. These findings are of particular importance when considering that research has supported bilingualism in children with ASD, yet many professionals continue to implement a monolingual approach. A better understanding of professional perspectives of bilingualism in ASD provides insight into the discrepancy between research and clinical practice and paves the way for future studies and programs targeting improved services for bilingual children with ASD

Professional Perspectives on Bilingualism in Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study

Purpose: The present study examined the perspectives of professionals regarding bilingualism and ASD. Methods: A total of 27 professionals participated in this study. Data was collected via an online survey. The survey was designed based on a literature review and consultation with a team of experts in the field of ASD. Information relating to demographic information, professional practice information, and perspectives of bilingualism and ASD was collected. Results: Professionals participating in the present study were most likely to agree with the statement, “A child with ASD from a bilingual household is able to understand both languages” and least likely to agree with the statement, “There are enough bilingual service providers and resources.” Responses to 5 of the 8 statements related to professional perspectives on bilingualism in children with ASD were near the scale midpoint indicating the participants did not strongly agree nor disagree with the perceptions. When asked what language parents should speak to their children with ASD from a bilingual household, 44% of participants recommended a bilingual approach, and 30% indicated a monolingual approach. Participants reported professional experience and the ability to communicate with caregivers/others in the environment/parent language use as influences for these recommendations. Furthermore, sex, level of education, and bilingual caseload were found to be significantly related to perspectives on bilingualism and ASD. Conclusion: The results of this study support previous literature which has identified a disconnect between research and clinical practice regarding bilingualism and ASD. Furthermore, the relationship between specific demographic and professional variables found in this study can now be used by future research studies and programs targeting bilingualism and ASD. These findings are of particular importance when considering that research has supported bilingualism in children with ASD, yet many professionals continue to implement a monolingual approach. A better understanding of professional perspectives of bilingualism in ASD provides insight into the discrepancy between research and clinical practice and paves the way for future studies and programs targeting improved services for bilingual children with ASD

El aprendizaje de la Antropología Biológica en la carrera de Antropología

La bioantropología en la ciencia antropológica, es indispensable en toda carrera que estudia y comprende al ser humano. No se disocia del universo social, cultural e histórico; por el contrario, se interrelacionan, influyéndose mutuamente. Según nuestra experiencia en la UNJu, donde la antropología biológica presenta limitada carga horaria, se evidencia una permanente desvinculación entre los problemas de investigación de este campo con los de la Antropología Social y la Arqueología. Aún así, desde el equipo de docentes y auxiliares de la cátedra Antropología Biológica II, se intenta abordar las problemáticas con una perspectiva integral del hecho biológico con el contexto social e histórico; representando una visión holística tendiente a la adquisición de una mirada crítica, más amplia de la realidad y por ende más constructiva y más acertada. De este modo se trata de evitar los riesgos de caer en reduccionismos "biologicistas" o "culturalistas", que sesgan la perspectiva de investigación desde el momento mismo en que se plantea su realización.Asociación de Antropología Biológica de la República Argentin

El aprendizaje de la Antropología Biológica en la carrera de Antropología

La bioantropología en la ciencia antropológica, es indispensable en toda carrera que estudia y comprende al ser humano. No se disocia del universo social, cultural e histórico; por el contrario, se interrelacionan, influyéndose mutuamente. Según nuestra experiencia en la UNJu, donde la antropología biológica presenta limitada carga horaria, se evidencia una permanente desvinculación entre los problemas de investigación de este campo con los de la Antropología Social y la Arqueología. Aún así, desde el equipo de docentes y auxiliares de la cátedra Antropología Biológica II, se intenta abordar las problemáticas con una perspectiva integral del hecho biológico con el contexto social e histórico; representando una visión holística tendiente a la adquisición de una mirada crítica, más amplia de la realidad y por ende más constructiva y más acertada. De este modo se trata de evitar los riesgos de caer en reduccionismos "biologicistas" o "culturalistas", que sesgan la perspectiva de investigación desde el momento mismo en que se plantea su realización.Asociación de Antropología Biológica de la República Argentin

A review of the (Revised) Universal Soil Loss Equation ((R)USLE): with a view to increasing its global applicability and improving soil loss estimates

Soil erosion is a major problem around the world because of its effects on soil productivity, nutrient loss, siltation in water bodies, and degradation of water quality. By understanding the driving forces behind soil erosion, we can more easily identify erosion-prone areas within a landscape to address the problem strategically. Soil erosion models have been used to assist in this task. One of the most commonly used soil erosion models is the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and its family of models: the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation version 2 (RUSLE2), and the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE). This paper reviews the different sub-factors of USLE and RUSLE, and analyses how different studies around the world have adapted the equations to local conditions. We compiled these studies and equations to serve as a reference for other researchers working with (R)USLE and related approaches. Within each sub-factor section, the strengths and limitations of the different equations are discussed, and guidance is given as to which equations may be most appropriate for particular climate types, spatial resolution, and temporal scale. We investigate some of the limitations of existing (R)USLE formulations, such as uncertainty issues given the simple empirical nature of the model and many of its sub-components; uncertainty issues around data availability; and its inability to account for soil loss from gully erosion, mass wasting events, or predicting potential sediment yields to streams. Recommendations on how to overcome some of the uncertainties associated with the model are given. Several key future directions to refine it are outlined: e.g. incorporating soil loss from other types of soil erosion, estimating soil loss at sub-annual temporal scales, and compiling consistent units for the future literature to reduce confusion and errors caused by mismatching units. The potential of combining (R)USLE with the Compound Topographic Index (CTI) and sediment delivery ratio (SDR) to account for gully erosion and sediment yield to streams respectively is discussed. Overall, the aim of this paper is to review the (R)USLE and its sub-factors, and to elucidate the caveats, limitations, and recommendations for future applications of these soil erosion models. We hope these recommendations will help researchers more robustly apply (R)USLE in a range of geoclimatic regions with varying data availability, and modelling different land cover scenarios at finer spatial and temporal scales (e.g. at the field scale with different cropping options).</p

Modelos de sinterización/densificación. Aplicación al cerámico YBa2Cu3Ox

A partir de la teoría clásica de sinterizado de un aglomerado de partículas se describen diversos modelos que pueden ser aplicados a curvas dilatométricas obtenidas a velocidad de calentamiento constante. Los modelos representan el comportamiento densificatorio (i) durante las etapas inicial e intermedia del sinterizado en estado sólido (mecanismos de difusión por borde gano y por volumen) y (ii) con asis-tencia de fase líquida (etapas de reacomodamiento-flujo viscoso y solución-precipitación).Ajustes de los datos experimentales permiten calcular las energías de activa-ción asociadas a cada uno de estos mecanismos. Analizando los intervalos de tem-peratura donde actúan y comparando las energías de activación de cada uno de ellos, se puede determinar el mecanismo más probable en cada una de las regiones de contracción de la curvas dilatométricas. Se los aplica a datos densificatorios para compactos de YBa2Cu3Ox (YBCO-123) medidos en aire y bajo flujo de O2 puro. Se distinguieron diferentes regiones de densificación desde el inicio de la contracción de los compactos (≈ 830°C) hasta la zona de descomposición de la fase 123 (≈ 1010°C en aire y ≈ 1030°C en oxígeno). La zona de descomposición peritéctica del YBa2Cu3Ox también fue analizada por medio de dilatometrías isotérmicas. Estas per-mitieron establecer tres zonas con diferentes exponentes temporales de densificación.From the classical sintering theory of particles agglomerates, several models that could be applied on dilatometric curves, obtained at constant heating rates, were described. The models depicted the densification behavior (i) during the initial and the intermediate solid stage sintering (mechanism of grain boundary and volume diffusion), and (ii) with liquid phase assistance (rearrangement-viscous flux and solutionprecipitation). These models allow us to calculate the activation energies associated to each of these mechanisms. By analyzing the temperature ranges where they act and comparing the activation energies of each one of them, the most probable mechanism can be determined in each one of the contraction regions of the dilatometric curves. They were applied to densification data for compacts of YBa2Cu3Ox (YBCO123) measured in air and under flow of pure O2. Different densification regions, from the beginning of the compacts contraction (≈ 830°C) to the decomposition zone of the phase 123 (≈ 1010 °C in air and ≈ 1030 °C in oxygen) were distinguished. The peritectic decomposition zone of YBa2Cu3Ox was also analyzed by isothermal dilatometries. These allowed establish three zones with different temporary exponents of densification.Fil: Benavidez, Edgardo Roque. Universidad Tecnológica Nacional. Facultad Regional San Nicolás. Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico de Materiales; ArgentinaFil: Gonzalez Oliver, Carlos Julian R.. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia de Área de Aplicaciones de la Tecnología Nuclear. Gerencia de Investigación Aplicada CAB. Departamento Fisicoquímica de Materiales; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte; Argentin

The CFEPS Kuiper Belt Survey: Strategy and Pre-survey Results

We present the data acquisition strategy and characterization procedures for the Canada-France Ecliptic Plane Survey (CFEPS), a sub-component of the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Legacy Survey. The survey began in early 2003 and as of summer 2005 has covered 430 square degrees of sky within a few degrees of the ecliptic. Moving objects beyond the orbit of Uranus are detected to a magnitude limit of $m_R$=23 -- 24 (depending on the image quality). To track as large a sample as possible and avoid introducing followup bias, we have developed a multi-epoch observing strategy that is spread over several years. We present the evolution of the uncertainties in ephemeris position and orbital elements as the objects progress through the epochs. We then present a small 10-object sample that was tracked in this manner as part of a preliminary survey starting a year before the main CFEPS project. We describe the CFEPS survey simulator, to be released in 2006, which allows theoretical models of the Kuiper Belt to be compared with the survey discoveries since CFEPS has a well-documented pointing history with characterized detection efficiencies as a function of magnitude and rate of motion on the sky. Using the pre-survey objects we illustrate the usage of the simulator in modeling the classical Kuiper Belt.Comment: to be submitted to Icaru