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[EN] The hypothesis of this experiment proposes that it could be possible to identify pregnant goats through maximum progesterone milk levels at any time in the pregnancy, and that there is an optimal moment to apply a lactation inhibitor to dry off lactating goats. The maximum progesterone concentration in milk varied depending on the season of the year, and those concentrations were similar for pregnant and non-pregnant goats, but significantly higher in the case of gestating goats with four foetuses, for which it would be possible to distinguish the pregnancy. The milk yield of goats at mating does not affect fertility until a value of at least 3250 mL/day. If using lactation inhibitors, their application up to the 10th week post-mating would be optimal for drying off lactating goats. Two of the most important problems in high-yielding dairy goat farms are early and accurate pregnancy diagnosis and the appropriate dry off of lactating does before the next kidding. The hypothesis posits that it could be possible to identify pregnant does through maximum progesterone milk levels at any time during the pregnancy, and that there is an optimal time to apply a lactation inhibitor to help dry off lactating does. Therefore, 114 Murciano-Granadina breed goats were used, from which 74 goats were inseminated at week 20 of lactation and samples of milk from pregnant and non-pregnant goats were taken at two-week intervals. The average maximum progesterone milk levels were higher outside the natural breeding season (40 degrees latitude) than in the breeding season (11.6 +/- 1.13 vs. 8.6 +/- 1.02 ng/mL), although the levels from pregnant and non-pregnant goats were similar (10.85 +/- 1.3 vs. 9.74 +/- 1.6 ng/mL), except in the case of pregnancy with four foetuses (12.5 +/- 1.3 ng/mL). Milk yield at mating does not affect fertility until a value of at least 3250 mL/day. Pregnancy started to affect milk yield up to the +7th week and was 59.9% lower in the +10th week after mating

[EN] Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-frequency self-administered vibration therapy into myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius and levator scapulae on patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. Methods: Twenty-eight patients with chronic non-specific neck pain were randomly assigned into a vibration group, receiving 10 self-applied sessions of vibration therapy in the upper trapezius and levator scapulae trigger points; or a control group, receiving no intervention. Self-reported neck pain and disability (Neck Disability Index) and pressure pain threshold were assessed at baseline and after the first, fifth and 10th treatment sessions. Findings: Significant differences were found in the vibration group when compared to the control group after the treatment period: the vibration group reached lower Neck Disability Index scores (F = 4.74, P = .033, eta(2) = 0.07) and greater pressure pain threshold values (F = 7.56, P = .01, eta(2) = 0.10) than the control group. The vibration group reported a significant reduction in Neck Disability Index scores (chi(2) = 19,35, P = .00, Kendall's W = 0.28) and an increase in pressure pain threshold (chi(2) = 87,10, P = .00, Kendall's W = 0.73) between the assessment times over the course of the treatment. The mean increase in pressure pain threshold in the vibration group after the 10 sessions was 8.54 N/cm2, while the mean reduction in Neck Disability Index scores was 4.53 points. Interpretation: Vibration therapy may be an effective intervention for reducing self-reported neck pain and disability and pressure pain sensitivity in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. This tool could be recommended for people with non-specific neck pain.

[EN] In dairy ruminants, the combination of milking parameters must ensure good milking performance without harming udder conditions. Commonly, milking conditions for goats are established without having checked the admissible limits for optimal and fast milking. The aim of this study was to establish a limit combination of machine milking parameters that improves machine milking performance without altering milkability or udder status. To this end, we studied the effect of 2 combinations (42 kPa, 120 cpm, 60% vs. 44 kPa, 120 cpm, 60% in terms of kilopascals of vacuum level, cycles per minute of pulsator rate, and percentage of pulsator ratio, respectively) on milk production and composition, milk fractioning during milking, SCC, teat tissue thickness variation after milking, and the milk emission kinetics parameters throughout 1 lactation period (6 rno). The 42 and 44 kPa measured at the vacuum gauge level became average values of 37.5 and 39.3 kPa, respectively, measured at the teat sphincter level during milking. Milk flow significantly increased and total milking time decreased 25 s with the elevation of the vacuum level from 42 to 44 kPa without any adverse effect on milk fractioning at milking. However, the use of 44 kPa also showed an increase in tissue thickness above 5%, and we observed a tendency of average conductivity of milk to increase, although without any adverse effect on SCC. It seems that 44 kPa, 120 cpm, 60% is a possible limit combination of parameters to improve milking performance without altering milkability or udder conditions. We concluded that this combination can be used for milking Murciano-Granadina breed goats in conditions similar to those of this study (mid-level milking system and 1 milking/d), although further studies are necessary to verify its application in the case of 2 milkings/d.

[EN] Thinning is the process of removing some flowers or fruit to increase fruit size at harvest. In the Valencia region of Spain, the thinning operation for citrus fruit (Citreae) is performed for some mandarin varieties. This is always performed manually; however, this method is very expensive. The goal of this research study was to assess the mechanical thinning of mandarin ( Citrus reticulata) using a hand-held branch shaker. Different thinning treatments were conducted over a 3-year period. The gasoline-powered branch shaker was capable of detaching fruit four- to five-times faster than manual thinning. Final fruit size was significantly higher using manual and mechanical thinning compared with a no thinning treatment. Similar final fruit size was obtained with manual and mechanical thinning. However, no significant differences were found in final fruit yield by weight among no thinning, mechanical thinning, and manual thinning treatments. The use of a branch shaker could be recommended for thinning operations to increase efficiency, reduce labor costs, and obtain larger and higher-quality fruit.

[EN] 3D printing technology is a promising technology with the possibility of use for developing personalised food. To make this technology easier, and readily available for consumers, greater knowledge of the printing conditions and characteristics of food-ink is needed. This paper investigates the printability of gels based on syrup, xanthan, and konjac gums, while affecting printing variables. Those variables include the printing temperature (25¿°C and 50¿°C) and the composition of the product analysed using rheological and textural characterisation techniques. Also, the link between rheological and textural properties of gels, and printability was analysed. The higher values of G¿, G¿ and ¿* correlated to the mixtures with lower syrup concentration, and higher values of xanthan and konjac gum. Syrup, xanthan gum and konjac gum content influenced the textural properties. With the increase of syrup content, the Fmax, Fmean, Area, and slope showed reductions giving more weak gels. Rheological and textural values can define composition of formulations that give rise to valid 3D printed figures. Industrial relevance There is an increasing market need for customized food products. Three-dimensional (3D) food printing will be developed in the coming years. Undoubtedly, food printing can have many advantages, but whether the market is ready for such a big change and the technology will grow fast enough are the questions. Also it seems to be the right solution to meet the needs of today's consumers who increasingly have too little time to prepare meals on their own, especially in small or single-person households. In the future, ready, healthy meal, tailored to their individual needs, will be waiting when coming home. 3D printed gels can contribute to develop personalised food with specific nutritional characteristics. For example, this kind of gels can be used to manufacture soft foods for the elderly who have problems to swallow.

[EN] In Citrus, certain species and/or cultivars are prone to alternate bearing, i.e., a year of heavy crop (ON year) is followed by one of low flowering and light crop (OFF year), and vice-versa. To counteract the fruit effect, we propose a guided mechanical pruning initiated in the spring of an ON year and carried out annually. Our hypothesis is that this gives rise to abundant shoots with well-developed leaves that reach the floral bud inductive period ready to receive the inductive signal and, thus, to induce the bud to bloom the following spring. The experiment was carried out during four consecutive years (2013¿16) using a commercial plantation of `Nadorcott¿ mandarin in southwest Spain. Trees were mechanically pruned: hedging (H) or topping by completely removing the upper shoots of the canopy (T) or by cutting ¿ of their length (T¿). Unpruned trees were used as controls. The experiment began in the spring of an ON-year. T and T¿ carried out in the spring restart the meristem and give rise new shoots that develop in summer and autumn. At the inductive period, the leaves on these new shoots showed a CiFT2 gene expression 4- and 3.7-fold higher than their respective old leaves. In the case of the T¿ their buds avoided the inhibitory effect of the fruit and bloomed the following spring even with the fruit in the cut-back shoot. For the two periods of ON-OFF years of our experiment, cumulative yield of the T treated trees barely increased, whereas T¿ significantly increased with respect to the unpruned trees. We conclude that cutting flowering shoots annually in half-length by means of mechanical pruning (T¿), attenuates alternate bearing behaviour in 'Nadorcott' mandarin. In this experiment, cumulative yield increased by 25% with regard to unpruned trees during the four years of the trial.

[ES] Ecuador es un país muy rico en recursos naturales, lo que le permite tener un importante sector agrario, gracias a sus diversos microclimas y regiones productivas. Sin embargo, predomina una agricultura de supervivencia y los agentes de la cadena de valor necesitan profesionalizarse e innovar si pretenden alcanzar un modelo de agricultura mucho más moderna y competitiva, en estos tiempos en los que los mercados mundiales están muy influidos por la globalización parece que solo hay espacio para las empresas más fuertes, innovadoras o creativas. Revisando el ecosistema emprendedor que caracteriza al sector agrario, se comprueba que arrastra una serie de falencias que le exigen un cambio a corto plazo. No solo es preciso impulsar la creación de nuevas empresas, también hay que mejorar o innovar en las que ya están funcionando. Dada la dimensión social de la agricultura en Ecuador, esta debería posicionarse como el principal motor del desarrollo global del país, pero la realidad es que se fundamenta en una cadena de valor muy desequilibrada y el sector no tiene ni la industrialización ni la organización interna que permita este liderazgo. La presente Tesis doctoral se planteó con cuatro objetivos específicos. El primero era "conocer el estado actual en el que se encuentra el sector agroalimentario incidiendo en aquellos aspectos que pueden influir en mayor medida en el desarrollo de su ecosistema emprendedor"; para su cumplimiento se han confirmado los principales problemas y enfoques para abordarlos con personal experto de los diferentes eslabones de la cadena agroalimentaria (método Delphi), y elaborado unas matrices DAFO y CAME. A este objetivo se le une el de "analizar la conformación general de la cadena de valor", para lo que se ha tomado como referencia el cultivo del cacao y la palma africana, y además de revisar cómo están estructuradas dichas cadenas, se ha profundizado en los motivos que llevan al eslabón de origen a ser el que menor valor capta en toda, [CA] L'Equador és un país molt ric en recursos naturals, la qual cosa li permet tindre un important sector agrari, gràcies als seus diversos microclimes i regions productives. No obstant això, predomina una agricultura de supervivència i els agents de la cadena de valor necessiten professionalitzar-se i innovar si pretenen aconseguir un model d'agricultura molt més moderna i competitiva, en aquests temps en els quals els mercats mundials estan molt influïts per la globalització sembla que només hi ha espai per a les empreses més fortes, innovadores o creatives. Revisant l'ecosistema emprenedor que caracteritza al sector agrari, es comprova que arrossega una sèrie de carències que li exigeixen un canvi a curt termini. No solament cal impulsar la creació de noves empreses, també cal millorar o innovar en les que ja estan funcionant. Donada la dimensió social de l'agricultura a l'Equador, aquesta hauria de posicionar-se com el principal motor del desenvolupament global del país, però la realitat és que es fonamenta en una cadena de valor molt desequilibrada i el sector no té ni la industrialització ni l'organització interna que permeta aquest lideratge. La present Tesi doctoral es va plantejar amb quatre objectius específics. El primer era "conéixer l'estat actual en el qual es troba el sector agroalimentari incidint en aquells aspectes que poden influir en major mesura en el desenvolupament del seu ecosistema emprenedor". Per al seu compliment s'han confirmat els principals problemes i enfocaments per a abordar-los amb personal expert de les diferents baules de la cadena agroalimentària (mètode Delphi), i elaborat unes matrius DAFO i CAME. A aquest objectiu se li uneix el d'"analitzar la conformació general de la cadena de valor", per al que s'ha pres com a referència el cultiu del cacau i la palma africana, i, a més de revisar com estan estructurades aquestes cadenes, s'ha aprofundit en els motius que porten a la baula d'origen a ser el que menor valor capta en tota, [EN] Ecuador has many different natural resources, thanks to its diverse microclimates and productive regions, which allows it to have an important agricultural sector. However, survival agriculture predominates and value chain agents need to professionalize and innovate if they intend to achieve a much more modern and competitive agriculture model. This is particularly important in these times when world markets are heavily influenced by globalization, in which it seems that there is only room for the strongest, innovative or creative companies. Reviewing the entrepreneurial ecosystem that characterizes the agricultural sector, it is found that it carries a series of shortcomings that require a change in the short term. Not only does the creation of new companies need to be promoted, but we must also improve or innovate in those that are already functioning. Given the social dimension of agriculture in Ecuador, it should be positioned as the main engine of the country's global development. However, the reality is that it is based on a very unbalanced value chain and the sector has neither industrialization nor the internal organization that allows this leadership. This doctoral thesis was proposed with four specific objectives. The first was "to know the current state of the agri-food sector, influencing in those aspects that may have a greater impact on the development of its entrepreneurial ecosystem". For compliance, the main problems and approaches have been confirmed to address them with expert personnel from the different links of the agri-food chain (Delphi method), and developed SWOT and CAME matrices. This objective is joined to "analyze the general conformation of the value chain", for which the cultivation of cocoa and African palm has been taken as a reference. Besides, it has been reviewed how these chains are structured, and it has deepened in the reasons that lead to the link of origin to be the one that captures the lowest value in the whole chain.

[CA] A la Comunitat Valenciana s’han produït en les últimes dècades un important desenvolupament econòmic simultàniament amb profunds canvis institucionals. Des de la incorporació de Espanya a la Unió Europea, el sector agrari valencià ha incrementat la seva competitivitat, y la economia en el seu conjunt s’ha beneficiat de les elevades inversions baix la protecció de les subvencions europees (Regió Objectiu 1). Aquest canvi a afectat a les polítiques agràries, ambientals e inclús al propi marc legislatiu (descentralització de l’Estat i assumpció de competències exclusives per la Comunitat Valenciana e ingrés en la Unió Europea) però també a les polítiques agràries (Reforma de la PAC, Agenda 2000, etc.) y liberalització dels intercanvis comercials amb països tercers (Organització Mundial del Comerç). Tot açò ha suposat una creixent i diversificada competència per l’ús dels factors de producció escassos (sol, aigua i treball) i, en conseqüència, ha provocat importants i ràpids canvis en el paper que desenvolupa la agricultura en la economia valenciana. La adaptació dels agricultors als nous escenaris ha segut diversa reflectint una gran heterogeneïtat. El anàlisis de les estratègies seguides per els agricultors en resposta als canvis de les polítiques, als mercats i la competència intersectorial per els usos del sol es de gran interès per a comprendre la lògica interna del sistema. El treball que presentem proposa una tipologia dels agricultors de la Comunitat Valenciana establerta d’acord amb les variables que han provocat els majors canvis en l’ús del sol. Per tot açò, hem seleccionat municipis representatius i hem analitzat les estratègies de les categories d’agricultors tipo en els canvis de ús del sol. El anàlisi de les estratègies dels agricultors, les seves pràctiques i actituds, ens han permès conèixer la diversitat real de estratègies dels agricultors que corresponen a diferents actituds i sensibilitats front als usos del sol agrari i el medi ambient., [ES] En la Comunidad Valenciana se ha producido en las últimas décadas un importante desarrollo económico simultáneo a profundos cambios institucionales. Desde la incorporación de España a la Unión Europea, el sector agrario valenciano ha aumentado su competitividad, y la economía en su conjunto se ha beneficiado de las elevadas inversiones bajo la protección de las subvenciones europeas (Región Objetivo 1). El cambio ha afectado a las políticas agrarias, ambientales e incluso al propio marco legislativo (descentralización del estado y asunción de competencias exclusivas por la Comunidad Valenciana e ingreso en la Unión Europea) pero también a las políticas agrarias (Reforma de la PAC, Agenda 2000, etc.) y liberalización de los intercambios comerciales con países terceros (Organización Mundial del Comercio). Ello ha supuesto una creciente y diversificada competencia por el uso de los factores de producción escasos (suelo, agua y trabajo) y, en consecuencia, ha provocado importantes y rápidos cambios en el papel que desempeña la agricultura en la economía valenciana. La adaptación de los agricultores al nuevo escenario ha sido diversa reflejando una gran heterogeneidad. El análisis de las estrategias seguidas por los agricultores en respuesta a los cambios de las políticas, los mercados y la competencia intersectorial por los usos del suelo es de gran interés para comprender la lógica interna del sistema. El trabajo que presentamos propone una tipología de los agricultores de la Comunidad Valenciana establecida de acuerdo con las variables que han provocado los mayores cambios en el uso el suelo. Por ello, hemos seleccionado municipios representativos y analizado las estrategias de los categorías de agricultores tipo en los cambios de uso del suelo. El análisis de las estrategias de los agricultores, sus prácticas y actitudes, nos ha permitido conocer la diversidad real de estrategias de los agricultores que responden a diferentes actitudes y sensibilidades hacia los, [EN] An outstanding economic development has taken place in the Comunidad Valencia, simultaneously with several deep institutional changes. Since the Spanish entry in the European Community, the agrarian sector of Valencia has increased its competitiveness, and the economy as a whole has profited of the high investments performed under the shelter of the European subsidies (Region Obj. 1) This institutional change has affected the agricultural policies (CAP reform, Agenda 2000, etc.), the environmental policies, and even the actual legislative framework (State decentralisation, assumption of exclusive competences by the Comunidad Valenciana and entry in the European Community), and also the liberalisation of the trade exchanges with Third Countries (WTO). All of the above has given rise to a growing and diversified competition for the scarce means of production (land, water and labour) and, as a consequence, has led to rapid, important changes in the role played by the agriculture in the Valencian economy. The farmers adaptation to the new scenario has been diverse, reflecting a great heterogeneity. The analysis of the strategies followed by farmers as an answer to changes in policies, in markets, and in those issues related to intersectorial competition in land use, has got a notable interest for the understanding of the internal logic of the system. The paper that we present here is comprehended in a wider research project carried out for the JRC (Spatial Impact of Rural Environments EU Policies: A regional Comparative Analysis of Land Use Changes. Ispra 2001), in which we propose a typology of the Mediterranean agricultures in the Comunidad Valenciana, according to the most important variables affecting land use changes. Thus, we are able to select a few representative municipalities for each category, in which we carry out an analysis of the strategies adopted by several categories of farmers as an answer to changes in the independent variable. The analysis of t

[EN] This study compares the effects of two resistance training programs in peripheral and respiratory musculature on muscle mass and strength and physical performance and identifies the appropriate muscle mass parameter for assessing the intervention effects. Thirty-seven institutionalized older Spanish adults with sarcopenia were analyzed: control group (n = 17), respiratory muscle training group (n = 9), and peripheral muscle training group (n = 11). Measured outcomes were appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM/height(2), ASM/weight, and ASM/BMI), isometric knee extension, arm flexion and handgrip strength, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, and gait speed pre- and postintervention. Trained groups participated in a 12-week program and improved in maximum static inspiratory pressure, maximum static expiratory pressure, knee extension, and arm flexion (p < .05), whereas nonsignificant changes were found in gait speed and ASM indexes pre-and postintervention in the three groups. In conclusion, resistance training improved skeletal muscle strength in the studied population, and any ASM index was found to be appropriate for detecting changes after physical interventions.

[EN] The use of Munsell colour charts is the classical way of determining colour information in soil science. The procedure is well-known and consists of visually comparing soil samples with colour chips ontained in the charts. This visual approach has several drawbacks and although the chart-based procedure is routinely used, it is not easy to find systematic studies on the accuracy of this methodology. In this paper, we seek to gain insight into the strengths and weaknesses of using soil colour charts as a colour measurement device. The tool used to conduct our study is a modification to the attribute agreement analysis (AAA) method which consists of finding matches between colour standards and colour designations obtained by several appraisers. In the experiment, standards were obtained using a trichromatic colorimeter coupled to a computer program that implements the k nearest neighbour (k-NN) classification algorithm. In order to do the experiment, 276 soil samples were observed twice by four trained appraisers (2208 data records). The naïve count of matches across all the records in the dataset gave <5% of agreement for all three colour components Hue, Value and Chroma. The modified AAA criterion implemented in the study gave a clear increase in all indicators with values ranging from 82.2% to 100% in the agreement within appraisers, 39.5% in the agreement between appraisers, and 42.8% in the agreement of appraisers vs. standards. Results also show that users of the Munsell charts tend to mostly report correct Hues but higher Values and Chromas than true soil colours.

[EN] This Research Paper addresses the hypothesis that using teatcups with automatic valves, without cutting off the vacuum prior to cluster removal, could increases the risk of mastitis and affect other milking variables on goats. A first trial used 46 intramammary infection (IMI)-free goats that had been milked with normal teatcups (without automatic valves) during a pre-experimental period of 8 ± 2 d postpartum. These animals were divided into two groups (n = 23), randomly assigning each group to teatcups with automatic valves (teatcups A) or without automatic valves (teatcups B) for a 20-week experimental period. During this period, several strategies were applied to increase teat exposure to pathogens in both experimental groups. In the first eight weeks of the experimental period, the new IMI rate per gland was significantly higher (P < 0·05) in the group of animals milked with teatcups A (6 of 46; 13%) than in the group milked with teatcups B (1 of 46; 2%). However, throughout the rest of the experimental period the same number of glands appeared with new IMI (n = 7) in both animal groups. SCC was higher in goats milked with teatcups A, but no significant differences were found in the remaining variables (milk production and composition, frequency of liner slips + teatcup fall-off). In a second experiment, in a crossover design (54 goats in fourth month of lactation, 2 treatments ¿ teatcups A and B ¿ in 2 experimental periods each lasting 1 week), no differences were observed in total milk, average milk flow, total milking time or teat thickness changes after milking between both teatcups. However, teatcups A worsened slightly the maximum milk flow. We concluded that the use of teatcups with automatic valves, without cutting off the vacuum prior to cluster removal, increases the risk of mastitis on goat livestock farms.

The present Doctoral Thesis makes the first study on the growth of epibionts in the nets of marine farms of the Western Mediterranean. Also, this Doctoral Thesis is a novel contribution in the field of marine biofouling by collecting information not only taxonomically but also the ecology of the actors and factors involved. The objective of this study is to know the most common epibionts in Mediterranean marine aquaculture nets and their relationship with depth, season, situation on the farm and the response of the epibionts to the presence of a commercial antifouling paint with Based on cuprous oxide, performing for this purpose an exhaustive statistical analysis. To this end, 192 polyethylene sheets of 400 cm2 were placed on a Spanish southeast sea farm, specifically in the municipality of Villajoyosa (Alicante), at two different depths, with different orientations and antifouling paint and without it. The plates were collected in four periods of the year: in early spring, early summer, early autumn and the last, after 1 year submerged. Macroscopic species were studied at the taxonomic level and the data were treated with the Stathgraphics Centurion XVI.II and Promov software 15,02 to perform the relevant statistical studies. Nothing has been written before this work on the impact of these paintings on the colonies of the epibionts studied in this thesis, although it has been verified with this thesis that antifouling painting is an effective technique for the fight against marine epibiontes, And that works in addition to any depth and with any orientation. Also, it has been corroborated that the plates were covered more of organisms ,according to the time of exposure in the sea, It had or not antifouling painting,The chronological order of invasion of the plates by the epibionts has also been verified. In addition, the sheets that were located in the discharge area of the fish facility and under the current, were plates populated with a greater number of epibiont, La presente Tesis Doctoral realiza el primer estudio acerca de los crecimientos de epibiontes en las redes de granjas marinas del Mediterráneo Occidental. Asimismo, esta Tesis Doctoral supone una aportación novedosa en el campo del biofouling marino al recoger información no sólo de manera taxonómica sino también de ecología de los actores y factores participantes. Es objeto de este estudio el conocer los epibiontes más comunes en las redes de acuicultura marina mediterránea y su relación con la profundidad, la estación del año, la situación en la granja y la respuesta de los epibiontes ante la presencia de una pintura antifouling comercial con base en óxido cuproso, realizando para ello un exhaustivo análisis estadístico. Con dicho objetivo, se dispusieron 192 placas de polietileno de 400 cm2 en una granja marina del sudeste español, en concreto en el municipio de Villajoyosa (Alicante), a dos diferentes profundidades, con diferentes orientaciones y con pintura antifouling y sin ella. Las placas se recogieron en cuatro periodos del año: a principios de primavera, a principios de verano, a principios de otoño y las últimas, después de 1 año sumergidas. Se estudiaron a nivel taxonómico las especies macroscópicas y se trataron los datos con el software Stathgraphics Centurion XVI.II y ProMV 15.02 para realizar los estudios estadísticos pertinentes. No se ha escrito nada antes de este trabajo sobre el impacto de éstas pinturas en las colonizaciones de los epibiontes estudiados, si bien se ha comprobado con esta Tesis que la pintura antifouling es un técnica efectiva para la lucha contra los epibiontes marinos, y que funciona además a cualquier profundidad y con cualquier orientación. Asimismo, se ha corroborado que las placas se cubrían más con organismos conforme transcurría el tiempo de exposición en el mar, tuvieran o no pintura antifouling y sin que ninguna especie llegara a colonizar y desplazar a las especies previas. Se ha podido constatar también el orden crono, La present tesi doctoral realitza el primer estudi sobre els creixements de epibionts a les xarxes de granges marines de la Mediterrània Occidental. Així mateix, aquesta tesi doctoral suposa una aportació innovadora en el camp del biofouling marí en recollir informació no només de manera taxonòmica sinó també d'ecologia dels actors i factors participants. És objecte d'aquest estudi el conèixer els epibionts més comuns en les xarxes d'aqüicultura marina mediterrània i la seva relació amb la profunditat, l'estació de l'any, la situació a la granja i la resposta dels epibionts davant la presència d'una pintura antifouling comercial amb base en òxid cuprós, realitzant per a això una exhaustiva anàlisi estadística. Amb aquest objectiu, es van disposar 192 plaques de polietilè de 400 cm2 en una granja marina del sud-est espanyol, en concret al municipi de la Vila Joiosa (Alacant), a dues diferents profunditats, amb diferents orientacions, i amb I sense pintura antifouling . Les plaques es van recollir en quatre períodes de l'any: a principis de primavera, a principis d'estiu, a principis de tardor i les últimes, després d'1 any submergides. Es van estudiar a nivell taxonòmic les espècies macroscòpiques i es van tractar les dades amb els programes Stathgraphics Centurion XVI.II i ProMV 15.02 per realitzar els estudis estadístics pertinents. No s'ha escrit res abans d'aquest treball sobre l'impacte d'aquestes pintures en les colonitzacions dels epibionts estudiats , si bé s'ha comprovat en aquesta Tesi que la pintura antifouling és un tècnica efectiva per la lluita contra els epibionts marins, i que funciona a més a qualsevol profunditat i amb qualsevol orientació. Així mateix, s'ha corroborat que les plaques es cobrien amb més organismes a mesura que transcorria el temps d'exposició al mar, tinguessin o no pintura antifouling, i sense que cap espècie arribés a colonitzar i desplaçar a les espècies prèvies. S'ha pogut constatar també l'ordre cronològic d'invasió de les plaq

[ES] La poda es una practica vitícola común que puede tener influencia en el rendimiento del viñedo y en la calidad de la uva. El objetivo del presente trabajo es mejorar la calidad de los vinos de la variedad Graciano utilizando diferentes tipos de poda en la zona de Requena. Para ello se ha planteado un diseño experimental consistente en comparar 4 variables diferentes respecto al testigo: cepas con aclareo de racimos, cepas con poda a una vara, cepas con poda a dos varas y cepas testigo. En las cepas se ha determinado la producción, número de bayas por cepa y peso de 100 bayas. Las determinaciones analíticas realizadas en las uvas serán: ºBrix, ºBé, alcohol probable, acidez total, pH, índice de polifenoles totales, contenido en ácido málico, ácido tartárico, y concentración de antocianos. En el vino ya elaborado se medirán la intensidad colorante, el tono o matiz, contenido en alcohol, extracto seco, acidez total, acidez volátil, pH, el índice de polifenoles totales, contenido en ácido cítrico, en ácido málico, en ácido láctico, en glicerina y en antocianos. Con los resultados obtenidos se realizará un tratamiento estadístico para ver si existen diferencias significativas entre las variables utilizadas, es decir si existe alguna relación del tipo de poda con la mejora de las características químicas de la uva y del vino elaborado., [EN] Pruning is a wine common practice that may have an influence in the vineyard performance and in the quality of grape. The main objective of this paper is to improve the quality of the variety of wine Graciano using different types of pruning in the area of Requena. In the strains has been determined the production, number of berries per strain and weight of 100 berries For this purpose, we propose a experimental design that consists in comparing 4 different variables in regard to the witness: strains with elimination of clusters, strains with pruning on a stick, strains with pruning two sticks y reference strains. The analytic determinations to be done in the grapes will be: ºBrix, ºBé, alcohol probable, total acidity, pH, IPT, contents of malic acid, tartaric acid, anthocyanin concentration. In the already elaborated wine, we will measure the colorant intensity, the tone, alcohol contents, dry extract, total acidity, volatile acidity, pH, IPT, contents of citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, glycerine and anthocyanins. With the results obtained, we will carry out a statistical treatment to see if there are significant differences between the used variables, in other words, to see if there is any kind of relationship between the type of pruning and the improvement of the chemistry characteristics of the grape and the wine elaborated., [CA] La poda és una practica vitícola comú que pot tindre influència en el rendiment de la vinya i en la qualitat del raïm. L'objectiu del present treball és millorar la qualitat dels vins de la varietat Graciano utilitzant diferents tipus de poda en la zona de Requena. Per a això s'ha plantejat un disseny experimental consistent a comparar 4 variables diferents respecte al testic: ceps amb aclarida de xanglots, ceps amb poda a una vara, ceps amb poda a dos vares i ceps testic. En les ceps s'ha determinat la producció, nombre de baies per cep i pes de 100 baies. Les determinacions analítiques realitzades en el raïm seran: ºBrix, ºBé, alcohol probable, acidesa total, pH, índex de polifenoles totals, contingut en àcid màlic, àcid tartàric, i concentració d'antocianos. En el vi ja elaborat es mesuraran el contingut en alcohol, extracte sec, acidesa total, acidesa volàtil, pH, l'índex de polifenoles totals, contingut en àcid cítric, en àcid màlic, en àcid làctic, en glicerina i en antocianos. Amb els resultats obtinguts es realitzarà un tractament estadístic per a veure si hi ha diferències significatives entre les variables utilitzades, és a dir si hi ha alguna relació del tipus de poda amb la millora de les característiques químiques del raïm i del vi elaborat.

[EN] Although bridge fires pose a real threat, the topic is not covered in current design codes. This paper analyses information related to 154 cases of bridge fires, proposes classifying the damage levels suffered by a bridge during a fire, and establishes the main factors involved in bridge fire damage, which include: type of vehicle involved in the fire and its position, vertical clearance of the bridge, and the type of material composing the deck. The analysis shows that wooden bridges are the most vulnerable and that a tanker carrying gasoline under the bridge, or that is on the bridge and causes a serious spill under the bridge, is responsible for most of the fires that result in the collapse or demolition of the bridge.

[ES] Existe la opinión generalizada, en el sector caprino de leche, que la ejecución del ordeño mecánico es excesivamente lenta. Tras la realización de un estudio previo, se ha llegado a la conclusión de que la dureza del esfínter del pezón de los animales es la responsable de la velocidad de ordeño, en el caso de la raza Murciano-Granadina, y que los parámetros de funcionamiento de la máquina (nivel de vacío, velocidad de pulsación y relación de pulsación) son los que pueden aportar una solución factible, aunque son necesarios ensayos a largo plazo para comprobar que los nuevos parámetros no afectan al estado sanitario de la ubre. Por tanto, este trabajo tiene como objetivo ensayar dos combinaciones de parámetros (40 kPa de vacío, 90 ppm de velocidad de pulsación y 60% de relación de pulsación vs 42 kPa, 120 ppm y 60%) durante, al menos, 3 meses de lactación, controlando la producción, el fraccionamiento, la composición, las células somáticas y la cinética de emisión de la leche. Se concluye que es preferible el empleo de la combinación de parámetros 42 kPa:120 ppm:60 %, ya que tiende a elevar los flujos de leche y, así, a reducir los tiempos totales del ordeño, sin perjudicar la aptitud al ordeño de las cabras ni el estado sanitario de la ubre., [EN] There is a widespread opinion in the goat's milk sector to the realization of milking is too slow. Following the completion of a previous study, it has been concluded that the hardness of the teat sphincter animal is responsible for milking performance, in this case, and that the operating parameters of the machine (vacuum level, rate and ratio pulsation) are those that can provide a workable solution, although long-term tests are necessary to verify that the new settings do not affect the health of the udder. Therefore, this study aims to test two combinations of parameters (40 kPa of vacuum, 90 ppm pulsation rate and 60% pulsation ratio vs 42 kPa, 120 ppm and 60%) for at least 3 months of lactation, controlling the production, fractioning, composition, somatic cells of milk and milk emission kinetics. It is concluded that it is preferable to use the combination of parameters 42 kPa: 120 ppm: 60%, since it tends to increase milk flows during milking and thus reduce total milking times, without impairing ability milking of the goats or the sanitary state of the udder.

[EN] The flight ability and patterns of an insect influence its spread, and the study of its behaviour can be used to improve the strategies to control the pest. Regarding Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), one of the worst threats to palm trees worldwide, laboratory experiments have been conducted to analyze their flight potential. However, these data must be complemented with tests that allow us to know its flight behaviour and dispersal patterns under field conditions. Two mark-release-recapture experiments were conducted in areas with R. ferrugineus infestations. In the first, the effects of weevil sex, temperature, solar radiation, and relative humidity, on the take-off and flight mobility of adults were analyzed. The second experiment aimed to determine the maximum flight distance covered by adults in field. The take-off rate for R. ferrugineus males was significantly greater than for females, and was positively influenced by temperature (optimum take-off around 25 degrees C) and solar radiation, both factors being highly correlated. Female weevil recaptures were significantly higher, especially as temperatures increased (optimum recapture around 21 degrees C). Dispersal distances of weevil adults increased when temperatures rose, and while this insect tended to fly short distances (<500 m), it was able to cover up to 7 km. The dispersal of R. ferrugineus adults mainly occurred during the first 7 days after their release, and when relative humidity increased, their dispersal time was reduced. The results obtained will permit a more effective implementation of certain measures used to control R. ferrugineus, such as olfactory trapping or intensive surveillance around pest outbreaks.

[ES] Existe la impresión, casi unánime entre sus usuarios, de que el ordeño mecánico de las cabras de raza Murciano-Granadina se realiza de una manera excesivamente lenta. Tras un primer trabajo exploratorio, en las instalaciones de la Universitat Politècnica de València, en las que esa impresión era compartida, se comprobó que la problemática de un ordeño lento no residía en los materiales de ordeño sino en la elevada dureza del esfínter del pezón de los animales. También se comprobó que la solución radicaba en la elevación de los niveles de vacío y/o la velocidad de pulsación. Esa elevación del nivel de los parámetros de ordeño conllevaba, a corto plazo, un incremento del espesor de los tejidos del pezón, por lo que era necesario llevar a cabo trabajos a largo plazo con los parámetros de ordeño nuevos, para comprobar el efecto sobre las condiciones de ordeño y el estado sanitario de la ubre de los animales. El objetivo de este trabajo va en esa línea, de manera que se comparan los resultados de la aplicación de dos combinaciones de parámetros de ordeño (42 kPa, 120 ppm y 60 % vs 44kPa, 120 ppm y 60%, para el nivel de vacío, velocidad de pulsación y relación de pulsación, respectivamente), utilizando como variables de control la producción, la composición y el fraccionamiento de la leche en el ordeño, el recuento de células somáticas en leche, la variación del espesor de los tejidos del pezón tras el ordeño y los parámetros de la cinética de emisión de la leche durante el ordeño. Prácticamente, ninguna de las variables de interés (producción, fraccionamiento, flujos de leche o tiempos de ordeño) para la mejora de la velocidad o la aptitud al ordeño mecánico, presentaron variación significativa con la elevación del nivel de vacío desde 42 a 44 kPa. Sin embargo, el empleo de 44 kPa supuso un incremento del espesor de los tejidos por encima del 5%, de la conductividad máxima y la temperatura de leche ordeñada. Por todo ello, se concluye que, en las condiciones semejan, [EN] There is an impression, almost unanimous among users, that mechanical milking of MurcianoGranadina goats breed is performed excessively slowly. After an initial exploratory work in the facilities of the Polytechnic University of Valencia, where this impression was shared, it was found that the problem of a slow milking did not reside in the materials of milking machine but the high hardness sphincter of the animals. It was also found that the solution lay in raising levels of vacuum and / or pulsation rate. That level rise milking parameters entailed the short term, an increase in the thickness of the tissue, so it was necessary to carry out long-term work with the parameters of new milking, to check the effect on conditions of milking and udder health status of the animals. The aim of this work is in that line, so that the results of the application of two combinations of milking parameters (42 kPa, 120 ppm and 60% vs 44kPa, 120 ppm and 60%, to the vacuum level, pulsation rate and ratio, respectively), using control variables as production, composition and fractionation of milk during milking, somatic cell count in milk, variation of the thickness of the tissue after milking and the parameters of the emission milk kinetics. Virtually none of the variables of interest (production, fractionation, milk flow or milking times) to improve speed or milkability, showed significant variation with the elevation of the vacuum level from 42 to 44 kPa. However, the use of 44 kPa showed an increase of tissue thickness above 5% and a maximum conductivity and temperature of milk was obtained. Therefore, it is concluded that, in similar conditions of this study, the combination 42: 120: 60 was the most suitable for machine milking Murciano-Granadina breed goats.

[EN] BACKGROUND: A wide variety of well-validated assessment scales of functioning and disability have been developed for stroke population. However, these instruments have limitations in their interpretation. Therefore, determining cut-off points for their categorization becomes necessary. OBJECTIVES: To determine cut-off points for the BI, FIM and FAM scales to differentiate clinical disability categories and to establish the relationship between mRS and DOS scales. METHODS: One hundred and six adults with ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke were mainly recruited from a rehabilitation facility (Hospitales Nisa, Valencia, Spain). RESULTS: A high correlation was observed between the DOS and mRS scales (Kendall's tau-b = 0.475; p = 0.000) although a certain amount of disagreement between the two scales was detected. The cut-off points were 62.90 (95% CI, 57.26-69.29) and 21.30 (95% CI, 16.34-26.03) for the BI; 70.62 (95% CI, 66.65-75.22) and 38.29 (95% CI, 34.07-42.25) for the FIM; and 116.07 (95% CI, 110.30-122.68) and 66.02 (95% CI, 59.20-72.35) for the FAM. CONCLUSION(S): DOS was observed to be more demanding than the mRS, in terms of patient independence. Additionally, the lower cut-off points separating the levels of severe and moderate disability in the BI, FIM and FAM were determined. These findings would facilitate practitioners clinical interpretation of disability levels in post-stroke patients.

Copyright © 2015 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved., [EN] Background: This study seeks to establish the facts of the improvement over time in elderly poststroke patients. Methods: A retrospective study was performed with regard to 106 subacute stroke patients aged older than 65 years, who were treated in an interdisciplinary neurorehabilitation unit. Three assessment points were established (on admission, 6 months post-onset, and 12 months post-onset), with the scores relative to 10 assessment scales having been collected at each point. Results: By means of a principal component analysis, a first component was obtained, which is taken to represent a combined index of the 10 scales and to express the overall health status of the patient. An analysis of variance of this first component enabled a clear improvement trend to be identified, with this being more marked during the first 6-month period (72.7%) than the second 6-month period (27.3%). Conclusions: The elderly stroke patients underwent an interdisciplinary rehabilitation program lasting 1 year, experimented an initial period of rapid recovery during the first 6 months followed by a less marked period of improvement. However, no stabilization period in the patients' progress was found.

[ES] La ceniza volante es un material puzolánico empleado en la industria de la construcción desde hace varias decádas. En su composición, dependiendo de su origen existen óxidos de hierro, principalmente magnetita y hematites. En este trabajo, se propone emplear métodos estadísticos para conocer la influencia de un tratamiento que consiste en separar la parte magnética de dicha ceniza en las propiedades de los morteros fabricados con cemento Portland. La separación de dicha fracción afecta a las propiedades de los morteros tanto en estado fresco como endurecido, [EN] Fly ash is a pozzolanic material used in the construction industry for several decades. In composition depending on their origin are iron oxides, mainly magnetite and hematite. In this paper, we propose statistical methods to determine the influence of a treatment that involves separating the magnetic part of the ash on the properties of Portland cement mortars. Separation of this fraction affects mortar properties in both the fresh and hardened

Discuss: You can discuss this article with its authors and with other ASRM members at http:// fertstertforum.com/molinai-implantation-morphometric-nonsubjective, Objective: To demonstrate the usefulness of image analysis in designing objective embryonic morphometric variables. Design: Retrospective study of 214 top-quality day-2 embryo photographs from 50 double-embryo transfers resulting in no pregnancy (group 0) and 57 resulting in twin pregnancy (group 1). Setting: Human reproduction unit. Patient(s): Study of 107 in vitro fertilization intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF ICSI) cycles in women age<36 years with doubleembryo transfer of top-quality embryos. Only the first cycle of IVF ICSI was included. Intervention(s): Standard IVF ICSI protocols. Main Outcome Measure(s): The embryo photographs were analyzed using the ImageJ program. The effects of the embryo variables and the clinical variables on embryo implantation were evaluated using a stepwise dichotomous logistic regression. Result(s): Significant differences were observed, owing to the women's ages, internal perimeter, roundness factor, and zona pellucida thickness. Embryos with smaller internal perimeter, circular shape, and thinner zona pellucida were more likely to implant. Conclusion(s): Morphometric variables lower the subjectivity of the current embryo grading systems. These variables are nonsubjective factors to consider when predicting implantation. Embryo image analysis is an accurate tool that can improve IVF ICSI outcomes and reduce the number of twin pregnancies. (Fertil Steril 2014;102:1022 8. 2014 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.) Key Words: Embryo selection, embryo score, morphological and morphometric embryo variables, images analysis, embryo implantation, embryo grading systems

[ES] El trabajo presenta los resultados del proyecto de investigación desarrollado en el Instituto de Biomecánica, relacionado con el uso de la estrategia visual, como ayuda para entender la percepción emocional en el diseño óptimo de una habitación de hotel a través del canal online, generando así una mayor satifacción en el cliente, [EN] This project presents the results of a research project, developed in the Institute of Biomechanics, concerning the use of visual strategy for evaluating the emotional perception in the better design of a hotel room by Internet, in order to produce the best customer satisfaction. (inglés)

[EN] Background Lean Six Sigma methodology has been used to improve care processes, eliminate waste, reduce costs, and increase patient satisfaction. Objective To analyse the results obtained with Lean Six Sigma methodology in the diagnosis and improvement of the inpatient pharmacotherapy process during structural and organisational changes in a tertiary hospital. Material and methods Scope: 1.000 beds tertiary hospital. Design prospective observational study. The define, measure, analyse, improve and control (DMAIC), were deployed from March to September 2011. An Initial Project Charter was updated as results were obtained. Population and sample: 131 patients with treatments prescribed within 24 h after admission and with 4 drugs. Variables: safety indicators (medication errors), and efficiency indicators (complaints and time delays). Results Proportion of patients with a medication error was reduced from 61.0% (25/41 patients) to 55.7% (39/70 patients) in four months. Percentage of errors (regarding the opportunities for error) decreased in the different phases of the process: Prescription: from 5.1% (19/372 opportunities) to 3.3% (19/572 opportunities); Preparation: from 2.7% (14/525 opportunities) to 1.3% (11/847 opportunities); and administration: from 4.9% (16/329 opportunities) to 3.0% (13/433 opportunities). Nursing complaints decreased from 10.0% (2119/21038 patients) to 5.7% (1779/31097 patients). The estimated economic impact was 76,800 euros saved. Conclusions An improvement in the pharmacotherapeutic process and a positive economic impact was observed, as well as enhancing patient safety and efficiency of the organization. Standardisation and professional training are future Lean Six Sigma candidate projects., [ES] Introducción La metodología Lean Seis Sigma se utilizó para mejorar procesos, eliminar desperdicios, reducir costes y aumentar la satisfacción de clientes. Objetivo Analizar los resultados obtenidos con la metodología Lean Seis Sigma en el diagnóstico y la mejora del proceso farmacoterapéutico del paciente hospitalizado durante el cambio estructural y organizativo de un hospital terciario. Material y métodos Ámbito: hospital general terciario con 1.000 camas. Diseño del estudio: observacional y prospectivo. Se desplegaron las etapas definir, medir, analizar, mejorar y controlar (DMAIC) entre marzo y septiembre de 2011, actualizando el Project Charter inicial según resultados. Población y muestra: 131 pacientes hospitalizados con tratamientos prescritos en las 24 h siguientes al ingreso y con 4 medicamentos. Variables: indicadores de seguridad (errores de medicación) y de eficiencia (tiempos de demora y reclamaciones). Resultados La proporción de pacientes con algún error de medicación se redujo del 61,0 (25/41 pacientes) al 55,7% (39/70 pacientes) en 4 meses. Los porcentajes de errores, con respecto a las oportunidades de error, en distintas fases del proceso disminuyeron: prescripción 5,1 (19/372) a 3,3% (19/572); preparación 2,7 (14/525) a 1,3% (11/847 oportunidades); y administración: 4,9 (16/329) a 3,0% (13/433). Las reclamaciones se redujeron del 10,0 (2.119/21.038 pacientes) a 5,7% (1.779/31.097 pacientes). El impacto económico se estimó en 76.800 euros evitados. Conclusiones Se observó una mejora del proceso farmacoterapéutico y un impacto financiero positivo que ha repercutido en la seguridad del paciente y la eficiencia de la organización. La normalización y la formación de profesionales podrían ser proyectos futuros de Lean Seis Sigma.

The aim was to verify the validity of the double oxytocin-milking (DOT) method as milk yield estimator during the suckling period of lactating dairy goats. To this end, it was necessary to determine whether the weighing suckling weighing (WSW) and DOT methods of milk yield estimation satisfied the criteria to be considered valuable, the accuracy between both methods and the suitability of DOT to evaluate actual milk. At parturition, sixty lactating Murciano Granadina breed goats were separated into 2 groups, in mixed (MS; n = 24) and artificial rearing (ARS; n = 36) management systems. Until the sixth week of lactation (weaning), MS goats suckled one kid while kids from ARS goats were artificially reared; moreover, goats in both systems were submitted to once-a-day milking. Once per week, actual milk yield for ARS goats and potential milk yield were recorded using DOT method for all goats, except for 12 goats in ARS which remained as a control. Twelve goats from each management system were used to evaluate diurnal variation in milk production (DVM) by DOT method for 6 consecutive days in week 4 of lactation. No difference in DVM was found by DOT method in 4-h milk production of goats in MS (P = 0.099) or ARS (P = 0.220), which allowed sixfold multiplication of milked milk volume to obtain potential milk per day. ARS goats subjected to a weekly DOT and control group goats showed a similar (P = 0.379) lactation curve for the first 6 weeks of lactation. The DOT method slightly overestimated (3.4%, P = 0.005) the milk yield evaluated by WSW method for goats under an MS, but fitted the actual milk obtained by common milk records for the group of goats in an ARS submitted to the DVM test (P = 0.357) and the group in ARS alone (P = 0.163). The DOT method applied for 8 consecutive days led to a drop of 6 12% in milk yield during the following week for both production systems. In conclusion, DOT was an accurate method to estimate milk yield during the first weeks of lactatio

Soil colour has become one of the most innovative indicators used to adjust amendment and fertilizer rates in precision agriculture. This paper uses a combination of colour variables together with geographical, management and pedologic variables in order to find relationships between the three colour components (lightness, hue, and chroma) and several soil characteristics, in a semiarid environment. In these areas soils are weakly developed, and organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorous and iron soil contents are usually low and undergo high spatial variability. Multivariate analysis was used to find statistical relationships that: determine soil colour in those environmental areas; reveal the most appropriate chromatic variables for each case; and determine the interactions between variables that can mask the effects of individual variables. Colour measurements were collected with a trichromatic colorimeter. Eighteen soil variables were used, of which eight resulted in statistically significant correlations with colour components. Those variables were sand (%), clay (%), parent material (marls), soil organic carbon (SOC), carbonate content, total nitrogen (TN), iron, and 1:5 soil:water extract electrical conductivity (EC1:5). Only sand was significant for all three colour components. The content of organic carbon was not significant in multiple regression analysis with respect to soil lightness in this study of semiarid soils. However it was significant in bivariate regression, in the same way as found in other studies. (c) 2013 IAgrE. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Viscosity-modifying admixtures (VMAs) are often used to increase the robustness of self-compacting concretes (SCCs); however, concretes produced in this way require a higher cement or additions content than those made with additional limestone filler and thus are less attractive from the point of view of economics and sustainability. In light of this, the objective of this paper was to study the robustness of a SCC made with VMAs and low filler content and to determine whether it was comparable to a commercial SCC, with high limestone filler content and less cement. Three types of SCCs with water/cement (w/c) = 0.6 were produced with water contents varying between and . A linear regression model was constructed from the experimental data for each of the properties analyzed so as to provide an easy method of calculating the acceptable percentage of water-content variation in concrete that satisfies certain robustness requirements. This model provides a comparison of the different types of SCCs and thus assists the concrete producer to select the appropriate mixes. The results show that variations in flowability and compressive strength due to changes in water content were very similar in the three concrete types considered in this study. However, when filler was replaced by VMA, the material¿s cohesive properties (viscosity and segregation resistance) showed improvement. In the SCC made with additional limestone fines, slump flow spread time and V-funnel time were the properties that contributed the most to reducing the material robustness. It was also observed that segregation resistance and compressive strength do not play a significant role in the robustness of SCCs under consideration.

The rearing of poultry for meat production (broilers) is an agricultural food industry with high relevance to the economy and development of some countries. Periodic episodes of extreme climatic conditions during the summer season can cause high mortality among birds, resulting in economic losses. In this context, ventilation systems within poultry houses play a critical role to ensure appropriate indoor climatic conditions. The objective of this study was to develop a multisensor system to evaluate the design of the ventilation system in broiler houses. A measurement system equipped with three types of sensors: air velocity, temperature and differential pressure was designed and built. The system consisted in a laptop, a data acquisition card, a multiplexor module and a set of 24 air temperature, 24 air velocity and two differential pressure sensors. The system was able to acquire up to a maximum of 128 signals simultaneously at 5 second intervals. The multisensor system was calibrated under laboratory conditions and it was then tested in field tests. Field tests were conducted in a commercial broiler farm under four different pressure and ventilation scenarios in two sections within the building. The calibration curves obtained under laboratory conditions showed similar regression coefficients among temperature, air velocity and pressure sensors and a high goodness fit (R2 = 0.99) with the reference. Under field test conditions, the multisensor system showed a high number of input signals from different locations with minimum internal delay in acquiring signals. The variation among air velocity sensors was not significant. The developed multisensor system was able to integrate calibrated sensors of temperature, air velocity and differential pressure and operated succesfully under different conditions in a mechanically-ventilated broiler farm. This system can be used to obtain quasi-instantaneous fields of the air velocity and temperature, as well as differential p

Se presentan los resultados de resistencia a compresión de hormigones producidos con cinco áridos reciclados distintos. Se analizan e interpretan los efectos que la composición y propiedades del árido tienen sobre la resistencia media del hormigón y su variabilidad. Se llega a un modelo claramente interpretable mecánicamente.

Prevention of Salmonella contamination of poultry products requires detailed knowledge of the main sources associated with its presence in the production system. The aims of this study were to determine the main sources of Salmonella contamination in broiler production during growing, to assess the risk factors for Salmonella contamination at the end of the rearing period and to determine the main serovars involved in broiler production systems in Eastern Spain. A total of 65 different broiler houses from different farms were sampled. Each house was sampled at different times during the rearing period. First, when the previous flock was taken to the slaughterhouse, samples of dust, surfaces and previous flock faeces were collected. After cleaning and disinfection (C&D), samples of dust and surfaces were also taken. On the first day of rearing, samples of water, bedding, farming boots, meconiums, delivery-box liners and feed were collected. During rearing, feed samples were taken directly from the truck and from feeders. On slaughter day, samples of dust, surfaces, water, feed and faeces were also collected. Finally, two days after slaughter, carriers (rodents, flies and beetles) were trapped. All samples collected were analysed according to ISO 6579:2002 (Annex D) and positive samples were serotyped in accordance with Kauffman-White-Le-Minor technique. Our results showed that all different types of samples collected were contaminated with Salmonella (prevalence ranged between 1.5% and 38.6%). The most contaminated samples related with poultry production were: delivery-box liners (32.0%), faeces samples (31.2%), dust samples (25.0%), farming boots (19.7%) and feed from feeders (16.0%). However, the most important risk factors for Salmonella contamination of the flocks at the end of the rearing period were Salmonella status of the house after cleaning and disinfection, Salmonella status of day-old chick flocks and feed from feeders. Twenty-one different serovars were

Damage to fresh citrus caused by impact of fruits onto collecting surfaces has restricted the adoption of mechanical harvesting. Two different experiments were carried out: investigating free-falling citrus and investigating the shock absorbing capacity of various surfaces. In free-falling experiment damage to mandarin, orange and lemon was studied. Three collecting surfaces were studied: a concrete floor, an elevated canvas provided with a frame and wheels, and a concrete floor covered with a shock absorbing canvases. Three dropping heights were used. In the shock absorbing experiment, an electronic sphere and a triaxial accelerometer were used to measure the shock capacity of seven receiving surfaces: earth, earth covered with a shock absorbing canvas, earth covered with weeds, earth covered with a mulch and an elevated canvas provided with a frame and wheels. The elevated canvases had a higher shock absorbing capacity compared to the other surfaces (260 m s−2 maximum acceleration compared with 1753 m s−2 to 2772 m s−2). Weeds, mulch and the shock absorbing canvases showed significantly higher shock absorbing capacity than the bare earth. Also, the shock absorbing canvas covering the concrete floor reduce impact and fruit damage (1866 m s−2 maximum acceleration compared to 2477 m s−2). Citrus damage susceptibility during harvest depended on variety. Weeds, mulch and shock absorbing canvases were shown to reduce impact when they cover earth during the mechanical harvesting of citrus. Elevated canvases could be used as collection systems for the mechanical harvesting of fresh citrus.

En la horticultura intensiva española la mayor parte de las exportaciones procede de los cultivos de invernadero, localizados en Almería, Murcia y Alicante, donde se ha centrado el presente estudio. Actualmente la posición competitiva no presenta amenazas muy graves pero tampoco muestra una etapa creciente. Exportaciones y precios soportan la competencia de otros países del área mediterránea, con los cuales España debe competir en capital y en tecnología elevando el nivel de equipamiento de los invernaderos. Ante unas exigencias de reestructuración de las instalaciones actuales, no aplazables, se plantea la presente tesis con el fin de conocer el estado actual de la tecnología y su evolución y, además, las características de las explotaciones y la actitud de sus titulares respecto a las innovaciones necesarias. Las fuentes de información se han basado en una toma de precios en origen del tomate y pimiento, como principales productos hortícolas, y en una encuesta, realizada en 242 explotaciones, mediante muestreo proporcional estratificado, en las zonas de El Ejido (Almería), Valle del Guadalentín y Campo de Cartagena (Murcia) y Sur de Alicante. El análisis de la información tuvo una primera parte dedicada a los precios, con el cálculo de la tendencia y la estacionalidad y la aplicación de modelos ARIMA. La finalidad ha sido conocer la evolución de las rentas de los productores, efectuar predicciones, y establecer una relación entre los precios y la tecnología adoptable. El tratamiento de los datos de la encuesta con sus resultados comprende la mayor parte del contenido del trabajo. Se aplicó el análisis estadístico univariante a las características estructurales de explotaciones e invernaderos y el bivariante, con contraste de independencia, para determinar relaciones de interés entre los factores que influyen en los procesos de innovación.

[EN] The aim of this paper was to compare orange production costs in the region of Valencia (Spain), which depend on the way they are grown (conventional, IP or organically), identifying at the same time the cost differences between them. With this purpose, and after analysing the three orange populations cultivated in the region, a sample was designed taking into account not only the location of the plots, but also the irrigation system available at the farm level (drip or flow irrigation). Once the field work was completed, a multivariate analysis, concretely a factor discriminant analysis was implemented to reach the objectives of the research. The results obtained were consistent with the degree of adoption of the different alternative citrus production systems in the region studied., [ES] El propósito del presente trabajo es la comparación de los costes de producción del cultivo de naranjo en la Comunidad Valenciana según tres modalidades: cultivo convencional, en agricultura ecológica y en producción integrada, así como la identificación de las partidas de costes responsables de dichas diferencias. Para ello se ha llevado a cabo un estudio de las tres poblaciones de naranjo cultivadas, a partir del cual se ha diseñado una muestra estratificada por comarcas y según tipo de riego disponible en las parcelas. Los objetivos se han completado mediante el empleo de técnicas de análisis multivariante, en concreto del análisis factorial discriminante. Por último, se relacionan los resultados obtenidos con el mayor o menor grado de adopción de las técnicas alternativas en el cultivo del naranjo en la región estudiada.