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Nutritional and functional properties of quinoa (“Chenopodium quinoa” Willd.) Chimborazo ecotype: insights into chemical composition
No full textQuinoa is known for its high nutritional value and adaptability; however, there is a lack of data about the chemical composition of quinoa produced in Ecuador, especially the Chimborazo ecotype. Our research aims to evaluate the nutritional components of Chimborazo quinoa. This knowledge (chemical composition) can help to improve cultivation and farmers’ understanding. Samples were collected from 49 plots at four altitude ranges (3000–3200; 3201–3300; 3301–3400; 3401–3533) m.a.s.l. Each sample of 2 kg quinoa was cleaned, dried (32 ◦C/15 h), and stored at −20 ◦C before analyzing water activity, proximate composition, mineral content, antioxidant activity, and functional compounds. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and mean comparison, Pearson correlation, and principal component analysis. The Chimborazo ecotype shows protein content comparable to or exceeding other global quinoa cultivars. Statistical analysis revealed that altitude had a minimal influence on quinoa’s chemical composition, resulting in overlapping altitude-based clusters. Complex relationships between quinoa variables were identified, which varied with altitude. These findings suggest that cultivation of high-quality quinoa across a range of altitudes is feasible without compromising its intrinsic quality. Moreover, the extensive and diverse results from our study provide a solid foundation for further plant breeding and the development of specialized quinoa varieties.This research was supported by the Value Chains Program [FOOD/2016/380-060], implemented by the European Committee for Training and Agriculture (CEFA) and funded by the European Union.peerReviewe
Following the Circular Economy in European rural municipalities through the Spanish Urban Agenda
No full textLa Economía Circular (EC) es un motor de cambio y regeneración a nivel mundial, y especialmente para las zonas rurales. Sin embargo, existe un eslabón perdido en lo que respecta a la EC en los municipios, es decir, a nivel macro que abarca el entorno construido, que es aún más pronunciado en lo que respecta a los entornos rurales como resultado de una literatura científica existente centrada principalmente en las grandes ciudades. El presente documento aborda estas cuestiones mediante el análisis paralelo de dos ejes de investigación clave que se centran, por un lado, en el concepto de EC adaptado al ámbito de estudio del entorno construido y, por otro, en la aplicación de la EC en las zonas rurales europeas. El primero propone una definición adaptada de EC, mientras que el segundo genera una herramienta de base de datos para estrategias de EC basada en bases de datos de referencia sobre EC y sostenibilidad, apoyándose en la estrategia de estudio de caso adoptada: la Agenda Urbana Española. Este análisis permite una mayor relevancia de los resultados, ya que puede extrapolarse a otros documentos oficiales internacionales, además de ilustrar el proceso de toma de decisiones de la EC aplicado a los municipios y su respectiva selección de estrategias.The Circular Economy (CE) is a driver of change and regeneration at a global level, and especially for rural areas. However, there is a missing link regarding the CE in municipalities, i.e. at the macro level encompassing the built environment, which is even more pronounced concerning rural environments as a result of an existing scientific literature primarily focused on large cities. The present paper addresses these issues by means of parallel analysis of two key research axes targeting, on the one hand, the concept of CE tailored to the field of study of the built environment and, on the other hand, the implementation of CE in European rural areas. The former puts forth an adapted definition of CE, while the latter generates a database tool for CE strategies based on benchmark CE and sustainability databases, relying on the case study strategy adopted: the Spanish Urban Agenda. This analysis allows for a broader relevance of findings, as it can be extrapolated to other international official documents, on top of illustrating the CE decision-making process applied to municipalities and its respective strategy selection.This research was funded by the Junta de Extremadura and the Eu ropean Social Fund: A way to make Europe, through the “Financing of Predoctoral Contracts for the Training of Doctors in Public Research and Development Centers belonging to the Extremadura System of Science, Technology, and Innovation” received by the Predoctoral Researcher Inmaculada Bote Alonso (PD16031); and the research contract of the Council of Casar de Caceres ´ for the year 2022 through the agreement “Diagnosis, Strategic Planning and Drafting of the Plan Action of the Spanish Urban Agenda of the Municipality of Casar de Caceres” funded by the Ministerio de Transportes, Movilidad y Agenda Urbana (MITMA) received by the Researcher Inmaculada Bote Alonso (DPCI1.346). This publication has been possible thanks to the financing granted by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Junta de Extremadura through the help with reference (GR21018).peerReviewe
Examining the effects of altitude on workload demands in professional basketball players during the preseason phase
No full textBasketball involves frequent high-intensity movements requiring optimal aerobic power. Altitude training can enhance physiological adaptations, but research examining its effects in basketball is limited. This study aimed to characterize the internal/external workload of professional basketball players during preseason and evaluate the effects of altitude and playing position. Twelve top-tier professional male basketball players (Liga Endesa, ACB; guards: n = 3, forwards: n = 5, and centers: n = 4) participated in a crossover study design composed of two training camps with nine sessions over 6 days under two different conditions: high altitude (2320 m) and sea level (10 m). Internal loads (heart rate, %HRMAX) and external loads (total distances covered across speed thresholds, accelerations/decelerations, impacts, and jumps) were quantified via wearable tracking and heart rate telemetry. Repeated-measures MANOVA tested the altitude x playing position effects. Altitude increased the total distance (+10%), lower-speed running distances (+10–39%), accelerations/decelerations (+25–30%), average heart rate (+6%), time in higher-intensity HR zones (+23–63%), and jumps (+13%) across all positions (p < 0.05). Positional differences existed, with guards accruing more high-speed running and centers exhibiting greater cardiovascular demands (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a 6-day altitude block effectively overloads training, providing a stimulus to enhance fitness capacities when structured appropriately. Monitoring workloads and individualizing training by playing position are important when implementing altitude training, given the varied responses.This study was co-funded by the Regional Department of Economy and Infrastructure of the Government of Extremadura (Spain) through the Regional Development Funds of the European Union (dossier number: GR21149), and by the Spanish National Agency of Investigation through the project “Scientific and Technological Support to analyze the Training Workload of Basketball teams according to sex, level of the players, and season period” (PID2019–106614GBI00)MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033.peerReviewe
A Saint Teresa of Jesus by Luis Tristán in the sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de la Piedad of Almendralejo (Badajoz)
No full textEl presente artículo trae a colación una obra del pintor Luis Tristán de Escamilla (ca. 1585-1624) que no había sido mencionada anteriormente por la bibliografía especializada sobre el artista toledano, del que se cumple el cuarto centenario de su muerte en 2024. El análisis del cuadro, que entró a formar parte de la colección pictórica del Santuario de la Piedad de Almendralejo gracias a una importante donación, y el con-texto barroco en el que se creó, son claves para entender mejor el estilo naturalista que impuso Tristán en la Toledo pictórica del primer tercio del siglo XVII, donde fue uno de los protagonistas más destacados al mismo tiempo que iba diferenciándose del estilo del Greco, su maestro.This article brings up a new work by the painter Luis Tristán (c. 1585-1624) that had not been previously mentioned in the specialized bibliography of the toledan artist whose centenary of his death will be celebrated in 2024. The analysis of the painting, which became part of the pictorial collection of the Sanctuary of La Piedad in Almendralejo thanks to an important donation, and the Baroque context in which it was created, is key to a better understanding of the naturalistic style imposed by Tristán in the pictorial Toledo of the first third of the 17th century, where he was one of the most outstanding protagonists while at the same time differentiating himself from the style of El Greco, his master.peerReviewe
Enzymes Involved in Antioxidant and Detoxification Processes Present Changes in the Expression Levels of Their Coding Genes under the Stress Caused by the Presence of Antimony in Tomato
No full textCurrently, there is an increasing presence of heavy metals and metalloids in soils and water due to anthropogenic activities. However, the biggest problem caused by this increase is the difficulty in recycling these elements and their high permanence in soils. There are plants with great capacity to assimilate these elements or make them less accessible to other organisms. We analyzed the behavior of Solanum lycopersicum L., a crop with great agronomic interest, under the stress caused by antimony (Sb). We evaluated the antioxidant response throughout different exposure times to the metalloid. Our results showed that the enzymes involved in the AsA-GSH cycle show changes in their expression level under the stress caused by Sb but could not find a relationship between the NITROSOGLUTATHIONE REDUCTASE (GSNOR) expression data and nitric oxide (NO) content in tomato roots exposed to Sb. We hypothesize that a better understanding of how these enzymes work could be key to develop more tolerant varieties to this kind of abiotic stress and could explain a greater or lesser phytoremediation capacity. Moreover, we deepened our knowledge about Glutathione S-transferase (GST) and Glutathione Reductase (GR) due to their involvement in the elimination of the xenobiotic component.This study was made possible thanks to the Junta de Extremadura/FEDER for the Research Project IB16078 and the support given to the Research Group FBCMP (GR18168).peerReviewe
Preference for a non-denominational educational center as a channel for the best interests of the child in the face of divergent religious convictions
No full textSentencia del Tribunal Constitucional núm. 26/2024, de 14 de febrero de 2024. Recurso de amparo núm. 4958-2021. Vulneración del derecho a que los hijos reciban una formación religiosa y moral acorde con las convicciones de los padres: resoluciones judiciales que acuerdan la escolarización de una menor en un centro concertado religioso que no puede entenderse justificada en su interés superior en el seno de una familia con convicciones religiosas divergentes y que no salvaguardan su derecho a desarrollar sus propias convicciones y creencias en un contexto escolar libre de adoctrinamiento.Ruling of the Constitutional Court no. 26/2024, of February 14, 2024. Appeal for protection no. 4958-2021. Violation of the right for children to receive a religious and moral education in accordance with the parents' convictions: judicial resolutions that agree to the schooling of a minor in a religious subsidized center that cannot be understood as justified in her best interests within a family with divergent religious convictions and that do not safeguard their right to develop their own convictions and beliefs in a school context free of indoctrination.peerReviewe
Corolla micromorphology in 12 plant species with different pollination systems
No full textAntecedentes: La microestructura floral posee gran importancia en biología de la polinización, con múltiples funciones.
Preguntas: ¿Se cumplen los patrones esperados de micromorfología de la corola en las especies seleccionadas?
Especies de estudio: Agave americana, Arbutus unedo, Aristolochia paucinervis, Cestrum nocturnum, Cytinus hypocistis subsp. macranthus,
C. ruber, Dianthus lusitanus, Grevillea robusta, Musa x paradisiaca, Nicotiana glauca, Stellaria media y Teucrium fruticans.
Sitio y años de estudio: Sur de España, 2017-2019.
Métodos: Micromorfología floral estudiada a MO y MEB y analizada mediante pruebas estadísticas.
Resultados: La cara adaxial de los lóbulos corolinos en las especies melitófilas, mirmecófilas, psicófilas y sapromófilas mostró células papilosas,
pero también en la esfingófila Cestrum nocturnum y en la ornitófila por colibríes Nicotiana glauca. Presentaron células tabulares la ornitófila
perchera Grevillea robusta, las dos especies quiropterófilas y la autógama Stellaria media. Además, el mesofilo de las quiropterófilas fue más
grueso. Finalmente, hubo diferencias en la turgencia celular (A. paucinervis, protógina) y en el grosor del mesofilo entre las flores masculinas
y femeninas (Cytinus).
Conclusiones: Se cumplió el patrón esperado de existencia de células papilosas en corolas que contactan físicamente con los polinizadores, pero
también aparecieron en corolas sin tal contacto. En especies con dicogamia y unisexualidad es aconsejable estudiar la microestructura corolina
diferenciando entre los dos estados sexuales, ya que la turgencia celular o el grosor del mesofilo podrían diferenciarlos. También advertimos
contra la amplia opinión de que ciertos tipos de polinizadores no interaccionan mecánicamente con la superficie epidérmica de la corola.Background: Floral microstructure, with multiple functions, is very important in pollination biology.
Questions: Are the expected general characteristics of corolla micromorphology fulfilled in the selected species with different pollination systems?
Studied species: Agave americana, Arbutus unedo, Aristolochia paucinervis, Cestrum nocturnum, Cytinus hypocistis subsp. macranthus, C.
ruber, Dianthus lusitanus, Grevillea robusta, Musa x paradisiaca, Nicotiana glauca, Stellaria media and Teucrium fruticans.
Study site and dates: Southern Spain, 2017-2019.
Methods: Floral micromorphological characters were studied by light and scanning electron microscopy and analyzed using different statistical
tests.
Results: The adaxial side of the corolla lobes in melittophilous, myrmecophilous, psychophilous and sapromyophilous species showed papillose
cells, and the same was true of the sphingophilous species Cestrum nocturnum and hummingbird-pollinated Nicotiana glauca. In contrast,
tabular cells were observed in the perching-pollinator ornithophilous species Grevillea robusta, the two studied chiropterophilous species, and
autogamous Stellaria media. In addition, corolla mesophyll was thicker in chiropterophilous species. Furthermore, differences were detected in
cell turgidity (in protogynous Aristolochia paucinervis) and in mesophyll thickness between male and female flowers (Cytinus).
Conclusions: Papillose cells were present in corollas in physical contact with pollinators, as expected, but also appeared in corollas of some
other species without such contact. We recommend that studies of dichogamous and unisexual species include comparisons of corolla micromorphology
between sexual states, as differences may exist in cell turgidity or mesophyll thickness. We also caution against the widespread view
that certain types of pollinators do not mechanically interact with the epidermal surface of the corolla.This study was partially funded by the Economy, Trade, and Innovation Council of Extremadura through projects GR18034 and GR21169, all co-financed by ERDF.No conflict of interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest, financial or personal, in the information, presentation of data and results of this article.peerReviewe
When the comic overflows: the formal exploration of Ilan Manouach and Martín Vitaliti
No full textEl artículo explora las innovaciones formales en el cómic de dos artistas contemporáneos: Ilan Manouach y Martín Vitaliti. A partir de una revisión teórica, los autores analizan cómo el cómic ha evolucionado más allá de sus definiciones tradicionales, enfrentando las limitaciones impuestas por la cultura popular y la industria del entretenimiento. Manouach desarrolla el concepto de "cómic conceptual", explorando su materia-lidad y significado más allá de la narrativa visual. Su obra utiliza el apropiacionismo y el détournement, como en Katz (2011), donde modifica la obra Maus de Spiegelman, y Noirs (2014), que reinterpreta Los Pitufos. Manouach también investiga el uso de la inteligencia artificial para generar cómics, como en Fastwalkers (2021), proponiendo una hibridación entre lo humano y lo digital.
Vitaliti, por otro lado, descompone los elementos constitutivos del cómic, como la viñeta o la página, para analizar su función más allá de la narrativa tradicional. Su obra se centra en la materialidad del cómic, como en Ampo (2021), que explora el miedo a través de la representación de la nieve en El Eternauta. Ambos artistas buscan expandir los límites del cómic, redefiniendo su naturaleza en un contexto de rápida evolución tecnológica y cultural.The article explores the formal innovations in the comics of two contemporary artists: Ilan Manouach and Martín Vitaliti. Through a theoretical review, the authors analyze how comics have evolved beyond their traditional definitions, challenging the limitations imposed by popular culture and the entertainment industry.
Manouach develops the concept of "conceptual comics", exploring the materiality and meaning of the medium beyond visual narrative. His work employs appropriation and détournement, as seen in Katz (2011), where he modifies Spiegelman's Maus, and Noirs (2014), which reinterprets The Smurfs. Manouach also investigates the use of artificial intelligence in generating comics, as in Fastwalkers (2021), proposing a hy-bridization between human and digital creation.
Vitaliti, on the other hand, deconstructs the fundamental elements of comics, such as the panel or the page, to analyze their function beyond traditional narrative. His work focuses on the materiality of comics, as in Ampo (2021), which explores fear through the depiction of snow in El Eternauta.
Both artists aim to expand the boundaries of comics, redefining their nature within the context of rapid technological and cultural evolution.peerReviewe
Habitat Diversity Increases Chrysoperla carnea s.l. (Stephens, 1836) (Neuroptera, Chrysopidae) Abundance in Olive Landscapes
No full textChrysoperla carnea s.l., un depredador vital en los olivares, juega un papel clave en la reducción de la dependencia de los pesticidas. A pesar de su eficacia, la diversificación del hábitat a nivel del paisaje puede comprometer su efectividad como enemigo natural generalista, desviando su atención de las plagas del olivo hacia otros recursos. Para desentrañar sus preferencias de hábitat y maximizar los servicios de biocontrol, se realizó un estudio exhaustivo, recolectando especímenes mensualmente en diversos hábitats de un paisaje de olivares en Portugal. Estos hábitats incluían matorrales, "montado", pastizales, bosques de eucaliptos y pinos, viñedos y olivares. Los hallazgos revelaron que C. carnea s.l. mostró una presencia generalizada en todos los hábitats, con una abundancia máxima observada inicialmente en los olivares, coincidiendo con la presencia de su presa preferida, Prays oleae. Sin embargo, la abundancia máxima de esta especie varía entre hábitats, con los números más altos observados inicialmente en los olivares, disminuyendo gradualmente durante el verano y alcanzando los niveles más bajos en los viñedos. Significativamente, la diversificación del hábitat a nivel del paisaje contribuye a un aumento de la abundancia de C. carnea s.l. en los olivares. Esto sugiere que la diversificación de los recursos disponibles ayuda a mantener las poblaciones de enemigos naturales en proximidad al cultivo objetivo, mejorando así su eficacia en el control de plagas. En consecuencia, abogamos por que los interesados en el cultivo del olivo promuevan la diversificación del hábitat a escala del paisaje, preservando, restaurando o fomentando hábitats alternativos alrededor de los olivares.Chrysoperla carnea s.l., a vital predator in olive groves, plays a key role in reducing the reliance on pesticides. Despite its efficacy, habitat diversification at the landscape level can compro mise its effectiveness as a generalist natural enemy, diverting its attention from olive pests to other resources. To unravel its habitat preferences and maximize biocontrol services, a comprehensive study was conducted, collecting specimens monthly across diverse habitats in a Portuguese olive grove landscape. These habitats included shrublands, “montado,” grasslands, eucalyptus and pine forests, vineyards, and olive groves. The findings revealed C. carnea s.l. displayed a widespread presence in all habitats, with peak abundance initially observed in olive groves, coinciding with the presence of its preferred prey, Prays oleae. However, the peak abundance of this species varies among habitats, with the highest numbers initially observed in olive groves, gradually decreasing throughout the summer and reaching the lowest levels in vineyards. Significantly, habitat diversification at the landscape level contributes to an increased abundance of C. carnea s.l. in olive groves. This suggests that diversifying available resources aids in sustaining natural enemy populations in proximity to the targeted crop, thereby enhancing their efficacy in pest control. Consequently, we advocate for stakeholders in olive cultivation to promote landscape-scale habitat diversity by preserving, restoring, or fostering alternative habitats surrounding olive groves.This research was funded by Programa Operacional Regional do Centro, Grant Number Centro-01-0145-FEDER-000007 (ReNATURE), by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and In novation Programme, under Grant Agreement No. 773554 (EcoStack), and by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia through the project PTDC/ASP-PLA/30003/2017 (OLIVESIM) This work was also sup ported by FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, I.P. by project reference UIDB/04004/2020 and DOI identifier 10.54499/UIDB/04004/2020 (https://doi.org/10.54499/UIDB/04004/2020). The APC
was funded by European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, underGrant Agreement No. 773554 (EcoStack).peerReviewe
Herodian 1.3.2-5: Marcus aurelius and the images of tyranny. a new interpretation of a controversial passage
No full textEl objetivo del presente trabajo es analizar la función retórica que desempeña este pasaje en la Historia de Herodiano como parte del engarce narrativo del último discurso pronunciado por Marco Aurelio y ofrecer nuestra interpretación del auténtico significado de las ‘imágenes de tiranía’ (τυραννίδοςεἰκόνας) que pasaron por la mente del emperador antes de su muerte.The aim of this paper is to analyze the rhetorical function played by this passage in Herodian’s History as part of the narrative setting of the last speech delivered by Marcus Aurelius and to offer our interpretation of the real meaning of these ‘images of tyranny’ (τυραννίδος εἰκόνας) depicted in the emperor’s mind before his death.El presente trabajo se enmarca en el proyecto de investigación PID2021-123069NB-100 financiado por MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 y por ERDF, A way of making Europe: “El engarce narrativo en la histo-riografía desde la Antigüedad hasta el Renacimiento”, y en el Grupo de Investigación ‘Arenga’ (HUM-023) de la Junta de Extremadura.peerReviewe