7 research outputs found
Seismic Oceanography: A New Tool to Characterize Physical Oceanographic Structures and Processes
No full text[eng] Large scale global oceanic circulation redistributes heat and freshwater and therefore affects global climate. One of its main forcing mechanisms is, in addition to surface heat and freshwater fluxes, the diapycnal (across lines of equal density) mixing in the ocean interior. The energy needed to drive the mixing processes is mainly provided by tides and wind [Wunsch, 2002]. It is transformed into internal wave energy, cascading through a range of smaller scales leading finally into turbulence and molecular dissipation. Water masses in the ocean are stratified and often separated by relatively thin layers with strong gradients in temperature and/or salinity across which heat and mass transfer occur in order to maintain global circulation and stratification. However, these processes are difficult to observe in practice. Below a few meters, the ocean is opaque to light, and thus to direct optical observations of deep processes [Thorpe, 2005]. Therefore, the development of scientific methodologies and instruments to directly or indirectly measure processes in the ocean interior are of high importance to understanding those processes and their implications. The motivation behind this research is two-tier: 1) broadly, and academically, it is the scientific curiosity of understanding the ocean in order to better comprehend its role in the context of Earth systems; 2) expressly, the motivation is to develop the methodological toolset necessary to observe the ocean on a spatial and temporal scale not possible with traditional oceanographic techniques, thus allowing the foundation of more accurate models of ocean circulation and thereby, ocean-climate interactions. The toolset is emerging as a robust technique of physical oceanography known as 'seismic oceanography'. By definition, seismic oceanography is the application of multichannel seismic (MCS) reflection profiling to physical oceanography. This definition, however, could be subject to future revision and refinement because the development of seismic oceanography observational tools will inevitably lead to newer perspectives. The Mediterranean Outflow Water (henceforth, MOW) is a natural laboratory for seismic oceanography. The MOW was chosen to test seismic reflection in oceanography for three main reasons: 1) The strong oceanographic signature of the MOW. Due to the penetration of the MOW into the North Atlantic through the Strait of Gibraltar, strong characteristic contrasts in temperature (1.5 °C) and salinity (0.3 psu) and thus, density (0.4 kg/m3) are observed between the MOW and the surrounding Atlantic waters [Baringer and Price, 1997]. These contrasts in density (along with sound speed) are the contributing factors to reflection coefficient, making the identification of structures and processes possible. 2) The large variety of oceanographic and topographic features, such as a continental slope, undulating seafloor (including seamounts and basins) and mesoscale Mediterranean salt lenses (meddies). These structures and processes are believed to play an important role in maintaining the temperature and salinity distribution in the north Atlantic [Bower et. al., 1997]. 3) Finally, extensive archived data sets of bothoceanographic and seismic data place interpretive constraints on the data collected. Part I of this thesis consists of two peer-reviewed papers published by the author and coauthors (Chapters 1 and 2), one manuscript submitted for publication (Chapter 3) and two published peer-reviewed research letters that the author played a lesser role developing (Chapter 4). Part II of the thesis addresses the seismological (Chapter 5) and oceanographic backgrounds (Chapter 6) in the context of some of the structures and processes that are amenable to seismic ensonification. Part III consists of general discussions and conclusions (Chapter 7) and potential future research and development (Chapter 8).[cat] La motivació que hi ha al darrera d'aquest treball es pot separar en dos nivells: 1) En termes generals, i acadèmicament, és la curiositat purament científica d'estudiar l'oceà per tal de comprendre millor el seu paper en el context de les Ciències de la Terra; 2) Concretament, la motivació és desenvolupar les eines necessàries per a observar l'oceà a una escala espaial i temporal que no és possible amb les tècniques tradicionals oceanogràfiques, permetent així generar models més precisos de circulació oceànica i, per tant, de les interaccions oceà-clima. L'objectiu a curt i mitjà termini d'aquesta tesi és el desenvolupament de noves eines d'oceanografia física que proporcionin noves perspectives sobre la dinàmica oceànica. Aquest conjunt d'eines està emergint com una metodologia sòlida dins de l'oceanografia física coneguda com 'oceanografia sísmica'. Per definició, l'oceanografia sísmica és l'aplicació de la sísmica de reflexió multicanal (MCS) a l'oceanografia física. Aquesta definició, però, podria estar subjecte a una futura revisió i perfeccionament, ja que el desenvolupament d'eines d'oceanografia sísmica inevitablement donarà lloc a noves perspectives. La part principal d'aquesta tesi la constitueixen quatre articles, publicats per l'autor i co-autors al llarg del seu període d'investigació (capítols 1, 2 i 4); així com un article sotmès (Capítol 3). En la segona part, com a suport per als lectors no familiaritzats, s'aborden els antecedents sismològics (Capítol 5) i oceanogràfics (Capítol 6) en el context d'algunes de les estructures i processos que són susceptibles de ser identificats mitjançant la sísmica. Les conclusions generals es presenten en el Capítol 7 i en el Capítol 8 es donen algunes recomanacions per a futures investigacions i desenvolupaments (Part III). La tesi es complementa amb quatre apèndixs, on a banda d'un ampli resum en català (Apèndix I), hi ha els diagrames de flux utilitzats per l'autor en el processament de les dades sísmiques (Apèndix II), un conjunt de set desplegables de les seccions sísmiques en gran format (Apèndix III) i finalment un glossari de termes útils per ajudar als lectors no iniciats en qualsevol de les branques de la sismologia o l'oceanografia (Apèndix IV)
Molecular mechanisms of MLC1 and GLIALCAM mutations in megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts
No full textMegalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC) is a rare leukodystrophy caused by mutations in MLC1 or GLIALCAM. The GLIALCAM gene product functions as an MLC1 beta-subunit. We aim to further clarify the molecular mechanisms of MLC caused by mutations in MLC1 or GLIALCAM. For this purpose, we analyzed a human post-mortem brain obtained from an MLC patient, who was homozygous for a missense mutation (S69L) in MLC1. We showed that this mutation affects the stability of MLC1 in vitro and reduces MLC1 protein levels in the brain to almost undetectable. However, the amount of GlialCAM and its localization were nearly unaffected, indicating that MLC1 is not necessary for GlialCAM expression or tar- geting. These findings were supported by experiments in primary astrocytes and in heterologous cells. In addition, we demonstrated that MLC1 and GlialCAM form homo- and hetero-complexes and that MLC-causing mutations in GLIALCAM mainly reduce the formation of GlialCAM homo-complexes, leading to a defect in the trafficking of GlialCAM alone to cell junctions. GLIALCAM mutations also affect the trafficking of its associ- ated molecule MLC1, explaining why GLIALCAM and MLC1 mutations lead to the same disease: MLC. © The Author 2011. Published by Oxford University Press
Time-lapse cross-hole electrical resistivity tomography (CHERT) for monitoring seawater intrusion dynamics in a Mediterranean aquifer
No full textSurface electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is a widely used tool to study seawater intrusion (SWI). It is noninvasive and offers a high spatial coverage at a low cost, but it is strongly affected by decreasing resolution with depth. We conjecture that the use of CHERT (cross-hole ERT) can partly overcome these resolution limitations since the electrodes are placed at depth, which implies that the model resolution does not decrease in the zone of interest. The objective of this study is to evaluate the CHERT for imaging the SWI and monitoring its dynamics at the Argentona site, a well-instrumented field site of a coastal alluvial aquifer located 40 km NE of Barcelona. To do so, we installed permanent electrodes around boreholes attached to the PVC pipes to perform time-lapse monitoring of the SWI on a transect perpendicular to the coastline. After two years of monitoring, we observe variability of SWI at different time scales: (1) natural seasonal variations and aquifer salinization that we attribute to long-term drought and (2) short-term fluctuations due to sea storms or flooding in the nearby stream during heavy rain events. The spatial imaging of bulk electrical conductivity allows us to explain non-trivial salinity profiles in open boreholes (step-wise profiles really reflect the presence of fresh water at depth). By comparing CHERT results with traditional in situ measurements such as electrical conductivity of water samples and bulk electrical conductivity from induction logs, we conclude that CHERT is a reliable and cost-effective imaging tool for monitoring SWI dynamics.This work was funded by the project CGL2016-77122-C2-1-R/2-R of the Spanish Government.We would like to thank SIMMAR (Serveis Integrals de Manteniment del Maresme) and the Consell Comarcal del Maresme in the construction of the research site. This project also received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Grant 480 Agreement No 722028. Author Albert Folch is a “Serra-Húnter Fellow”.Peer reviewe
Design of strategies to mitigate psychosocial risk in the Author restaurant of the municipality of Los Patios
No full textDigitalLos innumerables retos en los que se encuentran las organizaciones suponen una gran dificultad para lograr ser auto sostenibles en el tiempo. Por ende, es fundamental analizar las variables que establezcan relación de causalidad, que puedan afectar a la salud mental de los trabajadores y, por tanto, la dificultad de las compañías en alcanzar los altos niveles competitivos requeridos en un mundo globalizado.
Entre innumerables variables que afectan a la salud mental de los trabajadores y a las organizaciones, se determinó realizar el análisis de los factores de riesgos psicosociales a los que pueden estar expuestos los trabajadores del Restaurante AUTOR. Asimismo, el análisis se centrará fundamentalmente en los componentes intralaborales, extralaborales y de condiciones de estrés, mediante la aplicación de distintas pruebas que permitirán obtener resultados cuantitativos a fin de establecer el grado de afectación que puedan tener en su salud mental y que pueden dificultar el cumplimiento de los objetivos organizacionales.
Finalmente, fue posible determinar resultados en el análisis de factores de riesgo psicosociales tales como: carga y ritmo del trabajo, relaciones interpersonales, estrés laboral, participación y control, relaciones interpersonales, características de vivienda y entorno, desplazamiento a vivienda y viceversa, situación económica y relaciones familiares, entre otras.1. RESUMEN – (Palabras clave) .................................................................................................. 3
2. ABSTRACT – (Keywords) ........................................................................................................ 3
3. EXPOSICIÓN DE LA TEMÁTICA ........................................................................................ 4
4. DESCRIPCIÓN METODOLÓGICA ...................................................................................... 5
4.1 Tipo de investigación ........................................................................................................ 5
4.2 Variables ............................................................................................................................ 6
4.3 Población y Muestra ......................................................................................................... 6
4.4 Técnicas e instrumentos de recolección de información utilizados .............................. 6
5. ANÁLISIS DIAGNÓSTICO ..................................................................................................... 7
6. ANÁLISIS TÉCNICO ............................................................................................................. 10
6.1 Informe resumido de la ponderación de la aplicación de las tres (3) pruebas descritas anteriormente: ......................................................................................................... 11
6.2 Diseño de graficas de análisis de los datos obtenidos en la prueba del factor de riesgo extralaboral realizado. ............................................................................................................ 12
6.3 Diseño de graficas de análisis de los datos obtenidos en la prueba del factor de riesgo intralaboral realizado. ............................................................................................................. 16
6.4 Diseño de gráficas de análisis de los datos obtenidos en la prueba del factor de riesgo de estrés realizado. ........................................................................................................................ 21
6.5 Estrategias para mitigar los factores de riesgo psicosocial en el restaurante AUTOR. .. 23
7. CONCLUSIONES Y RECOMENDACIONES ..................................................................... 27
7.1 Conclusiones .................................................................................................................... 27
7.2 Recomendaciones ............................................................................................................ 28
8. REFERENCIAS....................................................................................................................... 30The innumerable challenges that organizations face make it very difficult to achieve self-sustainability over time. Therefore, it is essential to analyze the variables that establish a causal relationship, which may affect the mental health of workers and, therefore, the difficulty of companies in achieving the high competitive levels required in a globalized world.
Among countless variables that affect the mental health of workers and organizations, it was determined to carry out an analysis of the psychosocial risk factors to which workers at the AUTOR Restaurant may be exposed. Likewise, the analysis will fundamentally focus on the intra-work, non-work and stress conditions components, through the application of different tests that will allow quantitative results to be obtained in order to establish the degree of impact that they may have on their mental health and that may make it difficult to compliance with organizational objectives.
Finally, it was possible to determine results in the analysis of psychosocial risk factors such as: workload and pace of work, interpersonal relationships, work stress, participation and control, interpersonal relationships, characteristics of housing and environment, travel to housing and vice versa, economic situation and family relationships, among others.EspecializaciónEspecialista en Seguridad y Salud en el Trabaj
Història gràfica de la Segarra
No full textDirecció: Max Turull Rubinat ; coordinació: Elena Armengol Cera ... [et al.] ; selecció i textos: M. Dolors Allué Albareda ... [et al.].Textos introductoris: Ramon-Muñoz, Ramon, 1967- et al.El volum que teniu a les mans representa i és, sens dubte, el testimoni gràfic més complet de la nostra historia recent, reflex fidel d'un temps pretèrit, però no tan allunyant per a nosaltres, entranyable per tot un seguit de raons i, naturalment, emotiu en tots els ordres per a tots aquells que conformen part d'aquesta comunitat segarrenca. Al llarg de les seves pagines, que ens transporten en un viatge imaginen, es pot recórrer el que ha estat la historia de la comarca, els esdeveniments més importants que varen succeir, les festes i tradicions, moltes encara avui, sortosament, arrelades i altres, malauradament, desaparegudes. També es pot reviure el
desenvolupament de les activitats de tota mena, tant econòmiques com industrials, educatives, laborals, etc., que representaven els pilars fonamentals de la vida econòmica i social de la Segarra..
Història gràfica de la Segarra
No full textDirecció: Max Turull Rubinat ; coordinació: Elena Armengol Cera ... [et al.] ; selecció i textos: M. Dolors Allué Albareda ... [et al.].Textos introductoris: Ramon-Muñoz, Ramon, 1967- et al.El volum que teniu a les mans representa i és, sens dubte, el testimoni gràfic més complet de la nostra historia recent, reflex fidel d'un temps pretèrit, però no tan allunyant per a nosaltres, entranyable per tot un seguit de raons i, naturalment, emotiu en tots els ordres per a tots aquells que conformen part d'aquesta comunitat segarrenca. Al llarg de les seves pagines, que ens transporten en un viatge imaginen, es pot recórrer el que ha estat la historia de la comarca, els esdeveniments més importants que varen succeir, les festes i tradicions, moltes encara avui, sortosament, arrelades i altres, malauradament, desaparegudes. També es pot reviure el
desenvolupament de les activitats de tota mena, tant econòmiques com industrials, educatives, laborals, etc., que representaven els pilars fonamentals de la vida econòmica i social de la Segarra..
