Organic farming is believed by many to be an environmentally friendly production system that promotes the use of local forage while strongly limiting the input of chemicals, including allopathic treatments. As organic dairy farming has grown, farmers have realised that many available conventional breeds of cow are not well adapted to the new situations and that more ‘robust’ cows, able to function well in the constraining organic environment, are needed to yield acceptable longevity and productivity. In this review paper, the current breed diversity in organic dairy farming is analysed with the aim of identifying the types of cow that would best fulfil organic breeding goals. Unlike the conventional sector, organic dairy farming is very heterogeneous and no single type of cow can adapt well to all scenarios. There are advantages and disadvantages to the use of existing breeds (rustic Holstein-Friesian, other rustic breeds and crosses), and strong genotype × environment interactions demand different strategies for very diverse situations. Organic dairy farms producing milk for systems that recompense milk volume would benefit from using higher milk yielding cows, and rustic Holstein-Friesian cows may be the best option in such cases. Although most Holstein-Friesian cows are currently selected for use in conventional systems, this situation could be reversed by the implementation of an organic merit index that includes organic breeding goals. Farms producing milk either for systems that recompense milk solids or for transformation into dairy products would benefit from using breeds other than Holstein-Friesian or their crosses. Organic farmers who focus on rural tourism, farm schools or other businesses in which marketing strategies must be taken into account could benefit from using local breeds (when possible) or other rustic breeds that are highly valued by consumers.

The apparatus of Vogelgnathus simplicatus (Rhodes, Austin, and Druce, 1969) is reconstructed from discrete elements from a sample of limited diversity from the Limerick Province (Ireland). The apparatus is typical of the order Ozarkodinida and the P1 element was previously placed within Gnathodus. Here we assign it to Vogelgnathus by applying a multielemental concept rather than using P1 element morphology. The holotype and paratypes are re-illustrated and the species distribution revised based on published data. Vogelgnathus simplicatus ranges from the late Tournaisian to the early Viséan (Mississippian, Carboniferous), with common occurrences relating to the growth of Waulsortian bank complexes in a high-stand sea-level along the southern and western margins of the Laurussian landmass (Belgium, the British Isles, the Republic of Ireland, and USA). Vogelgnathus simplicatus appears to represent the rootstock from which deep-water and shallow-water Viséan species of Vogelgnathus evolved in the Mississippian.

Glaciar Coronas is one of the small cirque glaciers located in the Maladeta Range, central Spanish Pyrenees. The ice extends from 3220 to 3065 m a.s.l. Using early and modern photographs and aerial photographs, we study the evolution of the glacier during the 20th century, with particular focus on evaluating the variations in area, ice thickness and the withdrawal of the ice front. This information is compared with some basic climatic data (quarterly and annual evolution of temperatures and precipitation) recorded in the nearby Seira observatory. The results show that ice wastage, clearly associated with the main regional climatic evolution, has been dominant during the 20th century at Glaciar Coronas, but the rate has varied and has not been continuous. Three periods have been detected: (1) 1920s–early 1960s: ice depletion period; (2) early 1960s–mid-1980s: stabilization of the deglaciation process; (3) mid-1980s–1998: marked ice depletion period. The study shows a decrease in area of Glaciar Coronas from 19 ha in 1928 to 2.4 ha in 1998. The decrease in length from 1928 to 1998 has been 325 m.

Analysis of aerial photographs, GPS mapping and comparison of digital elevation models have been used to quantify the losses in extent and volume observed (1981–2005) in the glaciers of the Maladeta massif (Spanish Pyrenees). The data are examined in relation to different climatic (temperature, precipitation) and topographic factors that control glacial retreat both at the general and local scales. The evolution observed in the massif is characterized by the remarkable surface and volumetric shrinkage registered in all the glaciers: (1) glacial ice decreased in extent 35.7%, reducing from 240.9 ha to 155.0 ha; (2) losses in total ice volume reached 0.0137 km3 (75.6 m w.e.); (3) mean altitude of the studied glaciers increased 43.5 m. These changes seem to have been forced by climatic change (reduction in the snowfall contributions and increase in the maximum temperatures) during the past few decades in this Pyrenean region. In addition, local variables such as the orientation of each glacier, their altitude and their initial size seem to have induced significant spatial differences in the magnitude of the losses.

Despite how important it is to assess executive functioning in persons with Intellectual Disability (ID), instruments adapted and validated for this population are scarce. This study’s primary goal was to find evidence for the validity of the ID version of the Tower of London (TOLDXtm) test in persons with mild (IDMi) and moderate (IDMo) levels of ID with Down Syndrome (DS). A multicenter study was carried out. Subjects (n = 63, ≥ 39 years old) had DS with mild (n = 39) or moderate ID (n = 24) with no minor neurocognitive disorder or Alzheimer’s disease. Assessment protocol: TOLDXtm for ID, Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test Second Edition (K-BIT II), Cambridge Examination for Mental Disorders of Older People with Down’s Syndrome and Others with Intellectual Disabilities (CAMDEX-DS), Weigl’s Color-Form Sorting Test (WCFST), Barcelona Test for Intellectual Disability (BT-ID), and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-P). The internal consistency (IDMi and IDMo), factor structure of the different subscales, and relationship between TOLDXtm subscales and other cognitive measures (BT-ID, WCFST, and BRIEF-P) were analyzed. A normative data table with ID population quartiles is provided. TOLDXtm for ID showed a robust one factor structure and coherentassociations with other, related neuropsychological instruments. Significant differences between IDMi and IDMo on movement-related variables like Correct (Corr; p = .002) and Moves (Mov; p = .042) were observed, along with good internal consistency values, Corr (α = .75), Mov (α = .52). Regarding internal consistency, no between-groups differences were observed (all p-value > 0.05). The TOLDXtm for ID is thus an instrument, supported by good validity evidence, to evaluate problem-solving and planning in ID. It distinguishes between individuals with mild and moderate ID, and is highly associated with other measures of executive functioning.

Here we describe a new terrestrial mammal from the Eocene of Seymour Island (Isla Marambio) represented by a lower left third molar and assigned to a new species of Sparnotheriodontidae, an ungulate family with a broad palaeobiogeographical distribution in South America. The specimen was found in the Cucullaea I allomember of the La Meseta Formation, in a new mammalian locality (IAA 2/16). Notiolofos regueroi sp. nov. shares a brachyodont, lophoselenodont and bicrescentic molar pattern with N. arquinotiensis, recorded for a stratigraphic sequence of 17.5 Ma in Antarctica. The criteria for the species differentiation are the absence of mesial and labial cingulids, the larger paraconid, the wider talonid basin, the accentuated distal projection of the hypoconulid, the centroconid development and the smaller size. Together with the astrapotherian Antarctodon sobrali, they represent the medium to large terrestrial mammals of the early Eocene Antarctic landscape that was mostly dominated by closed forests of Nothofagus. Dental wear facets and differences in their body mass are inferred and discussed as possible evidence of niche differentiation. Additionally, the presence of land mammals with Patagonian affinities in the Eocene of Antarctica reinforces the Cretaceous–Palaeocene presence of the Weddellian Isthmus, a functional land corridor between Antarctica and South America.

Psychosis has been associated with committing violent crimes. However, it has been reported that the association is mediated by toxin consumption, personality disorders, and positive symptoms. This study will examine the relationship between different psychological disorders and sociodemographic variables, and violent crime perpetration in a sample of 472 men serving prison terms in Andalusia, Spain. A correlation-based, retrospective study was conducted and data were analyzed through logistic regression. The sample is representative of the Andalusian prison population, with a 95% level of confidence and .02% precision. Inmates were sampled and diagnosed by expert clinicians using the SCID-I and the IPDE-II. We computed bivariate correlations between the aforementioned variables and perpetration of violent crimes (murder, homicide, attempted murder, and injury) to later apply logistic regression and find adjusted odds ratios. We confirmed the association between diagnosis of functional psychoses and violent crime, with a significant adjusted odds ratio in the last model (OR = 3.71; p = .010). Other significant variables that acted like risk factors include suicide attempts (OR = 2.04; p = .046), having received care at a mental health facility in the year before imprisonment (OR = 3.83; p = .008), and more strongly than the psychosis diagnosis, low level of education (OR = 10.32; p = .029). Toxin consumption and personality disorders were not significant in the final model.

The accurate description of the growth or dissolution dynamics of a soluble gas bubble in a super- or undersaturated solution requires taking into account a number of physical effects that contribute to the instantaneous mass transfer rate. One of these effects is the so-called history effect. It refers to the contribution of the local concentration boundary layer around the bubble that has developed from past mass transfer events between the bubble and liquid surroundings. In Part 1 of this work (Peñas-López et al., J. Fluid Mech., vol. 800, 2016b, pp. 180–212), a theoretical treatment of this effect was given for a spherical, isolated bubble. Here, Part 2 provides an experimental and numerical study of the history effect regarding a spherical bubble attached to a horizontal flat plate and in the presence of gravity. The simulation technique developed in this paper is based on a streamfunction–vorticity formulation that may be applied to other flows where bubbles or drops exchange mass in the presence of a gravity field. Using this numerical tool, simulations are performed for the same conditions used in the experiments, in which the bubble is exposed to subsequent growth and dissolution stages, using stepwise variations in the ambient pressure. Besides proving the relevance of the history effect, the simulations highlight the importance that boundary-induced advection has to accurately describe bubble growth and shrinkage, i.e. the bubble radius evolution. In addition, natural convection has a significant influence that shows up in the velocity field even at short times, although given the supersaturation conditions studied here, the bubble evolution is expected to be mainly diffusive.

This article investigates the evolution of cremation rites during the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula. Spectacular finds during the last decade have shed much light on this subject; for example, the discovery and excavation of the largest cremation cemetery to date (Can PiteuCan Roqueta with more than 1000 graves); or the restudy of other sites (Can Bech de Baix or Roques de Sant Formatge). Additionally, relevant material has been obtained from studies of: excavations of settlements with exceptional defensive systems (Vilars d'Arbeca); the preceding and founding layers of the Greek colony of Emporion; and the development of political territories in the River Ebro region and surroundings. A detailed analysis of information from these sites has considerably increased knowledge about the social transformations that occurred over the 600 to 700 year timescale of the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages.

The main purpose of this research was to establish the effectiveness of the V844 corrosion inhibitor for seawater on various metallic materials: carbon steel, aluminum and copper alloy at different concentrations via colloid formation. The changes in both physical and chemical properties of seawater, including pH, total hardness, alkalinity, total dissolved solids (TDS) and conductivity at different concentrations of V844 were assessed, too. The test procedure involves dissolving the V844 corrosion inhibitor powder provided by Magna International Private Limited in seawater to obtain a stock solution of 4% V844 in seawater, which was further diluted to obtain the remaining concentrations. The analysis of parameters begun when various metal species, polished beforehand, were placed into the solutions. The analysis was observed over a period of 26 days and a total of 9 sets of readings were obtained. From our observation and analysis, it was concluded that the inhibitor worked best at 0.05% concentration for carbon steel.

Corrosion is a worldwide, crucial problem that strongly affects natural and industrial environments, in particular the oil and gas industry. Natural gas (NG) is a source of energy in industrial, residential, commercial and electric applications. The abundance of NG in many countries augurs a profitable situation for the vast energy industry. NG is considered friendlier to the environment and with lesser greenhouse gas emissions as compared with other fossil fuels. In the last years, shale gas is increasingly exploited in U.S. and Europe, applying a hydraulic fracturing technique, for releasing gas from the bed rock by injection of saline water, acidic chemicals and sand to the wells. Various critical sectors of the NG industry infrastructure suffer from several types of corrosion: steel casings of production wells and their drilling equipment; gas conveying pipelines including pumps and valves; plants for regasification of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and municipal networks of NG distribution to the consumers. Practical technologies that minimize or prevent corrosion include selection of corrosion resistant engineering materials, cathodic protection, corrosion inhibitors, and application of external and internal paints, coatings and linings. Mexico is undergoing an intense reform process of the energy sector, that involves its oil, NG and electricity industries. Typical cases of corrosion management in the NG industry are presented based on the authors experience and knowledge.

Commercial aluminum alloys corresponding to Al-Cu-Si family are commonly used in casting and molding process because their high castability. The main characteristics of these alloys are the excellent weight/strength relation in conjunction with wear and corrosion resistance. Additionally, the mechanical properties of these alloys could be enhanced by heat treatment.

In Al A319 alloys, Cu and Mg are the main responsible to increase the mechanical properties after T6 heat treatment due to the precipitation of Al2Cu and Mg2Si and Al2CuMg phase [1]. Combined effects of Ni and Cu improve strength and hardness at relatively elevated temperature [2], Due to the low solubility of Ni in Al (0.04%), it has been reported the formation of FeAl9FeNi-type intermetallic, which is not totally dissolved with the typical solution treatments used in aluminum alloys [3]. Hayajneh et al., found that increasing amounts of intermetallic compounds Al3Ni, Al3(CuNi)2 and Al7Cu4Ni in Al-Cu alloy, the hardness increase [4].

The effect of Ni addition and solution treatment time on the microstructure and hardness of the Al A319 alloy are studied by Vickers microhardness (VHN), Rockwell B hardness (HRB), X Ray Diffraction (XRD), Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

As is well known, the corrosion of embedded steel reinforced depends strongly of the concrete resistivity, which is related directly with the water contained into its porous network. Environment plays an important role on resistivity, due to have a direct correspondence with the relative humidity and temperature. In these terms, ingress or output of water is favored or hampered by the environmental parameters, as well as its fluctuations. This work presents a proposal of instrumented system to generate a map of electrical resistivity at concrete samples by using superficial and embedded electrodes. Mathematical analysis of equivalent circuit revealed the importance of the impedance of electrodes utilized, to simplify measures. Concrete samples were exposed to different relative humidity focused to try to obtain the relation between relative humidity and resistivity. An array of two electrodes distributed in a matrix was manufactured to apply a signal of direct current at first electrode and measure the resultant current at second electrode. The system applies a programmed sequence of switch to turn on and turn off to realize measurements over established zone and, in this form, allows identify zones with potentials gradients. Also, do easy the monitoring of concrete resistivity evolution in function of time and humidity conditions.

The monitoring of corrosion in reinforced concrete structures is considered an important preventive factor against the corrosive damage. The present paper shows the design and construction of a device which performs remote measurements of the polarization resistance of reinforcing steel, this was made using the electrochemical technique of linear polarization resistance as a method to obtain the information of the corrosive process. The development was carried out by implementing a potentiostat based on a free development platform. The design allows to store all the data on a physical memory and to send the results through the mobile network to a web server, where the measured values can be analyzed using an internet connection.

The linear polarization resistance measurements were made in cylindrical concrete specimens with rebars of ½ ”, each one instrumented with embedded electrodes of Copper/Copper sulfate and graphite. The specimens were subjected to a saturated environment of chlorides (3.5%) where the corrosive process was monitored with the developed system. The results were compared with tests performed on a commercial potentiostat / galvanostat, where the values obtained have an mean of 4.83%.

The aim of this work was to assess the corrosion and degradation effects of a biofuel on metallic materials tested in an experimental internal combustion engine (ICE). Biodiesel is considered as an alternative fuel for diesel, for industrial applications ranging from boilers to ICE. The experimental vehicle motor, fitted with carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloys and magnesium alloys was operated with local biodiesel. The corrosion performance was evaluated by gravimetric, chemical and electrochemical techniques, following the practices recommended in ASTM and NACE standards for corrosion testing. This work is the result of an international cooperation between the Institute of Engineering, Autonomous University of Baja California, Mexico and the Corrosion Research Center, Sami Shamoon College of Engineering, Israel. The characteristics and conditions of the ICE operated with biodiesel, and the results of the corrosion essays are presented, analyzed and discussed.

The main purpose of coatings is to increase the lifetime of cutting tools, to perform continuous and economical material removal process, reducing the frequency of sharpening or replacement of the tool, which contributes to increase quality of product. Therefore, hafnium nitride (HfN) single layer coatings were deposited on High-speed steel by Magnetron Sputtering physical vapour deposition (PVD). The machining on AISI 1020 steel samples were carried out in a computer numerical control (CNC) machine, using coated and uncoated tools, the temperature of the different components were measured (steel bar and tool), due to continuous temperature measurement help to predict tool wear and the quality of finished piece [1] . In order to evaluate wear resistance and performance, not only temperature data were compared, the tool wear morphological analysis for flank wear was carried using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and work pieces roughness were checked through their surfaces in an Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). In most of the parameters evaluated differences between the tools were identified, and results reveals that on HfN coating, occurs less wear, due the proportionality between the energy transfer and the tool deterioration, also the coating improves surface finish of the machined part; all of them are reflected in changes on process temperatures. The use of single layer HfN coating on cutting tools could increase their lifetime, improve the quality of the work piece, and even reduce process time and cost.

The aim of this study is to compare the corrosion rate of aluminum alloys for ornamental pieces. Three Fe/Cu relationships were tested in order to improve hardness and brightness in aluminum pieces since these alloys are used in the making of ornamental pieces. The variation on Fe/Cu content could result in modification on corrosion rate, since a metallographic characterization must be carried out identifying the presence of intermetallic phases. The presence of these elements could result in increasing corrosion rate, or even in modification of corrosion morphology, so localized corrosion could be expected.

The assessment of corrosion rate was carried out in saline media, since chlorides are ions that promote localized corrosion. Electrochemical techniques (polarization curves and Tafel plots) were used in order to evaluate the attack in aluminum pieces; electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was also employed with voltage amplitude of 10 mV rms, and a frequency range from 10,000 Hz to 0.01 Hz. A typical three electrodes cell was used, exposing an area of one cm2. Before polarization, open circuit potential was monitored for an hour looking for a steady state. All conditions were tested for triplicate.

The behavior of open circuit potential vs. time, and polarization curves was analyzed; a corrosion mechanism is proposed according to the electrochemical control. Polarization rate was calculated by using Tafel plots and, an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis by using equivalent electric circuits is shown. Electrochemical impedance will yield information about corrosion morphology that is backed with microscopic inspection.

The objective of this study is to compare the corrosion rate of aluminum alloys for ornamental pieces in order to determine the effect of the relationship Fe/Cu on the corrosion mechanism in aluminum parts for ornamental pieces.