An��lisis y Evaluaci��n de Programas Universitarios para Mayores. Informe Final Proyecto Investigaci��n AEPUMA 116/0

An��lisis y Evaluaci��n de Programas Universitarios para Mayores. MINISTERIO DE TRABAJO Y ASUNTOS SOCIALES, Informe Final del proyecto AEPUM (Cod. proyecto 116/2005). Convocatoria I+D+I de la Subdirecci��n general de planificaci��n, ordenaci��n y evaluaci��n del IMSERSO. Pag. 782.

Hibridaci��n entre la codorniz com��n (Coturnix coturnix) y la codorniz de granja: estado de un problema de conservaci��n

La hibridaci��n entre especies es un fen��meno ampliamente extendido que puede tener consecuencias en la conservaci��n de la biodiversidad. En el presente art��culo se hace una revisi��n del problema de conservaci��n derivado de la suelta de codornices de granja en poblaciones silvestres de codorniz com��n (Coturnix coturnix). Estas codornices de granja han resultado ser h��bridos de codorniz com��n y codorniz japonesa (Coturnix japonica). Si no existen mecanismos de aislamiento reproductor, estas sueltas favorecer��an la introgresi��n de genes de codorniz japonesa en las poblaciones de codorniz com��n; ello conllevar��a que se produjera un ���enjambre de h��bridos��� y la sedentarizaci��n de las poblaciones de codorniz, lo que comportar��a muy probablemente su disminuci��n en Europa. Esta amenaza es real, al haberse demostrado que no hay mecanismos de aislamiento reproductor, ni pre-cig��ticos, ni post-cig��ticos, ni ecol��gicos. Sin embargo, datos emp��ricos sugieren que a pesar de ello no se produce el temido ���enjambre de h��bridos���, sugiri��ndose una mortalidad diferencial entre las dos especies como una posible explicaci��n. Finalmente, se sugieren algunas medidas de gesti��n derivadas de la situaci��n actual, entre las que destacar��a un control gen��tico que certifique el origen de los individuos criados en granja y la prohibici��n de efectuar sueltas de codornices japonesas o h��bridos.

The anthropometric profile of elite roller figure skaters

Although the anthropometric profiles of Olympic athletes, as a group, are well known, there is still a need for specific reference data for each sport given that each discipline has its own characteristics. This study has been designed considering the limited number of articles that focus on the anthropometric characteristics of artistic roller skating and, more specifically, the figures discipline. The aim of this study is twofold: firstly, to define the anthropometric profile, body composition and somatotype of male and female artistic roller figure skaters in order to establish specific profiles; and, secondly, to establish the differences between the anthropometric profiles, body compositions and somatotypes of male and female skaters. Twenty-nine professional roller skaters (male = 15, female = 14) underwent measurements of standard anthropometry (height, body mass, arm span, 8 skinfolds, 3 breadths and 11 girths). The somatotype was measured using the Heath-Carter methods. A T-Student test for independent samples was conducted in order to assess the differences between male and female skaters. Significant statistical differences were found between male and female skaters in terms of body mass, height, arm span, the sum of four and six skinfolds and all skinfold measurements. Male skaters have a BMI of 21.4�� 1.6 and female skaters have a BMI of 21.5 �� 2.4. The results indicate that arm span is an important characteristic for skaters. Mesomorphy is the most important component, followed by endomorphy, for male and female skaters. Male skaters have an endomesomorphic somatotype (3.5-4.5-2.5) and female skaters have a balanced mesomorphic somatotype (3.3-4.1-2.9).

Instrumentos de evaluaci��n de competencias en ingenier��a del medio ambiente

El portafolio es una herramienta pedag��gica de evaluaci��n que recopila todas las evidencias de aprendizaje y trabajos diversos que realiza un estudiante o grupo de estudiantes a lo largo de un proceso educativo determinado. En este sentido, viene a ser un complemento natural para las innovaciones educativas basadas en competencias. En esta investigaci��n se propone un sistema de evaluaci��n basado en el uso del portafolio como t��cnica para evaluar competencias en una asignatura troncal, Ingenier��a del Medio Ambiente, de segundo ciclo de la titulaci��n de Ingeniero Qu��mico de la Universidad de Alicante. La asignatura tiene una carga lectiva de 6,5 cr��ditos, repartidos 4,5 para la parte te��rica y 2 para la parte pr��ctica. En esta investigaci��n se proponen los siguientes objetivos: 1. Dise��ar un modelo de portafolios para la asignatura de Ingenier��a del Medio Ambiente. 2. Implementar y controlar el dise��o del portafolio en los alumnos matriculados en la asignatura Ingenier��a del Medio Ambiente, en t��rminos de consecuci��n de competencias. 3. Evaluar los resultados de la experiencia.

Electrochemical analysis of the performance of carbon supported Pd nanoparticles for direct formic acid fuel cells: from gold supported electrodes to catalyst-coated membranes

In this work carbon supported Pd nanoparticles were prepared and used as electrocatalysts for formic acid electrooxidation fuel cells. The influence of some relevant parameters such as the nominal Pt loading, the Nafion/total solids ratio as well as the Pd loading towards formic acid electrooxidation was evaluated using gold supported catalytic layer electrodes which were prepared using a similar methodology to that employed in the preparation of conventional catalyst coated membranes (CCM). The results obtained show that, for constant Pd loading, the nominal Pd loading and the Nafion percentage on the catalytic layer do not play an important role on the resulting electrocatalytic properties. The main parameter affecting the electrocatalytic activity of the electrodes seems to be the Pd loading, although the resulting activity is not directly proportional to the increased Pd loading. Thus, whereas the Pd loading is multiplied by a factor of 10, the activity is only twice which evidences an important decrease in the Pd utilization. In fact, the results obtained suggest the active layer is the outer one being clearly independent of the catalytic layer thickness. Finally, catalyst coated membranes with Pd catalyst loadings of 0.1, 0.5 and 1.2 mg cm-2 were also tested in a breathing direct formic acid fuel cell.

Innovative Tourism Clusters: Myth or Reality? Empirical Evidence from Benidorm

Paper submitted to TCVT3 Bozen/Bolzano, 10-12 April 2014, International workshop on Tourists as Consumers, Visitors, Travellers

Is a cluster a necessary condition for success? The case of Benidorm

This paper analyses the application of the cluster concept to tourist destinations using Benidorm as a case study. A questionnaire was administered to tourism firms based in Benidorm in order to determine whether this destination currently constitutes a tourism cluster or whether it possesses the ideal characteristics to become a cluster with the private agents' collaboration, that is, whether it is a potential cluster. The results obtained from this research indicate that Benidorm's success is not derived from the presence of a cluster due to a series of elements that prevent its existence. In this destination there is a need to strengthen cooperation between public and private agents (especially in those areas that determine the competitive advantage of the destination) and to design a strategy based on shared goals. Both of these elements are fundamental for the characterisation of a cluster.

Effects of infiltration pressure on mechanical properties of Al���12Si/graphite composites for piston engines

In this work results for the flexural strength and the thermal properties of interpenetrated graphite preforms infiltrated with Al-12wt%Si are discussed and compared to those for packed graphite particles. To make this comparison relevant, graphite particles of four sizes in the range 15���124 ��m, were obtained by grinding the graphite preform. Effects of the pressure applied to infiltrate the liquid alloy on composite properties were investigated. In spite of the largely different reinforcement volume fractions (90% in volume in the preform and around 50% in particle compacts) most properties are similar. Only the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion is 50% smaller in the preform composites. Thermal conductivity of the preform composites (slightly below 100 W/m K), may be increased by reducing the graphite content, alloying, or increasing the infiltration pressure. The strength of particle composites follows Griffith criterion if the defect size is identified with the particle diameter. On the other hand, the composites strength remains increasing up to unusually high values of the infiltration pressure. This is consistent with the drainage curves measured in this work. Mg and Ti additions are those that produce the most significant improvements in performance. Although extensive development work remains to be done, it may be concluded that both mechanical and thermal properties make these materials suitable for the fabrication of piston engines.