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Background and Aims Twig cross-sectional area and the surface area of leaves borne on it are expected to be isometrically correlated across species (Corner’s rules). However, how stable this relationship remains in time is not known. We studied inter- and intraspecific twig leaf area–cross-sectional area (la–cs) and other scaling relationships, including the leaf–shoot mass (lm–sm) scaling relationship, across a complete growing season. We also examined the influence of plant height, deciduousness and the inclusion of reproductive buds on the stability of the scaling relationships, and we discuss results from a functional perspective. Methods We collected weekly current-year twigs of six Patagonian woody species that differed in growth form and foliar habit. We also used prominent inflorescences from Embothrium coccineum (Proteaceae) to assess whether reproductive buds alter the la–cs isometric relationship. Mixed effects models were fitted to obtain parameter estimates and to test whether interaction terms were non-significant (invariant) for the scaling relationships. Key Results The slope of the la–cs scaling relationship remained invariant across the growing season. Two species showed contrasting and disproportional (allometric) la–cs scaling relationships (slope ≠ 1). Scaling relationships varied significantly across growth form and foliar habit. The lm–sm scaling relationship differed between reproductive- and vegetative-origin twigs in E. coccineum, which was explained by a significantly lower leaf mass per area in the former. Conclusions Although phenology during the growing season appeared not to change leaf–shoot scaling relationships across species, we show that scaling relationships departed from the general trend of isometry as a result of within-species variation, growth form, foliar habit and the type of twig. The identification of these functional factors helps to understand variation in the general trend of Corner’s rules.

El presente trabajo es el resultado de la realización de un Ciclo de Mejora en el Aula (CIMA) de asignatura completa en Lingüística, asignatura de primero del Grado en Filología Hispánica, en la Facultad de Filología de la Universidad de Se- villa. Se incentivó la cooperación entre el alumnado de primero y el de los dos últimos cursos del grado para diseñar y llevar a cabo los retos y preparar los de- bates de los viernes. Se analiza la efectividad de los debates como herramienta de aprendizaje cuando se crea un entorno seguro en el que se lleva a cabo el contraste de ideas y en el que se pueden expresar todas las opiniones incluidas las más controvertidas. El nivel de satisfacción con los debates aumentó con res- pecto a cursos anteriores. Palabras clave: Lingüística, grado en Filología Hispánica, desarrollo profesio- nal docente, debates en la docencia universitaria, colaboración entre alumnado.

The increase in the number of industrial robots and the requirements for sustainable production have drawn attention to the study of energy consumption. The present research work studies the energy optimization of a five-bar linkage when performing pick and place tasks, combining trajectory optimization and the addition of springs in parallel to the actuators. First, a method to reduce the energy consumption for a general task is presented. Second, an algorithm to calculate the free vibration response and the springs parameters for a nominal task is explained. Finally, a new energy optimization method is presented to improve the versatility of the robot when a new task is required, while reducing the necessary changes on the system. The experimental results, regarding the free vibration trajectory, encourage the adequate implementation of the calculated springs in the prototype. Moreover, the results of the simulations, regarding the new method, indicate the versatility of the system if the nominal task changes.

Depression and Clinical Anxiety predict a worse prognosis for Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Recent studies warn of high rates of clinical depression and anxiety in patients with CVD. The reported percentages range over a wide range. In order to provide new data on the prevalence of Depression and Clinical Anxiety in CVD, the psychological state of 70 Argentine adults attending a Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Program was surveyed. Two psychological scales were administered: the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Beck Depression Inventory II. It was observed a 17.1% of participants with probable Major Depressive Disorder and a 27.1% with probable Clinical Anxiety. The results of the current study are in accordance with the percentages reported by previous studies. A significant number of patients presented comorbidity between Clinical Depression and Anxiety. No differences were found by gender. It is recommended that healthprofessionals take into consideration the high prevalence of Clinical Depression and Anxiety in patients with CVD. Fil: Martino, Pablo Luis. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Psicología. Secretaria de Ciencia y Tecnología. Centro de Investigación En Neurociencias de Rosario; Argentina Fil: Mora-Penagos, Juan Pablo. Cruz Roja Argentina; Argentina Fil: Kerbage, Soraya. Fundación Favaloro; Argentina Fil: Cervigni, Mauricio Alejandro. Universidad Nacional de Rosario; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Bonet, Jose luis. Fundación Favaloro; Argentina

The seeds of fleshy-fruited species growing in aquatic environments fall into water, with or without their pericarp depending upon whether gravity or animals disperse the seeds, with consequences little explored for seed ecology and dispersal in wetlands. In this study, we evaluated the germination of seeds with and without fleshy pericarp after water exposure (from 7 to 90 days), timing of fruit flotation and germination percentage from within intact fruits of two fleshy-fruited Myrtaceae trees of the Chilean temperate forests, Luma apiculata and Blepharocalyx cruckshanksii . For both species, we found greater germination in flooded seeds with pericarp than without, maximum fruit flotation for about a month, although buoyancy was reduced faster in B. cruckshanksii , and seedling emergence from inside fruits occurred in a grater percentage in B. cruckshanksii . These results show that the fleshy pericarp protects seeds from negative water effects, allowing hydrochory and it does not impede germination. Thus, there is a potential advantage for seeds being dispersed with their fleshy cover in wetland habitats. We assert that these species have multiple dispersal mechanisms (polychory) operating in wetlands, with consequences for their dispersal and recruitment.

Islands are susceptible to exotic plant invasion, and Robinson Crusoe Island (RCI), Juan Fernandez Archipelago (33°S, 78°7′W, Chile) is no exception. Through a literature review, we assessed plant invasion and compared it to other oceanic islands worldwide. Here, we discuss measures to enhance forest recovery on RCI based on knowledge accumulated from studies on RCI and other islands. Although these findings are designed to halt the progress of invasion on RCI, they could also be applied to other insular ecosystems. We addressed the following questions: (1) What is the plant invasion status on RCI in relation to other islands worldwide? (2) How imminent is biodiversity loss by plant invasion on RCI? (3) How is woody plant invasion taking place on RCI? (4) What methods are effective in controlling invasive woody species on islands worldwide? (5) What is the ability of natural forests to recover after controlling invasive plants on RCI? We found that (1) RCI is globally the fourth most invaded island for woody species. (2) Invasive woody species expansion is estimated at 4.3 ha annually. (3) Some invasive species establish under forest canopy gaps, out-competing native species. (4) Control of invasive plant species should focus on small gaps, and restoration should promote plant cover and soil protection. Mechanical and chemical control of invasive species seemed to be insufficient to prevent biodiversity loss. Developing alternatives like biological control are indispensable on RCI. (5) Six years after invasive species control, floristic composition tended to recover.

Although fleshy-fruited species are usually dispersed by animals and gravity, previous research shows that the fleshy fruits of invasive plants on Robinson Crusoe Island (RC) are also moved by wind. To determine whether a bird (Turdus falcklandii), wind, and gravity could be legitimate dispersers of fleshy fruits from the invasive plant species Aristotelia chilensis, Rubus ulmifolius and Ugni molinae, we carried out germination trials with seeds defecated by T. falcklandii and hand-cleaned in the laboratory, and added another trial in field conditions, sowing intact fruits. Whole fruits sown intact are used to represent dispersal by wind or gravity. The field trials for A. chilensis and R. ulmifolius were performed in canopy gaps and closed forests to evaluate the effect of shadow on seedling emergence. Field trials for U. molinae were only established in open shrubland, since this species does not occur in forests on RC. Laboratory trials showed gut-passed A. chilensis seeds increased the germination percentage while gut-passed seeds did not affect germination in R. ulmifolius and U. molinae. In the field, trials revealed that seeds from intact fruits germinated in a similar way to gut-passed or hand-cleaned seeds, with the exception of U. molinae, which did not germinate inside fruits. In all field treatments, the germination percentage of A. chilensis and R. ulmifolius was higher in the canopy gaps than under closed canopy. These results indicate that T. falcklandii is a legitimate disperser for the three invasive species studied on RC. Wind and gravity should also be considered legitimate dispersers of A. chilensis and R. ulmifolius. Microhabitat (i.e., canopy gaps) plays a more important role in improving the establishment of A. chilensis and R. ulmifolius than the dispersal mechanism itself.

Este artículo trata sobre un Ciclo de Mejora en el Aula (CIMA) llevado a cabo durante el curso 2017/2018 en la asignatura optativa de seis créditos de cuarto de Filología Hispánica de la Universidad de Sevilla (US) Temas de Lingüística General. La innovación se centró en el uso del modelo docente Aprendizaje Basado en Retos (ABR) con metodología de Pensamiento de Diseño (Design Thinking, DT) adaptada como ECO en el marco de un proyecto de innovación docente en la US cuyo principal objetivo fue el trabajo en equipo de profesorado y alumnado para hacer frente a retos de la sociedad. Esta metodología constructivista fue acompañada por una evaluación continua a través de portafolios grupales y de un proceso de gamificación. Los resultados fueron mucho mejores que los conseguidos el curso 2016/2017 en el que se usó ABR pero sin metodología DT/ECO ni gamificación. This article deals with a Cycle of Improvement in the Classroom (CIMA) in a 6 credit fourth-year course Topics in General Linguistics of the Degree in Hispanic Philology of the University of Sevilla during the 2017/2018 academic year. The CIMA revolved around the use of Challenge Based Learning with Design Thinking adapted to ECO in a teaching innovation project at US whose main objective was the work in teams of teachers and students to face needs and challenges of society (CBL with DT/ECO). The continuous evaluation was carried out through portfolios and gamification. The results were much better than the ones obtained in 2016/2017 in which Challenge Based Learning was used but without DT/ECO and without gamification.

Aim: Psychosocial factors have an impact in cardiovascular disease. It is postulated that psychosocial alterations might reduce treatment compliance among coronary artery disease (CAD) patients, which leads to a worse prognosis of cardiovascular disease. The aim of our study was to analyze the relationship between psychosocial factors and treatment compliance in CAD patients attending cardiovascular rehabilitation programs. Method: A descriptive (correlational) and cross-sectional study was designed. The sample included 70 adult patients, both males and females, attending the cardiovascular rehabilitation program at Favaloro Foundation, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Four psychosocial instruments were administered for the assessment of anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory), depression (Beck II depression inventory), anger (STAXI-II) and functional capacity (Duke Activity Scale). Treatment compliance was defined in terms of attendance to cardiovascular rehabilitation sessions. Results: Bivariate correlations revealed a positive association between the scores for anger control and treatment compliance, as well as a positive relationship between the scores for functional capacity and treatment compliance. Conclusions: Psychosocial alterations correspond to a worse treatment compliance in cardiovascular rehabilitation programs. It is advisable for health care professionals to consider the psychosocial status of CAD patients on admission to rehabilitation programs.

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica) is largely consumed all over the world and has a high economic importance. Likewise, broccoli contains high levels of glucosinolates, carotenoids and total phenols, which are related with the prevention of chronic diseases. The present project's objective was to evaluate the effect of industrial freezing on the stability of bioactive molecules in seven commercial broccoli cultivars (Tlaloc®, Endurance®, Florapack®, Domador®, Steel®, Iron Man® and Avenger®). In general, industrial freezing increased the extractability of total glucosinolates, whereas total phenols remained constant in most broccoli cultivars. Likewise, broccoli subjected to industrial freezing showed higher levels of total carotenoids (∼60-300% higher) as compared with fresh broccoli. Results suggest that bioactive compounds in frozen broccoli would be more bioavailable than in raw.

Kale (Brassica oleracea Acephala group) is a green leafy vegetable with high content of nutraceuticals. However, the content of bioactive compounds of kale is affected by the cultivar, and thus it is necessary to identify kale cultivars that have the highest nutritional content, to promote their consumption. The present project’s objective was to characterize the bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds, vitamin C, glucosinolates and individual carotenoids) and the antioxidant capacity of two kale cultivars (Winterbor and Maribor). The Winterbor cultivar presented higher content of phenolic compounds, carotenoids and higher antioxidant capacity than the Maribor, whereas the Maribor cultivar showed higher levels of vitamin C and glucosinolates. One serving size of kale provides more than 100% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin A and more than 40% of the RDI of vitamin C. Therefore, kale can be considered an excellent source of antioxidants.

We investigated if the marsupial Dromiciops gliroides (Microbiotheriidae) is a legitimate seed disperser of Ugni molinae (Myrtaceae). We compared the germination rate of defecated and not-defecated seeds. The results show that defecated seeds are viable and show a high germination rate than no-defecated seeds. We conclude that D. gliroides is a legitimate seed disperser of U. molinae, and it may affect their reproductive success. These results are the first evidence of a seed disperser for U. molinae, and also support the proposal that D. gliroides have an important role as a seed disperser in the temperate forest of southern South America.

La pragmática ha adquirido una importante dimensión convirtiéndose en una disciplina muy estudiada y con muchas posibilidades que abren diferentes frentes investigadores. En este sentido, partimos de esa importancia como pretexto para focalizar esta propuesta en torno a la enseñanza de español. Dentro del campo de actuación de la pragmática centramos la mirada en la forma de disculparse. Para ello, proponemos una serie de actividades que facilitan el aprendizaje de este aspecto atendiendo a tres diferentes contextos con sus respectivos destinatarios, esto es, alumnos de lengua materna (LM), segunda lengua (L2) y lengua extranjera (LE). Pragmatics has taken on an important dimension becoming a well-studied discipline with many different research opportunities. In this regard, we are assuming this importance as a pretext to focus this proposal on teaching of Spanish. Within the field of pragmatics we set our sights on the manner of making apologies. In order to do that, we propose some activities that facilitate learning of this particular aspect in three different contexts with their respective recipients, namely students of the native language (NL), of the second language (L2), and of the foreign language (FL).

The reaction of semisquaric chloride (I) with thiols has been investigated. In the presence of triethylamine (method A) only moderate yields of S-alkyl thiosemisquarates were obtained. Moderate to good yield of S-alkyl and S-aryl thiosemisquarates were obtained in the presence of aluminum chloride (method B) and by the reaction of I with trimethylsilyl sulfides in the presence of aluminum chloride (method C).