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• The five tested paper mulches were not pierced by Cyperus rotundus. • Above-soil degradation of the biodegradables mulches was variable within years. • In-soil degradation of the paper mulches was faster than for the plastics. • Similar pepper yield was obtained for all mulched treatments. More than half of the plastic used in Spain for mulching in agriculture is black polyethylene (PE) mulch. It has been widely adopted due to its low price and ease of installation. The mass use of this material entails a number of disadvantages: the cost of removing fragments from fields after use, the difficulty of managing the waste, and deficient weed control of some species such as purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.), which is capable of piercing the film. The objective of this work was thus to find alternative materials in horticultural crops in order to reduce these drawbacks. In the present document, we describe the trials carried out in Zaragoza (Spain) from 2012 to 2015 in pepper with various different biodegradable materials in order to find agronomically viable alternatives to PE. Plots were distributed randomly in four blocks and 6–9 different treatments were studied depending on the year, including an unweeded plot. In total, 11 different mulches were tested: 5 biodegradable plastic films, 5 paper mulches and PE. Weed density, mulch degradation and pepper production were evaluated. Biodegradable plastic films and PE were not good options for purple nutsedge control (mean efficacy of 48 %) and only paper mulches controlled this species effectively, as the leaves were unable to pierce the material. The above-soil part of most mulches was intact 15 days after transplant (DAT) and degradation increased in time in all materials excepting PE. In-soil degradation was generally faster for papers than for biodegradable plastics, except in 2015, when the plastic mulching materials suffered early fractures due to a windy spring with exceptionally high solar radiation. Rapid degradation of some paper mulches occurred before the crop covered the soil, which can be a serious problem in windy areas because the material can be lifted by gusts of wind. Earthing up along the edges of the materials 10–15 days after transplanting would solve this problem. Pepper production was similar for all materials in 2012–14 and the differences found in 2015 cannot be attributed to the mulches but to the irregular crop density due to high mortality of pepper seedlings during that year. The biodegradable mulches tested are thus considered to be technically viable alternatives to PE. Paper mulches are recommended for purple nutsedge infestations, while biodegradable films can be used for annual weed infestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schools are required to educate students in community and citizenship. This overall aim comprises a number of specific objectives: to communicate a set of contents, to foster certain values and attitudes, and to develop a range of skills. The purpose of this paper is to present the findings from a survey dealing with issues related to Citizenship Education (CE); 1,557 third-year students in secondary education in the Zaragoza region were surveyed. The paper is structured as follows: first, the international framework within which CE is promoted is described. The issue is then discussed in relation to established Spanish legislation in this regard. Thereafter, the empirical results from a case-study survey carried out among students attending schools in Zaragoza are presented. The focus of the survey was to evaluate student responses to EC as a subject, and its objective was to analyze the views of students both before and after their participation in the subject during academic year 2008-2009, the first year the subject was taught in the Spanish school system. The results show that there is significant improvement in the theoretical knowledge block, which is consistent with student experience on a taught course at school; however, there is no appreciable improvement in the blocks relating to values and attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Previous research on high-speed rail (HSR) and urban development has underlined the need for a multilevel analysis and has differentiated between HSR’s impact on small cities and on big intermediate cities. This paper focuses on big intermediate cities along HSR lines, develops a multilevel analysis at national, regional and local levels and examines HSR’s selective capacity to transform time distances and accessibility. The paper draws together data which make clear how HSR opens up new opportunities for these big intermediate cities. Specifically, it analyses three particular cases: Córdoba and Zaragoza in Spain and Lille in France. This case-study approach, taking account of specific circumstances and contexts, facilitates the understanding of the similarities and differences in HSR’s impact on urban and territorial development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the world of contemporary design, the individual genius of the creator is less important than his skill for harnessing the trends that are generated in the street. This paper analyzes the way in which designers create and one of the most important protagonists of creativity in the street: young urban tribes. In order to understand the link between both kinds of creator, it is not just cultural climates and atmospheres that are considered to be important. Beyond the fizzy metaphor, there is a suggestion that there is a pneuma (or spirit) that tribes help to create and which designers must know how to find their way through. The most important issues examined in this paper are how Aragonese designers navigate their way through this pneuma and how it is generated by the urban tribes of Zaragoza. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fluvial geomorphology seeks to study river landform history, understand formative processes, and predict changes using a combination of field observation, experimental studies and numerical models. A resurgence in fluvial geomorphology is taking place, fostered for example by its interaction with river engineering, and the availability of new analytical methods, instrumentation and techniques. These have enabled development of new applications in river management, landscape restoration, hazard studies, river history and geoarchaeology. This paper presents a perspective on recent advances in fluvial geomorphology, and introduces a selection of papers presented during the Fluvial Geomorphology and Palaeohydrology session within the Sixth International Conference on Geomorphology held in Zaragoza (Spain) in September 2005. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the new context of the knowledge society, an essential aim for spatial planning is to establish the means to ensure the availability of the information needed to make decisions as far as development planning is concerned. Access to this type of information is a necessary tool for both public and private institutions, as well as for economic and social agents, to make decisions more easily. This paper offers a study related to the planning of the Centro de Documentación e Información Territorial de Aragón (CDITA) (Territorial Documentation and Information Centre of Aragón), which belongs to the Spatial Planning Section of Aragón's Regional Government. It presents its executive summary, vision, mission, strategic and operational objectives and SWOT analysis. Subsequently, this paper details the actions carried out by the CDITA to achieve its objective of diffusing territorial information, paying special attention to the publication of its contents on the Aragón's Regional Government Official Web Portal. Finally, future challenges and perspectives will be put forth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an empirical study to estimate the urban residential water demand in Zaragoza, Spain; this allows the testing of the short-run sensitivity of water demand to changes in a set of socioeconomic variables and especially in prices. A residential water demand model is estimated using a dynamic panel data technique. Furthermore, three water demand equations have been proposed and two alternative process specifications are applied. The empirical application suggests that the linear demand specification is the most adequate. Finally, the results indicate that domestic demands are inelastic with respect to price. This paper was prepared under Project SEJ2005-06069/ECON, financed by the Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This special issue of Geomorphology consists mainly of selected papers from the S15 Session: GIS and SDA applications in Geomorphology at the 6th International Conference on Geomorphology held in Zaragoza (Spain) in September 2005. For this session, 53 abstracts from Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and Oceania were submitted, and 18 oral communications and 35 posters were presented. The session provided an opportunity to overview, discuss and evaluate new advances of GIS (Geographical Information Systems) and SDA (Spatial Data Analysis) applications in the field of geomorphology. Eight of the manuscripts submitted for the publication call for this special issue survived the review process, and two other invited contributions together form this special issue with 10 papers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The phenomenon that occurred with the restoration of Ecce Homo in Borja (Zaragoza) has not gone unnoticed by the mass media in countries around the world since a small notice of this restoration appeared in the blog of the Borjans’ Studies Center in early August 2012. Thus, the paper aims to deepen the triple determination that we believe has caused an isolated incident to become a worldwide media boom. We refer to the phenomenon on the communicative global level, its collaborative or dialogued nature, and the interaction that has been generated by the creators and observers. From here we reflect on the social phenomenon that this new pictorial creation has generated both from the mass media and from various samples of creativity and different conceptions of art. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The economics literature offers many examples of studies of the economic impact of transportation infrastructure such as highways, ports, and airports; however, little attention has been paid to other types of infrastructure such as logistics platforms. This article is a first assessment of the economic effects of the largest logistics platform in Europe – PLAZA, the Zaragoza Logistics Platform – located in Spain. More precisely, this paper analyzes the economic significance of PLAZA on the economy of the Aragon region where it is located. The methodology is based on the application of input–output analysis to the final demand of logistics platform-based companies in a manner that is similar to well-established studies of the economic impacts of tourism on tourist expenditure. This makes it possible to quantify the various levels of economic effects (direct, indirect, and induced) in terms of jobs, salaries, and wages, turnover, gross operating surplus (GOS), and gross value added (GVA). The conclusions reveal the economic importance PLAZA has for the regional economy of Aragon, representing just over 2% of total GVA and 3% of turnover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pampa-Corte model developed to simulate growth of beef cattle was adapted to simulate lamb growth. This paper has the objective to describe the main modifications and the fitness of model in the simulations of lamb growth. To validate the model two datasets from Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (Zaragoza, Spain) were used. The first one used data from 29 male and 10 female lambs of Rasa Aragonesa breed born in spring of years 2005, 2006 and 2008. The second data came from 32 male lambs of Churra Tensina breed born in spring of years 2004 and 2007. The model showed good fit between observed and simulated data in intensive finishing lamb systems, although small deviations were observed after slaughtering the first animals that reached the commercial live-weight (LW) of 22kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents a methodology that allows the identification of optimum geosynthetic mitigation designs and the assessment of their cost-effectiveness taking into account the spatial-temporal probability of occurrence of sinkholes of different diameters and the characteristics and mechanical strength of the road. The procedure is illustrated using a specific case study of a road built in a sinkhole-prone area near Zaragoza city, Spain. The most cost-effective geosynthetic distribution is identified integrating in the cost-benefit analyses a sinkhole hazard model that includes an empirical magnitude and frequency relationship. A sensitivity analysis reveals the parameters whose uncertainty has a higher impact on the profitability of the mitigation measure. The impact of the actual temporal and spatial distribution of damaging sinkholes on the cost-effectiveness of the optimum geosynthetic design has been evaluated by means of Monte Carlo simulations. The proposed approach could be applied, with some modifications, to other mitigation measures (e.g. slabs), different structures (e.g. railways), as well as other processes (e.g. landslides, piping). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The main objective of this paper is to show the process map for introducing the Accessibility Management System in the Saragossa city council web service. This map is a requirement of the Spanish Association for Standards and Certification (Aenor) for the "N" certification of ICT Accessibility, which guarantees users that an internet page is accessible. All public sector organizations are required by law to achieve this norm and display the "N" mark of certification.To identify the processes and design the process map, an expert reviewed documents and interviewed managers and staff. The processes were classified into strategic, key and support categories and so identified on the process map, which indicates sequences and the relationships between inputs and tasks. The results section describes the main activities and analyzes their inter-relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The proper estimation of the energy content of the residual fraction from mechanical–biological treatment (MBT) plants is essential for planning and promoting different methods to decrease its environmental impact, to lower the consumption of energy resources, and to reduce economic costs. Currently, in many countries, the residual fraction from these plants is disposed of in a landfill with few recovery actions. This paper proposes a methodology for estimating the energy content of the aforementioned fraction. To validate it, the methodology is applied to a MBT plant in Zaragoza that collects residual household waste from municipal solid waste (MSW) from 62 municipalities in four regions of Aragon – Zaragoza, Ribera Baja del Ebro, Campo de Cariñena, and Campo de Belchite. From the methodology, an energy potential of 17929.24kJ/kg of the residual fraction from this MBT plant is estimated, which is equivalent to 100.18ktoe per year. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents the main messages as well as the key recommendations presented during the OECD workshop on information base and water resource management decision making, in Zaragoza, Spain, May 2010. Findings include fundamental issues to which further attention should be paid. There is an information imbalance in many countries, with implementation of water policy initiatives often supported by little data or information. There is also the limitation of many countries to collect water information due to lack of resources and loss of expertise to collect, analyze and interpret water data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reveals the first two drawings of the New Tower of Zaragoza, Mudejar building more important of the city, that was demolished in 1892 and that only we can know their images. The first is the view of Wyngaerde 1563, and the second is the engraving of John-Frederick Lewis, 1834. During that period of time, the New Tower suffered severe structural damage that resulted in different alterations in the body from its base and its spire. Only the comparison of the drawings and research papers can afford to know the original state of the building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper focuses on the validation of a dynamic simulation model used to describe the performance of an existing solar cooling installation located in Zaragoza (Spain). The dynamic model has been developed under the simulation environment TRNSYS. The aim of this simulation model is to dispose of a tool in order to use it to evaluate different energy improvement actions in a real solar cooling installation. This solar cooling installation has been monitored and analyzed since 2007. The COP of this experimental solar cooling system presents a great influence from its heat rejection sink, a dry cooling tower. Once the model was validated with the experimental data obtained from the real installation, it was used to predict the chiller performance with a new geothermal sink, which started to operate in 2009. The present work describes the design and validation model process, as well as the comparison between the model results and the monitoring ones with the geothermal heat rejection system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In his encyclopedic book (al-Istikmāl), the mathematician of Saragossa, Ibn Hūd (d. 1085/478 H.), established by an intrinsic demonstration of spherical geometry, a remarkable theorem which generalizes the proposition III.11 from Theodosius's Spherics and integrates the propositions III.23-25 from Menelaus's Spherics. In this paper, we study this theorem and the demonstration of Ibn Hūd. The reader will find also some established and translated texts (Ibn Hūd, Ibn Irāq, al-Ṭūsī) addressing the same theme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The paper investigates the degree of convergence between trained panelists and consumers with regard to overall quality assessment and acceptability, respectively. In particular, the main sensory drivers used by both groups of assessors in their valuations, are investigated: first, a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is applied to identify main dimensions underlying sensory data, and second, the external preference mapping (PREFMAP) technique, that regress consumers’ hedonic valuations on the PCA sensory dimensions, is applied. A total of eight samples of dry-cured ham was analysed by 14 trained panelists and 213 consumers in a northern city of Spain (Zaragoza). The results showed that both, consumers and trained panelists make use of the same sensory attributes to elicit their assessments, which are crumbliness, softness, flavour and sweetness. However, trained assessors are able to discriminate better the quality across ham samples, as we would expect, according to a higher degree of expertise. Interestingly, the PREFMAP technique showed a certain degree of heterogeneity in consumers’ preferences, highlighting clusters with opposite liking trends. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Combined heat, cooling and power (CHCP) systems are interesting for the supply of different energy services in urban districts and in large buildings. CHCP systems utilize a fuel''s energy to a greater extent, because the cogenerated heat can be used for heating in winter as well as for cooling in summer with an absorption refrigerator. The use of thermal energy storage (TES) provides the additional advantage of covering variable thermal demands while the production system operates continuously at nominal conditions. Thus, energy supply systems integrating the technologies of cogeneration, absorption refrigeration and thermal storage can provide substantial benefits from economic, energetic and environmental viewpoints. In this paper an optimization model is developed, using mixed integer linear programming (MILP), to determine the preliminary design of CHCP systems with thermal storage. The objective function to be minimized is the total annual cost. Taking into account the legal constraints imposed on cogeneration systems in Spain, the optimization model is applied to design a system providing energy services for a set of buildings constituted of 5000 apartments located in the city of Zaragoza (Spain). The effect of legal constraints in the design and operation of CHCP systems is highlighted in this study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Trigeneration systems, also known as Combined Heat, Cooling and Power (CHCP) systems, are interesting alternatives to supply different energy services in urban districts and in large buildings, particularly in warm areas such as Mediterranean countries. These systems can provide substantial benefits from economic, energetic, and environmental viewpoints, since the cogenerated heat can be used for heating in winter as well as cooling in summer with an absorption refrigerator. This paper develops an optimization model using Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) to determine the type, number and capacity of equipment in CHCP systems installed in the tertiary sector as well as to establish the optimal operation mode for the different plant components on an hour-by-hour basis throughout the year. The objective function to be minimized is the annual total cost. The optimization model considers the legal constraints imposed to feed the surplus autogenerated electricity into the grid at a regulated feed-in tariff. The optimization model is applied to design a system providing energy services for a hospital located in the city of Zaragoza (Spain). The effects of the financial market conditions and energy prices in the optimal structure of the system are analyzed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Information about the papers discussed at the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) workshop that was held in Zaragoza, Spain from September 17-20, 2008 is presented. Topics include modes of cell death, intrinsic molecular regulators of immune-mediated cell death and molecular basis and biological significance of granzyme-induced cell death.

Gas/particle partitioning of pollutants is an important mechanism determining atmospheric processing and its impact to environmental and human health. In this paper, the gas–particle partitioning of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) has been studied with the aim of determining the main mechanism of PAH partitioning in Zaragoza (Spain) aerosols. To reach this goal, the ambient concentrations of PAH (gas and particle phase) collected in this city for one year period (2003–2004) have been analyzed. The partitioning between the particle and gas phases was studied according to three different models: the Junge adsorption model, the absorption into the organic matter model using the octanol–air (K OA) partition coefficient and the absorption into the organic matter plus the adsorption onto the soot carbon model using the soot–air (K SA) partition coefficients. Experimental gas/particle partition coefficients (K P) correlated well with the subcooled liquid vapour pressures () of PAH but with slopes higher than the expected value of −1. Experimental K p values were well fit to the modelled ones when, in addition to absorption into organic matter, adsorption onto the soot carbon was considered. It could be concluded that the main partition mechanism in Zaragoza aerosols was explained by adsorption onto the soot carbon. However, K p modelled values were affected by the different thermodynamic parameters related to soot types. The influence of the organic matter and elemental carbon fractions on the K p modelling was also studied. The different particle characteristics, local factors, the presence of non-exchangeable fraction and non-equilibrium were considered like main keys to explain deviations of the experimental K p values from predictions according to models. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper we propose a semi-parametric Bayesian analysis of a spatio-temporal autoregressive model (STAR) with neighbourhood effects similar to those of Pace et al. (1998, 2000). This approach allows us to make inferences about the parameters of the model and, more particularly, about the number of neighbours, without having to appeal to asymptotic results. In addition, the procedure used to obtain the out-sample predictions takes into account the uncertainty associated to the estimation of the model parameters in a more realistic way. The methodology is illustrated by means of an application to the real estate market in the city of Zaragoza (Spain). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The paper deals with the application of the hole-drilling technique on the four piers of the crossing under the dome of the Cathedral of Tarazona (Zaragoza – Spain). The hole-drilling technique in architectural heritage is named the Donostia Method by the author in previous works. The monument (XIIIth Century) is an excellent cathedral not well known because 25 years ago it was closed by its alarming structural situation. In the XVIth century the gothic original cupola was replaced by a new more weighted dome (cimborrio) modifying the typical load transmission of such constructions. The new dome and the four piers that transmit their weight have been fixed by means of a metallic structure from the moment the cathedral was closed. Over the past years several works of structural reinforcement have been made on the piers and their foundations. It is expected for the next few months that the metallic structure can be disassembled allowing access inside the cathedral. The stress states of each pier have been obtained by means of the hole-drilling technique. The two piers at the absydial zone present high compression stresses, whereas the other two piers present a much smaller level of compressions. The tests carried out make it possible to deduce several values of the principal stresses in each pier; this fact makes it possible to analyze the quality of the results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Basilica of Pilar, located in the city of Zaragoza, is one of the most famous Spanish temples. Several domes of this church contain frescoes painted by Francisco de Goya, which have suffered damages in the past decades due to various pathologies. The frescoes of the Regina Martirum dome are being restored at the present time. In this paper, we present a set of structural models of the entire temple and local models of the Regina Martirum dome by discussing and comparing the obtained results. The main objective of the research was to identify the current structural state of the church, its safety level and the relationship between the structural behaviour and the damages observed. The behaviour of the main material used in the construction, brick masonry, was simulated first with linear elastic isotropic models and later with several non-linear isotropic models including brittle behaviour in tension and plastic behaviour in compression. In addition, we consider the historical construction and the reinforcement works added to the structure in its history, with the purpose of testing the finite element models by reproducing the pathologies described from the beginning of the current Baroque construction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, we introduce a semi-parametric Bayesian methodology based on the proportional hazard model that assumes that the baseline hazard function is constant over segments but, by contrast to what is usually assumed in the literature, with the periods at which the function changes not being specified in advance. The methodology is applied to explore the impact of Vocational Training courses offered by the University of Zaragoza (Spain) on the duration of the initial periods of unemployment experienced by graduate leavers. The framework is very flexible and allows us, in particular, to capture the presence of seasonality in the job insertion of graduates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the Bologna Declaration, improving the efficiency and transparency of the systems of higher education has become one of the principal challenges for all European countries. In fact, the establishment of evaluation processes in programmes and institutions is a current practice. For this purpose, several mechanisms of evaluation are being developed with the aim of accurately measuring the performance of these institutions. This paper applies the data envelopment analysis (DEA) methodology to assess the performance of the departments of the University of Zaragoza (Spain). The selected indicators concern both the teaching and the research activity of these departments. The results reveal the departments that carry out these activities more efficiently according to the variables included in each analysis. Finally, I discuss the existence of differences in the strengths and weaknesses among departments covering different areas, suggesting several initiatives aimed at improving their performance in the light of current Spanish higher education reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is part of a research project into parental choice, social class and market forces carried out by a team in Zaragoza (Spain). The main objective was to evaluate parents’ choice of school and the consequences this may produce in terms of social exclusion and inequality. Additionally, our aim was to determine whether certain populations, ethnic minorities, economically disadvantaged groups and immigrants, are concentrated in the same schools. The methodology was ethnographic. We studied 13 private and public schools in Zaragoza, in which 40 students carried out research for 5 months, using interviews, observations and document analysis. The interviews were fully transcribed and analysed using a Straussian methodology. We found three micro‐markets, varying according to different socio‐cultural factors, that share the patterns of an ‘old and stable’ market. This kind of market does not work strictly under the rules of the marketplace, where there is tough competition between schools. However, its outcomes are similar. This ‘old and stable’ market is a mechanism of social class reproduction. The middle and upper classes go to private schools, while ethnic minorities, economically disadvantaged groups and immigrants attend the public sector. The parents’ expectations, experiences and ideology play a key role in the marketplace, as well as in the several micro‐markets. Middle class families have more chances to choose a school, due to greater resources and cultural status. Among several conclusions I emphasize that a market system is not necessary for social inequalities to take place. It will occur when the possibility of choice arises. The middle class are favoured under current circumstances, while the working class are disadvantaged. What are the prospects of disadvantaged classes if a market system is developed, with full freedom of choice being promoted and no compensatory actions carried out? Everybody would have the same rights, but would everyone enjoy the same conditions or possibilities? It is possible to predict that the struggle between a public education monopoly and a market system will produce greater differences between social classes. In fact, these policies could provoke a decline of the public school in Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the 3D digital reconstruction of Sinhaya, a X–XIIth century Muslim suburb in the city of Zaragoza. Accurate models and textures were obtained that capture all the wear and tear of a real suburb populated by real characters. The visualization is based on archaeological evidence from excavations and accurate historical documents. Precise lighting algorithms developed by Grupo de Informa´tica Gra´fica Avanzada (GIGA) provide a photorealistic look, while real actors composited into the synthetic scenes give life to the reconstruction. Images and animations can be viewed in a low-cost CAVE-like system (CLS) designed and developed by GIGA. Following a historically accurate script, the audience is taken through the streets of the suburb and into its houses. This digital reconstruction will help to preserve part of the city’s archaeological and cultural heritage, giving life to a distant past. Visitors can experience what life was like in the suburb from morning to sunset, and it can provide a new perspective for historians. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Unlabelled: Simple anthropometric measurements and indices are the most commonly used tools for assessing body composition. Only a few papers have examined the sensitivity and specificity of the body mass index (BMI) against total body fat percentage (TBF%) from underwater weighing in children and adolescents. The objective of the study was to evaluate the screening performance of BMI, triceps skinfold thickness and waist circumference for excess TBF%. A total of 175 healthy volunteer males, aged 7.0-16.9 y, participated in the study. TBF% was measured using underwater weighing as the reference method. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to assess the value of the three anthropometric measurements as a screening measure for total adiposity. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated at several percentile cut-offs for BMI, triceps skinfold and waist circumference. The areas under the ROC curves were also calculated, and were 0.86 for BMI, 0.90 for triceps skinfold and 0.88 for waist circumference. The point on the ROC curve closest to 1 corresponded to the 70th percentile for BMI, to the 75th percentile for triceps skinfold, and to the 70th percentile for waist circumference.Conclusion: BMI, triceps skinfold and waist circumference predicted total fat content well in male children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A real case study of an energy system based on a Solar Assisted Heat Pump (SAHP) fed by hybrid photovoltaic-thermal solar panels (PVT) and seasonal storage (SS) is presented in this paper. Exergy and exergy cost analyses are proposed as complementary methods for the assessment and better understanding of the efficiency of this cogeneration solar configuration. The system performance takes advantage of storage heat in summer, when the solar resource is high in Spain, and is then later consumed during the cold winter (heating season). The building is devoted to social housing, and it is currently under construction. The assessment is based on simulations developed using TRNSYS, a dynamic simulation software for energy systems. Results show that the unit exergy cost of the solar field is around 6. The cost of the seasonal storage is higher, about 13, and its formation is affected both by its own irreversibility and by the irreversibility of the PVT solar field. The cost of the heat delivered by the heat pump is around 15, being affected by all the upstream units and even by the grid. Besides, the analysis points out strategies for improving the system efficiency, such as increasing the size of the storage tank or improving the control strategy of the boiler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper performs technical, economic and environmental feasibility analyses of two different solar cogeneration plants, consisting of a solar system (a parabolic trough collector field coupled with thermal energy storage), an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), and mechanical chillers, that should cover the electrical and cooling demands of a commercial center located in Zaragoza (Spain). System A is hybridized with an auxiliary biomass boiler that complements the solar system's thermal production, providing a constant heat supply to the ORC, which operates at full load during the operating hours of the solar system. In contrast, system B is not hybridized with biomass, so the ORC is fully driven by the solar system, operating at partial load according to the solar resource availability. Both systems are connected to the electrical grid, allowing electricity purchases and sales when needed. The design procedure involves the sizing of the equipment as well as the modelling of the hourly behavior of each system throughout the year. The physical analysis is complemented by an economic assessment, which considers investment and variable costs, as well as an estimate of the significant environmental benefits of the proposed plants. The solar plants are compared to a conventional system in which all the electrical consumption is covered with electricity purchased from the grid. The costs of the electricity produced by systems A and B are estimated at 0.2030 EUR/kWh and 0.1458 EUR/kWh, which are about 49% and 7% higher than the electricity purchase price in Spain (0.1363 EUR/kWh). These results indicate that while none of the solar plants are presently competitive with the conventional system, system B (without biomass hybridization) is actually closer to economic feasibility in the short and medium term than system A (with biomass hybridization). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]