Aplicación de la Calorimetria Diferencial de Barrido (CDB) en la caracterización del aceite de oliva virgen

Application of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) to Virgin Olive Oil has been evaluated. Thermal profile of olive oil from six cultivars were analysed by DSC. Crystallization and melting curves were obtained between -100ºC and 50ºC, at 5ºC/min, showing profiles differentiated according to each. Temperature peak (Pt) from exothermic and endothermic transitions show a good correlation with the triacylglycerol composition. Oxidation DSC curves were obtained between 50ºC to 300ºC, under air flow rate of 100 mL/min. The oxidation times (To) obtained from each oil show a high correlation, r>0.95, with the oxidative stability measured by Rancimat method.Se analiza la viabilidad de la calorimetría diferencial de barrido (CDB) en su aplicación a la caracterización del aceite de oliva virgen. Las curvas de cristalización y de fusión obtenidas, entre - 100ºC y 50ºC a una velocidad de 5ºC/min y a partir de seis variedades distintas de aceite de oliva, presentan perfiles diferenciados según la variedad a la que pertenece el aceite, mostrando picos de temperatura exotérmicos y endotérmicos cuyos valores mantienen una estrecha correlación con respecto a las diferentes composiciones triglicerídicas de las distintas variedades. Igualmente, las curvas de oxidación CDB, realizadas en atmósfera oxidante entre 50ºC y 300ºC y flujo de aire de 100 mL/min, proporcionan datos del tiempo de oxidación de estos aceites con una correlación de r>0.95 respecto de los datos de estabilidad proporcionados por el método Rancimat

Control Properties and Thermodynamic Analysis of Two Alternatives to Thermally Coupled Distillation Systems with Side Columns

The thermally coupled distillation configurations have received considerable attention because of their efficiency to reduce the energy required for the separation of ternary mixtures. The structure of the complex systems offers some control challenges arising from the transfer of vapor (or liquid) streams between the columns. Recently, some alternate schemes to thermally coupled distillation arrangements, that might provide better operational properties than the complex columns, have been proposed. In this work, we analyze the control properties of two alternative distillation schemes to the coupled systems. The theoretical control properties are analyzed with the application of the singular value decomposition technique. The results indicate that a reduction in the number of interconnections of the alternate configurations does not necessarily provide an improvement of its controllability properties. Also, second law calculations and energy consumptions were performed for the two alternate distillations schemes

Assessment of organizational policies in a retail store based on a simulation model

This paper evaluates three organizational policies in a retail store by a discrete simulation model in Simio®. The policies implemented were using one, two, or three express checkouts, cross-trained workers, and allocating one, two, or three weighing counters in the produce section (fruit and vegetables). These policies were evaluated during days with low, medium, and high demand over critical performance metrics such as the queue length, waiting time, active and idle time rate, the average time in the system, average service time, and sales. Our results demonstrated that all policies are beneficial for the studied system but in days with high demand. In days with low or medium demand, there were good improvements for some indicators, but this conflicted with others. As the simulation model was implemented to evaluate each policy independently, a future direction should include studying the performance simultaneously

Multiwavelength characterisation of an ACT-selected, lensed dusty star-forming galaxy at z=2.64

We present \ci\,(2--1) and multi-transition $^{12}$CO observations of a dusty star-forming galaxy, ACT\,J2029+0120, which we spectroscopically confirm to lie at $z$\,=\,2.64. We detect CO(3--2), CO(5--4), CO(7--6), CO(8--7), and \ci\,(2--1) at high significance, tentatively detect HCO$^{+}$(4--3), and place strong upper limits on the integrated strength of dense gas tracers (HCN(4--3) and CS(7--6)). Multi-transition CO observations and dense gas tracers can provide valuable constraints on the molecular gas content and excitation conditions in high-redshift galaxies. We therefore use this unique data set to construct a CO spectral line energy distribution (SLED) of the source, which is most consistent with that of a ULIRG/Seyfert or QSO host object in the taxonomy of the \textit{Herschel} Comprehensive ULIRG Emission Survey. We employ RADEX models to fit the peak of the CO SLED, inferring a temperature of T$\sim$117 K and $n_{\text{H}_2}\sim10^5$ cm$^{-3}$, most consistent with a ULIRG/QSO object and the presence of high density tracers. We also find that the velocity width of the \ci\ line is potentially larger than seen in all CO transitions for this object, and that the $L'_{\rm C\,I(2-1)}/L'_{\rm CO(3-2)}$ ratio is also larger than seen in other lensed and unlensed submillimeter galaxies and QSO hosts; if confirmed, this anomaly could be an effect of differential lensing of a shocked molecular outflow.Comment: Accepted for publication in Ap

Dosimetry with gafchromic films based on a new micro-opto-electro-mechanical system

This work presents the first tests performed with radiochromic films and a new Micro‒Opto‒Electro-Mechanical system (MOEMS) for in situ dosimetry evaluation in radiotherapy in real time. We present a new device and methodology that overcomes the traditional limitation of time-delay in radiochromic film analysis by turning a passive detector into an active sensor. The proposed system consists mainly of an optical sensor based on light emitting diodes and photodetectors controlled by both customized electronic circuit and graphical user interface, which enables optical measurements directly. We show the first trials performed in a low‒energy proton cyclotron with this MOEMS by using gafchromic EBT3 films. Results show the feasibility of using this system for in situ dose evaluations. Further adaptation is ongoing to develop a full real‒time active detector by integrating MOEM multi‒arrays and films in flexible printed circuits. Hence, we point to improve the clinical application of radiochromic films with the aim to optimize radiotherapy treatment verifications

Exploring the Design Space for Body Transformation Wearables to Support Physical Activity through Sensitizing and Bodystorming

Negative or disturbed body perceptions are often interwoven with people's physical inactivity. While wearables can support body perception changes (body transformation), the design space of body transformation wearables supporting physical activity remains narrow. To expand this design space, we conducted an embodied co-design workshop with users. Using conceptual and tangible sensitizing tools, we explored/reflected on bodily sensations at three moments of movement execution (before/during/after). Conceptual tools were used to evoke/reflect/capture past lived experiences, while tangible tools were used as ideation probes for sensory bodystorming. Two design concepts emerged, reflecting diverging approaches to body transformation wearables: one focused on reminders and movement correction; the other on sensory augmentation and facilitation. We reflect on how each facilitates useful representations of body sensations during movement, and present methodological recommendations for designing technology for sensory augmentation in this area. Finally, we propose a preliminary prototype based on our design concepts and discuss future steps

Análisis polimórfico de interleucina IL-1β en pacientes con diagnóstico de Helicobacter pylori, en Tabasco, México

Introduction. Studies on the infection of Helicobacter pylori and the IL-1B gene play an important role within inflammation and its proinflammatory properties that promote defense against pathogens. Polymorphisms have been related to a higher production of IL-1β associated with hypochlorhydria and cancer development under H. pylori infection, so the objective of this study was to evaluate polymorphism in the +3954 region (IL- 1B C> T) of the interleukin IL1β gene. Method. the blood samples were donated and collected to be processed for the determination of H. pylori, by means of the Urease Test (Proindusquim), in the city of Villahermosa Tabasco, Mexico, separating positive and negative samples (control), the positive samples were analyzed by PCR and enzymatic digestion for polymorphic analysis in the +3954 region (IL-1B C> T). Results. 245 samples 78 cases of H. pylori infection were analyzed, 49 were men (62.8%) and 29 women (37.17%), with a mean age of 58.5 years (21-77 years). Genotypic and allelic frequencies observed, 45 individuals were normal homozygotes (CC), 12 rare homozygotes (TT) and 21 heterozygotes (CT), in the control group it was found that 74 individuals were normal homozygotes (CC), 32 were rare homozygotes (TT) and 61 were heterozygous (CT). Conclusion. This study shows an association between the IL-1β + 3954 (C> T) interleukin polymorphism and the predisposition of the population carrying the homozygous CC genotype infected with H. pylori to develop cancer.Introducción. Los estudios sobre la infección de Helicobacter pylori y el gen de IL-1B juega un importante rol dentro de la inflamación y sus propiedades proinflamatorias que promueven a la defensa contra patógenos. Los polimorfismos se han relacionados con una mayor producción de IL-1β asociada a cuadros de hipoclorhidria y desarrollo de cáncer bajo la infección de H. pylori, por lo que el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el polimorfismo en la región +3954 (IL-1B C>T) del gen interleucina IL1β.  Método. las muestras de sangre fueron donadas y colectadas para ser procesadas para la determinación de H. pylori, mediante Test de ureasa (Proindusquim), en la ciudad de Villahermosa Tabasco, México, separando muestras positivas y negativas (control), las muestras positivas fueron analizadas mediante PCR y digestión enzimática para el análisis polimórfico en la región +3954 (IL-1B C>T). Resultados. Se analizaron 245 muestras 78 casos de infección por H. pylori, 49 fueron hombres (62.8%) y 29 mujeres (37.17%), con edad media de 58.5 años (21-77 años). Las frecuencias genotípicas y alélicas observadas, 45 individuos fueron homocigotos normales (CC), 12 homocigotos raros (TT) y 21 heterocigotos (CT), en el grupo de controles se encontró que 74 individuos eran homocigotos normales (CC), 32 eran homocigotos raros (TT) y 61 fueron heterocigotos (CT). Conclusión. Este estudio muestran una asociación entre el polimorfismo de interleucina IL-1β+3954(C>T) y la predisposición de la población portador del genotipo homocigoto CC infectado con H. pylori desarrolle cáncer

Soil macroinvertebrates community and its temporal variation in a well-drained savannah of the Venezuelan Llanos

Morales-Márquez, Jimmy A., Hernández-Hernández, Rosa M., Sánchez, Gloria K., Lozano, Zenaida, Castro, Ignacio, Bravo, Carlos, Ramírez, Elizabeth and Jiménez Ballesta, Raimundo: "Soil macroinvertebrates community and its temporal variation in a well-drained savannah of the Venezuelan Llanos" published at European Journal of Soil Biology 84.2 (2018): 19-26; DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejsobi.2017.11.002In the well-drained savannahs of Venezuelan Llanos, intensive agricultural activities could be causing damage to the soil, with negative consequences for the ecosystem. In order to avoid this problem, some agroecological alternatives are needed. Consequently, it is necessary to know the biologic dimension in this ecosystem, and within this, the soil macroinvertebrate community. The purpose of this work was to characterize this community in the natural savannah: its structure and diversity, its time variation and its relationship with the physical-chemical properties of the soil. A total of 72 samples were taken in different season along a period of time of 1405 days. The results revealed that the soil macrofauna had an average density of 243.5 ± 183.6 ind·m −2 , distributed in 32 families of 11 orders, with a diversity of N 1 = 4.5 ± 2.8 families. Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and Isoptera was the most dominants orders. The density, richness and diversity of families showed a temporal variation (r ≥ −0.5; p < 0,05). Additionally, the structure of the soil macroinvertebrate community showed a vertical variation. The relationship with soil properties differed according families: Lampyridae, Aphodiidae and Formicidae had a positive correlation with soil macro-porosity (radius of the pores > 15 μm); Tenthredinidae and Tenebrionidae had a positive correlation with the micro-porosity (pores ≤ 15 μm). The community in general, correlated positively with soil porosity and negatively with bulk density. This suggests that these soil properties need to be considered when designing agroecological technics in this area.We want to express our gratitude to the "Fondo Nacional para la Ciencia Innovación y Tecnología del Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Educación Universitaria, Ciencia y Tecnología", of the Boliviarian Republic of Venezuela, for the financial support of the project “Manejo Agroecológico de Suelos de Sabanas Bien Drenadas con Unidades de Producción Cereal-Ganado”, Nº G-2002000398, of which this study is part

Acquisition of a large virulence plasmid (pINV) promoted temperature-dependent virulence and global dispersal of O96:H19 enteroinvasive Escherichia coli

Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) and Shigella are closely related agents of bacillary dysentery. It is widely viewed that EIEC and Shigella species evolved from E. coli via independent acquisitions of a large virulence plasmid (pINV) encoding a type 3 secretion system (T3SS). Sequence Type (ST)99 O96:H19 E. coli is a novel clone of EIEC responsible for recent outbreaks in Europe and South America. Here, we use 92 whole genome sequences to reconstruct a dated phylogeny of ST99 E. coli, revealing distinct phylogenomic clusters of pINV-positive and -negative isolates. To study the impact of pINV acquisition on the virulence of this clone, we developed an EIEC-zebrafish infection model showing that virulence of ST99 EIEC is thermoregulated. Strikingly, zebrafish infection using a T3SS-deficient ST99 EIEC strain and the oldest available pINV-negative isolate reveals a separate, temperature-independent mechanism of virulence, indicating that ST99 non-EIEC strains were virulent before pINV acquisition. Taken together, these results suggest that an already pathogenic E. coli acquired pINV and that virulence of ST99 isolates became thermoregulated once pINV was acquired