Combined post-ozonation and biological treatment of recalcitrant wastewater from a resin-producing factory

In this study, effluent from the biological treatment of wastewater from a resin-producing factory containing recalcitrant compounds was ozonated under different conditions. Afterwards, the biodegradability of the ozonated effluent was studied under anoxic conditions. The post-ozonation of the industrial effluent was performed using a wide range of ozone doses, from 1.8 to 29.5 mg L−1 min−1. After the biological treatment of the ozonated effluent, organic carbon and nitrogen removals from 27 to 97% and from 27 to 80%, respectively, were achieved. The effect of the contact time was studied at a constant ozone dose of 13.0 ± 1.2 mg L−1 min−1 and contact times ranging from 30 to 180 min. In this case, organic carbon removals from 55 to 100% and organic nitrogen removals from 41 to 77% were obtained after biological treatment

Application of Anaerobic and Ozonation Processes in the Landfill Leachate Treatment

The optimization of leachate treatment was investigated as well as the configuration of a biological-ozonation process. The leachate used for the experiments was diluted to 1/5 with tap water and treated anaerobically. The anaerobic effluent and the raw leachate were treated with ozone in order to increase their biodegradability getting the minimum organic matter removal. Both were submitted to the ozonation process, applying a constant ozone dose and varying the contact time. The ozonation of raw leachate produced a decrease of COD and BOD5 concentrations as well as BOD5/COD ratios, applying an ozone dose of 38.72 mg/L•min and contact times between 15 and 60 minutes. Ozonation as a pre-treatment process to the biological system did not improve the biodegradability of the raw leachate. The anaerobic effluent from the reactor fed with leachate diluted to 1/5, was subjected to an ozone dose of 34.99 mg/L•min and applying different contact times. BODf values increased from 74.75 up to 1220 mg/L and BODf/COD ratios reached values higher than 1. Then, the application of ozone to the anaerobic effluent led to the improvement of the biodegradability of the leachate as well as the BODf/COD ratio for all the contact times used

Gravity modeling of the lithosphere in the Calatrava Volcanic Province (Spain): geodynamic implications

The origin of the intraplate volcanism in the Calatrava Volcanic Province (CVP) is controversial. On the basis of its geochemical signature it has been ascribed to an “aborted” rift, implying lithospheric thinning. However, the volcanism occurred during the generalized Cenozoic NW−SE-oriented compressive tectonic regime. On the other hand, on the basis of evidence for its deep-seated origin, it has been linked to the existence of a baby-plume detached from an active megaplume below the Canary-Azores Islands and the western Mediterranean. In order to understand better the aforementioned geodynamic scenarios for the origin of the CVP, we address here the study of the lithosphere in the CVP and its vicinity by means of gravity analysis and 2+1/2D modeling. Gravity modeling results do not support the rifting model adopted for the intraplate volcanism occurred in the CVP because the crust shows a constant thickness. Density models suggest the existence of a sub-crustal, anomalous low-density block that could be underplated magmatic material at the base of the crust, suggesting that only a minor part of it intruded up into the crust and erupted. The localized magmatism of the CVP can be related to the combination of two factors: one active, the gentle folding of the Iberian lithosphere and associated uplifting of the Variscan basement due to the NW-directed transmission of compressive stresses in the upper plate yielded by the subduction/collision in the south Iberian margin. The formation of the lithospheric folding in the Calatrava region results in a decrease of the pressure beneath the swell of the antiform that is likely to bring about basaltic magmatism below the swell; and one passive, the existence of a Variscan right-lateral shear band, which yields a weakened  crust that facilitates the ascent of the magmatic materials. The relatively small volume, but large extension, of the volcanic outcrops could be associated with the preferential ascent of the magmas along the weakened crust of this NW−SE-trending Variscan shear band.El origen del volcanismo intraplaca en la Provincia Volcánica de Calatrava (CVP) es controvertido. En base a su signatura geoquímica se ha atribuido a la formación de un rift “abortado”, implicando un adelgazamiento litosférico. Sin embargo, el volcanismo se desarrolló durante un régimen tectónico compresivo orientado NW-SE que fue generalizado en la región de Calatrava durante el Cenozoico. Por otro lado, en base a las evidencias de su origen profundo, se le ha relacionado con la existencia de una mini-pluma desconectada de una mega-pluma activa debajo de los archipiélagos de Canarias y Azores, y en el Mediterráneo occidental. Con el propósito de contribuir a la discriminación entre los escenarios geodinámicos mencionados para el origen del volcanismo se ha abordado aquí el estudio de la litosfera en la CVP y en las zonas próximas mediante el análisis gravimétrico y la modelación 2+1/2D. Los modelos gravimétricos no apoyan el modelo de rifting adoptado para el volcanismo intraplaca ocurrido en la CVP porque el espesor de la corteza es cuasi-constante. Los modelos siguieren la existencia de un cuerpo anómalo sub-cortical de baja densidad que podría ser material magmático acrecionado y almacenado en la base de la corteza indicando que sólo una parte menor habría intruido en la corteza y producido erupciones. El volcanismo localizado de la CVP se puede relacionar con la combinación de dos factores: a) Un factor activo correspondiente a un amplio plegamiento de la litosfera (corteza) Ibérica y el consiguiente levantamiento asociado del basamento varisco debido a la transmisión hacia el NW de los esfuerzos compresivos en la placa superior de la subducción/colisión miocena en el margen meridional Ibérico. La formación del anticlinal a escala cortical en la región de Calatrava ha producido la disminución de la presión en el intrados del anticlinal y ha originado probablemente el magmatismo basáltico; b) Un factor pasivo correspondiente a la existencia de una banda de cizalla con dirección próxima a NW-SE, heredada de la deformación varisca, que localiza una zona de debilidad cortical favorecedora del ascenso del magmatismo

Aplicación de las Nuevas Tecnologías GPS-GPRS para el estudio del comportamiento y mejora de la producción de la raza de lidia

La dehesa es un ecosistema agroforestal único que aúna un óptimo rendimiento económico con una menor incidencia en el medio. En la Península Ibérica hay unas 500.000 hectáreas de dehesas concentradas en Andalucía, Castilla y León, Extremadura, Castilla La Mancha y Madrid. La raza de Lidia es, dentro de las razas autóctonas, por su rusticidad y adaptación, una de las que mejor aprovechan y conservan la dehesa. Las condiciones de cría en grandes fincas (400-500 hectáreas de media), el espacio por cabeza (entre una y seis hectáreas por animal), la movilidad que le da su menor tamaño con respecto a otras razas y su crecimiento en libertad con mínima presencia humana la ha hecho indispensables para el mantenimiento del ecosistema de la dehesa. Con este trabajo pretendemos aplicar una tecnología innovadora como es el GPS-GPRS a la monitorización de la etología del ganado de la raza de Lidia durante todos los periodos de su vida y especialmente en aquellos momentos en los que el animal se ve sometido a diferentes prácticas de manejo. Para ello, se implementará la tecnología de GPS que permite el posicionamiento relativo de un objetivo mediante la captación de la señal de diferentes satélites específicos, lo que proporcionará información precisa sobre: el desplazamiento del ganado en un periodo determinado, las distancias recorridas, el territorio pastoreado, las áreas más querenciosas, su ritmo circadiano, las pautas de comportamiento, etc. Así mismo, el dispositivo incorporará sensores de parámetros biológicos como la temperatura ó el ritmo cardíaco, etc. La implementación de este sistema permitirá, a través del posicionamiento, realizar la óptima gestión de los recursos pastables de la dehesa, permitiendo ahorrar costes en alimentación, infraestructuras y personal, y ofrecer, en un futuro cercano, una atractiva herramienta al ganadero para realizar el control remoto de sus reses

The effect of steps to promote higher levels of farm animal welfare across the EU. Societal versus animal scientists’ perceptions of animal welfare

Information about animal welfare standards and initiatives from eight European countries was collected, grouped, and compared to EU welfare standards to detect those aspects beyond minimum welfare levels demanded by EU welfare legislation. Literature was reviewed to determine the scientific relevance of standards and initiatives, and those aspects going beyond minimum EU standards. Standards and initiatives were assessed to determine their strengths and weaknesses regarding animal welfare. Attitudes of stakeholders in the improvement of animal welfare were determined through a Policy Delphi exercise. Social perception of animal welfare, economic implications of upraising welfare levels, and differences between countries were considered. Literature review revealed that on-farm space allowance, climate control, and environmental enrichment are relevant for all animal categories. Experts’ assessment revealed that on-farm prevention of thermal stress, air quality, and races and passageways’ design were not sufficiently included. Stakeholders considered that housing conditions are particularly relevant regarding animal welfare, and that animal-based and farm-level indicators are fundamental to monitor the progress of animal welfare. The most notable differences between what society offers and what farm animals are likely to need are related to transportation and space availability, with economic constraints being the most plausible explanation

Diferencias de la presentación y tratamiento en las neoplasias primarias de hígado en un centro de hepatología y un centro oncológico

Introducción y objetivos: El cáncer primario de hígado es un problema de salud pública en México y en el mundo. El trasplante hepático (TH) es el tratamiento ideal para el carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) temprano. El objetivo fue evaluar las características de los pacientes con CHC y colangiocarcinoma (CC) en dos centros e identificar a los candidatos a trasplante. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional del 2012 al 2018 en el Centro de Hepatología (CH) y el Centro Universitario contra el Cáncer (CUCC). Se confirmó CHC o colangiocarcinoma intrahepático (CCi) en 109 pacientes, a los CHC se les aplicaron clasificaciones de estadiaje, modelos de selección para trasplante y modelo pronóstico de recidiva post-TH. Resultados: De la población total, 93% (n = 102) eran cirróticos. El 86% (n = 94) tuvo CHC (58% CH y 42% CUCC) y 14% (n = 15) CCi (40% CH y 60% CUCC). En los pacientes con CHC del CH predominó Okuda I-II, clasificación de Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) A-B y niveles 1,000 ng/mL de AFP. La mitad de la población del CH con CHC cumplía con los criterios para TH, en cambio, en el CUCC solo lo hizo el 23%. Se valoraron 15 pacientes para TH y, a la fecha, se trasplantaron seis

Preliminary design of a tangentially viewing imaging bolometer for NSTX-U

The infrared imaging video bolometer (IRVB) measures plasma radiated power images using a thin metal foil. Two different designs with a tangential view of NSTX-U are made assuming a 640 × 480 (1280 × 1024) pixel, 30 (105) fps, 50 (20) mK, IR camera imaging the 9 cm × 9 cm × 2 μm Pt foil. The foil is divided into 40 × 40 (64 × 64) IRVB channels. This gives a spatial resolution of 3.4 (2.2) cm on the machine mid-plane. The noise equivalent power density of the IRVB is given as 113 (46) μW/cm2 for a time resolution of 33 (20) ms. Synthetic images derived from Scrape Off Layer Plasma Simulation data using the IRVB geometry show peak signal levels ranging from ∼0.8 to ∼80 (∼0.36 to ∼26) mW/cm2

Blood pressure and metabolic effects of acetyl-L-carnitine in type 2 diabetes: DIABASI randomized controlled trial

Context: Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC), a mitochondrial carrier involved in lipid oxidation and glucose metabolism, decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP), and ameliorated insulin sensitivity in hypertensive nondiabetic subjects at high cardiovascular risk. Objective: To assess the effects of ALC on SBP and glycemic and lipid control in patients with hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), and dyslipidemia on background statin therapy. Design: After 4-week run-in period and stratification according to previous statin therapy, patients were randomized to 6-month, double-blind treatment with ALC or placebo added-on simvastatin. Setting: Five diabetology units and one clinical research center in Italy. Patients: Two hundred twenty-nine patients with hypertension and dyslipidemic T2D > 40 years with stable background antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, and statin therapy and serum creatinine < 1.5 mg/ dL. Interventions: Oral ALC 1000 mg or placebo twice daily on top of stable simvastatin therapy. Outcome and Measures: Primary outcome was SBP. Secondary outcomes included lipid and glycemic profiles. Total-body glucose disposal rate and glomerular filtration rate were measured in subgroups by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp and iohexol plasma clearance, respectively. Results: SBP did not significantly change after 6-month treatment with ALC compared with placebo (-2.09mmHg vs-3.57mmHg, P = 0.9539). Serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoprotein(a), as well as blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, fasting insulin levels, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index, glucose disposal rate, and glomerular filtration rate did not significantly differ between treatments. Adverse events were comparable between groups. Conclusions: Six-month oral ALC supplementation did not affect blood pressure, lipid and glycemic control, insulin sensitivity and kidney function in hypertensive normoalbuminuric and microalbuminuric T2D patients on background statin therapy

Non-local heat transport, rotation reversals and up/down impurity density asymmetries in Alcator C-Mod ohmic L-mode plasmas

Several seemingly unrelated effects in Alcator C-Mod ohmic L-mode plasmas are shown to be closely connected: non-local heat transport, core toroidal rotation reversals, energy confinement saturation and up/down impurity density asymmetries. These phenomena all abruptly transform at a critical value of the collisionality. At low densities in the linear ohmic confinement regime, with collisionality ν[subscript *] ≤ 0.35 (evaluated inside of the q = 3/2 surface), heat transport exhibits non-local behaviour, core toroidal rotation is directed co-current, edge impurity density profiles are up/down symmetric and a turbulent feature in core density fluctuations with k[subscript θ] up to 15 cm[superscript −1] (k[subscript θ]ρ[subscript s] ~ 1) is present. At high density/collisionality with saturated ohmic confinement, electron thermal transport is diffusive, core rotation is in the counter-current direction, edge impurity density profiles are up/down asymmetric and the high k[subscript θ] turbulent feature is absent. The rotation reversal stagnation point (just inside of the q = 3/2 surface) coincides with the non-local electron temperature profile inversion radius. All of these observations suggest a possible unification in a model with trapped electron mode prevalence at low collisionality and ion temperature gradient mode domination at high collisionality.United States. Dept. of Energy (Contract DE-FC02-99ER54512)United States. Dept. of Energy. Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (Postdoctoral Research Program

Tests of sunspot number sequences: 1. Using ionosonde data

More than 70 years ago it was recognised that ionospheric F2-layer critical frequencies [foF2] had a strong relationship to sunspot number. Using historic datasets from the Slough and Washington ionosondes, we evaluate the best statistical fits of foF2 to sunspot numbers (at each Universal Time [UT] separately) in order to search for drifts and abrupt changes in the fit residuals over Solar Cycles 17-21. This test is carried out for the original composite of the Wolf/Zürich/International sunspot number [R], the new “backbone” group sunspot number [RBB] and the proposed “corrected sunspot number” [RC]. Polynomial fits are made both with and without allowance for the white-light facular area, which has been reported as being associated with cycle-to-cycle changes in the sunspot number - foF2 relationship. Over the interval studied here, R, RBB, and RC largely differ in their allowance for the “Waldmeier discontinuity” around 1945 (the correction factor for which for R, RBB and RC is, respectively, zero, effectively over 20 %, and explicitly 11.6 %). It is shown that for Solar Cycles 18-21, all three sunspot data sequences perform well, but that the fit residuals are lowest and most uniform for RBB. We here use foF2 for those UTs for which R, RBB, and RC all give correlations exceeding 0.99 for intervals both before and after the Waldmeier discontinuity. The error introduced by the Waldmeier discontinuity causes R to underestimate the fitted values based on the foF2 data for 1932-1945 but RBB overestimates them by almost the same factor, implying that the correction for the Waldmeier discontinuity inherent in RBB is too large by a factor of two. Fit residuals are smallest and most uniform for RC and the ionospheric data support the optimum discontinuity multiplicative correction factor derived from the independent Royal Greenwich Observatory (RGO) sunspot group data for the same interval