Análisis de la precipitación y la evaporación en el Orinoco colombiano según los modelos climáticos regionales del experimento CORDEX-CORE

We evaluate the capacity of the Regional Climate Models, included in the regional scale reduction experiment (CORDEX-CORE), to represent the monthly precipitation and evaporation in a watershed of the Colombian Orinoco region. In addition, we use precipitation and evaporation data from sources such as Climate Hazards Center InfraRed Precipitation with Station data, ERA5 atmospheric reanalysis, Global Precipitation Climatology Center and Global Land Evaporation Amsterdam Model. The comparisons between the assemblies of the RCMs and the observations were done using graphical and quantitative methods, among them: box plots, percentages of bias, Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency, among others. Our results allow concluding that the average precipitation values are adequately represented, in terms of their temporality and magnitude, by the assembly of the RegCM model while the average values of total evaporation are better represented by the assembly of the REMO model in terms of temporality, but not in its magnitude. Furthermore, the long-term flow estimation shows that the total evaporation values provided by the RCMs allow an adequate estimation of the long-term average flow, but not the adequate estimation of the annual flow cycle. This work is a pioneer in the evaluation of the monthly precipitation and evaporation data provided by CORDEX-CORE in the Colombian Orinoco, sets precedents for the incorporation of regional models data for hydrological purposes in poorly instrumented areas of the country, and is the first step towards the evaluation of regional climate change scenarios.Con el fin de representar la precipitación y evaporación total mensual en una cuenca hidrográfica del Orinoco colombiano, este trabajo evaluó la capacidad de los modelos climáticos regionales incluidos en el Experimento regional coordinado de reducción de escala (CORDEX-CORE). Para ello, complementariamente, se incluyeron datos de precipitación y evaporación total de fuentes como Climate Hazards Center InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS), el reanálisis atmosférico (ERA5), Global Precipitation Climatology Center (GPCC) y Global Land Evaporation Amsterdam Model (GLEAM). Las comparaciones entre los ensambles de los modelos y las observaciones se hicieron utilizando métodos gráficos y métodos cuantitativos, entre ellos: diagramas de cajas, porcentajes de sesgo, eficiencia de Nash-Sutcliffe, entre otros. Los resultados evidencian que los valores promedio de precipitación están adecuadamente representados, en términos de su temporalidad y magnitud, por el ensamble del modelo RegCM, mientras que los valores promedio de evaporación total están mejor representados por el ensamble del modelo REMO en términos de la temporalidad, más no en su magnitud. Por otra parte, las estimaciones de caudal de largo plazo evidencian que los valores de evaporación total proporcionados por los modelos permiten una adecuada estimación del caudal promedio de largo plazo, pero no la adecuada estimación del ciclo anual de caudales. Este trabajo es pionero en la evaluación de los datos de precipitación y evaporación total mensual suministrados por CORDEX-CORE en el Orinoco colombiano, sienta precedentes para la incorporación de datos de modelos regionales para fines hidrológicos en zonas poco instrumentadas del país, y es el primer paso hacia la evaluación de escenarios regionalizados de cambio climático. &nbsp

Identifiability of Control-Oriented Glucose-Insulin Linear Models: Review and Analysis

One of the main challenges of glucose control in patients with type 1 diabetes is identifying a control-oriented model that reliably predicts the behavior of glycemia. Here, a review is provided emphasizing the structural identifiability and observability properties, which surprisingly reveals that few of them are globally identifiable and observable at the same time. Thus, a general proposal was developed to encompass four linear models according to suitable assumptions and transformations. After the corresponding structural properties analysis, two minimal model structures are generated, which are globally identifiable and observable. Then, the practical identifiability is analyzed for this application showing that the standard collected data in many cases do not have the necessary quality to ensure a unique solution in the identification process even when a considerable amount of data is collected. The two minimal control-oriented models were identified using a standard identification procedure using data from 30 virtual patients of the UVA/Padova simulator and 77 diabetes care data from adult patients of a diabetes center. The identification was performed in two stages: calibration and validation. In the first stage, the average length was taken as two days (dictated by the practical identifiability). For both structures, the mean absolute error was 16.8 mg/dl and 9.9 mg/dl for virtual patients and 21.6 mg/dl and 21.5 mg/dl for real patients. For the second stage, a one-day validation window was considered long enough for future artificial pancreas applications. The mean absolute error was 23.9 mg/dl and 12.3 mg/dl for virtual patients and 39.2 mg/dl and 36.6 mg/dl for virtual and real patients. These results confirm that linear models can be used as prediction models in model-based control strategies as predictive control.Fil: Hoyos, J. D.. Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Sede Medellín; ColombiaFil: Villa Tamayo, M. F.. Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Sede Medellín; ColombiaFil: Builes Montano, C. E.. Universidad de Antioquia; ColombiaFil: Ramirez Rincon, A.. Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana; ColombiaFil: Godoy, José Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Instituto de Desarrollo Tecnológico para la Industria Química. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Instituto de Desarrollo Tecnológico para la Industria Química; ArgentinaFil: Garcia Tirado, J.. University of Virginia; Estados UnidosFil: Rivadeneira Paz, Pablo Santiago. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Instituto de Desarrollo Tecnológico para la Industria Química. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Instituto de Desarrollo Tecnológico para la Industria Química; Argentin

Análisis de la transmisión de tramas STM-N sobre un enlace de fibra óptica DWDM

En este trabajo se presenta un análisis del desempeño de la capa física de un enlace DWDM de 66 km de fibra óptica monomodo sobre la cual se implementa un sistema SDH para envío de módulos STM-1 a 155 Mbps. Se muestran los resultados de la simulación computacional en Optisystem 7.0 (Versión Evaluación) para analizar las características de un sistema DWDM a una velocidad de 2.5 Gbps equivalente al envío de módulos STM-16. Los resultados de diagramas de ojo y BER muestran que es posible la distinción entre bits cuando el ruido térmico en el detector es inferior a 1x10-19 W/Hz. Se analizan mediciones experimentales de Jitter y su correspondiente comparación con el valor normatizado por la ITU-T para módulos STM-1. Se propone el uso de más longitudes de onda para aprovechar al máximo la capacidad de transmisión de la fibra o la instalación de interfaces de mayor velocidad en los extremos del enlace para el incremento del ancho de banda disponible.In this work, we present an analysis of physical layer performance of a DWDM-link of 66 km of single-mode optical fiber on which is implemented a SDH system to send STM-1 at 155 Mbps. We show the computational simulation in Optisystem 7.0 (Evaluation Version) to analyze the DWDM system characteristic at 2.5 Gbps equivalent to a STM-16 frame. The results of the eye diagram and BER show that is possible to distinguish between bits when the detector thermal-noise is less than 1x10-19W/Hz. We analyze experimental measurements of jitter and its corresponding comparison with the value normalized by the ITU-T for a STM-1 frame. The use of more wavelengths is proposed to maximize the transmission capacity of fiber optics or installation of interfaces with high capacity for increasing the available bandwidth

Retos y oportunidades para la industria minera como potencial impulsor del desarrollo en Colombia

Mining has been included as the main driver of productive development in Colombia’s strategic development plan. In particular, the expansion of large-scale mining has been driven by emerging foreign investment interests and projects. The price of gold continues to rise, amidst the stock market crash caused by the coronavirus outbreak, reaching 1940 USD per ounce. In fact, gold has reached its highest values ​​in recent years, thus proving to be the mechanism for investors to avoid risk. Also, it has boosted the mining industry, as well as artisanal and small-scale mining. However, the consequences of the expansion of mineral extraction activities could lead to a state of environmental emergency, affecting not only the social sphere but also the ecosystems and the health of the surrounding communities. In this paper, we provide a literature review on the mining industry. In addition, we highlight its main challenges from a comprehensive and multidisciplinary contextual perspective that involves outlining some environmental indicators and their impact at the local level. This allows us to suggest, from an academic standpoint, the minimum bases required to implement best practices in environmental policy and, thus, achieve a more sustainable mining production. For this purpose, we define the critical factors for regulatory management and sustainability assessment—a fundamental strategy for decision-making in the sector. These critical points make it possible to prioritize the development of efficiency metrics in mineral transformation and contribute to the construction of common indicators for the protection of biodiversity. From a social point of view, a comprehensive management will strengthen best practices and call for corporate social responsibility to provide local communities with the necessary participation mechanisms to intervene in conflicts over mining areas.  Colombia ha incluido la minería en su plan estratégico de desarrollo como principal motor productivo. Surgen intereses y apuestas de inversión internacional que potencian la expansión de la minería a gran escala. El oro sigue incrementando su valor en plena tormenta bursátil por la expansión del coronavirus, donde alcanza un precio de 1940 dólares-onza, se ubica en valores máximos durante los últimos años, demuestra ser el mecanismo en la huida del riesgo de inversores, se potencia la industria minera y, a su vez, la expansión de los procesos de minería artesanal y en pequeña-escala. Las consecuencias por la expansión de las actividades de extracción mineral pueden conducir a un estado de calamidad ambiental, no sólo social, sino a ecosistemas y salud de las comunidades aledañas. En este artículo, se hace una revisión de la literatura asociada a la industria minera, destacando los principales desafíos del sector a partir de la presentación de una mirada integral y multidisciplinar del entorno, resaltando algunos indicadores ambientales y su impacto en el ámbito local. Esto permite sugerir, desde la perspectiva académica, las bases mínimas para implementar mejores prácticas de política ambiental para desarrollar una producción minera sostenible. Para esto, se establecen los puntos críticos para la gestión normativa y la evaluación de la sostenibilidad, estrategia fundamental para la toma de decisiones en el sector. Estos puntos críticos permiten priorizar el desarrollo de métricas de eficiencia en el proceso de transformación mineral y, de esta manera, aportar a la construcción de indicadores comunes de protección de la biodiversidad. Desde el punto de vista social, la gestión integral permitirá fortalecer mejores prácticas y apelará por la responsabilidad social-corporativa, otorgándoles a las comunidades locales los mecanismos de participación necesarios para intervenir en los conflictos por las áreas mineras

Validation of five X-chromosomal STRs DXS6800, DXS6807, DXS6798, DXS8377 and DXS7423 in an Antioquian population sample

Abstract. The X linked short tandem repeat (STR) markers have proven to be very useful tools for paternity testing when the disputed child is female. This paper aims to describe the polymorphism of five X-chromosomal STR loci (DXS6800, DXS6807, DXS6798, DXS8377 and DXS7423) in an Antioquian (Colombian) population sample, and evaluate their efficiency in forensic practice and paternity testing. The comparisons of the allele frequency distributions for Antioquian population are similar to European populations. The forensic efficiency values demonstrate that especially DXS8377 and DXS6798 are highly informative markers for kinship analysis and deficiency cases. D 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V

New insights into risk factors for transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy in pediatric HSCT

This study aimed to identify a risk profile for development of transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) in children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Between 2013 and 2016, 439 children underwent 474 HSCTs at 2 supraregional United Kingdom centers. At a median of 153 days post-HSCT, TA-TMA occurred among 25 of 441 evaluable cases (5.6%) with no evidence of center variation. Sex, underlying disease, intensity of the conditioning, total body irradiation–based conditioning, the use of calcineurin inhibitors, venoocclusive disease, and viral reactivation did not influence the development of TA-TMA. Donor type: matched sibling donor/matched family donor vs matched unrelated donor vs mismatched unrelated donor/haplo-HSCT, showed a trend toward the development of TA-TMA in 1.8% vs 6.1% vs 8.3%, respectively. Presence of active comorbidity was associated with an increased risk for TA-TMA; 13% vs 3.7% in the absence of comorbidity. The risk of TA-TMA was threefold higher among patients who received >1 transplant. TA-TMA rates were significantly higher among patients with acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) grades III to IV vs aGVHD grade 0 to II. On multivariate analysis, the presence of active comorbidity, >1 transplant, aGVHD grade III to IV were risk factors for TA-TMA (odds ratio [OR]: 5.1, 5.2, and 26.9; respectively), whereas the use of cyclosporine A/tacrolimus-based GVHD prophylaxis was not a risk factor for TA-TMA (OR: 0.3). Active comorbidity, subsequent transplant, and aGVHD grades III to IV were significant risk factors for TA-TMA. TA-TMA might represent a form of a vascular GVHD, and therefore, continuing control of aGVHD is important to prevent worsening of TA-TMA associated with GVHD

Challenges in the diagnosis and management of acromegaly : a focus on comorbidities

Q2Q1Introduction: Acromegaly is a rare, insidious disease resulting from the overproduction of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and is associated with a range of comorbidities. The extent of associated complications and mortality risk is related to length of exposure to the excess GH and IGF-1, thus early diagnosis and treatment is imperative. Unfortunately, acromegaly is often diagnosed late, when patients already have a wide range of comorbidities. The presence of comorbid conditions contributes significantly to patient morbidity/mortality and impaired quality of life. Methods: We conducted a retrospective literature review for information relating to the diagnosis of acromegaly, and its associated comorbidities using PubMed. The main aim of this review is to highlight the issues of comorbidities in acromegaly, and to reinforce the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Findings and conclusions: Successful management of acromegaly goes beyond treating the disease itself, since many patients are diagnosed late in disease evolution, they present with a range of comorbid conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. It is important that patients are screened carefully at diagnosis (and thereafter), for common associated complications, and that biochemical control does not become the only treatment goal. Mortality and morbidities in acromegaly can be reduced successfully if patients are treated using a multimodal approach with comprehensive comorbidity management.https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8433-5435N/

A GHEP-ISFG collaborative study on the genetic variation of 38 autosomal indels for human identification in different continental populations

A collaborative effort was carried out by the Spanish and Portuguese Speaking Working Group of the International Society for Forensic Genetics (GHEP-ISFG) to promote knowledge exchange between associate laboratories interested in the implementation of indel-based methodologies and build allele frequency databases of 38 indels for forensic applications. These databases include populations from different countries that are relevant for identification and kinship investigations undertaken by the participating laboratories. Before compiling population data, participants were asked to type the 38 indels in blind samples from annual GHEP-ISFG proficiency tests, using an amplification protocol previously described. Only laboratories that reported correct results contributed with population data to this study. A total of 5839 samples were genotyped from 45 different populations from Africa, America, East Asia, Europe and Middle East. Population differentiation analysis showed significant differences between most populations studied from Africa and America, as well as between two Asian populations from China and East Timor. Low FST values were detected among most European populations. Overall diversities and parameters of forensic efficiency were high in populations from all continents.RP is supported by a postdoctoral fellowship (SFRH/BPD/81986/2011) awarded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and co-financed by the European Social Fund (Human Potential Thematic Operational Programme – POPH

Gas storage

International audienceThe continuous increase of energy demands based on fossil fuels in the last years have lead to an increase of greenhouse gases (GHG) emission which strongly contribute to global warming. The main strategies to limit this phenomenon are related to the efficient capture of these gases and to the development of renewable energies sources with limited environmental impact. Particularly, carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) are the main constituents of greenhouse gases while hydrogen (H2) is considered an alternative clean energy source to fossil fuels. Therefore, tremendous research to store these gases has been reported by several approaches and among them the physisorption on activated carbons (AC) have received significant attention. Their abundance, low cost and tunable porous structure and chemical functionalities with an existing wide range of precursors that includes bio-wastes make them ideal candidates for gas applications. This chapter presents the recent developments on CH4, CO2 and H2 storage by activated carbons with focus on biomass as precursor materials. An analysis of the main carbon properties affecting the AC's adsorption capacity (i.e. specific surface area, pore size and surface chemistry) is discussed in detail herein

A GHEP-ISFG collaborative study on the genetic variation of 38 autosomal indels for human identification in different continental populations

A collaborative effort was carried out by the Spanish and Portuguese Speaking Working Group of the International Society for Forensic Genetics (GHEP-ISFG) to promote knowledge exchange between associate laboratories interested in the implementation of indel-based methodologies and build allele frequency databases of 38 indels for forensic applications. These databases include populations from different countries that are relevant for identification and kinship investigations undertaken by the participating laboratories. Before compiling population data, participants were asked to type the 38 indels in blind samples from annual GHEP-ISFG proficiency tests, using an amplification protocol previously described. Only laboratories that reported correct results contributed with population data to this study. A total of 5839 samples were genotyped from 45 different populations from Africa, America, East Asia, Europe and Middle East. Population differentiation analysis showed significant differences between most populations studied from Africa and America, as well as between two Asian populations from China and East Timor. Low FST values were detected among most European populations. Overall diversities and parameters of forensic efficiency were high in populations from all continents.Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología CelularFacultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse