SIMULACIÓN CLIMÁTICA DE INVERNADEROS EN DIFERENTES REGIONES DE PORTUGAL: ESTIMACIÓN DE INDICADORES DE VIABILIDAD ENERGÉTICA Y ECONÓMICA

En el presente trabajo se muestran los resultados de un estudio de viabilidad técnica y económica de la instalación de un invernadero calefactado en seis zonas de Portugal (Dois Portos, Faro, Marinha Grande, Ponta Delgada, Porto y Zambujeira). Se tomaron como referencia tres cultivos con distintos requerimientos energéticos (tomate, fresa y lechuga). En todos los casos analizados se empleó un invernadero multitúnel con generadores de aire caliente como calefacción, considerando como alternativas de combustible gasoil y gas natural. Para la realización del trabajo se utilizó el Simulador Climático de Invernaderos (SCI). Las conclusiones extraídas muestran que en tomate y fresa no resulta rentable instalar un sistema de calefacción en invernadero, en ninguno de los emplazamientos seleccionados. Únicamente en el cultivo de fresa lo es si se utiliza gas natural como combustible, en Ponta Delgada San Miguel si aumentase el precio de venta de la producción en más de un 50 %. En el cultivo de lechuga, en las localidades que es rentable, el período de retorno de la inversión es inferior a 2 años. Esto ocurre, en el caso de usar como combustible gasoil en Faro, Ponta Delgada y Zambujeira, y usando gas natural en Dois Portos, Faro, Ponta Delgada, Porto y Zambujeira

Ultrastructural changes in chemically induced preneoplastic focal lesions in the rat liver: a stereological study

Ultrastructural changes were investigated and quantified, using a stereological approach, in early gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT)-positive focal lesions, induced in the rat liver by treatment with a single initiating dose of diethylnitrosamine (DENA) followed by promotion with phenobarbitone (PB) for 30 weeks. Within the extra-hepato cyte environment of focal tissue, the mean volume occupied by Ito cells was markedly decreased, whilst that occupied by endothelial and Kupffer cells was increased, when compared to uninvolved tissue from the same rat livers. The bile canalicull were dilated, but nosignificant differences in the mean volume occupkd by the sinusoidal and Disse spaces were noted. In focal hepatocytes there was a striking overproduction of lipid droplets and proliferation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (sER). Whorls of concentrically arranged, parallel ER membranes were found only in the hepatocytes of preneoplastic foci, in association with the proliferated sER, and never in the surrounding, uninvolved tissue. The Increase In mean volume of the sER, lipid droplet and cytoplasmic matrix compartments, together with the appearance of whorls, were the major contributing factors to the marked hypertrophy seen in focal hepatocytes. The mean volume of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrial, lysosomal, peroxisomal and nuclear compartments per hepatocyte also Increased, but contributed to a lesser extent to the cellular hypertrophy. It is speculated that whorls may be structural adaptations, resulting from a possible alteration in the normalfeedback control of cholesterol synthesis, for the production of sterols and the biogenesis of sER in eosinophilic-type focal cells. The significance of changes observed in focal tissue, and the high biological variation noted between foci, is discussed in relation to the hepatocarcinogenic proces

DEFINICIÓN DE UN PROTOCOLO PARA LA REALIZACIÓN DE AUDITORÍAS ENERGÉTICAS EN INSTALACIONES GANADERAS: APLICACIÓN EN PEQUEÑAS Y MEDIANAS EXPLOTACIONES

En el presente trabajo se muestran los resultados de un proyecto desarrollado en España bajo los auspicios del Instituto para la Diversificación y Ahorro de la Energía (IDAE), el Ente Regional de la Energía de Castilla y León (EREN) y la Unión de Pequeños Agricultores (UPA), y aplicado en la región de Castilla y León, zona con un perfil productivo eminentemente agrícola y ganadero, cuyo objetivo fue la definición de un protocolo para la realización de auditorías energéticas en instalaciones ganaderas, focalizando aquellas de tamaño pequeño y mediano. En el protocolo se desarrolló la metodología para la caracterización y la formulación de mejoras de los siguientes elementos: Características constructivas, suministros energéticos, iluminación, motores eléctricos, calefacción, refrigeración y ventilación, energías renovables, equipamientos de aprovechamiento energético de residuos y equipamientos de control. El protocolo fue validado con la realización de auditorías energéticas en 15 explotaciones: 5 de vacuno lechero, 5 de ovino lechero, 3 de porcino de engorde y 2 de pollos de carne. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que con las medidas de eficiencia energética propuestas se consiguen ahorros medios en los consumos energéticos del 18 %, lo cual significa una disminución media del coste económico del 24,28 %

DEVELOPMENT OF A SCADA SYSTEM FOR ACCESS, PROCESSING AND SUPERVISION OF DATA COMING FROM A WIRELESS SENSORS NETWORK IN AGRO-ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS

Wireless sensors networks appeared in the 1970’s for military and industrial use. They have since undergone a major evolution, particularly since the 90’s, thanks to the improvements in wireless communications. These changes have allowed them to participate in a wide variety of applications in different sectors such as agriculture and environment. This paper shows the development of a SCADA application programmed with LabVIEW® 8.6 (National Instruments), which allows management of data received by wireless sensors networks through a friendly interface for users. For the application shown in this paper we have worked with a MEP 510 sensors network (Crossbow). The functionalities implemented are the following: Network configuration; Data storage into database; Statistical processing of historical data with polynomial adjustment and spline interpolation; Visualization by data graphics in real time and historical data; Visualization of 2D intensity diagrams from the spatial distribution of sensors; and Creation of a users registry system that allows, depending on the category assigned, receiving or not access privileges in the application. As a complement we have developed the possibility of remote access. Sensors network implemented and the applications developed have been checked by operational tests for each functionality, as well as sensors joining and leaving the network situations, range of variables and working modes. The results obtained show the robustness of the SCADA application and the limitations of wireless sensors networks operating on field conditions

Coconut Shells As Filling Material For Anaerobic Filters

In rural areas of developing countries, there is a lack of sanitation services and the installation of such infrastructure is hampered by the high investment costs for initial implementation and by the limited availability of qualified personnel. An alternative to traditional sanitation services include an anaerobic filter, but the high cost of appropriate filling material can be an obstacle to its wide-spread implementation. To decrease this construction cost, the objective of this work was to study the use of coconut shells as filling material for anaerobic filters. Anaerobic filters were built and filled with the studied material and operated with up flow and hydraulic retention time of 9 hours. The reactors provided a removal of 79 ± 16% in BOD terms, indicating that the coconut shell filling had efficiency consistent with the literature data. In addition, the husks were found to retain their tensile strength following use in the reactors. Coconut husks have more empty bed volume than other low cost materials, such as crushed stone, nearing properties of traditional materials. The results of this study indicate that coconut husks may prove to be a low cost alternative to traditional fillers for anaerobic treatment in rural communities. © 2013 Cruz et al.; licensee Springer.2116Alexiou, G.E., Mara, D.D., Anaerobic waste stabilization ponds (2003) Appl Biochem Biotechnol, 109, pp. 241-252Baek, S.H., Pagilla, K.R., Kim, H., Lab-scale study of an anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) for dilute municipal wastewater treatment (2010) Biotechnol Bioprocess Eng, 15, pp. 704-708Barros, A.R., Adorno, M.A.T., Sakamoto, I.K., Maintinguer, S.I., Varesche, M.B.A., Silva, E.S., Performance evaluation and phylogenetic characterization of anaerobic fluidized bed reactors using ground tire and pet as support materials for biohydrogen production (2011) Bioresour Technol, 102, pp. 3840-3847Camargo, S.A.R., Nour, E.A.A., Bamboo as an anaerobic medium: Effect of filter column height (2001) Water Sci Technol, 44, pp. 63-70Chernicharo, C.A.L., Post-treatment options for the anaerobic treatment of domestic wastewater (2006) Rev Environ Sci Biotechnol, 5, pp. 73-92Chernicharo, C., (2007) Reatores Anaeróbios, p. 379. , 1st edn. UFMG, Belo Horizonte(2008) Deliberação Normativa no 1, , COPAM-Conselho Estadual De Política Ambiental, Diário do Executivo de Minas Gerais, Minas GeraisCruz, L.M.O., Tonetti, A.L., Coraucci Filho, B., Tonon, D., Stefanutti, R., Remoção da matéria orgânica de efluente doméstico por reator anaeróbio preenchido com coco verde (2010) Revista DAE, 184, pp. 11-16(2011) Evolução da produção de coco no Brasil e o comércio internacional, , EMBRAPA Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiro, AracajuForesti, E., Anaerobic treatment of domestic sewage: Established technologies and perspectives (2002) Water Sci Technol, 45 (10), pp. 181-186Frankin, R.J., Full-scale experiences with anaerobic treatment of industrial wastewater (2001) Water Sci Technol, 44, pp. 1-6Hedberg, T., Attitudes to traditional and alternative sustainable sanitary systems (1999) Water Sci Technol, 39, pp. 9-16Henley, E.J., Seader, J.D., (2005) Separation Process Principles, p. 700. , 2nd edn. John Wiley&Sons, Inc, New York (USA)(2010) Pesquisa Nacional de Saneamento Básico, , IBGE-Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística, Ministério do Planejamento e Orçamento, Rio de JaneiroKang, H., Moon, S., Shin, K., Park, S., Pretreatment of swine wastewater using anaerobic filter (2003) Appl Biochem Biotechnol, 109, pp. 117-126Massoud, M.A., Tarhini, B.A., Nasr, J.A., Decentralized approaches to wastewater treatment and management: Applicability in developing countries (2009) J Environ Manag, 90, pp. 652-659Mergaert, K., Vanderhaegen, B., Verstraete, W., Applicability and trends of anaerobic pre-treatment of municipal wastewater (1992) Water Res, 26 (8), pp. 1025-1033Metcalf, L., Eddy, H.P., (2003) Wastewater Engineering: Treatment, Disposal, and Reuse, p. 1848. , 4th edn. Metcalf & Eddy, Inc, New York (USA)(2006) Agregados-Determinação da massa unitária e do volume de vazios, , NBR NM45, ABNT, São PauloOhmiya, K., Sakka, K., Kimura, T., Anaerobic bacterial degradation for the effective utilization of biomass (2005) Biotechnol Bioprocess Eng, 10, pp. 482-493Paraskevas, P.A., Giokas, D.L., Lekkas, T.D., Wastewater management in coastal urban areas: The case of Greece (2002) Water Sci Technol, 46, pp. 177-186Pinto, J.D.S., (1995) Tratamento de esgotos sanitários em filtros anaeróbios utilizando escória de alto forno como meio suporte, , Dissertation in Sanitary Engineering. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, BrazilRosa, A.P., Lobato, L.C.S., Chernicharo, C.A.L., Martins, D.C.R.B., Maciel, F.M., Borges, J.M., Improving performance and operational control of UASB reactors via proper sludge and scum discharge routines (2012) Water Pract Tech, 7 (3), pp. 1-11Show, K.Y., Tay, J.H., Influence of support media on biomass growth and retention in anaerobic filters (1999) Water Res, 33 (6), pp. 1471-1481(2012) Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, , 22nd edn American Public Health Association/American Water Works Association/Water Environment Federation, Washington DC, USATonetti, A.L., Coraucci Filho, B., Guimarães, J.R., Cruz, M.O.C., Nakamura, M.S., Avaliação da partida e operação de filtros anaeróbios tendo bambu como material de recheio (2011) Revista Engenharia Sanitária e Ambiental, 16 (1), pp. 11-16Tonetti, A.L., Coraucci Filho, B., Nicolau, C.E., Barbosa, M., Tonon, D., Tratamento de esgoto e produção de água de reúso com o emprego de filtros de areia (2012) Revista Engenharia Sanitária e Ambiental, 17 (1), pp. 287-294Van Haandel, A., Kato, M.T., Cavalcanti, P.F.F., Florencio, L., Anaerobic reactor design concepts for thetreatment of domestic wastewater (2006) Rev Environ Sci Biotechnol, 5, pp. 21-38Wilderer, P.A., Schreff, D., Decentralized and centralized wastewater management: A challenge for technology developers (2000) Water Sci Technol, 41 (1), pp. 1-8Yang, Y., Tada, C., Miah, M.S., Tsukahara, K., Yagishita, T., Sawayama, S., Influence of bed materials on methanogenic characteristics and immobilized microbes in anaerobic digester (2004) Mater Sci Eng, 24, pp. 413-41

EVIDENCES OF THE EARLY CRETACEOUS VOLCANISM IN THE YAVI FORMATION NEAR THE ATACO (TOLIMA) COLOMBIA AND ITS GEODYNAMICS IMPLICATIONS

  Proximal volcanism deposits are reported by the first time inter-bedded in Early Cretaceous age sedimentites at the Upper Magdalena Valley. Lapilli tuff, ignimbrites and coarse ash tuff were found outcropping along the road Ataco-Coyaima (Tolima Department) at the upper part of the Yaví Formation. The volcanic rocks fall in the subalcaline and toleitic fields. It is speculate if that volcanism could have connection with contemporary magmatic activity at the Quebradagrande Complex, Oriente basin in Ecuador and Cundinamarca sub-basin in Colombia.   Key words: Volcanism, Yaví Formation, Early Cretaceous, Geodinamic  Por primera vez se reportan productos de volcanismo proximal en depósitos de edad Cretácica Temprana del Valle Superior del Magdalena. Tobas riodacíticas, ignimbritas y tobas de lapilli fueron identificadas en la parte superior de la Formación Yaví entre Ataco y Coyaima (Departamento del Tolima). Las rocas volcánicas se ubican en los campos subalcalino y toleítico. Se especula sobre las relaciones que este volcanismo podría tener con fenómenos magmáticos contemporáneos en el Complejo Quebradagrande, cuenca de Oriente en Ecuador y subcuenca de Cundinamarca en Colombia.   Palabras clave: Volcanismo, Formación Yaví, Cretácico Temprano, Geodinámico   &nbsp

Geoquímica de las rocas del stock Chinchiná - Santa Rosa

 In this study, appears the first analytical results of major elements, trace and rare earth of the protomilonitas of the Stock Chinchiná-Santa Rosa, it is in the Western flank of the Central belt, between the faults Silvia-Pijao, eastwards and Cauca-Almaguer, on the west. The geochemistry characterization in the rocks that they formed in the Stock indicates that this one belongs to the subalkaline series with character toleítico and they are clasified like gabbros and madaly as metagabbro that change according to the grade of deformation between the cataclasites and the milonites. Tectonic discrimination diagrams, allowed to establish that the generation of intrusive body in an dominion distensive of dorsal oceanic type N-MORB; the identification of this environment will allow to set this body in a geotectonic position, forming a part of a complex ophiolitic.En este estudio, se presentan los primeros resultados analíticos de elementos mayores, traza y tierras raras de las rocas que conforman el Stock Chinchiná-Santa Rosa, localizado en el flanco Occidental de la Cordillera Central, entre las fallas Silvia-Pijao, al este y Cauca-Almaguer, al oeste. Los datos geoquímicos de este cuerpo indican que pertenece a la serie subalcalina con carácter toleítico, geoquímicamente se clasifican como gabros y modalmente como metagabros con un grado de deformación que varía de cataclasita a milonita. Los diagramas de discriminación tectónica, permiten establecer que la generación del cuerpo intrusivo ocurrió en un dominio distensivo de dorsal oceánica tipo N-MORB; la identificación de este ambiente permite posicionar geotectónicamente a este cuerpo, como parte de un complejo ofiolítico.   &nbsp

Dielectric Characterization of Breast Biopsied Tissues as Pre-Pathological Aid in Early Cancer Detection: A Blinded Feasibility Study

Dielectric characterization has significant potential in several medical applications, providing valuable insights into the electromagnetic properties of biological tissues for disease diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring of therapeutic interventions. This work presents the use of a custom-designed electromagnetic characterization system, based on an open-ended coaxial probe, for discriminating between benign and malignant breast tissues in a clinical setting. The probe’s development involved a well-balanced compromise between physical feasibility and its combined use with a reconstruction algorithm known as the virtual transmission line model (VTLM). Immediately following the biopsy procedure, the dielectric properties of the breast tissues were reconstructed, enabling tissue discrimination based on a rule-of-thumb using the obtained dielectric parameters. A comparative analysis was then performed by analyzing the outcomes of the dielectric investigation with respect to conventional histological results. The experimental procedure took place at Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Toledo—Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Spain, where excised breast tissues were collected and subsequently analyzed using the dielectric characterization system. A comprehensive statistical evaluation of the probe’s performance was carried out, obtaining a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 81.6%, 61.5%, and 73.4%, respectively, compared to conventional histological assessment, considered as the gold standard in this investigation