A REGRESSION MODEL FOR THE TONS OF PRUNING PER HECTARE

More than nine million hectares of olive trees are cultivated all over the world, but especially in the Mediterranean countries. As an essential operation, pruning of olive trees produces a huge amount of biomass which is lacking of industrial applications and must be eliminated from fields to prevent propagation of vegetal diseases. This work deals with the development of a regression model to be used in the estimation of the real biomass production from olive tree pruning

Do one‐step mechanisms always involve simultaneous evolution of electron density? QTAIM/IQA analysis of the Curtius rearrangement

The Curtius rearrangement reaction is studied by using quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis of the electron density and the interacting quantum atoms (IQA) formalism. Although the rearrangements take place in one stage, two phases are distinguished when the rearranged atom is H: the first one corresponds to the separation of N2, and the second one to the N‐H/C‐H bond rearrangement. The transition state (TS) for the reaction does not represent an intermediate between reagent and product for the migration but for the isolation of the N2 molecule. When the migration is undergone by a fluorine atom, no electronic phases can be distinguished and the process is really concerted. As the migration happens closer to the TS, the TS is more similar to the product. The IQA analysis reveals different electron density evolutions for H and F migrations, and the scarce relevance (in terms of energy) of the point where BCPs appear or disappear.Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431C 2019/2

Intralaboratory Validation of a Kinetic Turbidimetric Assay Based on Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) for Assessing Endotoxin Activity in Cow Milk

[EN] Mastitis, one of the most common diseases in dairy cattle, causes severe losses in the dairy sector worldwide and affects animal welfare. The disease is characterized by an inflammatory reaction of the mammary gland and is mainly caused by bacterial infections, including both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The release of endotoxins associated to bacterial lysis is a weighty factor in the clinical course of Gram-negative associated mastitis and should be taken into consideration when using antibiotics in the treatment of these infections. Therefore, endotoxin detection in milk samples would be of help in the management of bovine mastitis. With this aim, we have validated a kinetic turbidimetric assay based on Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) for the quantification of endotoxins in milk samples. The assay was adapted to this particular matrix by incorporating filtration and dilution of the milk samples in the procedure. Our results demonstrate the robustness and usefulness of the assay, which allows the identification of coliform mastitis in milk samples from affected cows and the quantification of endotoxin activity in bulk and commercial milk samples. Further studies are required to evaluate the performance of the assay in mastitis milk samples associated to Gram-negative bacteria other than Escherichia coli as well as during the clinical course of these Gram-negative mastitis or after their treatment with antibiotics.S

Microstructure–hardness–corrosion performance of 17–4 precipitation hardening stainless steels processed by selective laser melting in comparison with commercial alloy

Producción CientíficaThe 17–4 Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel (PH SS) manufactured by Selective Laser Melting (SLM) has wide appli- cation perspectives, but they are limited due to defects and anisotropy. The selection of the appropriate process variables plays a fundamental part in the microstructure and in the determination of the final mechanical and corrosion properties. The main purpose of this study is to analyze the corrosion behavior, hardness and microstructure of 17–4 PH SS manufac- tured by SLM in comparison to the commercial counterparts. The anisotropic behavior was investigated by analyzing the microstructure–hardness and corrosion interrelationship, both in the surface of the construction platform and in the growth direction of the element. The corrosion behavior of the SLM 17–4PH SS in its natural state was investigated in relation to that of the 17–4 PH SS heat treated in a 0.1 M NaCl + 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 solution, using three electrochemical techniques. The results confirmed that the corrosion resistance of SLM 17–4 PH SS was considerably better than that of the forging, even after 60 days of immersion in the test solution. This was attributed to the absence of important manufacturing defects, to the fine microstructure with an important amount of austenite produced by SLM, and to a small amount of non-metallic inclusions precipitated as a result of the fast cooling and the high speed of solidification associated with the SLM process.Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (grant RTI2018-097990-B-I00)Junta de Castilla y León (VA275P18) y (VA044G19)Publicación en abierto financiada por el Consorcio de Bibliotecas Universitarias de Castilla y León (BUCLE), con cargo al Programa Operativo 2014ES16RFOP009 FEDER 2014-2020 DE CASTILLA Y LEÓN, Actuación:20007-CL - Apoyo Consorcio BUCL

Microstructure–Hardness–Corrosion Performance of 17–4 Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steels Processed by Selective Laser Melting in Comparison with Commercial Alloy

[EN] The 17–4 Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel (PH SS) manufactured by Selective Laser Melting (SLM) has wide application perspectives, but they are limited due to defects and anisotropy. The selection of the appropriate process variables plays a fundamental part in the microstructure and in the determination of the final mechanical and corrosion properties. The main purpose of this study is to analyze the corrosion behavior, hardness and microstructure of 17–4 PH SS manufactured by SLM in comparison to the commercial counterparts. The anisotropic behavior was investigated by analyzing the microstructure–hardness and corrosion interrelationship, both in the surface of the construction platform and in the growth direction of the element. The corrosion behavior of the SLM 17–4PH SS in its natural state was investigated in relation to that of the 17–4 PH SS heat treated in a 0.1 M NaCl + 0.5 M H2SO4 solution, using three electrochemical techniques. The results confirmed that the corrosion resistance of SLM 17–4 PH SS was considerably better than that of the forging, even after 60 days of immersion in the test solution. This was attributed to the absence of important manufacturing defects, to the fine microstructure with an important amount of austenite produced by SLM, and to a small amount of non-metallic inclusions precipitated as a result of the fast cooling and the high speed of solidification associated with the SLM process.SIJunta de Castilla y Leon (VA275P18) y (VA044G19)

Remediation of wastewaters containing tetrahydrofuran. Study of the electrochemical mineralization on BDD electrodes

This work contributes to the development of electro-oxidation on commercial boron doped diamond (BDD) anodes as an efficient and versatile environmental technology to deal with remediation of tetrahydrofuran (THF) polluted industrial wastewaters. Working with an undivided flow-by electrochemical cell, a systematic experimental study has been carried out to analyze the influence of the following operation variables: (i) initial THF concentrations in the range 500–1100 mg/L, (ii) supporting electrolyte, Na2SO4 and NaCl and (iii) current density in the range 300–1200 A/m2. The performance of the oxidation process was assessed through the change in the concentration of THF, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) being the current density the variable that exerted the most positive kinetic influence; more precisely the reduction of COD after 60 min changed from 40% at japp = 300 A/m2 to 95.5% at japp = 1200 A/m2, whereas the reductions of TOC were typically higher than 95% for a value of the specific charge of Q = 10 A/h L. Besides, THF oxidation products have been analyzed, and the reactions’ pathway are proposed. Finally, the formation of chloride by-products, such as perchlorate was assessed observing that it was hindered at low current densities. In the view of these findings, it is concluded that THF oxidation on BDD anodes should be better performed at low current densities, i.e. 300 A/m2 for the type of wastewaters analyzed in the present work, to reach a compromise between effective degradation and the formation of undesirable chlorinated by-products.Financial support of Project ENE2010-15585 is gratefully acknowledged

Microglial angiotensin type 2 receptors mediate sex-specific expression of inflammatory cytokines independently of circulating estrogen

Consellería de Cultura, Educación e Ordenación Universitaria, Xunta de Galicia, Grant/Award Numbers: XUGA, ED431C 2018/10, ED431G/05; Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Grant/Award Numbers: PI20/00385, RD16/0011/0016, CIBERNED; Secretaría de Estado de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Grant/Award Number: RTI2018-098830-B-I00; Regional European Development Fund (FEDER)There are sex differences in microglia, which can maintain sex-related gene expression and functional differences in the absence of circulating sex steroids. The angiotensin type 2 (AT2) receptors mediate anti-inflammatory actions in different tissues, including brain. In mice, we performed RT-PCR analysis of microglia isolated from adult brains and RNA scope in situ hybridization from males, females, ovariectomized females, orchiectomized males and brain masculinized females. We also compared wild type and AT2 knockout mice. The expression of AT2 receptors in microglial cells showed sex differences with much higher AT2 mRNA expression in females than in males, and this was not dependent on circulating gonadal hormones, as observed using ovariectomized females, brain masculinized females and orchiectomized males. These results suggest genomic reasons, possibly related to sex chromosome complement, for sex differences in AT2 expression in microglia, as the AT2 receptor gene is located in the X chromosome. Furthermore, sex differences in expression of AT2 receptors were associated to sex differences in microglial expression of key anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-10 and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β and interleukin-6. In conclusion, sex differences in microglial AT2 receptor expression appear as a major factor contributing to sex differences in the neuroinflammatory responses beyond the effects of circulating steroidsThere are sex differences in microglia, which can maintain sex-related gene expression and functional differences in the absence of circulating sex steroids. The angiotensin type 2 (AT2) receptors mediate anti-inflammatory actions in different tissues, including brain. In mice, we performed RT-PCR analysis of microglia isolated from adult brains and RNA scope in situ hybridization from males, females, ovariectomized females, orchiectomized males and brain masculinized females. We also compared wild type and AT2 knockout mice. The expression of AT2 receptors in microglial cells showed sex differences with much higher AT2 mRNA expression in females than in males, and this was not dependent on circulating gonadal hormones, as observed using ovariectomized females, brain masculinized females and orchiectomized males. These results suggest genomic reasons, possibly related to sex chromosome complement, for sex differences in AT2 expression in microglia, as the AT2 receptor gene is located in the X chromosome. Furthermore, sex differences in expression of AT2 receptors were associated to sex differences in microglial expression of key anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-10 and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β and interleukin-6. In conclusion, sex differences in microglial AT2 receptor expression appear as a major factor contributing to sex differences in the neuroinflammatory responses beyond the effects of circulating steroidsS

La televisión educativa en España: la oferta de Atresmedia, Mediaset y RTVE

This paper provides an overview on the origins and the evolution of educational television in Spain and, then, studies the current offer of the three main Spanish audiovisual groups, in order to assess the current situation. To achieve this purpose, we first carried out a literature review and, later, we applied a content analysis, being a specific methodology, to the television programming of Atresmedia, Mediaset and RTVE during the week between the 19th and the 25th of April, 2021. We have utilized an analysis sheet that allowed us to identify the main characteristics of the educational programs that are broadcasted in each channel (duration, broadcast schedule, frequency, genre, type of production and model of educational television, according to the categorization of Pérez Tornero, 2007). Based on the conducted research, it can be concluded that educational television in Spain is dominated by external production content and that the percentage of formats produced within the European Union (51,3%) and outside the EU (48,7%) are very similar. Another feature that has been identified is that television contents are expanded towards the digital arena, in the websites of the media groups within our sample. This dynamic confirms that there is an expansion of educational television towards new media, which can also be exploited for educational purposes. However, educational television in Atresmedia and Mediaset occupies a marginal space in Spanish television programming compared to RTVE.En este artículo hacemos un breve recorrido por los orígenes y la evolución de la televisión educativa en España, y después nos detenemos en la oferta de los tres principales grupos audiovisuales para realizar un retrato de la situación actual. Para ello, se parte de una primera fase de revisión de la literatura científica, empleando después como metodología específica el análisis de contenido de la programación de Atresmedia, Mediaset y RTVE, durante la semana del 19 al 25 de abril de 2021, utilizando una ficha con unas variables que permiten identificar las características de los programas educativos que se emiten en cada canal (duración, horario de emisión, frecuencia, género, tipo de producción y modelo de televisión educativa, según la categorización definida por Pérez Tornero en 2007). La investigación realizada permite concluir que en la televisión educativa en España predomina la producción externa y, además, los formatos adquiridos en la Unión Europea (51,3%) y los extracomunitarios (48,7%) son muy similares. Otra de las características es que se amplían los contenidos con otros espacios digitales en las páginas web de los grupos audiovisuales. Esta dinámica confirma que se está produciendo una expansión de la televisión educativa hacia los nuevos medios, que también se pueden explotar con fines pedagógicos. Pero, si la comparamos con la oferta total que existe en Atresmedia, Mediaset y RTVE, la televisión educativa ocupa un espacio marginal en la programación de la televisión en España

Towards Functional Parts by Binder Jetting Calcium-Sulphate with Thermal Treatment Post-Processing

[EN] The objective of our research is to improve the properties of calcium-sulphate hemihydrate parts printed by binder jetting. In this paper, we show the thermal treatment results when using temperature time ramps on binder-jetted ceramic parts without infiltrating. The results show that the mechanical properties of printed parts are improved substantially. Two different thermal cycles were investigated for their effect on the dehydration process of CaSO4·½H2O using infrared analysis. The thermal-treated samples were compared with respect to porosity, surface roughness, compression strength and dimensional and weight variation. The proposed thermal treatment significantly improves the compression strength in a short time, guaranteeing dimensional stability while providing a good surface. This improvement in mechanical properties offers a great chance for using binder-jetted parts as functional components, for example, in the casting field or the medical sector (scaffolds).SIAgencia Estatal de Investigació