Rainwater harvesting system as a strategy for adaptation on climate change: a review

In the face of increasing water scarcity aggravated by climate change, the rainwater harvesting system is a technique that increases the water supply for various purposes. The objective of this research is to analyse the recent literature published on the rainwater collection system, for which the systematic review method was used. The main form of rainwater catchment are roofs, but the material used is important because it can affect the quality of the water. Some physicochemical parameters of rainwater may be within the standards for human consumption, but it is contaminated by pathogenic microorganisms, which represents a risk to public health if it is consumed without prior treatment, so it is mainly used for irrigation and flushing toilets. However, this system has been implemented mainly in rural areas to satisfy their basic needs, including human consumption, because these places do not have access to the central drinking water system. Given this scenario, treatment technologies are being developed that are easy to operate and maintain, such as solar disinfection and filtration for drinking water purposes. This study provides a global overview progress of research related to the rainwater harvesting system

Red de sensores inalámbricos para la supervisión y control en tiempo real de fallas en luminarias del alumbrado público.

Se implementó una red de sensores inalámbricos para el control de fallas del alumbrado público con topología estrella, basada en comunicación ZigBee entre el nodo router y el nodo coordinador. El primer nodo trabaja con una tarjeta Arduino para procesar la información de la luminaria proveniente de los sensores de corriente, voltaje y posición, para luego enviarla al coordinador mediante módulos Xbee. El segundo nodo trabaja con dos tarjetas de desarrollo: Arduino procesa la información de los nodos routers en conjunto con su luminaria propia y Raspberry Pi envía los datos obtenidos a una página web donde permite registrar el estado de las luminarias. De las pruebas realizadas se obtiene que el sistema puede medir valores de voltaje con un error de ± 0,01 V, corriente con un error de ± 0,1 A. Se concluye que el prototipo implementado permite la supervisión en tiempo real de fallas del alumbrado público.A wireless sensor network is implemented for control of faults of the public lighting with star topology, based on ZigBee communication between the router node and the coordinator node. The first node works with an Arduino card to process the information of the luminaire coming from the sensors of current, voltage and position, and then send it to the coordinator using Xbee modules. The second node does not work with two development cards: Arduino processes the information of the routers nodes altogether with its own luminaire and Raspberry Pi sends the obtained data to a web where it allows to register the status of the luminaires. Of the tests carried out, it is obtained that the system can measure voltage values with an error of ± 0,01, current with an error± 0,1 A. It is concluded that the implemented prototype allows real-time supervision of lighting failures

Splitting of the middle layer of LPW SAFNWC/MSG satellite product in order to improve the monitoring of pre-convective environments

Seven of the infrared channels from the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imagery (SEVIRI) instrument, on board the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG), are used to retrieve Layer Precipitable Water (LPW) and Stability Analysis Imagery (SAI) in the SAFNWC framework. Both products are retrieved using a statistical retrieval based on neural networks; they are routinely generated every fifteen minutes at a satellite horizontal resolution of 3 km in NADIR only in cloud-free areas. Many factors are involved in the development of severe weather and these parameters are only some of the indicators. However, due to the high resolution of these products, the use of them in conjunction with satellite and radar images can help to identify mesoscale features related to convection. The MSG moisture and parcel instability time trend fields are especially useful during the period previous to convection. Once the outbreak of convection occurs, the products calculated in the clear air pixels surrounding the convective system can give us hints to anticipate its evolution. SAFNWC LPW and SAI were analyzed for a severe weather event during August 2004. A thunderstorm over Teruel (Spain) produced intense precipitation and hail; a tornado developed while this thunderstorm was moving towards SE. The pre-convective parcel potential buoyancy and moisture SAFNWC products changed in a way that was consistent with the observed intense convective activity. In previous studies, the atmospheric moisture in medium levels, which has been proven to be relevant in some cases, was represented by only one level parameter (ML: middle layer LPW). However, it was observed that this layer is too thick to do an adequate analysis of moisture available for convection. Hence, an improvement on the LPW algorithm has been carried out by splitting the middle layer into two new sub-layers (approximately separated at 700 hPa) and training two new neural networks. The impact of monitoring moisture in the new sub-layers separately in this severe weather event has been tested, and the improvements achieved have been evaluated

Comparación morfodinámica de la costa noroeste del estado de Quintana Roo, México

A lo largo de las últimas cuatro décadas, en México se ha construido infraestructura en la zona costera, que ha permitido el desarrollo económico de diversas regiones del país; sin embargo, en muchos de los casos compite con procesos naturales y las experiencias evidencian desastres llamados “naturales”, no obstante el factor antropogénico. En el caso de la costa noreste de Quintana Roo, en particular en las playas de Cancún y la Riviera Maya, se ha provocado que la costa cambie de manera gradual sus estados de equilibrio natural; es por ello que los procesos y fenómenos físicos de las playas responden de manera diferente a lo deseado, lo cual implica una serie de modificaciones que pueden llegar a considerarse como adversas tanto en términos ambientales como sociales y económicos. En el presente trabajo se aplica una metodología para la determinación de los estados morfodinámicos de playas que poseen o carecen de la protección del sistema arrecifal mesoamericano. El análisis que se realizó comienza a partir del estudio de la geología y geomorfología costera; en la siguiente etapa se efectuó un análisis de las características físicas de los sedimentos que se depositan en las playas; después se simuló numéricamente el oleaje en playas con ausencia de protección natural (Cancún) y en playas donde se identificaba un sistema arrecifal (Puerto Morelos); por último se establecieron los principales parámetros morfodinámicos de las playas. Los resultados que se obtuvieron muestran la importancia que ostentan los sistemas arrecifales para el establecimiento del comportamiento de las playas, así como para el cambio de la vulnerabilidad que puede inducir la infraestructura sobre ellos

Odontoma Compuesto:: Importancia del diagnóstico radiográfico.

Odontoma is a benign odontogenic tumor of unknown etiology, slow growth, formed by enamel, dentin, cement and pulp tissue. Radiographically it is observed as a radiopaque image, with defined edges not corticalized. This article will present, its characteristics, clinical, radiographic, differential diagnoses and treatments for said pathology of importance for knowledge within our training as dentists.  El odontoma es un tumor odontogénico benigno de etiología desconocida, crecimiento lento, formado por esmalte, dentina, cemento y tejido pulpar. Radiográficamente se observa como una imagen radiopaca, con bordes definidos no corticalizados. Este artículo presentará, sus características, clínicas, radiográficas, diagnósticos diferenciales y tratamientos para dicha patología de importancia para el conocimiento dentro de nuestra formación como odontólogos

Vajilla broncínea tardorrepublicana en El Llano de la Horca (Santorcaz, Madrid)

Recent progress made researching Second Iron Age sites in central Iberian Peninsula shows revealing data on different Late Roman Republic materials from Italy. The discovery of several bronze vessels at El Llano de la Horca might contribute important information regarding the ongoing research on imported materials in the Southern Submeseta.El reciente avance en la investigación de yacimientos de la Segunda Edad del Hierro del interior peninsular está aportando datos reveladores sobre diversos materiales de cronología tardorrepublicana y procedencia itálica. El hallazgo en El Llano de la Horca de diversos elementos de la vajilla de bronce de esta época y origen, supone la mayor concentración de este tipo de materiales en el entorno y añade importante información acerca de la presencia de elementos importados en la Submeseta Sur

Model predictive control of water networks considering flow

The final publication is available at link.springer.comThis book presents a set of approaches for the real-time monitoring and control of drinking-water networks based on advanced information and communication technologies. It shows the reader how to achieve significant improvements in efficiency in terms of water use, energy consumption, water loss minimization, and water quality guarantees. The methods and approaches presented are illustrated and have been applied using real-life pilot demonstrations based on the drinking-water network in Barcelona, Spain. The proposed approaches and tools cover: - decision-making support for real-time optimal control of water transport networks, explaining how stochastic model predictive control algorithms that take explicit account of uncertainties associated with energy prices and real demand allow the main flow andpressure actuators—pumping stations and pressure regulation valves—and intermediate storage tanks to be operated to meet demand using the most sustainable types of source and with minimum electricity costs; - decision-making support for monitoring water balance and distribution network quality in real time, implementing fault detection anddiagnosis techniques and using information from hundreds of flow,pressure, and water-quality sensors together with hydraulic and quality-parameter-evolution models to detect and locate leaks in the network, possible breaches in water quality, and failures in sensors and/or actuators; - consumer-demand prediction, based on smart metering techniques, producing detailed analyses and forecasts of consumption patterns,providing a customer communications service, and suggesting economic measures intended to promote more efficient use of water at the household level. Researchers and engineers working with drinking-water networks will find this a vital support in overcoming the problems associated with increased population, environmental sensitivities and regulation, aging infrastructures, energy requirements, and limited water sources.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

A new zwitterionic, water soluble, Re(I) complex: Synthesis, spectroscopic and computational characterization

A new water soluble Re(I) complex with a zwitterionic structure, Bu₄N[(bpy)Re(CO)₃(dcbpy)] (where Bu = butyl; bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine; dcbpy = 2,2′-bipyridine-5,5′-dicarboxylate), was successfully synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H NMR, FTIR and ESI. Protonation studies in aqueous solutions of the Re(I) complex showed three acid–base equilibriums with pKₐ₁ = 5.0, pKₐ₂ = 3.0 and pKₐ₃ = 2.0. pKₐ₁ was assigned to the protonation equilibrium at bpy while pKₐ₂ and pKₐ₃ could be ascribed to protonation/deprotonation of the two carboxylates groups in the dcbpy ligand. With the aid of TD-DFT calculations the nature of the electronic transitions responsible for the pH-dependent UV–vis spectroscopy of the Re(I) complex was identified. At pH = 7 the lower energy band of the complex has MLLCTRe(CO)3→dcbpy character while at pH < 2 it switches to MLLCTRe(CO)3→bpy. This change in the nature of the lower energy band is responsible for the overall spectral changes in the 350–500 nm range after protonation of the Re(I) complex.Centro de Química InorgánicaInstituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicada

Cytokine inflammation state in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis surpasses that of chronic hepatits C and alcoholic liver disease

Increased serum levels of cytokines were reported in persistent inflammatory conditions such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD). The aim of this study was to compare cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, VEGF, EG-VEGF, BB-PDGF and ICAM-1 levels in these patients. Ninety patients seen in two Mexican outpatient clinics (Liver Unit, UANL and HIPAM and UNAM) were included: NASH (30), CHC (30) and ALD (30). Serum cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, VEGF, EG-VEGF, BB-PDGF and ICAM-1 were measured by ELISA. A statistically significant difference was found in 5/6 mediators studied in NASH patients vs. CHC and ALD. Regarding ICAM-1 (5.482±613 vs. 2.145±1011 vs. 1.830±1224 pg/mL; P<0.05; respectively), IL-6 (2.430±1506 vs. 726±735 vs. 516±603 pg/mL; P<0.05, respectively), TNF-α (3686±1409 vs. 677±747 vs. 437±70 pg/mL; P<0.05; respectively), VEFG (2.267±486 vs. 421±557 vs. 554±619 pg/mL; P<0.05; respectively) and EG-VEGF (2.146±1914 vs. 1.225±1388 vs. 799±1046 pg/mL; P<0.05; respectively). VEGF positively correlated with TNF-α(r+0.51 and P=0.004) in NASH and negatively in CHC (r-0.44 and P=0.01). The only positive correlation for BB-PDGF was with EG-VEGF levels (r=+0.41 and P=0.02). IL-6 exhibited a positive correlation vs. ICAM-1 in ALD (r+0.42 and P=0.02). We demonstrated a significant increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, VEGF and EG-VEGF) and ICAM-1 in patients with NASH. Correlations showed differential cytokine and adhesion molecule patterns on the basis of the liver disease etiology. These abnormalities in cytokine profile can influence the pathophysiology of liver injury