Unravelling the mechanisms that drive the performance of photocatalytic hydrogen production

The increasing interest and applications of photocatalysis, namely hydrogen production, artificial photosynthesis, and water remediation and disinfection, still face several drawbacks that prevent this technology from being fully implemented at the industrial level. The need to improve the performance of photocatalytic processes and extend their potential working under visible light has boosted the synthesis of new and more efficient semiconductor materials. Thus far, semiconductor–semiconductor heterojunction is the most remarkable alternative. Not only are the characteristics of the new materials relevant to the process performance, but also a deep understanding of the charge transfer mechanisms and the relationship with the process variables and nature of the semiconductors. However, there are several different charge transfer mechanisms responsible for the activity of the composites regardless the synthesis materials. In fact, different mechanisms can be carried out for the same junction. Focusing primarily on the photocatalytic generation of hydrogen, the objective of this review is to unravel the charge transfer mechanisms after the in-depth analyses of already reported literature and establish the guidelines for future research.This research was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities (grant numbers RTI2018-099407-B-I00 and RTI2018-093310-B-I00 MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE)

Cardiopatía estructural en pacientes anticoagulados con fibrilación auricular no valvular: prevalencia y perfil clínico en una muestra nacional

Carta científic

El uso de levaduras inactivas puede preservar el aroma de vinos jóvenes

Publicado en Tecnovino: el portal para el profesional de la industria vitivinícola.Investigadores de la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), en colaboración con el Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Alimentación (CIAL- CSIC), demuestran que el empleo de preparados de levaduras inactivas ricas en glutatión puede preservar el aroma de los vinos jóvenes.Peer Reviewe

Geomorphological Mapping and Erosion of Abandoned Tailings in the Hiendelaencina Mining District (Spain) from Aerial Imagery and LiDAR Data

The Hiendelaencina district in Spain was the most important silver producer in Europe during 1844–1925. At the end of the 20th century, with mines having closed, some waste rock dumps were reprocessed, and the sludge from the flotation process was stored in two tailings ponds. When this activity ceased, the residues began to be eroded and disperse. In this study, the state of degradation of both deposits was evaluated using historical mapping and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data, incorporated into a Geographic Information System. In the aerial images (1946–2018), mine tailings and their main erosive and sedimentary forms were mapped. Geoforms linked to hydrological (channels, gullies, alluvial cones), wind (eolian mantles), hydric–gravitational (colluvium) and anthropic (motorbike tracks) processes which move sludge into the surrounding areas were identified. A net loss of 8849 m3 of sludge, a release of 10.3 t of potentially polluting substances and a high erosion rate of 346 t/ha*year were calculated based on LiDAR data from 2009 and 2014. The ponds show a current high degree of erosion that could increase due to both human activity and the growing frequency of drought and torrential rain periods if stabilization measures are not undertaken

Study and Evolution of the Dune Field of La Banya Spit in Ebro Delta (Spain) Using LiDAR Data and GPR

La Banya spit, located at the south of the River Ebro Delta, is a sandy formation, developed by annexation of bars forming successive beach ridges, which are oriented and modeled by the eastern and southern waves. The initial ridges run parallel to the coastline, and above them small dunes developed, the crests of which are oriented by dominant winds, forming foredune ridges and barchans. This study attempted to test a number of techniques in order to understand the dune dynamic on this coastal spit between 2004 and 2012: LiDAR data were used to reconstruct changes to the surface and volume of the barchan dunes and foredunes; ground-penetrating radar was applied to obtain an image of their internal structure, which would help to understand their recent evolution. GPS data taken on the field, together with application of GIS techniques, made possible the combination of results and their comparison. The results showed a different trend between the barchan dunes and the foredunes. While the barchan dunes increased in area and volume between 2004 and 2012, the foredunes lost thickness. This was also reflected in the radargrams: the barchan dunes showed reflectors related to the growth of the foresets while those associated with foredunes presented truncations associated with storm events. However, the global balance of dune occupation for the period 2004-2012 was positive

Anticoagulantes orales directos frente a antagonistas de la vitamina K en pacientes del «mundo real» con fibrilación auricular no valvular: estudio FANTASIIA

Observational study[Abstract] Introduction and objectives: To compare the long-term results of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) vs vitamin K antagonists (VKA) in real-world-patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) in a nationwide, prospective study. Methods: The FANTASIIA registry prospectively included outpatients with AF anticoagulated with DOAC or VKA (per protocol, proportion of VKA and DOAC 4:1), consecutively recruited from June 2013 to October 2014 in Spain. The incidence of major events was analyzed and compared according to the anticoagulant treatment received. Results: A total of 2178 patients were included in the study (mean age 73.8±9.4 years), and 43.8% were women. Of these, 533 (24.5%) received DOAC and 1645 (75.5%) VKA. After a median follow up of 32.4 months, patients receiving DOAC vs those receiving VKA had lower rates of stroke-0.40 (95%CI, 0.17-0.97) vs 1.07 (95%CI,0.79-1.46) patients/y, P=.032-, severe bleedings-2.13 (95%CI, 1.45-3.13) vs 3.28 (95%CI, 2.75-3.93) patients/y; P = .044-, cardiovascular death-1.20 (95%CI, 0.72-1.99) vs 2.45 (95%CI, 2.00-3.00) patients/y; P = .009-, and all-cause death-3.77 (95%CI, 2.83-5.01) vs 5.54 (95%CI, 4.83-6.34) patients/y; P = .016-. In a modified Cox regression model by the Andersen-Gill method for multiple events, hazard ratios for patients receiving DOAC were: 0.42 (0.16-1.07) for stroke; 0.47 (0.20-1.16) for total embolisms; 0.76 (0.50-1.15) for severe bleedings; 0.67 (0.39-1.18) for cardiovascular death; 0.86 (0.62-1.19) for all-cause death, and 0.82 (0.64-1.05) for the combined event consisting of stroke, embolism, severe bleeding, and all-cause death. Conclusions: Compared with VKA, DOAC is associated with a trend to a lower incidence of all major events, including death, in patients with NVAF in Spain.[Resumen] Introducción y objetivos. Comparar los resultados a largo plazo de los anticoagulantes orales directos (ACOD) frente a los antagonistas de la vitamina K (AVK) en pacientes del mundo real con fibrilación auricular no valvular (FANV) en un estudio nacional prospectivo. Métodos. El estudio FANTASIIA incluyó consecutivamente a pacientes ambulatorios con FANV anticoagulados con ACOD o AVK desde junio de 2013 hasta octubre de 2014. Se compararon las tasas de eventos según el anticoagulante administrado. Resultados. Se incluyó a 2.178 pacientes (edad, 73,8 ± 9,4 años; el 43,8% mujeres); de ellos, 533 (24,5%) recibían ACOD y 1.645 (75,5%), AVK. Tras una mediana de seguimiento de 32,4 meses, los pacientes con ACOD tuvieron tasas más bajas de ictus —0,40 (IC95%, 0,17-0,97) frente a 1,07 (IC95%, 0,79-1,46) pacientes/año; p = 0,032—, hemorragias mayores —2,13 (IC95%, 1,45-3,13) frente a 3,28 (IC95%, 2,75-3,93) pacientes/año; p = 0,044—, muerte cardiovascular —1,20 (IC95%, 0,72-1,99) frente a 2,45 (IC95%, 2,00-3,00) pacientes/año; p = 0,009— y muerte total —3,77 (IC95%, 2,83-5,01) frente a 5,54 (IC95%, 4,83-6,34) pacientes/año; p = 0,016—. En el análisis de Cox modificado según el método de Andersen-Gill para datos con múltiples eventos, las razones de riesgos instantáneos para los pacientes con ACOD fueron 0,42 (0,16-1,07) para el ictus; 0,47 (0,20-1,16) para la embolia sistémica en general; 0,76 (0,50-1,15) para las hemorragias mayores; 0,67 (0,39-1,18) para la muerte cardiovascular; 0,86 (0,62-1,19) para la mortalidad total y 0,82 (0,64-1,05) para el combinado de ictus, embolias, hemorragias mayores y muerte. Conclusiones. El tratamiento con ACOD se asocia con una tendencia a una menor tasa de todos los eventos graves, incluida la mortalidad, en relación con los AVK en pacientes con FANV en España

Quantification of Pollutants in Mining Ponds Using a Combination of LiDAR and Geochemical Methods—Mining District of Hiendelaencina, Guadalajara (Spain)

More than twenty years after the last mining operations were completed in the Hiendelaencina Mining District, it is necessary to carry out a geochemical characterisation of the tailings stored in two contiguous mine ponds. Both have significant amounts of quartz, siderite, barite and muscovite and show significant contents of As, Ba, Pb, Sb and Zn. The tailings show alkaline pH and low electrical conductivity values, which support the visual observation that rules out acid drainage into the environment. The comparison of the National Topographic Map of 1954 with LiDAR data from 2014 has allowed estimating the volume of abandoned waste. Based on the volume of slurry and its average density, the total tonnage of pollutants has been estimated at 279 ± 9 t stored in Pond North and 466 ± 11 t stored in Pond South. Although these are significant quantities that pose a risk to the environment and nearby populations, they are lower than those present in other Spanish districts, such as the Iberian Pyrite Belt or Cartagena-La Unión. The combined use of LiDAR data, aerial imagery and geochemical methods has proven to be very useful for the estimation of the volume of pollutants stored in mine ponds

Structure and genetic relationships between Serrana de Teruel breed and other cattle breeds reared in Spain

En este trabajo se analiza la variabilidad genética de la raza autóctona en peligro de extinción Serrana de Teruel, así como su relación con las razas bovinas explotadas en España: Albera, Pajuna, Avileña-Negra Ibérica, Serrana Negra, Pirenaica y Parda de Montaña. La caracterización genética se ha realizado mediante marcadores microsatélites, todos han resultado polimórficos detectándose un total de 198 alelos con una media de 6,79 alelos por locus. Las heterocigosidades observadas y esperadas fueron altas y similares en el equilibrio, con valores de 0,67 y 0,68 respectivamente. A partir del estudio de las relaciones filogenéticas se ha podido observar la cercanía de la raza Serrana de Teruel con las razas de montaña Pirenaica y Parda de Montaña. Mediante el estudio de la estructura genética se observó que el porcentaje de animales correctamente asignados a la Serrana de Teruel para q>0,8 fue del 47,5%, apreciándose una clara influencia de la raza Parda de Montaña en los individuos mezclados.In this work we analyze by microsatellite markers the genetic diversity, structure and relationships of the indigenous endangered Serrana de Teruel cattle breed with different breeds reared in Spain. All loci were polymorphic and a total of 198 alleles were observed across loci, with a mean of 6.79. Observed and expected heterozygosities values shown the high variability of Serrana de Teruel breed with values of 0.67 and 0.68 respectively. The neighbour net based on Reynolds distances shown the close genetic relationship among Serrana de Teruel and the mountain Parda de Montaña and Pirenaica breeds. STRUCTURE results showed a 47.5% of correctly assigned individuals to Serrana de Teruel breed using a q>0.8 threshold. The admixed animals shown a clear influence of Parda de Montaña breed.Financiado con el proyecto PET2007-05-C03-01 (Caracterización zootécnica, genética y calidad de la canal y de la carne de la población bovina Serrana de Teruel) y RZ2006-00003-C02-02 Caracterización morfogenética y criopreservación del germoplasma de la Serrana de Teruel, población bovina en peligro de extinción)

Motivation and labor satisfaction in education's centers according to the working place

El objetivo de esta investigación es mostrar el impacto que determina un puesto de trabajo concreto en la motivación de incentivos y la satisfacción laboral en centros de enseñanza de Granada. Por un lado, la motivación laboral se entiende como un proceso que activa, orienta, dinamiza y mantiene la conducta de los trabajadores para conseguir una meta. Por otro lado, la satisfacción laboral se entiende como la actitud que mantiene el individuo hacia su trabajo. De acuerdo con esto, se intentará establecer qué puesto de trabajo dentro de la jerarquía implica una mayor motivación y satisfacción laboral.The objective of this research is to show the impact that determines a concrete working place in the incentives motivation and the labor satisfaction in education’s centers in Granada. On the one hand, the labor motivation is understood as a process that activates, ori entates, stirs into action and supports the conduct of workers to obtain a goal. On the other hand, the labor satisfaction is understood as the attitude that the individual supports towards his work. In agreement with this, one will try to establish what working place inside the hierarchy implies a major motivation and labor satisfaction.ReiDoCrea. Departamento de Psicología Social. Universidad de Granada

Suppression of HopZ Effector-Triggered Plant Immunity in a Natural Pathosystem

Many type III-secreted effectors suppress plant defenses, but can also activate effector-triggered immunity (ETI) in resistant backgrounds. ETI suppression has been shown for a number of type III effectors (T3Es) and ETI-suppressing effectors are considered part of the arms race model for the co-evolution of bacterial virulence and plant defense. However, ETI suppression activities have been shown mostly between effectors not being naturally expressed within the same strain. Furthermore, evolution of effector families is rarely explained taking into account that selective pressure against ETI-triggering effectors may be compensated by ETI-suppressing effector(s) translocated by the same strain. The HopZ effector family is one of the most diverse, displaying a high rate of loss and gain of alleles, which reflects opposing selective pressures. HopZ effectors trigger defense responses in a variety of crops and some have been shown to suppress different plant defenses. Mutational changes in the sequence of ETI-triggering effectors have been proposed to result in the avoidance of detection by their respective hosts, in a process called pathoadaptation. We analyze how deleting or overexpressing HopZ1a and HopZ3 affects virulence of HopZ-encoding and non-encoding strains. We find that both effectors trigger immunity in their plant hosts only when delivered from heterologous strains, while immunity is suppressed when delivered from their native strains. We carried out screens aimed at identifying the determinant(s) suppressing HopZ1a-triggered and HopZ3-triggered immunity within their native strains, and identified several effectors displaying suppression of HopZ3-triggered immunity. We propose effector-mediated cross-suppression of ETI as an additional force driving evolution of the HopZ family