Influence of gaseous pollutants and their synergistic effects on the aging of reflector materials for concentrating solar thermal technologies

ABSTRACT: Concentrating solar thermal technologies have experienced an important boost in the last few years. Besides the production of electricity, they are particularly useful for the supply of industrial process heat. The industrial atmospheres affecting these solar plants typically contain gaseous pollutants that are likely to promote corrosion on the components of the solar facility, specifically solar reflectors, thereby compromising their optimal performance and the overall system efficiency. Seven accelerated aging tests were designed to study the effects of three air pollutants (H2S, SO2 and NO2) on the durability of two commercially available reflector types (silvered glass and aluminum), both in single-gas tests and in multicomponent gas mixtures. Additionally, the same material types were exposed outdoors at five representative polluted sites, including industrial, urban and coastal environments. Reflectance and optical microscope monitoring corroborated which degree of corrosion was developed on a specific type of reflector in the different tests with gaseous pollutants, as well as the synergistic effects of gas combinations. For example, tests with sulfur were harmful for silvered-glass reflectors (up to a total of 16 corrosion spots), whereas aluminum was particularly affected by tests with NO2 (numerous micro spots of around 50 pm size). Moreover, comparisons of the corrosion patterns found in accelerated-aging and outdoor exposures revealed which laboratory test reproduced the different real polluted atmospheres in the most realistic way, which is the main goal of this work. For instance, the degradation found at Site 2 was reproduced by Test NO2+SO2, with an acceleration factor of 27.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

SmartFD: A Real Big Data Application for Electrical Fraud Detection

The main objective of this paper is the application of big data analytics to a real case in the field of smart electric networks. Smart meters are not only elements to measure consumption, but they also con stitute a network of millions of sensors in the electricity network. These sensors provide a huge amount of data that, once analyzed, can lead to significant advances for the society. In this way, tools are being developed in order to reach certain goals, such as obtaining a better consumption estimation (which would imply a better production planning), finding better rates based on the time discrimination or the contracted power, or minimizing the non-technical losses in the network, whose actual costs are eventually paid by end-consumers, among others. In this work, real data from Spanish consumers have been analyzed to detect fraud in con sumption. First, 1 TB of raw data was preprocessed in a HDFS-Spark infrastructure. Second, data duplication and outliers were removed, and missing values handled with specific big data algorithms. Third, cus tomers were characterized by means of clustering techniques in different scenarios. Finally, several key factors in fraud consumption were found. Very promising results were achieved, verging on 80% accuracyMinisterio de Economía y Competitividad TIN2014-55894-C2-RMinisterio de Economía y Competitividad TIN2017-88209-C2-

Leucaena leucocephala cv Perú in Association with Graminaceae in Dryland Conditions for Final Bovine Fattening Stage

To evaluate the factors that affect efficiency in a Leucaena leucocephala cv Perú association, with pastures for bovine fattening, 22 Zebu fattening cycles were studied on a farm of the Rectangulo Livestock Company, in Camagüey, Cuba, between 2002 and 2012. The local soil is brown without carbonates. The climate is tropical humid, and the annual precipitation average is 1 183mm. The factors evaluated were food balance, duration of the fattening cycle, and quantity of animals/cycle. The daily weight gain and expenses/income per operation were also analyzed. The pasture and Leucaena percentages were determined by plant counts. Food balances were estimated. The final value of the population of Leucaena cv Perú was 93% (P <0.05), with an increase in common Bermuda grass and other pastures. Short duration tests showed much higher gains (P <0.05), with values above 1.0 kg/animal/day. The number of animal/cycle (P <0.05) produced higher gains with fewer animals. Forest-grazing in association with Leucaena leucocephala cv Perú-graminaceae under dryland conditions produced mean daily gains above 0.800 kg/animal/day in the final stage of fattening bulls, based on food balances with adequate biological and economic results. The best behavior was observed in the shortest cycles, where the highest final weight/animal values were achieved, with fewer expenses and higher income

Bio-economic Impact of Strategic Changes in Murrah River Buffalo Management

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effects of changes in the strategy to manage the bio-economic efficiency of a Murrah Buffalo production system in the province of Camagüey, Cuba, located 21º north and 77º west, 217 meters above sea level. The climate is tropical humid (Aw) of plains. The mean annual precipitations were 1 180 mm (71% between May and October), the temperatures were between 24 and 29 °C. The soil is brown, without carbonates, and brown-red fersiallitic. The system comprises 5 100 ha and has 536 workers/year. A strategy to introduce management changes in agro-technical, food, reproductive, replacement, health, salary policy, and training was implemented as part of an innovation package with a systemic and participatory approach. The evaluation lasted eight years, and it was critical to increase dairy production in more than 200 000 kg/year in 2012, in comparison to 2004, with improvements in natality and reduction of operational expenses of the system. It was concluded that the strategy had a determining effect on the system's indicators

Nanocolumnar coatings on implants exhibiting antibacterial properties

Trabajo presentado en la 2nd International Conference on Nanomaterials Applied to Life Sciences 2020 (NALS 2020), celebrada en Madrid (España), del 29 al 31 de enero de 2020Addressing the problem of infection from the very first stage, i.e. inhibiting the formation of the bacterial biofilm, is a crucial step to prevent implant rejection. Nanocolumnar coatings exhibiting antibacterial properties have been fabricated by oblique deposition with magnetron sputtering [1]. The formation of nanocolumns (Fig.1) is the result of the effects of atomic shadowing when the atoms reach the surface along an inclined direction [2]. This technique is environmentally friendly: it is carried out at RT and does not involve chemical products (no recycling problems). Such methodology have been tested in a semiindustrial scale reactor, successfully coating in a single step the two sides of fixation plates for bone fractures [3]. Several in vitro experiments have been performed: analysis of bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, analysis of osteoblast proliferation and mitochondrial activity, and osteoblasts–bacteria competitive growth scenarios, the latter also named “Race for the Surface” competition. In all these cases, the coatings show an opposite behavior toward osteoblast and bacterial proliferation [1,3]. Moreover, they are effective against Gram positive (S. aureus) and Gram negative (E. coli) bacteria [4]. Finally, when a synergic route is followed and the coatings are functionalized with Te nanorods, the antibacterial properties are enhanced, since Te adds contact-killing (Fig. 2), i.e. bactericidal effect, whilst the biocompatibility is preserved [4].MINECO and Fundación Domingo Martínez for funding. J.M.G.-M. thanks the Fulbright Commissio

Predictors of clinically significant quality of life impairment in Parkinson’s disease

COPPADIS Study Group.Quality of life (QOL) plays an important role in independent living in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, being crucial to know what factors impact QoL throughout the course of the disease. Here we identified predictors of QoL impairment in PD patients from a Spanish cohort. PD patients recruited from 35 centers of Spain from the COPPADIS cohort from January 2016, to November 2017, were followed up during 2 years. Health-related QoL (HRQoL) and global QoL (GQoL) were assessed with the 39-item Parkinson’s disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) and the EUROHIS-QOL 8-item index (EUROHIS-QOL8), respectively, at baseline (V0) and at 24 months ± 1 month (V2). Clinically significant QoL impairment was defined as presenting an increase (PDQ-39SI) or decrement (EUROHIS-QOL8) at V2 ≥ 10% of the score at baseline (V0). A comparison with a control group was conducted for GQoL. GQoL did not change significantly in PD patients (N = 507; p = 0.686) or in the control group (N = 119; p = 0.192). The mean PDQ-39SI was significantly increased in PD patients (62.7 ± 8.5 years old; 58.8% males; N = 500) by 21.6% (from 16.7 ± 13 to 20.3 ± 16.4; p < 0.0001) at V2. Ninety-three patients (18.6%) presented a clinically significant HRQoL impairment at V2. To be younger (OR = 0.896; 95% CI 0.829–0.968; p = 0.006), to be a female (OR = 4.181; 95% CI 1.422–12.290; p = 0.009), and to have a greater increase in BDI-II (Beck Depression Inventory-II) (OR = 1.139; 95% CI 1.053–1.231; p = 0.001) and NMSS (Non-Motor Symptoms Scale) (OR = 1.052; 95% CI 1.027–1.113; p < 0.0001) total scores from V0 to V2 were associated with clinically significant HRQoL impairment at the 2-year follow-up (Hosmer–Lemeshow test, p = 0.665; R 2 = 0.655). An increase in ≥5 and ≥10 points of BDI-II and NMSS total score at V2 multiplied the probability of presenting clinically significant HRQoL impairment by 5 (OR = 5.453; 95% CI 1.663–17.876; p = 0.005) and 8 (OR = 8.217; 95% CI, 2.975–22.696; p = 0.002), respectively. In conclusion, age, gender, mood, and non-motor impairment were associated with clinically significant HRQoL impairment after the 2-year follow-up in PD patients.Mir P. has received honoraria from AbbVie, Abbott, Allergan, Bial, Merz, UCB and Zambon and have received grants from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness [PI16/01575] co-founded by ISCIII (Subdirección General de Evaluación y Fomento de la Investigación) and by Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER), the Consejería de Economía, Innovación, Ciencia y Empleo de la Junta de Andalucía [CVI-02526, CTS-7685], the Consejería de Salud y Bienestar Social de la Junta de Andalucía [PI-0437-2012, PI-0471-2013], the Sociedad Andaluza de Neurología, the Jacques and Gloria Gossweiler Foundation, the Fundación Alicia Koplowitz, the Fundación Mutua Madrileña.Peer reviewe

Leucaena leucocephala cv Perú asociada con gramíneas en secano para ceba final bovina

To evaluate the factors that affect efficiency in a Leucaena leucocephala cv Perú association with pastures for bovine fattening, 22 Zebu fattening cycles were studied on a farm of the Rectángulo Livestock Company, in Camagüey, Cuba, between 2002 and 2012. The local soil is brown without carbonates. The climate is tropical humid, and annual precipitation averages 1&nbsp;183&nbsp;mm&nbsp;. The factors evaluated were, food balance, duration of the fattening cycle, and quantity of animals/cycle. The daily weight gain and expenses/income per operation were also analyzed. The pasture and Leucaena percents were determined by plant counts. Food balances were made. Leucaena cv Perú reached final values of 93&nbsp;% (P&nbsp;&lt;&nbsp;0.05) with an increase in common Bermuda grass and others. Short duration tests showed much higher gains (P&nbsp;&lt;&nbsp;0.05), with values above 1.0&nbsp;kg/animal/day. The number of animal/cycle (P&nbsp;&lt;&nbsp;0.05) produced higher gains with fewer animals. Forest grazing in association with Leucaena leucocephala cv Perú-graminaeae in drylands produced mean daily gains above 0.800&nbsp;kg/animal/day in the final stage of fattening bulls, according to food balances with adequate biological and economic results, and the best behavior in the shortest cycles, where the highest final weight/animal values were achieved, with fewer expenses and higher income.Con el objetivo de evaluar factores que afectan la eficiencia en una asociación de Leucaena leucocephala cv Perú con pastos para ceba final de bovinos, se analizaron desde el 2002 al 2012, 22 ciclos de ceba de toros Cebú en una finca de la Empresa Pecuaria Rectángulo de ceba en Camagüey, Cuba. El suelo es Pardo sin Carbonatos. El clima es tropical húmedo (Aw) y precipitación anual de 1&nbsp;183&nbsp;mm&nbsp;. Los factores evaluados fueron: balance alimentario, duración de ciclo de ceba y cantidad de animales/ciclo. Se analizaron índices de ganancia diaria de peso, gastos e ingresos por operación. Se determinaron los por cientos de pastos y Leucaena por conteo de plantas. Se realizaron balances alimentarios. Leucaena cv Perú alcanzó valores finales del 93&nbsp;% (P&nbsp;&lt;&nbsp;0,05) en su población, con incremento de Guinea común y otros pastos. Las pruebas de corta duración logran ganancias muy superiores (P&nbsp;&lt;&nbsp;0,05) con valores por encima de 1,0&nbsp;kg/animal/día. El número de animales/ciclo afectó (P&nbsp;&lt;&nbsp;0,05) por mayores ganancias con menos animales. La tecnología de silvopastoreo con asociación de Leucaena leucocephala cv Perú-gramíneas en secano, permitió obtener ganancias medias diarias por encima de 0,800&nbsp;kg/animal/día en toros de ceba final evaluadas por balances alimentarios con resultados biológicos y económicos muy adecuados y el mejor comportamiento para los ciclos más cortos, donde se obtuvieron los mayores pesos finales/animal, con menos gastos por suplementos y mayores ingresos

Efectos de la suplementación con microminerales en indicadores de producción y su residualidad en sangre, heces y orina de alpacas (Lama lama) en pastoreo.

Con el objetivo de analizar el efecto del nivel de suplemento de microminerales adicionales a la dieta sobre las variables alzada peso y diámetro de la fibra de alpacas, se evaluó la aplicación de tres dosis de selenio y zinc (0,0; 1,0 y 1,5 cc), bajo un (DCA) en arreglo factorial (3 x 2) + (3 x 2). Los resultados mostraron diferencias estadísticas para tratamientos: dosis de selenio, edades, dosis de zinc, edades y para la interacción zinc por edades (Se1E2 con 74,33 kg a los 90 días para alzada a la cruz, Zn1E2 con un promedio de 91,33 cm). La longitud de la fibra los tratamientos Se1E1 y Se1E2 con promedio de 3 cm. Para el diámetro de la fibra los tratamientos 1 (Se0E1) y tratamiento Se1E1 del grupo 1 y los tratamientos Zn0E2 y Zn1E1 del grupo 2 mostraron mejor calidad de la fibra (P &lt; 0,05), con promedios de 28 micras. Se confirmó un efecto beneficioso en el peso vivo, calidad de la fibra en animales maduros de la suplementación con los microelementos Se y Zn, que mejoró las características fenotípicas de producción como el peso vivo, aunque manifestó residualidad en la orina de los animales de 3 a 5 años de edad.Effects of Supplementation with Microminerals on Production Indicators and Blood, Feces, and Urine Traces of Grazing alpaca (Lama lama) ABSTRACTIn this area was applied three doses of selenium and zinc (0.0; 1.0 and 1.5 cc), under a (DCA) in factorial arrangement (3 x 2) + (3 x 2) in order to analyze the effect of the level of additional mineral supplement micro (Selenium, Zinc) to the diet on the raised variables, weight and fiber diameter of alpacas. Results revealed statistical differences for treatment: selenium doses, age, Zinc doses, Zinc interaction for ages. For this, the treatment 4 (Se1E2) with 74.33 kg to 90 days to cross height (Zn1E2) with 91.33 cm average. The length fiber into treatments 3 (Se1E1) and 4 (Se1E2) with 3 cm average. For fiber diameter on treatments 1 (Se0E1) Treatment 3 (Se1E1) of group 1, treatments 8 (Zn0E2) and 9 (Zn1E1) which group 2 charged better fiber quality with 28 microns average. It was confirmed an beneficial effect on live weight and fiber quality in mature animals for mineral supply with Se and Zn con los microelements, that improved the production phenotypical characteristics like weight, but it was manifested minerals urine residuality in 3-5 years old animals

ADGRL3 (LPHN3) variants predict substance use disorder

Genetic factors are strongly implicated in the susceptibility to develop externalizing syndromes such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, and substance use disorder (SUD). Variants in the ADGRL3 (LPHN3) gene predispose to ADHD and predict ADHD severity, disruptive behaviors comorbidity, long-term outcome, and response to treatment. In this study, we investigated whether variants within ADGRL3 are associated with SUD, a disorder that is frequently co-morbid with ADHD. Using family-based, case-control, and longitudinal samples from disparate regions of the world (n = 2698), recruited either for clinical, genetic epidemiological or pharmacogenomic studies of ADHD, we assembled recursive-partitioning frameworks (classification tree analyses) with clinical, demographic, and ADGRL3 genetic information to predict SUD susceptibility. Our results indicate that SUD can be efficiently and robustly predicted in ADHD participants. The genetic models used remained highly efficient in predicting SUD in a large sample of individuals with severe SUD from a psychiatric institution that were not ascertained on the basis of ADHD diagnosis, thus identifying ADGRL3 as a risk gene for SUD. Recursive-partitioning analyses revealed that rs4860437 was the predominant predictive variant. This new methodological approach offers novel insights into higher order predictive interactions and offers a unique opportunity for translational application in the clinical assessment of patients at high risk for SUD

Suplementación con Norgold + miel urea al 3 % de bovinos cebú en crecimiento-ceba en sistema de pastoreo en época de seca.

Con el objetivo de determinar el alcance productivo en bovinos cebú al utilizar como suplemento Norgold + mela-za-urea al 3 % durante la etapa de crecimiento-ceba bajo sistema de pastoreo, se emplearon 60 toretes, de iguales pesos y características raciales, conformándose cuatro grupos experimentales; sometido a 9 h diarias de pastoreo, sobre pasto pitilla (Dichantium annulatum) + tejana (Paspalum notatum) de calidad regular; 3 kg de forraje de Penisetum Cuba CT – 115; 1,0; 1,5 y 2,0 kg de Norgold para los grupos I, II, III y IV, respectivamente y sal mineral y agua adlibitum. Se determinó el peso vivo inicial y final, crecimiento absoluto, ganancia media diaria y consumo, así como se estimó el beneficio/costo. Los animales del tratamiento 4 lograron alcanzar 401 kg de peso vivo; es decir, el 47,43 % de su peso respecto al peso vivo inicial en 180 días, y como promedio para todo el período, una ganancia media diaria y conversión de 716,66 g y 10,37 kg de alimento/kg de peso vivo, respectivamente. Se concluye que los tratamientos donde se incluye 2,0 y 1,5 kg de Norgold, respectivamente, lograron ganancias medias diarias y conversión alimentaria superiores (P &lt; 0,05) a los sistemas tradicionales con base de melaza-urea y otros subproductos, así como la producción de carne que se logra permite una relación costo/beneficio positiva, lo cual significa que el sistema es factible, productivo y económico.Norgold Supplementation + Urea Molasses (3 %) for Pasture Fattening Growing Zebu Bovines in the Dry Season. ABSTRACTWith the objective of determining the productive reach in bovine Cebú when using as supplement Norgol + molas-ses-urea to 3 % during the stage of growth-it feeds low shepherding system, 60 properly uniformed toretes was used as for weight and characteristic racial conforming to subjected four experimental groups at nine daily hours of shepherding, on grass PITILLA (Dichantium annulatum) + Tejana (Paspalum notatun) of regular quality; 3 kg of forage of Penisetum Cuba CT - 115; 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 kg of Norgold for the groups I, II, III and IV, respectively and salt mineral and it dilutes ad libitum. The weight alive initial was determined and final, absolute growth, daily half gain and I consummate as well as was considered the benefit/cost. The animals of the treatment four were able to reach 401 kg of live weight , that is to say, 47.43 % of their weight regarding the weight live initial in 180 days and like average, for the whole period, a daily half gain and conversion of 716.66 g and 10.37 food kg / kg of weight lives respectively. It concludes that the treatments where it is included 2.0 and 1.5 Norgold kg respectively they achieved earnings daily stockings and conversion alimentary superiors significantly (P ≤ 0.05) to the systems that traditionally have been orchestrated with the help of molasses-urea and the employment of other by-products, as well as the meat production that is achieved allows a relationship positive benefit / cost, that which means that the system is feasible, productive and economic