285 research outputs found
Promotion of professional skills in engineering education: strategies and challenges
Basic engineering skills are not the only key to professional development, particularly as engineering problems are everyday more and more complex and multifaceted, hence requiring the implementation of larger multidisciplinary teams, in many cases working in an international context and in a continuously evolving environment. Therefore other outcomes, sometimes referred to as professional skills, are also necessary for our students, as most universities are already aware. In
this study we try to methodically analyze the main strategies for the promotion of professional skills, mainly linked to actuations which directly affect students or teachers (and teaching methodologies) and which take advantage of the environment and available resources. From an initial list of 51 strategies (in essence aimed at promotion of different drivers of change, linked to students, teachers, environment and resources), we focus on the 11 drivers of change considered more important after an initial evaluation. Subsequently, a systematic analysis of the typical problems linked to these main drivers of change, enables us to find and formulate 12 major and usually repeated and unsolved problems. After selecting
these typical problems, we put forward 25 different solutions, for short-term actuation, and discuss their effects, while bearing in mind our team’s experience, together with the information from the studies carried out by numerous teaching staff from other universities
Waste to Energy from Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants: A Science Mapping
Energy recovery, according to circular economy and sustainable principles, has established
itself as an inevitable field of action in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Energy costs are
forcing the optimization of processes and increases in the development of applicable waste-to-energy
(WtE) technologies. This study aims to analyze the existing knowledge on WtE research in municipal
WWTPs using a systematic literature review and a bibliometric analysis from 1979 to 2021. For
this purpose, Science Mapping Analysis Tool (SciMAT) and VosViewer, two softwares for analyzing
performance indicators and visualizing scientific maps, were used to identify the most relevant
figures in the research. The results show an exponential increase in the number of publications over
time, which has yet to reach a stage of maturity. The analysis of the evolution of the topics exposes
variability in the keywords over the years. The main field of WtE research has focused on sludge
treatment, with technologies ranging from anaerobic digestion to more recently-emerging ones such
as microalgae or membrane technologies. The analysis also identified the need for more publications
on other wastes in WWTPs, which are necessary to achieve zero waste.EMASAGRA S.A 432
Single low-dose cyclophosphamide combined with interleukin-12 gene therapy is superior to a metronomic schedule in inducing immunity against colorectal carcinoma in mice
The use of conventional cytotoxic agents at metronomic schedules, alone or in combination with targeted agents or immunotherapy, is being explored as a promising anticancer strategy. We previously reported a potent antitumor effect of a single low-dose cyclophosphamide and interleukin-12 (IL-12) gene therapy against advanced gastrointestinal carcinoma, in mice. Here, we assessed whether the delivery of IL-12 by gene therapy together with metronomic cyclophosphamide exerts antitumor effects in a murine model of colorectal carcinoma. This combination therapy was able, at least in part, to reverse immunosuppression, by decreasing the number of regulatory T cells (Tregs) as well as of splenic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC s). However, metronomic cyclophosphamide plus IL-12 gene therapy failed to increase the number of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes and, more importantly, to induce a specific antitumor immune response. With respect to this, cyclophosphamide at a single low dose displayed a superior anticancer profile than the same drug given at a metronomic schedule. Our results may have important implications in the design of new therapeutic strategies against colorectal carcinoma using cyclophosphamide in combination with immunotherapy.Fil: Malvicini, Mariana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones CientÃficas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Austral; ArgentinaFil: Alaniz, Laura Daniela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones CientÃficas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Austral; ArgentinaFil: Bayo Fina, Juan Miguel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones CientÃficas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Austral; ArgentinaFil: GarcÃa, Mariana Gabriela. Universidad Austral; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones CientÃficas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Piccioni, Flavia Valeria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones CientÃficas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Austral; ArgentinaFil: Fiore, Esteban Juan. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones CientÃficas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Austral; ArgentinaFil: Atorrasagasti, MarÃa Catalina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones CientÃficas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Austral; ArgentinaFil: Aquino, Jorge Benjamin. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones CientÃficas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Austral; ArgentinaFil: Matar, Pablo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones CientÃficas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Medicas. Instituto de Genetica Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Mazzolini Rizzo, Guillermo Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones CientÃficas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Austral; Argentin
Taking advantage of the potential of mesenchymal stromal cells in liver regeneration: Cells and extracellular vesicles as therapeutic strategies
Cell-based therapies for acute and chronic liver diseases are under continuous progress. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells able to migrate selectively to damaged tissue and contribute to its healing and regeneration. The MSC pro-regenerative effect occurs due to their immunomodulatory capacity and their ability to produce factors that promote cell protection and survival. Likewise, it has been observed that part of their paracrine effect is mediated by MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs contain proteins, lipids and nucleic acids (DNA, mRNA, miRNA, lncRNA) from the cell of origin, allowing for intercellular communication. Recently, different studies have demonstrated that MSC-derived EVs could reproduce, at least in part, the biological effects obtained by MSC-based therapies. Moreover, due to EVs’ stability for long periods of time and easy isolation methods they have become a therapeutic option to MSCs treatments. This review summarizes the latest results achieved in clinical trials using MSCs as cell therapy for liver regeneration, the role of EVs in liver physiopathology and the potential of MSC-derived EVs as intercellular mediators and therapeutic tools in liver diseases.Fil: Fiore, Esteban Juan. Universidad Austral. Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones CientÃficas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional; ArgentinaFil: DomÃnguez, Luciana MarÃa. Universidad Austral. Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones CientÃficas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional; ArgentinaFil: Bayo Fina, Juan Miguel. Universidad Austral. Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones CientÃficas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional; ArgentinaFil: GarcÃa, Mariana Gabriela. Universidad Austral. Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones CientÃficas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional; ArgentinaFil: Mazzolini Rizzo, Guillermo Daniel. Universidad Austral. Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones CientÃficas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional; Argentin
Synchronization in Retrospective Respiratory Gating using Deep Learning
Breathing motion introduces artifacts during CT acquisition,
what affect the quality and subsequent reconstruction of the
images. This study aims to reduce artefact in CT images
using deep learning techniques. Specifically, we propose the
implementation of an autoencoder based on convolutional
neural networks. Once the model was trained, we employed
a morphing technique to generate new images with reduced
respiratory motion. By analyzing the respiratory signal, we
classified the different images into phases and selected those
most suitable for correction. Subsequently, we applied the de-
scribed method, obtaining a more homogeneous data set. The
results demonstrate a significant reduction in motion when
comparing intensity changes within the regions most affected
by motion. Thus, we validated the efficacy of the proposed
approach to mitigate breathing-induced artifacts. The appli-
cation of artificial intelligence (AI) in this field represents
a significant advance. This study provides promising initial
results and opens up new possibilities for research and de-
velopment. By complementing existing techniques, AI offers
enhanced motion reduction capabilities, thus improving the
quality of CT images. The potential for future advances in
this direction are substantial, promising further reduction in
respiratory motion artifacts and improvement to the overall
quality of CT images.This work has been supported by the Innovative
Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking (JU) under
grant agreement No. 853989. The JU receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and
innovation programme and EFPIA and Global Alliance
for TB Drug Development non-profit organisation, Bill
& Melinda Gates Foundation and University of Dundee
Analyzing the production, quality, and potential uses of solid recovered fuel from screening waste of municipal wastewater treatment plants
Over time, wastewater management evolves into a circular model, producing energy and moving towards zero
waste. The usual screening waste treatment is the elimination, with no energy recovery processes. As an alternative,
the production of solid recovered fuel (SRF) from screening has been studied, both non-densified and
densified, in pellet form. The densification was developed, taking as variables the input moisture and size of the
die, obtaining 20 different samples. The optimum pelletizing conditions are an input moisture content of 10%
and dies with a compression ratio of 6/20, 6/24 and 8/32. SRF properties have been evaluated based on a quality
proposal presented in this paper, which has been developed given the lack of uniformity in the existing SRF
standards. The SRF produced complies with fuel quality requirements, such as lower calorific value, with values
between 13.37 and 25.65 MJ/kg; Cl and Hg content, with maximums of 0.066% and 1.0 × 10����� 5 mg/MJ,
respectively; and ash content, between 7.22% and 9.85%. Energy from waste plants could be the destination for
all the SRF produced. Its use in cement plants and gasification processes, more restrictive than the previous one,
would require manufacturing processes with adequate moisture levels and die size.EMASAGRA 4325University of Granada / CBU
Environmental Assessment of Solid Recovered Fuel Production from Screening Waste Using a Life Cycle Assessment Approach
The circular economy, as a new model of waste management through energy self-sufficiency
and valorisation, can be applied to wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Screening waste from
WWTP pretreatment is the only waste that is not energetically recovered and thus constrains the
achievement of zero waste. Previous studies demonstrated the technical feasibility of producing solid
recovered fuel (SRF) from this waste. Environmental benefits, including waste reduction, resource
conservation, or reduced greenhouse gas emissions are analysed in this work. Environmental
impact is quantified using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology through the SimaPro 9.2.
software and the CML-IA baseline v3.08 impact methodology, that propose 11 impact categories. Five
scenarios were established to compare current landfill disposal with the production of densified and
non-densified SRF using solar and thermal drying. Within the system boundaries studied, from waste
generation to SRF production, results show that landfill is the most environmentally damaging option
while producing non-densified SRF using solar drying is the most environmentally viable scenario.Emasagra agreement number 432
The ARF tumor suppressor targets PPM1G/PP2Cγ to counteract NF-κB transcription tuning cell survival and the inflammatory response
Inducible transcriptional programs mediate the regulation of key biological processes and organismal functions. Despite their complexity, cells have evolved mechanisms to precisely control gene programs in response to environmental cues to regulate cell fate and maintain normal homeostasis. Upon stimulation with proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF), the master transcriptional regulator nuclear factor (NF)-κB utilizes the PPM1G/PP2Cγ phosphatase as a coactivator to normally induce inflammatory and cell survival programs. However, how PPM1G activity is precisely regulated to control NF-κB transcription magnitude and kinetics remains unknown. Here, we describe a mechanism by which the ARF tumor suppressor binds PPM1G to negatively regulate its coactivator function in the NF-κB circuit thereby promoting insult resolution. ARF becomes stabilized upon binding to PPM1G and forms a ternary protein complex with PPM1G and NF-κB at target gene promoters in a stimulidependent manner to provide tunable control of the NF-κB transcriptional program. Consistently, loss of ARF in colon epithelial cells leads to up-regulation of NF-κB antiapoptotic genes upon TNF stimulation and renders cells partially resistant to TNFinduced apoptosis in the presence of agents blocking the antiapoptotic program. Notably, patient tumor data analysis validates these findings by revealing that loss of ARF strongly correlates with sustained expression of inflammatory and cell survival programs. Collectively, we propose that PPM1G emerges as a therapeutic target in a variety of cancers arising from ARF epigenetic silencing, to loss of ARF function, as well as tumors bearing oncogenic NF-κB activation.Fil: Hyder, Usman. University of Texas; Estados UnidosFil: McCann, Jennifer L.. University of Texas; Estados UnidosFil: Wang, Jinli. University of Texas; Estados UnidosFil: Fung, Victor. University of Texas; Estados UnidosFil: Bayo Fina, Juan Miguel. Universidad Austral. Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones CientÃficas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional; ArgentinaFil: D'Orso, Iván. University of Texas; Estados Unido
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