Discretization-related issues in the KPZ equation: Consistency, Galilean-invariance violation, and fluctuation--dissipation relation

In order to perform numerical simulations of the KPZ equation, in any dimensionality, a spatial discretization scheme must be prescribed. The known fact that the KPZ equation can be obtained as a result of a Hopf--Cole transformation applied to a diffusion equation (with \emph{multiplicative} noise) is shown here to strongly restrict the arbitrariness in the choice of spatial discretization schemes. On one hand, the discretization prescriptions for the Laplacian and the nonlinear (KPZ) term cannot be independently chosen. On the other hand, since the discretization is an operation performed on \emph{space} and the Hopf--Cole transformation is \emph{local} both in space and time, the former should be the same regardless of the field to which it is applied. It is shown that whereas some discretization schemes pass both consistency tests, known examples in the literature do not. The requirement of consistency for the discretization of Lyapunov functionals is argued to be a natural and safe starting point in choosing spatial discretization schemes. We also analyze the relation between real-space and pseudo-spectral discrete representations. In addition we discuss the relevance of the Galilean invariance violation in these consistent discretization schemes, and the alleged conflict of standard discretization with the fluctuation--dissipation theorem, peculiar of 1D.Comment: RevTex, 23pgs, 2 figures, submitted to Phys. Rev.

Spatial preferences and behavioural patterns of lambs during fattening in straw enriched pens

The study analyses spatial preferences and behavioural patterns of lambs during fattening in straw enriched pens. Lambs were allocated in three replicates with 12 lambs each and housed in 6x6 m pens partially divided in two equal areas with and without straw bedding. Each pen was video-recorded continuously from 8 am to 8 pm on days 1, 5, 7, 14, 21 and 28. The use of different pen areas and the behaviour of the lambs were evaluated and analysed. The use of the space was significantly higher (p<0.05) for the straw area, where there was also more resting and affiliative interactions (p<0.05). In the areas without straw, animals walked more, remained standing longer periods (p<0.05) and had more stereotypic and aggressive behaviour (p<0.05). The study demonstrated that, when given the choice between two areas with similar resources, lambs prefer straw bedding. Straw is suggested to promote affiliation improving the adaptation to the feedlot. This could be useful to convince system managers that the availability of straw is beneficial to lamb welfare

Phase transition in the Sznajd model with independence

We propose a model of opinion dynamics which describes two major types of social influence -- conformity and independence. Conformity in our model is described by the so called outflow dynamics (known as Sznajd model). According to sociologists' suggestions, we introduce also a second type of social influence, known in social psychology as independence. Various social experiments have shown that the level of conformity depends on the society. We introduce this level as a parameter of the model and show that there is a continuous phase transition between conformity and independence

Enhancing methane production from the invasive macroalga Rugulopteryx okamurae through anaerobic co-digestion with olive mill solid waste: process performance and kinetic analysis

The biomass valorisation of the invasive brown alga Rugulopteryx okamurae (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) is key to curbing the expansion of this invasive macroalga which is generating tonnes of biomass on southern Spain beaches. As a feasible alternative for the biomass management, anaerobic co-digestion is proposed in this study. Although the anaerobic digestion of macroalgae barely produced 177 mL of CH4 g−1 VS, the co-digestion with a C-rich substrate, such as the olive mill solid waste (OMSW, the main waste derived from the two-phase olive oil manufacturing process), improved the anaerobic digestion process. The mixture improved not only the methane yield, but also its biodegradability. The highest biodegradability was found in the mixture 1 R. okamurae—1 OMSW, which improved the biodegradability of the macroalgae by 12.9% and 38.1% for the OMSW. The highest methane yield was observed for the mixture 1 R. okamurae—3 OMSW, improving the methane production of macroalgae alone by 157% and the OMSW methane production by 8.6%. Two mathematical models were used to fit the experimental data of methane production time with the aim of assessing the processes and obtaining the kinetic constants of the anaerobic co-digestion of different combination of R. okamurae and OMSW and both substrates independently. First-order kinetic and the transference function models allowed for appropriately fitting the experimental results of methane production with digestion time. The specific rate constant, k (first-order model) for the mixture 1 R. okamurae- 1.5 OMSW, was 5.1 and 1.3 times higher than that obtained for the mono-digestion of single OMSW and the macroalga, respectively. In the same way, the transference function model revealed that the maximum methane production rate (Rmax) was also found for the mixture 1 R. okamurae—1.5 OMSW (30.4 mL CH4 g−1 VS day−1), which was 1.6 and 2.2 times higher than the corresponding to the mono-digestions of the single OMSW and sole R. okamurae (18.9 and 13.6 mL CH4 g−1 VS day−1), respectively.Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación PID2020-114975RB-10

Van Kampen's expansion approach in an opinion formation model

We analyze a simple opinion formation model consisting of two parties, A and B, and a group I, of undecided agents. We assume that the supporters of parties A and B do not interact among them, but only interact through the group I, and that there is a nonzero probability of a spontaneous change of opinion (A->I, B->I). From the master equation, and via van Kampen's Omega-expansion approach, we have obtained the "macroscopic" evolution equation, as well as the Fokker-Planck equation governing the fluctuations around the deterministic behavior. Within the same approach, we have also obtained information about the typical relaxation behavior of small perturbations.Comment: 17 pages, 6 figures, submited to Europ.Phys.J.

Evaluation of batch mesophilic anaerobic digestion of raw and trampled llama and dromedary dungs: methane potential and kinetic study

Funding for open access publishing: Universidad Pablo de Olavide/CBUA. This study was funded y the project FEDER UPO-1380782 financed by the regional government of Andalucía, Junta de Andalucía, Consejería de Trasformación Económica, Industria, Conocimiento y Universidades and the project PID2020-114975RB-100/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 financed by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation.This research was carried out with the aim to evaluate the anaerobic digestion (AD) of llama and dromedary dungs (both untreated and trampled) in batch mode at mesophilic temperature (35 °C). The biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests with an inoculum to substrate ratio of 2:1 (as volatile solids (VS)) were carried out. The methane yield from trampled llama dung (333.0 mL CH4 g¿1 VSadded) was considerably higher than for raw llama, raw and trampled dromedary dungs (185.9, 228.4, 222.9 mL CH4 g¿1 VSadded, respectively). Therefore, trampled llama dung was found to be the best substrate for methane production due to its high content of volatile solids as well as its high nitrogen content (2.1%) and more appropriate C/N ratio (23.6) for AD. The experimental data was found to be in accordance with both first-order kinetic and transference function mathematical models, when evaluating the experimental methane production against time. By applying the first-order kinetic model, the hydrolysis rate constants, kh, were found to be 19% and 11% higher for trampled dungs in comparison with the raw dung of dromedary and llama, respectively. In addition, the maximum methane production rate (Rm) derived from the transference function model for trampled llama dung (22.0 mL CH4 g¿1 VS d¿1) was 83.3%, 24.4% and 22.9% higher than those obtained for raw llama manure and for raw and trampled dromedary dungs, respectively.Universidad Pablo de Olavide de Sevilla. Departamento de Sistemas Físicos, Químicos y Naturale

Edwardsiella tarda Ewing y McWhorter 1965: alimentos y pescado

Objetivo: Brindar una revisión que aporte una perspectiva general de Edwarsiella tarda patógeno en peces destinados al consumo humano y capaz de generar enfermedad humana a través de estos alimentos, se involucran los diferentes factores asociados a la aparición de la enfermedad, control y prevención. Metodología: Para el desarrollo del presente documento se realizó la búsqueda y análisis de información de diferentes bases de datos como Scielo, Scopus, Redalyc, Google Académico entre otras. Resultados: La infección por Edwarsiella tarda en peces destinados al consumo humano constituyen un riesgo a la salud pública. Se han desarrollado métodos tradicionales y moleculares para su detección, así como acciones en sanidad animal e higiene, a fin de controlar y prevenir su incidencia en la producción de alimentos y transmisión de enfermedades al consumidor. Implicaciones en el estudio: Edwardsiella tarda habita en ecosistemas acuáticos, y son parte de la microbiota de peces, capaz de producir enfermedad en peces y el ser humano cuando las condiciones de sanidad e higiene son inadecuadas a lo largo de la cadena alimentaria. El riesgo a la salud al consumir pescado es principalmente en estado crudo o sometido a un inadecuado procesamiento. Conclusiones: Edwarsiella tarda es considerado patógeno emergente en salud pública. Se ha establecido que la prevención y control de infecciones por este patógeno en animales (peces) de consumo humano y ser humano es a través de la implementación de las buenas prácticas de higiene a lo largo de la cadena alimentaria a fin de ofrecer alimentos sanos, nutritivos e inocuos

Problemas productivos y reproductivos por deficiencias minerales en bovinos de algunas regiones tropicales de México

Los minerales son considerados nutrientes esenciales para el organismo. En las zonas tropicales de México, se presenta una problemática de calidad de los forrajes, su contenido de proteína y aporte de minerales son bajos. Las condiciones climáticas influyen en el contenido de minerales en el suelo, plantas y en los animales. Se reportan bajos contenidos de Ca, P, Zn, Se, I y Cu, en la relación suelo-planta-animal. La presencia de algunas enfermedades carenciales se refleja con baja producción de leche y carne, hay efectos negativos en la fertilidad, abortos, baja calidad de semen, retención de placenta, partos distócicos, entre otros. Es importante suplementar los minerales carenciales en el ganado, con el propósito de mejorar la eficiencia productiva. Se debe evitar el exceso de minerales para prevenir efectos contaminantes al ambient

Bioaccesibilidad de antioxidantes de origen vegetal micro y nanoencapsulados: perspectivas para su determinacion in vitro

Objetivo: Discutir las perspectivas utilizadas para la evaluación in vitro de la bioaccesibilidad de antioxidantes vegetales para identificar el alcance y las limitaciones de la micro y nanoencapsulación y los modelos de digestión. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Discusión analítica de la información obtenida de SCOPUS, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, google scholar con los términos antioxidante, micro/ nanoencapsulación, bioaccesibilidad, digestión, liberación. Resultados: Los sistemas de antioxidantes encapsulados evaluados privilegian el uso de extractos frente a moléculas purificadas, el aprovechamiento de subproductos y las tecnologías de amplia distribución. Los modelos estáticos in vitro son los más utilizados, con diferencias en los elementos y etapas de la digestión. El análisis de la experiencia acumulada proporciona evidencia alentadora en términos de resistencia a las condiciones gástricas y una mayor liberación durante la fase intestinal utilizando concentraciones logradas en una cantidad dispersable de micro o nanocapsulas. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: Sistemas nuevos con características prometedoras para los que aún no se han realizado pruebas de simulación de la digestión se encuentran fuera del alcance de esta revisión. Hallazgos/conclusiones: Para trasladar la experiencia recopilada hacia&nbsp; la bioaccesibilidad real de los antioxidantes se requiere atender a las recomendaciones para la estandarización de los modelos de digestión in vitro de tipo estáticos,&nbsp; así como considerar las limitaciones derivadas de la pérdida inicial de antioxidantes durante la producción del sistema encapsulado, la poca información proporcionada respecto al tipo de liberación, su acumulación y los posibles efectos tóxicos, la determinación de la representatividad de las concentraciones evaluadas respecto a las necesarias in vivo.&nbsp