Flexible and low-cost binderless capacitors based on p- and n-containing fibrous activated carbons from denim cloth wastes

Activated carbon cloths have been prepared from denim cloth wastes (DCWs) through chemical activation with H3PO4. The effect of the H3PO4/DCWs impregnation ratio and the carbonization temperature on the porous texture, the chemical composition, the fibers morphology, and the electrochemical performance has been studied. Low H3PO4/DCWs impregnation ratios lead to flexible and microporous activated carbons cloths, whereas more fragile and rigid activated carbon cloths with higher external surface area are produced upon increasing the amount of H3PO4. The increase in the carbonization temperature allows for obtaining a more ordered and conductive carbon structure. The activated carbon prepared at 900 ºC with a H3PO4/DCWs impregnation ratio of 0.5 (w/w) exhibits the best performance as electric double layer capacitor. This electrode shows a specific surface area of 2016 m2 g-1 and the highest registered gravimetric capacitance (227 F g-1). Moreover, its flexibility minimizes the ohmic resistance of the electrode, thus increasing the feasibility of working at higher current densities than the other synthesized electrodes.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech; MINECO CTQ2015-68654-

Characterization of a nuclear localization signal in the foot-and-mouth disease virus polymerase

AbstractWe have experimentally tested whether the MRKTKLAPT sequence in FMDV 3D protein (residues 16 to 24) can act as a nuclear localization signal (NLS). Mutants with substitutions in two basic residues within this sequence, K18E and K20E, were generated. A decreased nuclear localization was observed in transiently expressed 3D and its precursor 3CD, suggesting a role of K18 and K20 in nuclear targeting. Fusion of MRKTKLAPT to the green fluorescence protein (GFP) increased the nuclear localization of GFP, which was not observed when GFP was fused to the 3D mutated sequences. These results indicate that the sequence MRKTKLAPT can be functionally considered as a NLS. When introduced in a FMDV full length RNA replacements K18E and K20E led to production of revertant viruses that replaced the acidic residues introduced (E) by K, suggesting that the presence of lysins at positions 18 and 20 of 3D is essential for virus multiplication

Structural and physico-mechanical properties of natural rubber/GTR composites devulcanized by microwaves: influence of GTR source and irradiation time

Ground tire rubber from car and truck was modified using microwave irradiation at variable time. The irradiated ground tire rubber was used as filler in composites based on natural rubber. The composites, with high content of ground tire rubber, were prepared using an internal batch mixer and subsequently cross-linked at 160¿. The influence of the ground tire rubber source (car/truck) and irradiation time on structure, physico-mechanical behaviour, thermal properties and morphology of natural rubber/ground tire rubber composites was studied. The interfacial interactions between ground tire rubber and natural rubber as function of ground tire rubber source and irradiation time were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, tensile tests, swelling measurements and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that irradiation of ground tire rubber slightly enhanced tensile properties and cross-link density of natural rubber/ground tire rubber composites. This effect was more evident in the case of ground tire rubbertruck because of its higher content of natural rubber and was reflected in changes in the interfacial adhesion, which were confirmed by the results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy analysisPostprint (author's final draft

Elaboración de materiales multimedia

En esta ponencia se expondrán los pasos a seguir para la creación de una guía en formato Web para la elaboración de material multimedia (CD, DVD, página Web). La propuesta surgió del Instituto de Ciencias de la Educación y del Servicio de Bibliotecas de la Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña debido al creciente aumento en la elaboración de material multimédia por parte del profesorado y delante de la necesidad de compaginar, unificar criterios y ayudar a los docentes que se inician en la elaboración de estos materiales. Esta guía se ha encargado a un grupo de profesores de diversos Departamentos dirigidos por Ramón Mujal del Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica, y en ella se ha intentado sintetizar y resumir en un formato multimedia las dudas, problemas o inquietudes con las cuales nos enfrontamos al iniciar trabajos de este tipo.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Proyectos fuentes de energía eléctrica, residuos industriales y laboratorio histórico de física

Se describen tres proyectos multimedia que han sido o están siendo elaborados gracias a las ayudas obtenidas por parte de la Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña en concepto de Proyectos de Innovación Docente -convocatoria 2004-. Estos proyectos se basan en el trabajo de un grupo de profesores pertenecientes a cuatro Departamentos de la propia universidad lo cual les confiere una calidad científica satisfactoria. Los proyectos han sido dirigidos por el profesor Ramón Mª Mujal (ETSEIAT Terrassa), y han colaborado profesores de los Departamentos de Ingeniería Eléctrica, Ingeniería Mecánica, Ingeniería Química y Medio Ambiente. Asimismo, se ha contado con la colaboración de alumnos becados y técnicos en multimedia de la propia universidad y del servicio “La Factoría” de la Biblioteca del Campus de Terrassa. Los proyectos que se presentan son: Fuentes de Energía Eléctrica (en formato CD-DVD y página Web), Residuos Industriales, Sanitarios y Agrícolas (formato CD) y Laboratorio Histórico de Física Ferran Alsina (Formato CD). Estos materiales pretenden ser un entorno virtual de aprendizaje para alumnos tanto de carreras semipresenciales como presenciales, aunque es ampliable a otro tipo de usuarios y niveles educativos

Prótesis híbrida de arco completo con implante inmediato en un paciente edéntulo utilizando una sobredentadura retenida en barra en la mandíbula: reporte de un caso.

The hybrid prosthesis is a very predictable treatment option that allows patients to recover their oral functionality. It is a good alternative to conventional treatments and overdentures. The present report describes controlled an 80 year old female patient with controlled hypertension, who came for consultation with a bar overdenture with attachment holders on two external hexagonal dental implants; an immediate loading hybrid prosthesis was installed over four mandibular dental implants.La prótesis híbrida es una opción de tratamiento muy predecible que permite al paciente recuperar su funcionalidad oral. Es una buena alternativa frente a tratamientos convencionales y sobredentaduras. El presente artículo muestra el reporte de caso de una paciente de sexo femenino de 80 años, hipertensa controlada, quien llegó a la consulta con una sobredentadura inferior en barra con ataches sobre dos implantes dentales hexágono externo, se le realizó una prótesis tipo híbrida con carga inmediata sobre cuatro implantes mandibulares

Effect of heating rate and H3PO4 as catalyst on the pyrolysis of agricultural residues

This study reports the effect of heating rate and the addition of H3PO4 on the pyrolysis of three representative agricultural wastes of different lignocellulosic composition, namely pistachio shell, bitter orange peel, and saffron petal. Pyrolysis was carried out at 500 °C in a fixed-bed, lab scale reactor. Slow pyrolysis provided lower water contents in the liquid fraction. Fast pyrolysis increased the liquid yield for all the feedstocks, promoting the formation of phenolic, ketone/aldehyde compounds. It also enhanced the formation of water for all the agricultural residues. In addition, the energy content in the gas fraction is promoted due to a higher concentration of light hydrocarbons, methane, and hydrogen. However, when high inorganic matter is found in the feedstocks, the formation of CO2 is favored, hindering the energy improvement. The treatment of the biomass with H3PO4 significantly increased the solid fraction, producing a huge porosity development in the char (surface area over 1600 m2/g in pistachio shell product), at the cost of liquid fraction, which is mostly composed of water, with small amounts of acetic acid, phenol and toluene. The results pointed out that pyrolysis of agricultural waste can be targeted to achieve different products by switching pyrolysis conditions such as the heating rate and the treatment of the biomass with H3PO4.RRR, JMR, JRM and TC thank MICINN (RTI2018-097555-B-100) and Junta de Andalucía (P18-RT-4592) for financial support. Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málaga/CBUA

A Case of Disseminated Cryptococcosis

Background: Cryptococcus is an invasive fungal infection, typically acquired through inhalation. It is found in soil contaminated with bird droppings and it can disseminate to the lungs, meninges, and skin. In the United States, the incidence of cryptococcosis is estimated to be about 0.4-1.3 cases per 100,000 population with the most common species being Cryptococcus Neoformans and Cryptococcus Gatti. Cryptococcosis is commonly seen in HIV patients, however, immunocompromised individuals with cancer, solid organ transplants, or chronic glucocorticoid therapy are also at high risk. Case Presentation: A 69-year-old male with history of polymyositis and granulomatosis polyangiitis on chronic steroids presents to the ER with chief complaint of progressively worsening shortness of breath and confusion of three days duration, as per patient’s wife. Patient had been noted to be more lethargic and confused with increased productive cough. Chest x-ray and high-resolution CT demonstrated bilateral dense multilobar infiltrates and he was started on Ceftriaxone, Azithromycin and Solu-Medrol for multilobar pneumonia. A serum cryptococcal antigen was ordered by infectious disease which came back positive with titers of 1:2560 and thus, he was started on Amphotericin B and Flucytosine. A lumbar puncture was then performed which showed Cryptococcal Neoformans and Cryptococcus Gatti positive in CSF. Unfortunately, the patient’s condition deteriorated, and he expired. Conclusion: Cryptococcosis predominantly occurs in HIV patients. We need to have a high index of suspicion in immunosuppressed patients including patients on chronic steroids that are at high risk of developing cryptococcosis. Prompt recognition and treatment is critical as there is a high mortality rate

Simulation of a biorefinery process as learning tool in chemical engineering degree

Currently, the search for alternative biomass to be used as renewable sources for energy production is one of the most important challenges to achieve a sustainable growth based on a bioeconomy strategy (Mendes et al., 2009). In this context, lignocellulosic waste are a renewable, clean, inexpensive and with high availability for the manufacture of biofuels. In this sense, the main objective of this study was the simulation and design of engineering processes that allows the valorization of lignocellulosic waste and the obtaining of biofuels as alternative to fossil fuels. This goal implies the practical application of the theoretical knowledge acquired by the student during the chemical engineering degree. Specifically, the students designed and simulated a biorefinery process that consisted of a Kraft pulping process as starting point of two main lines of production: (1) Process I: production of bioethanol and (2) Process II: direct and indirect production of dimethylether (DME), both from lignocellulosic biomass (Fig.1). Two commercial simulation packages, ASPEN HYSYS® and UNISIM were used to simulate the production of dimethylether and bioethanol, respectively. The first step was determining a strategic situation for the installation of the biorefinery. The central area of Andalusia (between the municipalities of Lucena and Antequera) was considered the most adequate area to develop the installation of the biorefinery plant after evaluating the biomass available inside of 100 kms of distance around this place. Specifically, different biomass mixtures were considered in order to ensure the viability of a constant inlet flow of biomass in the biorefinery. In function of this inlet flow of biomass, the installations were designed and dimensioned in each stage of the process. The student carried out a wide revision of state of the art to decide the most adequate processes among different alternatives to obtain dimethylether and bioethanol. The different stages selected as the most adequate in each line of the process can be observed in Fig.1. Moreover, the students evaluated the different alternatives for the valorisation and optimization of the by-products generated in each stage of the process in order to minimize the consuming of chemical compounds and energy requirements. Therefore, the students learnt to develop a real engineering process more sustainable and friendly with the environment. To sum up, the used of programs to simulate the transformation of lignocellulosic biomass in biofuels, such as, bioethanol or dimethylether, which is a process with several social, environmental and economic advantages, was an interesting learning tool for students of chemical engineering degree. Keywords Bioethanol, design, dimethylether, Kraft pulping process, simulations. References Mendes, C.V.T., Carvalho, M.G.V.S., Baptista, C.M.S.G., Rocha, J.M.S., Soares, B.I.G., Sousa, G.D.A., 2009. Valorisation of hardwood hemicelluloses in the kraft pulping process by using an integrated biorefinery concept. Food Bioproduct Process 87:197–207.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech MINECO: Proyecto CTQ2015-68654-

Staple crops biofortified with increased vitamins and minerals : considerations for a public health strategy

Biofortification of staple crops has been proposed as a strategy to address micronutrient malnutrition, particularly with respect to insufficient intake of vitamin A, iron, zinc, and folate. The World Health Organization, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science at the New York Academy of Sciences, convened a technical consultation entitled "Staple Crops Biofortified with Vitamins and Minerals: Considerations for a Public Health Strategy" in April 2016. Participants of the consultation reviewed the definition of biofortification of staple crops, patterns of crops production, processing, consumption, seed varieties, and micronutrient stability and bioavailability, as well as farmers' adoption and acceptability of the modified crops. Also discussed were economic, environmental, safety, and equity aspects of biofortified crops, as well as legal, policy, regulatory, and ethical issues for the implementation of biofortification strategies in agriculture and nutrition. Consultation working groups identified important and emerging technical issues, lessons learned, and research priorities to better support the evidence of improved nutrition and unintended adverse effects of biofortification. This paper provides the background and rationale of the technical consultation, synopsizes the presentations, and provides a summary of the main considerations proposed by the working groups