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-

Redefiniendo el Trabajo Social: nuevos yacimimientos de empleo en el envejecimiento. Una propuesta desde la intervención social

We are in a socio-demographic context in which the number of people in need of care, mainly people over the age of 65, a majority collective today, in Spain, is increasing progressively. This leads to new demands and expectations about the attention paid. This means that social intervention is facing a great challenge. So far, the forms of social intervention and care provided by the system do not seem to fully meet emerging needs, mainly because of their poor adaptation to new social contexts and lifestyles.Socially professional figures such as that of the personal assistant represent a profitable and sustainable investment in the context of the care and provision of services, since, from the professional practice of Social Work, as well as from the academic prism or researcher, it is a bet so that people in dependency can carry out their life project with freedom and independence. Therefore, this work aims on the one hand to make visible the needs perceived and expressed by the elderly and/or in a situation of dependence, as well as their demands and, on the other hand, to define a new professional figure conceptualized as Technical of Personal Autonomy and Prevention of dependency (TAP) that responds to the challenges posed through the implementation of new interventions based on the paradigm of universal accessibility and design for all people.Nos encontramos en un contexto sociodemográfico en el que aumenta progresivamente el número de personas que necesitan de cuidados, principalmente personas mayores de 65 años, colectivo mayoritario en la actualidad, en España. Ello genera que aparezcan nuevas demandas y expectativas sobre la atención prestada. Esto supone para la intervención social enfrentarse a un gran reto. Hasta el momento, las formas de intervención social y de atención proporcionados por el sistema, no parecen cubrir con plenitud las necesidades emergentes, fundamentalmente por su escasa adaptación a los nuevos contextos sociales y estilos de vida. Socialmente figuras profesionales como la del/ de la asistente personal suponen una inversión provechosa y sostenible en el contexto de la atención y prestación de servicios, puesto que, desde la praxis profesional del Trabajo Social, así como desde el prisma académico o investigador, supone una apuesta para que las personas en situación de dependencia puedan llevar a cabo su proyecto de vida con libertad e independencia. Por ello, en este trabajo se pretende por un lado visibilizar las necesidades percibidas y expresadas por las personas mayores y/o en situación de dependencia, así como sus demandas  y, por otro, definir  una nueva figura profesional conceptualizada como Técnico/a de Autonomía Personal y Prevención de la Dependencia (TAP) que de respuesta a los retos planteados a través de la implementación de las nuevas intervenciones basadas en el paradigma de accesibilidad universal y diseño para todas las personas

Puesta en marcha del Doble Grado Internacional en Derecho UCM - Sorbona en el marco de la alianza europea de universidades UNA EUROPA

Implementación de mejoras que potencien el Doble Grado Internacional en Derecho impartido conjuntamente entre la UCM y la Universidad de la Sorbona y que esta doble titulación internacional refuerce el papel de la UCM en la alianza europea UNA EUROP

All-cause mortality in the cohorts of the Spanish AIDS Research Network (RIS) compared with the general population: 1997Ł2010

Abstract Background: Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has produced significant changes in mortality of HIVinfected persons. Our objective was to estimate mortality rates, standardized mortality ratios and excess mortality rates of cohorts of the AIDS Research Network (RIS) (CoRIS-MD and CoRIS) compared to the general population. Methods: We analysed data of CoRIS-MD and CoRIS cohorts from 1997 to 2010. We calculated: (i) all-cause mortality rates, (ii) standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and (iii) excess mortality rates for both cohort for 100 personyears (py) of follow-up, comparing all-cause mortality with that of the general population of similar age and gender. Results: Between 1997 and 2010, 8,214 HIV positive subjects were included, 2,453 (29.9%) in CoRIS-MD and 5,761 (70.1%) in CoRIS and 294 deaths were registered. All-cause mortality rate was 1.02 (95% CI 0.91-1.15) per 100 py, SMR was 6.8 (95% CI 5.9-7.9) and excess mortality rate was 0.8 (95% CI 0.7-0.9) per 100 py. Mortality was higher in patients with AIDS, hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection, and those from CoRIS-MD cohort (1997. Conclusion: Mortality among HIV-positive persons remains higher than that of the general population of similar age and sex, with significant differences depending on the history of AIDS or HCV coinfection

Superdiversity and Disability: Social Changes for the Cohesion of Migrations in Europe

In recent years, international migration has changed considerably, improving our understanding of the diversity of migrants, something that until recently was viewed as a fixed pattern associated with the ethnic group in question. At the same time, in the international context, the importance and the need to recognize the rights of people with disabilities has grown. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to provide a more detailed analysis of this phenomenon in Europe, from the perspective of superdiversity, which covers the different variables that come into play, as well as the responses to the diverse needs that are provided through the action protocols in host countries. To address the objective of this research, we present a critical review of the migration policies undertaken at the European level, methodologically approached using the causal inference model. Our findings show a lack of structure of social and professional intervention policies, at the international level, towards refugees with disabilities. We conclude by presenting a series of political guidelines that rely on scientific evidence to improve the lives of migrants with disabilities

I Congreso Nacional: La Ciencia en la Educación Infantil y Primaria

Documento PDF de 236 páginas donde se resume las conferencias, ponencias, comunicaciones y carteles presentados en el I Congreso Nacional "La Ciencia en la Educación Infantil y Primaria" celebrado los días 5,6,7 y 8 de septiembre de 2001. La organización del congreso estuvo a cargo del Grupo de Extensión Científica del IMAFF del CSIC (El CSIC en la Escuela) y de la Real Sociedad Española de Física.Resumen de las ponencias, comunicaciones y posters del I Congreso Nacional "La Ciencia en la Educación Infantil y Primaria" celebrado en Granada en septiembre de 2001. El objetivo de este congreso es propiciar el acercamiento del mundo de la Ciencia al de la enseñanza en las primeras etapas. La enseñanza de la Ciencia, concebida como parte de la cultura, es un elemento fundamental de los contenidos con los que un niño tiene que contar para afrontar un mundo de creciente complejidad, en el que la Ciencia irrumpe como ingrediente cotidiano. Despertar su curiosidad y espíritu crítico, fomentar la creatividad y desarrollar destrezas y actitudes, a la vez que se transmiten contenidos científicos, son actividades esenciales para ayudarle a entender un mundo en el que el valor de la observación y la experimentación adquieren la categoría de requisito en el nuevo humanismo.Real Sociedad Española de Física. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas. Instituto de Matemáticas y Física Fundamental. Instituto de Historia. Universidad de Granada. Centro de Estudios Superiores Don Bosco. Centro de Apoyo al Profesorado de Vallecas. Parque de las Ciencias de Granada. Caja Duero. FECyTN

Aps Sustainable and Inclusive Social Volunteering: learning by doing a service stop the community (II)

El objetivo principal es consolidar el desarrollo de competencias genéricas y específicas que capacite a los y las participantes para transmitir la importancia de la Agenda 2030 en la universidad y la comunidad, desarrollando capacidades de reafirmación social para canalizar acciones encaminadas hacia los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS). A través de la metodología del Aprendizaje-Servicio se busca promover un encuentro para el trabajo conjunto, mediante la conexión entre la individualidad de las personas, el trabajo grupal y comunitario. Los fundamentos del Trabajo Social nos permitirán trabajar un enfoque de derechos, valores y compromiso. Además, se promoverá el desarrollo de habilidades para la vida desde la educación popular, la educación eco-social, el diseño universal del aprendizaje, los entornos inclusivos, la lectura fácil y los huertos eco-didácticos. En el proyecto participará un grupo de veinte voluntarios/as (estudiantes de grado y máster de la Facultad de Trabajo Social y personas externas con diversidad intelectual), puntualmente estudiantes de Bellas Artes y Estudios Estadísticos. Como Aprendizaje, las actividades formativas programadas buscan formar al voluntariado tanto en los ODS como en las capacidades comentadas anteriormente. Para su desarrollo, se contará con recursos de las entidades colaboradoras, tanto propias de la UCM como externas. Como Servicio a la Comunidad, se propondrá al voluntariado el reto de ser embajadores/as de los ODS, compartiendo su mensaje en la universidad y comunidad, desde el conocimiento científico y el reconocimiento a los demás (cultura, saberes y procesos distintos a los nuestros). La gestión operativa se realizará a tres niveles: equipo técnico, para el seguimiento y evaluación del proyecto; equipo de acompañamiento, para coordinar actividades con el voluntariado y garantizar cohesión grupal; y equipo de relaciones institucionales, para coordinar con entidades colaboradoras los espacios y agenda para las actividades con el voluntariado.The main objective is to consolidate the development of generic and specific skills that train the participants to convey the importance of the 2030 Agenda in the university and the community, developing capacities for social reaffirmation to channel actions aimed at the Sustainable Development Goals ( ODS). Through the Service-Learning methodology, it seeks to promote a meeting for joint work, through the connection between the individuality of people, group and community work. The foundations of Social Work will allow us to work on a focus on rights, values ​​and commitment. In addition, the development of life skills will be promoted from popular education, eco-social education, universal learning design, inclusive environments, easy reading and eco-didactic gardens. A group of twenty volunteers will participate in the project (undergraduate and master's students from the Faculty of Social Work and external people with intellectual diversity), occasionally students of Fine Arts and Statistical Studies. As Learning, the programmed training activities seek to train volunteers both in the SDGs and in the capacities mentioned above. For its development, there will be resources from collaborating entities, both from the UCM and from outside. As Community Service, the challenge of being ambassadors of the SDGs will be proposed to volunteers, sharing their message in the university and community, based on scientific knowledge and recognition of others (culture, knowledge and processes different from ours). Operational management will be carried out at three levels: technical team, for the monitoring and evaluation of the project; support team, to coordinate activities with volunteers and guarantee group cohesion; and institutional relations team, to coordinate with collaborating entities the spaces and agenda for volunteer activities.Depto. de Trabajo Social y Servicios SocialesFac. de Trabajo SocialTRUEServicio ApS. Universidad Complutense de Madridunpu

Contemporary use of cefazolin for MSSA infective endocarditis: analysis of a national prospective cohort

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the real use of cefazolin for methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infective endocarditis (IE) in the Spanish National Endocarditis Database (GAMES) and to compare it with antistaphylococcal penicillin (ASP). Methods: Prospective cohort study with retrospective analysis of a cohort of MSSA IE treated with cloxacillin and/or cefazolin. Outcomes assessed were relapse; intra-hospital, overall, and endocarditis-related mortality; and adverse events. Risk of renal toxicity with each treatment was evaluated separately. Results: We included 631 IE episodes caused by MSSA treated with cloxacillin and/or cefazolin. Antibiotic treatment was cloxacillin, cefazolin, or both in 537 (85%), 57 (9%), and 37 (6%) episodes, respectively. Patients treated with cefazolin had significantly higher rates of comorbidities (median Charlson Index 7, P <0.01) and previous renal failure (57.9%, P <0.01). Patients treated with cloxacillin presented higher rates of septic shock (25%, P = 0.033) and new-onset or worsening renal failure (47.3%, P = 0.024) with significantly higher rates of in-hospital mortality (38.5%, P = 0.017). One-year IE-related mortality and rate of relapses were similar between treatment groups. None of the treatments were identified as risk or protective factors. Conclusion: Our results suggest that cefazolin is a valuable option for the treatment of MSSA IE, without differences in 1-year mortality or relapses compared with cloxacillin, and might be considered equally effective