A computational framework for informing decision in relation to environmental impact of wastewater discharges

Multi-objective optimization combined with numerical simulation are useful tools for environmental sciences. Using these methods, the treatment and discharge of wastewater in large waterbodies (estuaries, rivers, lakes. . . ) - one of the essential problems in environmental management - can be analyzed in order to avoid the usual controversy between economic and ecological interests. In this article we present a decision support software system referred to as Simulating Optimal Solutions (SOS). Software SOS is a Matlab toolbox (interfaced with Fortran codes for mathematical computation of hydro- dynamics and contaminant dispersion) to assess in decision making related to treatment intensity in different purifying plants. The program allows a flexible analysis both from a cooperative viewpoint (Pareto optimality) and a non-cooperative one (Nash equilibria). A realistic example posed in Arousa estuary (NW Spain) helps us to show its capabilities

A standardised approach to the biomechanical evaluation of tracheal grafts

[EN] The ideal tracheal substitute must have biomechanical properties comparable to the native trachea, but currently there is no standardised approach to evaluating these properties. Here we propose a novel method for evaluating and comparing the properties of tracheal substitutes, thus systematising both measurement and data curation. This system was tested by comparing native rabbit tracheas to frozen and decellularised specimens and determining the histological characteristics of those specimens. We performed radial compression tests on the anteroposterior tracheal axis and longitudinal axial tensile tests with the specimens anastomosed to the jaw connected to a measuring system. All calculations and results were adjusted according to tracheal size, always using variables relative to the tracheal dimensions, thus permitting comparison of different sized organs. The biomechanical properties of the decellularised specimens were only slightly reduced compared to controls and significant in regard to the maximum stress withstood in the longitudinal axis (-0.246 MPa CI [-0.248, -0.145] MPa) and the energy stored per volume unit (-0.124 mJ & BULL;mm(-3) CI [-0.195, -0.055] mJ & BULL;mm(-3)). The proposed method is suitable for the systematic characterisation of the biomechanical properties of different tracheal substitutes, regardless of the size or nature of the substitute, thus allowing for direct comparisons.This research was funded by the 2018 Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery grant to National Multicentric Study [Number 180101 to N.J.M.-H.] and [PI16-01315 to M.M.-R.] from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III. CIBERER is funded by the VI National R&D&I Plan 2008-2011, Iniciativa Ingenio 2010, Consolider Program, CIBER Actions and the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, with assistance from the European Regional Development Fund.Martínez-Hernández, NJ.; Más Estellés, J.; Milián-Medina, L.; Martínez-Ramos, C.; Cerón-Navarro, J.; Galbis-Caravajal, J.; Roig-Bataller, A.... (2021). A standardised approach to the biomechanical evaluation of tracheal grafts. Biomolecules. 11(10):1-12. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11101461S112111

Reflectividad, transmisión y actividad fotoinducida del RNiO3 (r=Pr,Sm) en el infrarrojo

Con el fin de esclarecer el mecanismo responsable de la transición metal-aislador que experimentan RNiO₃, (R - Pr, Sm) a Tm.a ∼135K y ∼403K respectivamente, se ha estudiado con espectroscopia infrarroja la evolución con la temperatura de los espectros de reflectividad, transmisión y la actividad fotoinducida. Los espectros de reflectividad se ajustaron por medio de una simulación de la función dieléctrica mediante un modelo clásico de osciladores de Lorentz amortiguados a los que se agregó un término de Drude para describir el comportamiento del plasma. La conductividad óptica experimental así determinada ha sido analizada empleando la teoría de pequeños polarones de Heese v Reik. El análisis de los espectros de reflectividad y el excelente acuerdo hallado entre la teoría de pequeños polarones y los resultados experimentales nos ha permitido verificar la intensidad de la interacción electrón-fonón y así confirmar la participación determinante de fonones en las propiedades de transporte de RNi0₃ (R=Pr, Sm). De esta manera, la transición metal-aislador esta directamente relacionada con la localización a TM.A de electrones auto atrapados en entornos polarónicos.Centro de Química Inorgánic

Reflectividad, transmisión y actividad fotoinducida del RNiO3 (r=Pr,Sm) en el infrarrojo

Con el fin de esclarecer el mecanismo responsable de la transición metal-aislador que experimentan RNiO₃, (R - Pr, Sm) a Tm.a ∼135K y ∼403K respectivamente, se ha estudiado con espectroscopia infrarroja la evolución con la temperatura de los espectros de reflectividad, transmisión y la actividad fotoinducida. Los espectros de reflectividad se ajustaron por medio de una simulación de la función dieléctrica mediante un modelo clásico de osciladores de Lorentz amortiguados a los que se agregó un término de Drude para describir el comportamiento del plasma. La conductividad óptica experimental así determinada ha sido analizada empleando la teoría de pequeños polarones de Heese v Reik. El análisis de los espectros de reflectividad y el excelente acuerdo hallado entre la teoría de pequeños polarones y los resultados experimentales nos ha permitido verificar la intensidad de la interacción electrón-fonón y así confirmar la participación determinante de fonones en las propiedades de transporte de RNi0₃ (R=Pr, Sm). De esta manera, la transición metal-aislador esta directamente relacionada con la localización a TM.A de electrones auto atrapados en entornos polarónicos.Centro de Química Inorgánic

Wetlands of the Chirripó National Park, Costa Rica: characteristics, geomorphological relationships and climate change scenarios.

The geomorphological, climatological and hydrological characteristics of the high Andean wetlands of the Chirripó National Park (PNCh) are analyzed. The PNCh is located in south-central Costa Rica, Central America. This analysis includes a geomorphological survey on a 1: 25 000 scale of the relief forms and processes, particularly those of glacial origin. The National Wetland Inventory carried out by the Wetlands Project (UNDP-SINAC-GEF) was also used, along with different climate change projections corresponding to the scenarios for the 2039-2059 and 2079-2099 horizons. The main objective is to characterize the current state of these ecosystems, to explain how and why they are formed, as well as to assess the possible implications in the hydrological cycle and the water supply of these wetlands due to future climate variations. The results showed the relevance of these natural reservoirs in maintaining the ecological dynamics of the PNCh. We also studied the services of water provision and regulation of the hydrological cycle in the basins that compose this protected area.Universidad de Costa Rica/[805-B6-143]/UCR/Costa RicaUniversidad de Costa Rica/[805-B4-227]/UCR/Costa RicaUniversidad de Costa Rica/[805-B0-065]/UCR/Costa RicaUniversidad de Costa Rica/[805-A9-532]/UCR/Costa RicaUniversidad de Costa Rica/[805-B0-810]/UCR/Costa RicaUniversidad de Costa Rica/[805-B7-286]/UCR/Costa RicaUniversidad de Costa Rica/[805-B7-507]/UCR/Costa RicaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Básicas::Centro de Investigaciones Geofísicas (CIGEFI)UCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Sociales::Facultad de Ciencias Sociales::Escuela de GeografíaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Básicas::Facultad de Ciencias::Escuela de FísicaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Básicas::Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología (CIMAR

Optimization of a decellularized protocol of porcine tracheas. Long-term effects of cryopreservation. A histological study

[EN] Objective: The aim of this study was to optimize a decellularization protocol in the trachea of Sus scrofa domestica (pig) as well as to study the effects of long-term cryopreservation on the extracellular matrix of decellularized tracheas. Methods: Porcine tracheas were decellularized using Triton X-100, SDC, and SDS alone or in combination. The effect of these detergents on the extracellular matrix characteristics of decellularized porcine tracheas was evaluated at the histological, biomechanical, and biocompatibility level. Morphometric approaches were used to estimate the effect of detergents on the collagen and elastic fibers content as well as on the removal of chondrocytes from decellularized organs. Moreover, the long-term structural, ultrastructural, and biomechanical effect of cryopreservation of decellularized tracheas were also estimated. Results: Two percent SDS was the most effective detergent tested concerning cell removal and preservation of the histological and biomechanical properties of the tracheal wall. However, long-term cryopreservation had no an appreciable effect on the structure, ultrastructure, and biomechanics of decellularized tracheal rings. Conclusion: The results presented here reinforce the use of SDS as a valuable decellularizing agent for porcine tracheas. Furthermore, a cryogenic preservation protocol is described, which has minimal impact on the histological and biomechanical properties of decellularized porcine tracheas.The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This work was supported by grants MAT2016-76039-C4-2-R (MST) and PID2019-106099RB-C42 (MM) from the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness of the Spanish Government, by grant PI16-01315 from the ISCIII (Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades, Spain), and by grant PROMETEO/2020/069 (CC) from the local government of the Comunitat Valenciana (Spain), CIBER-BBN and CIBERER are funded by the VI National R&D&I Plan 2008-2011, Iniciativa Ingenio 2010, Consolider Program, CIBER Actions, and the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, with assistance from the European Regional Development Fund.Milián, L.; Sancho-Tello, M.; Roig-Soriano, J.; Foschini, G.; Martínez-Hernández, NJ.; Más Estellés, J.; Ruiz-Sauri, A.... (2021). Optimization of a decellularized protocol of porcine tracheas. Long-term effects of cryopreservation. A histological study. The International Journal of Artificial Organs. 44(12):998-1012. https://doi.org/10.1177/03913988211008912S9981012441

Tisanópteros asociados al limón mexicano (Citrus x aurantifolia (Christm) Swingle) en Apatzingán, Michoacán, México

Objetive. to determine taxonomically the species of Thysanoptera in Mexican lime (Citrus xaurantifolia (Christm) Swingle), to understand their fluctuation and population density, andto calculate their interaction with rainfall.Design/methodology/approach. a simple random sample was used. The collections andsamples were carried out every 15 days, in 10 trees, and in 10 vegetative shoots. Thevegetative parts were washed with soap solution, to separate the thrips that were placed inentomologic containers with alcohol at 70 %. In total, 375 pieces of micromounting wereprepared. The taxonomic determination was by comparison. To understand the interaction ofThysanoptera with rainfall, the information was analyzed through a square polynomial, withthe RS REG. SAS method. 2 Results. the number of Thysanoptera collected was 4968. The species Scolothripssexmaculatus was dominant, followed by Scirtothrips citri, Frankliniella cephalica, and F.bispinosa. Four predator species of mites and thrips were identified: Scolothripssexmaculatus, Leptothrips mcconelli, Stomatothrips brunneus and Scolothrips palidus. Anadult specimen of the genus Microcephalothrips sp. 1 was found, two individuals of thegenera Liothrips and Microcephalothrips sp. 2, and seven of the genus Karnyothrips, whosespecies were not identified. A peak in the fluctuation and population density was detected,which corresponded to the months of January to April. The effect of rainfall was determinant.Limitations on study/implications. Civil unsafety and decapitalization of the lime productsystem.Findings/conclusions. Five dominating species were present in the three localities:Scolothrips sexmaculatus, Scirtothrips citri, Frankliniella bispinosa, F. cephacila and F.curticornis.Objetivo: determinar taxonómicamente las especies de tisanópteros en limón mexicano (Citrus x aurantifolia (Christm) Swingle), conocer su fluctuación y densidad poblacional, y calcular la interacción con la precipitación pluvial.Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Se utilizó un muestreo aleatorio simple. Las recolectasy muestreos fueron realizados cada 15 d, en diez árboles, y en diez brotes vegetativos. Las partes vegetativas fueron lavadas con una solución jabonosa, para separar a los trips, que fueron depositados en frascos entomológicos con alcohol a 70%. En total, se prepararon 375 micromontajes. La determinación taxonómica fue por comparación. Para conocer la 3 interacción de los tisanópteros con la precipitación pluvial, la información se analizó mediante un polinomio cuadrado, con el método RS REG. SAS.Resultados: Se obtuvieron 4968 tisanópteros. La especie Scolothrips sexmaculatus fuedominante, seguida de Scirtothrips citri, Frankliniella cephalica, y F. bispinosa. Seidentificaron cuatro especies depredadoras de ácaros y trips: Scolothrips sexmaculatus,Leptothrips mcconelli, Stomatothrips brunneus y Scolothrips palidus. Se encontró un ejemplaradulto del género Microcephalothrips sp. 1, dos individuos de los géneros Liothrips yMicrocephalothrips sp. 2 y siete del género Karnyothrips cuyas especies no se identificaron.Se detectó un pico en la fluctuación y densidad poblacional, que correspondió a los meses deenero a abril. El efecto de la precipitación pluvial fue determinante.Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: Inseguridad civil, y descapitalización del sistema producto limón.Hallazgos/conclusiones: En las tres localidades, se presentaron cinco especies dominantes: Scolothrips sexmaculatus, Scirtothrips citri, Frankliniella bispinosa, F. cephacilay F. curticornis

Raman and infrared spectroscopy of Sr2B′UO6 (B′ = Ni; Co) double perovskites

Temperature dependent normal modes and lattice thermal expansion of Sr 2B′UO6 (B′ = Ni, Co) double perovskites were investigated by Raman/infrared spectroscopies and synchrotron X-ray diffraction, respectively. Monoclinic crystal structures with space group P21/n were confirmed for both compounds, with no clear structural phase transition between 10 and 400 K. As predicted for this structure, the first-order Raman and infrared spectra show a plethora of active modes. In addition, the Raman spectra reveal an enhancement of the integrated area of an oxygen stretching mode, which is also observed in higher-order Raman modes, and an anomalous softening of ∼1 cm-1 upon cooling below T* ∼ 300 K. In contrast, the infrared spectra show conventional temperature dependence. The band profile phonon anomalies are possibly related to an unspecified electronic property of Sr2B′UO6 (B′ = Ni, Co).Centro de Química Inorgánic

Raman and infrared spectroscopy of Sr2B′UO6 (B′ = Ni; Co) double perovskites

Temperature dependent normal modes and lattice thermal expansion of Sr 2B′UO6 (B′ = Ni, Co) double perovskites were investigated by Raman/infrared spectroscopies and synchrotron X-ray diffraction, respectively. Monoclinic crystal structures with space group P21/n were confirmed for both compounds, with no clear structural phase transition between 10 and 400 K. As predicted for this structure, the first-order Raman and infrared spectra show a plethora of active modes. In addition, the Raman spectra reveal an enhancement of the integrated area of an oxygen stretching mode, which is also observed in higher-order Raman modes, and an anomalous softening of ∼1 cm-1 upon cooling below T* ∼ 300 K. In contrast, the infrared spectra show conventional temperature dependence. The band profile phonon anomalies are possibly related to an unspecified electronic property of Sr2B′UO6 (B′ = Ni, Co).Centro de Química Inorgánic

Especies forestales y arbustivas asociadas a Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) en el norte de Nayarit, México

The presence of pink hibiscus mealybug (PHM), Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), causes environmental and socioeconomic damage in Nayarit, México. Thispest demands studies in order to help develop a management program that includes the knowledge of their hosts. The objectives of this study were to determine the hosts of this pest, such as trees or shrubs, and to know the levels of infestation on them. In 2009 there were selected and sampled 9235 points that included areas such as marginal, urban, agricultural, forestry and nurseries in seven municipalities of northern Nayarit. Also there 37 species were checked as possible host. The insect was present in 1070 points (11.6%), of them 94% presented an infestation at level one (low), to level two 5.6% (medium), and only 0.4% to level three (high). The most infested areas were the marginal (69.3%) and urban (24.9%); the municipalities with higher infestations were Tuxpan, Ruiz, and Rosamorada with an average of 35.2, 22.3, and 12.4%, respectively. About host plants there were recorded 24 species, included in nine botanical families, predominantly those belonging to the family Leguminosae; five of the identified plant species corresponded to new reports with PHM presence in the world. The most abundant and preferred to PHM were three leguminous species; however, the plant species that was present in all municipalities and predominant was Acacia cochliacantha Schlecht & Cham (30.9% infestation), followed by Mimosa pigra L. (19.3%) and Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth (14.5%).La presencia de cochinilla rosada del hibisco (CRH), Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), causa serios daños ecológicos y socioeconómicos en Nayarit, México, por lo que demanda la realización de estudios que contribuyan a establecer un programa de manejo de esta plaga, entre los cuales resalta el conocimiento de sus hospederos. Los objetivos del estudio fueronconocer en que especies forestales y arbustivas del norte del estado se presenta este insecto y cuáles son sus niveles de infestación. Durante 2009 se seleccionaron 9235 puntos de muestreo, incluyendoáreas marginales, urbana, agrícola, forestal y viveros en siete municipios del norte de Nayarit; también se inspeccionaron 37 especies vegetales como posibles hospederos. El insecto estuvo presente en 1070 de los puntos muestreados (11.6%) y de ellos el 94% presentó un nivel de infestación 1 (bajo), para el nivel 2 (medio) 5.6% y para el 3 (alto) sólo el 0.4%. Las áreas que presentaron las mayores infestaciones fueron: las marginales (69.3%) y la urbana (24.9%); los municipios más afectados fueron Tuxpan, Ruíz y Rosamorada, con infestaciones promedio de 35.2, 22.3 y 12.4%, respectivamente. Con respecto a las plantas hospederas se registraron 24 especies, mismas que se encuentran incluidas en nueve familias botánicas, con predominio de las Leguminosae; cinco de las especies identificadas correspondieron anuevos registros como hospederos de CRH en el mundo. Tres leguminosas resultaron ser las más abundantes y también de las más preferidas por CRH, Acacia cochliacantha Schlecht & Cham fue la especie  predominante ya que se encontró en todos los municipios (30.9% de infestación), seguida por Mimosa pigra L. (19.3%) y Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth (14.5%)