El nexo Agua-Energía-Alimentación: tendencias, intercambios e implicaciones para energías estratégicas

Tesis inedita de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Facultad de Ciencias Geológicas, Departamento de Geodinámica, leida el 05/04/2016Since the strong interdependencies between water, energy and later food were first identified, this topic has been gaining importance at the international level and for the business sector. Over the last five years, the need to characterize and understand the complex network of interconnections and interdependencies within the so called Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus has been strongly emphasized. Some of the most important knowledge gaps in the field include the following: 1. Better understanding of the whole set of interconnections, trade-offs, crossed efficiencies and synergies between the WEF systems to better inform decision makers on technical choices and best strategies; 2. More concise and harmonized conceptual and analytical frameworks for the Nexus Approach, as well as formulas to deal with complexity and guide implementation; 3. More and better quality data, particularly on availability and use of surface and especially groundwater resources, impacts of hydropower on aquatic ecosystems, water use, consumption and impacts by the energy sector, among others; 4. Need for harmonized tools and methodologies for water and energy accounting; 5. Applied case studies to identify and account for trade-offs in the local contexts; 6. Policy and regulatory coordination; and 7. Social awareness and communication around the nexus (Rodríguez et al., 2013; Hoff, 2011). Born on the eve of 2014, the United Nations’s International Year for Water & Energy, this Phd research aims to contribute to fill some of these gaps by focusing on three research objectives: 1. Tracking down and clarification of nexus trends at a global scale; 2. Discussion on the WEF nexus concept and proposal of a methodology to conduct regional assessments; 3. Elaboration of applied case studies to analyse relevant WEF nexus related problems, particularly the accountability of WEF nexus trade-offs, the analysis of impacts and contributions from hydropower, and the analysis of potential implications for water security of hydraulic fracturing. The first objective is addressed through an in depth study of the main drivers influencing the WEF nexus, together with the most important trends and current research lines. This analysis is complemented by a prospective exercise to explore the future evolution of selected variables with particularly high levels of uncertainty. It consists of a Delphi survey gathering the visions and contributions from Spanish experts on the topic. The results indicate the importance of technology innovation and transfer as the main conditioning factors to achieve energy and water security. In terms of energy, biofuels and shale gas are perceived as the energies with highest potential impacts on water quantity and especially on water quality...Desde la pionera identificación y reconocimiento de las interdependencias entre el agua, la energía y más adelante la alimentación, este tema ha venido ganando importancia a nivel internacional y empresarial. Durante el último lustro, la necesidad de expandir el conocimiento acerca del concepto e implicaciones del llamado Nexo Agua-Energía-Alimentación (AEA), definir los principios que fundamentan este enfoque e identificar sus principales retos y oportunidades se han ido fraguando en la comunidad científica, el sector privado, las organizaciones internacionales y la sociedad civil. Entre las brechas de conocimiento más reconocidas en este campo se encuentran las siguientes: 1. necesidad de una mejor comprensión del conjunto de interconexiones, intercambios, eficiencias cruzadas y sinergias entre los sistemas AEA, con el fin de informar a los gobernantes en la selección de las mejores técnicas y estrategias; 2. necesidad de un marco conceptual y analítico del Enfoque Nexo más conciso y armonizado, así como fórmulas para lidiar con la complejidad y guiar la implementación; 3. necesidad de mejorar la cantidad y calidad de datos e información, particularmente en lo referido a disponibilidad y uso de los recursos hídricos, impactos de los complejos hidroeléctricos sobre los ecosistemas acuáticos y uso, consumo e impactos de las tecnologías energéticas sobre los recursos hídricos, entre otros; 4. necesidad de herramientas y metodologías armonizadas para la contabilización de agua y energía; 5. necesidad de casos de estudio aplicados para identificar y contabilizar los intercambios en los contextos locales; 6. necesidad de coordinación política y regulatoria; 7. necesidad de concienciación social y comunicación (Rodriguez et al., 2013; Hoff, 2011). Nacida a las puertas de 2014, el Año Internacional de Naciones Unidas del Agua y la Energía, esta tesis doctoral pretende unirse a los amplios esfuerzos por aportar algo de luz sobre este tema, mediante el desarrollo de tres objetivos: 1. seguimiento y clarificación de tendencias a escala global; 2. discusión del concepto del Nexo AEA y propuesta de una metodología para realizar análisis regionales; 3. elaboración de casos de estudio para analizar problemáticas relevantes relacionadas con el nexo, particularmente la contabilización de intercambios, el análisis de impactos y contribuciones de la hidroeléctrica, y el análisis de potenciales implicaciones de la fractura hidráulica para la seguridad hídrica...Depto. de Geodinámica, Estratigrafía y PaleontologíaFac. de Ciencias GeológicasTRUEunpu

An Ising Model for Metal-Organic Frameworks

We present a three-dimensional Ising model where lines of equal spins are frozen in such that they form an ordered framework structure. The frame spins impose an external field on the rest of the spins (active spins). We demonstrate that this "porous Ising model" can be seen as a minimal model for condensation transitions of gas molecules in metal-organic frameworks. Using Monte Carlo simulation techniques, we compare the phase behavior of a porous Ising model with that of a particle-based model for the condensation of methane (CH$_4$) in the isoreticular metal-organic framework IRMOF-16. For both models, we find a line of first-order phase transitions that end in a critical point. We show that the critical behavior in both cases belongs to the 3D Ising universality class, in contrast to other phase transitions in confinement such as capillary condensation.Comment: 11 pages, 9 figure

ANTIPROLIFERATIVE AND APOPTOTIC EFFECTS OF FICUS PSEUDOPALMA BLANCO (MORACEAE) AGAINST HEPATOCARCINOMA (HepG2)

Objectives.Hepatocellular carcinoma is the third most frequent cause of cancer-related death in the Philippines.  The prevalence of this disease continuously pose a great challenge to the medical and health sectors of the country, especially in discovering safe, efficacious and cheap alternative medicines with less or no adverse side effects.  Among our endemic medicinal plant species that belong to Moraceae family, Ficus pseudopalma remains understudied.  To our knowledge, there are no reports into the molecular mechanisms underlying the growth inhibitory effects of F.  pseudopalma against hepatocellular carcinoma.  We provided evidence that F.  pseudopalma enhances apoptotic cell death of HepG2, specifically targeting DNA damage. Methods. To assess the apoptotic and genotoxic abilities of the plant extract, trypan blue exclusion test, MTT, Comet, TUNEL and Caspase-3 activations assays were performed.  Results. Results showed that the crude extract of F. pseudopalma dose-dependently inhibited cell growth of HepG2 recording an IC50 of 353.342µg/mL.  Interestingly, all assays indicated apoptotic DNA fragmentation of HepG2 cells at concentrations of 300µg/ml and 1000µg/ml.  In particular, changes in morphological features such as aggregation of chromatin, cell shrinkage, and formation of apoptotic bodies were also observed in treated HepG2 cells.Conclusion. The data strongly suggest that F. pseudopalma may be used as an alternative, natural, cheap, readily available, and potent cancer chemoprotective agent by inhibiting cell growth and promoting cell death.  The study provides the first molecular evidence on the plant that induces apoptosis for the development of phytotherapeutic regimen for cancer prevention or treatment. Keywords:Ficus pseudopalma, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, Comet assay, TUNEL assay, caspase assa

Malaria Parasites in the Asymptomatic: Looking for the Hay in the Haystack

With malaria elimination back on the international agenda, programs face the challenge of targeting all Plasmodium infections, not only symptomatic cases. As asymptomatic individuals are unlikely to seek treatment, they are missed by passive surveillance while remaining infectious to mosquitoes, thus acting as silent reservoirs of transmission. To estimate the risk of asymptomatic infections in various phases of malaria elimination, we need a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms favoring carriage over disease, which may involve both pathogen and host factors. Here we review our current knowledge on the determinants leading to Plasmodium falciparum symptomless infections. Understanding the host-pathogen interactions that are most likely to affect transitions between malaria disease states could guide the development of tools to tackle asymptomatic carriers in elimination settings

Modelo balanced scorecard para el instituto de educación técnica profesional – Intep de Roldanillo Valle del Cauca

Las instituciones del sector educativo, en especial las de carácter público, se ven abocadas por la necesidad de basar su direccionamiento estratégico, en información en tiempo real, para la toma de decisiones, la consecución de sus objetivos estratégicos y el logro de la visión institucional, al uso de herramientas de gestión como el Balanced Scorecard o Tablero de Mando Integral, introducida por los autores Kaplan y Norton (1992), que le permita medir la gestión de calidad y gestionar a través de resultados, modelo que se diseñó en beneficio del Instituto de Educación Técnica Profesional – INTEP de Roldanillo Valle del Cauca, que es una Institución Oficial de Educación Superior Redefinida por Ciclos Secuenciales y Complementarios con Programas de Alta Calidad Académica y Registro Calificado de todos sus programas, con una trayectoria de 35 años en la formación de los profesionales que requiere el país. PalabrasThe institutions of the educational sector, especially those of public character, meet led by the need to base his strategic addressing, in real time information, for the capture of decisions, the attainment of his strategic aims and the achievement of the institutional vision, to the use of management tools as the Balanced Scorecard or Board of Integral Control, introduced by the authors Kaplan and Norton (1992), who allows him to measure the qualit management and to manage across results, model who was designed in benefit of the Institute of Technical Professional Education, that is one the first Official Institution of Top Education Professional Technology with Programs of high academic quality and Qualified Record of all his programs, with a path of 35 years in the formation of the professionals that needs the country

Innovación educativa en España desde el punto de vista de sus protagonistas

En este artículo presentamos un resumen de una investigación más amplia relacionada con el análisis de la innovación educativa en España. En el artículo analizamos los datos provenientes de 933 proyectos de innovación docente que respondieron a un cuestionario. Los resultados describen los orígenes de los proyectos de innovación, sus contenidos, procesos de trabajo, resultados y dificultades en implantación y difusión

Satisfaction of patients with mechanical neck disorders attended to by primary care physical therapists

8 p.Objective: To describe the satisfaction and expectations of the patients with neck pain with relation to the physical therapy received and to analyse the relationship between the patient's characteristics and his degree of satisfaction and expectation. Design: This study is performed in the setting of a random clinical trial. Participants: Subjects between 18 and 60 years of age with subacute mechanical neck disorders. Main variables: Patient's expectations and satisfaction with the received treatment (scale similar to Likert's Scale). OTHER VARIABLES: Pain intensity, episodes of previous neck pain, depression and anxiety symptoms (Goldberg Scale), age and gender, physical disability, general state of health, duration of the present episode of neck pain, regular exercise and regular consumption of medicines. Results and conclusions: A total of 90 patients were studied. The mean age was 40.1 years and 88.9% were female. Thirteen per cent of the subjects expected partial relief, 60% expected good recovery and 27% expected complete recovery. Those patients who have not suffered previous episodes of neck pain and those who have a higher score on the Goldberg Scale have a higher expectation of recovering after the treatment. About patients' satisfaction after the intervention, 2% totally unsatisfied, 1% very unsatisfied, 2% somewhat unsatisfied, 2% indifferent, 17% somewhat satisfied, 42% very satisfied and 30% totally satisfied. Those patients who experienced a greater decrease in pain were more satisfied. It would be interesting to study in depth the measurement of patients' satisfaction with the received physical therapy and to extend it to other pathologies.Fondo de Investigación Sanitari

Effect of genotyping strategies on the sustained benefit of single-step genomic BLUP over multiple generations

BACKGROUND: Single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction (ssGBLUP) allows the inclusion of information from genotyped and ungenotyped individuals in a single analysis. This avoids the need to genotype all candidates with the potential benefit of reducing overall costs. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of genotyping strategies, the proportion of genotyped candidates and the genotyping criterion to rank candidates to be genotyped, when using ssGBLUP evaluation. A simulation study was carried out assuming selection over several discrete generations where a proportion of the candidates were genotyped and evaluation was done using ssGBLUP. The scenarios compared were: (i) three genotyping strategies defined by their protocol for choosing candidates to be genotyped (RANDOM: candidates were chosen at random; TOP: candidates with the best genotyping criterion were genotyped; and EXTREME: candidates with the best and worse criterion were genotyped); (ii) eight proportions of genotyped candidates (p); and (iii) two genotyping criteria to rank candidates to be genotyped (candidates’ own phenotype or estimated breeding values). The criteria of the comparison were the cumulated gain and reliability of the genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV). RESULTS: The genotyping strategy with the greatest cumulated gain was TOP followed by RANDOM, with EXTREME behaving as RANDOM at low p and as TOP with high p. However, the reliability of GEBV was higher with RANDOM than with TOP. This disparity between the trend of the gain and the reliability is due to the TOP scheme genotyping the candidates with the greater chances of being selected. The extra gain obtained with TOP increases when the accuracy of the selection criterion to rank candidates to be genotyped increases. CONCLUSIONS: The best strategy to maximise genetic gain when only a proportion of the candidates are to be genotyped is TOP, since it prioritises the genotyping of candidates which are more likely to be selected. However, the strategy with the greatest GEBV reliability does not achieve the largest gain, thus reliability cannot be considered as an absolute and sufficient criterion for determining the scheme which maximises genetic gain. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12711-022-00712-y

Effect of Lactobacillus salivarius Dietary Supplementation on the Antioxidant Biomarkers of the Freshwater Shrimp Macrobrachium rosenbergii

The shrimp aquaculture is one of the most important livelihoods in the Philippines. Although there is an observed boost in the production of shrimps in the Philippines, there are remaining problems that are needed to be resolved. Bacterial and viral infections in shrimps have significantly affected its mortality, resulting in lower production and yield. In order to prevent or lessen this effect, various researches have been made to increase the resistance of shrimps against infections. In this study, a probiotic microorganism, Lactobacillus salivarius was used as a dietary supplementation for Macrobrachium rosenbergii and see its influence on the antioxidant biomarkers and temperature stress tolerance of the shrimp. Three concentrations of L. salivarius (1.0x107, 1.0x108, and 1.0x109 cells/g) were initially tested for its effect towards the oxidative stress tolerance and the oxygen consumption of the shrimp. The study involved the use of various antioxidant biomarkers including total glutathione (tGSH), catalase enzyme activity, and lipid peroxidation. Results showed that 1.0x108 cell/g of L. salivarius was the most effective concentration of probiotic microorganism per weight of feeds in improving the metabolic rate of the shrimp. Oxidative stress tolerance levels were observed to be increasing in terms of the catalase reaction (12.46 and 21.74 nmole/min) and lipid peroxidation (1.4X10-7 and 1.49X10-7 nmole MDA/mg protein) on both hepatopancreas and muscles tissues when the shrimp was fed with supplemented feeds. Also, high oxidant stress biomarkers were more evident on the hepatopancreas than the muscles