CO-PrOx over nano-Au/TiO2: Monolithic catalyst performance and empirical kinetic model fitting

In this work, the performance of ceramic monoliths washcoated with Au/TiO2 is studied on CO preferential oxidation (CO-PrOx) reaction in H2-rich environments under a wide range of operating conditions of practical interest. The parameter estimation of a nonlinear kinetic empirical model representing this system is made via genetic algorithms by fitting the model predictions against our laboratory observations. Parameter uncertainty leading to inaccurate predictions is often present when kinetic models with nonlinear rate equations are considered. Here, after the fitting was concluded, a statistical study was conducted to determine the accuracy of the parameter estimation. Activation energies of ca. 30 kJ/mol and 55 kJ/mol were adjusted for CO and H2 oxidations, respectively. The catalyst showed appropriate activity and selectivity values on the CO oxidation on a H2-rich environment. After ca. 45 h on stream the catalyst showed no deactivation. Results show that the model is suitable for reproducing the behavior of the CO-PrOx reactions and it can be used in the design of reactors for hydrogen purification.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Aggressive behavior in adolescence as a predictor of personal, family, and school adjustment problems

Background: The goal of the present study was to determine the extent to which aggressive behavior towards peers predicts greater personal, school, and family maladjustment in adolescent aggressors of both sexes. Method: The sample consisted of 1510 Spanish adolescents from 12 to 17 years old, who anonymously and voluntarily completed self-report questionnaires. Results: Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that, regarding personal adjustment, aggressive behavior was significantly associated with high scores in depressive symptomatology, perceived stress and loneliness, and low scores in self-esteem, life satisfaction and empathy, for both sexes. In the school setting, aggressive behavior was related to low scores in academic engagement, friends in the classroom, perception of teacher support, and a positive attitude towards school. At the family level, significant relationships were observed between aggressive behavior and high scores in offensive communication and family conflict, and low scores in open communication with parents, general expressiveness, and family cohesion. Conclusions: In cases of peer violence it is necessary to give urgent attention to all those involved, since maladjustment in aggressors can be predicted in many levels of intervention

Modelling the problem of parcel distribution in urban environments and analysis of the determining factors

This research has the objective to develop a model for the location selection of Automated Parcel Delivery Terminals to optimize the overall service, increasing satisfaction and consumption of users and reducing costs. A combination of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology with a geographic information system (GIS) has been applied to identify the influencing factors and perform the analysis of the alternatives. A case study focused on the city of Zaragoza, and specifically to a Spanish postal parcel delivery company, has been carried out to assess the model behavior. For this, a representative sampling of the postal districts and sections of Zaragoza has been performed, identifying the characteristics of the study areas. Next, sections and all possible locations have been identified and selected for study. Finally, the AHP methodology has been applied for the prioritization of alternatives. Results have shown that the operative criterion, accessibility (both pedestrian and with vehicle), time availability and safety are the most important elements to focus on, for solving the location selection problem. In addition, the use of GIS allows analyzing diverse urban areas in an agile and effective way

Hydroponics as a valid tool to assess arsenic availability in mine soils

The low solubility of As in mine soils limits its phytoavailability. This makes the extrapolation of data obtained under hydroponic conditions unrealistic because the concentration in nutrient solution frequently overexposes plants to this metalloid. This work evaluates whether As supply in hydroponics resembles, to some extent, the As phytoavailable fraction in soils and the implications for phytoremediation. Phytotoxicity of As, in terms of biomass production, chlorophyll levels, and As concentrations in plants, was estimated and compared in both soils and hydroponics. In order for hydroponic conditions to be compared to soil conditions, plant exposure levels were measured in both cultures. Hydroponic As concentration ranging from 2-8 μM equated to the same plant organ concentrations from soils with 700-3000 mg kg-1. Total and extractable As fractions exceeded those values, but As concentrations in pore water were bellow them. According to our results (i) hydroponics should include doses in the range 0-10 μM As to allow the extrapolation of the results to As-polluted soils, and (ii) phytoextraction of As in mining sites will be limited by low As phytoavailabilityThis study was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science, project CTM 2007-66401-CO2/TECNO, and by Comunidad de Madrid, project S-0505/AMB/029

Role of fibre in broiler diets - Firend or foe?

The fibrous fraction of the feeds encompasses a group of heterogeneous compounds differing in chemical composition and physical properties (Graham and Aman, 1991, Bach Knudsen, 2001). Dietary fiber is the most used term to define the fiber fraction of ingredients and feeds, and includes cell walls, stored non-starch polysaccharides (NSP), and lignin (Bach Knudsen, 2001). Based on their physico-chemical properties, DF can be divided into soluble and insoluble fractions with distinct effects on digestive physiology and animal metabolism. Consequently, the benefits of fiber inclusion in poultry diets will vary depending on factors such as characteristics of the fiber source, type of bird, and digestive health status

Effects of the inclusion of oat hulls or sugar beet pulp in the diet on gizzard characteristics, apparent ileal digestibility of nutrients, and microbial count in the ceca in 36 day old broilers reared on floor

The effects of the inclusion of oat hulls (OH) and sugar beet pulp (SBP) in the diet on gizzard characteristics, apparent ileal nutrient digestibility (AID), and Clostridium perfringens, Enterobacteriaceae, and Lactobacillus proliferation in the ceca were studied in 36 d?old broilers. There were a control diet with a low CF content (1.61%) and 2 additional diets that resulted from the dilution of this feed with 5% of either OH or SBP

Maniobrabilidad de buques: pruebas a escala real del Buque Patrullero de Apoyo Fluvial de la Armada de Colombia

Methodology and results of full scale maneuvering trials for Riverine Support Patrol Vessel “RSPV”, built by COTECMAR for the Colombian Navy are presented. This ship is equipped with a “Pump – Jet” propulsion system and the hull corresponds to a wide-hull with a high Beam – Draft ratio (B/T=9.5). Tests were based on the results of simulation of turning diameters obtained from TRIBON M3˝ design software, applying techniques of Design of Experiments “DOE”, to rationalize the number of runs in different conditions of water depth, ship speed, and rudder angle. Results validate the excellent performance of this class of ship and show that turning diameter and other maneuvering characteristics improve with decreasing water depth.En el presente trabajo se presenta la metodología y los resultados de las pruebas de maniobrabilidad a escala real del Buque Patrullero de Apoyo Fluvial Pesado “PAF-P”, construido por COTECMAR para la Armada Nacional de Colombia. El buque está equipado con un sistema de propulsión de bomba de agua tipo “Pump – Jet” y su casco corresponde a un casco con una relación Manga – Calado muy alta (B/T = 9.5). Las pruebas se basaron en los resultados de simulación de círculos evolutivos obtenidos en el software de Diseño TRIBON M3©, aplicando técnicas de Diseño de Experimentos “DOE”, para racionalizar el número de corridas en diferentes condiciones de profundidad, velocidad y ángulo de timón. Los resultados validan el excelente desempeño de esta clase de buques y muestran que el diámetro de giro y otras características de maniobrabilidad mejoran con la disminución de la profundidad

Unraveling Heterogeneities in Mindfulness Profiles: a Review and Latent Profile Analysis of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire Short‑Form (FFMQ‑SF) in the Spanish Population.

Objectives The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) is one of the most common self-report instruments used in scientific literature to assess mindfulness. However, mixed evidence has been provided regarding its psychometric properties. Among them, the FFMQ seems to present latent classes or profiles with specific patterns in its facets, which might explain said mixed evidence. This study explores mindfulness profiles in the Spanish population using the short form of the FFMQ (FFMQ-SF) and its relations with relevant constructs (i.e., decentering, self-compassion, psychological well-being, psychopathology, positive and negative states). Methods A general population sample of 826 participants completed instruments measuring mindfulness and related constructs. Latent profile analyses were applied to the FFMQ-SF facets, and profile membership of participants was estimated for relations with related constructs. Results Three latent profiles were found: General Mindfulness, Judgmentally Observing, and Non-judgmentally Aware. General Mindfulness showed expected relations with other constructs, but the other two profiles showed some relations opposite to prior literature: The Judgmentally Observing profile displayed functional behaviors while the Non-judgmentally Aware profile showed an inverse mitigated pattern. Results could not be explained by gender, age, level of studies, or minimum experience with meditation. Conclusions Most people (68%) fall into mindfulness profiles that can be regarded as a continuum (e.g., an overall mindfulness factor). However, the FFMQ-SF shows heterogeneities in its facets due to two unique latent profiles, namely “Judgmentally Observing” (7.4%) and “Non-judgmentally Aware” (24.8%). While the structure of these profiles was replicated, relations with relevant psychological constructs contradicted previous literature. Implications and recommendations for future studies are discussed.post-print1029 K

Job resources and recovery experiences to face difficulties in emotion regulation at work: a diary study among nurses

The present study examines the role of daily difficulties in emotion regulation at work in nurse’s daily well-being and how certain job resources and recovery experiences influence this relationship. We hypothesized that daily difficulties to regulate emotions at work would be significantly and positively related to emotional exhaustion at work in the afternoon, and to fatigue and negative affect at home at night. Moreover, we hypothesized that co-worker and supervisor support, as well as psychological detachment and relaxation, would buffer the negative impact of these difficulties on the outcomes. Seventy-four nurses from various Spanish hospitals and primary health care centres completed a general questionnaire and a diary booklet over 5 consecutive workdays at two different moments, after work and at night (N = 74 participants and N = 370 observations). The results of multilevel analyses showed that nurses’ daily difficulties in emotion regulation have a direct effect on daily emotional exhaustion at work, and on fatigue and negative affect at home at night. We also found that co-worker support, psychological detachment and relaxation minimize the unfavourable effects on well-being of difficulties in emotion regulation. Limitations and implications for nursing and other health occupations are mentionedThis research was supported by a grant Formación de Profesorado Universitario (FPU) from the Spanish Ministry of Education and by a project from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (FEM2012-34692

Effects of the inclusion of sunflower hulls in the diet on growth performance and digestive tract traits of broilers and pullets fed a broiler diet from zero to 21 d of age. A comparative study

The effects of including 3% sunflower hulls (SFH) in the diet on growth performance, nutrient retention (TTAR), and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) traits were studied in chicks from zero to 21 d of age. Four treatments that resulted from the combination of 2 chicken lines (female broilers vs. brown pullets) and 2 levels of SFH (zero vs. 3%) were used. The control diet contained 2,980 kcal AMEn/kg, 1.25% digestible Lys, and 8.7% neutral detergent fiber. The experimental diet included 3% SFH at the expense (wt:wt) of the whole diet. Growth performance, TTAR of nutrients, and the AMEn of the diet were greater (P = 0.097 to P < 0.001) in broilers than in pullets. In absolute terms, all the organs of the GIT were heavier (P < 0.001) and the small intestine and cecum were longer (P < 0.001) in broilers than in pullets. At 21 d of age, however, the relative weight (% BW) of all the organs of the GIT (P < 0.001) and the relative length (cm/kg BW) of the small intestine and cecum (P < 0.01) were greater in pullets. Gizzard pH (P < 0.001), total short chain fatty acids concentration in the cecum (P = 0.098), and villus height (P < 0.001) and crypt depth (P < 0.05) of the ileum mucosa were higher in broilers. The inclusion of SFH increased (P < 0.05) the AMEn content of the diet but did not affect bird performance, moisture content of the excreta, or the concentration and profile of fatty acids in the cecum. Dietary SFH increased gizzard weight and reduced gizzard pH (P < 0.001) at both ages. In conclusion, broilers had better growth performance, nutrient retention, and ileum absorptive capacity than pullets. The inclusion of 3% SFH at the expense of the control diet did not have any negative effect on chick performance and, in fact, increased gizzard weight, reduced gizzard pH, and improved the energy content of the diet