Obtaining Au thin films in atmosphere of reactive nitrogen through magnetron sputtering

4d and 5d series of the transition metals are used to the obtaining nitrides metallic, due to the synthesis of PtN, AgN and AuN in the last years. Different nitrides are obtained in the Plasma Assisted Physics Vapour Deposition system, due to its ionization energy which is necessary for their formation. In this paper a Magnetron Sputtering system was used to obtain Au thin films on Si wafers in Nitrogen atmosphere. The substrate temperature was varied between 500 to 950°C. The samples obtained at high temperatures (>500°C) show Au, Si and N elements, as it is corroborated in the narrow spectrum obtained for X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy; besides the competition of orientation crystallographic texture between (111) and (311) directions was present in the X-Ray Diffraction analysis to the sample heated at 950°C

Integration of biophysical connectivity in the spatial optimization of coastal ecosystem services

Ecological connectivity in coastal oceanic waters is mediated by dispersion of the early life stages of marine organisms and conditions the structure of biological communities and the provision of ecosystem services. Integrated management strategies aimed at ensuring long-term service provision to society do not currently consider the importance of dispersal and larval connectivity. A spatial optimization model is introduced to maximise the potential provision of ecosystem services in coastal areas by accounting for the role of dispersal and larval connectivity. The approach combines a validated coastal circulation model that reproduces realistic patterns of larval transport along the coast, which ultimately conditions the biological connectivity and productivity of an area, with additional spatial layers describing potential ecosystem services. The spatial optimization exercise was tested along the coast of Central Chile, a highly productive area dominated by the Humboldt Current. Results show it is unnecessary to relocate existing management areas, as increasing no-take areas by 10% could maximise ecosystem service provision, while improving the spatial representativeness of protected areas and minimizing social conflicts. The location of protected areas was underrepresented in some sections of the study domain, principally due to the restriction of the model to rocky subtidal habitats. Future model developments should encompass the diversity of coastal ecosystems and human activities to inform integrative spatial management. Nevertheless, the spatial optimization model is innovative not only for its integrated ecosystem perspective, but also because it demonstrates that it is possible to incorporate time-varying biophysical connectivity within the optimization problem, thereby linking the dynamics of exploited populations produced by the spatial management regime.Comment: 30 pages, 5 figures, 2 tables; 1 graphical abstract. In this version: numbering of figures corrected, updated figure 2, typos corrected and references fixe

Prevalencia de trematodes y factores de riesgo asociados con el ganado lechero en Colombia

This study was conducted to establish the prevalence and identify the risk factors associated with trematode infections in dairy cattle in the Boyacá Highlands, Colombia. Fecal samples collected from 300 randomly selected cattle were examined using a simple sedimentation technique for differential trematodes egg count. The animals were found shedding eggs of three groups of trematodes, namely Fasciola hepatica, Paramphistomum cervi and Cotylophoron cotylophorum. The specific prevalence of this trematodes were 11.6%, 9.3%, and 3.7% respectively. A substantial overlap was observed in the appearance of F. hepatica y P. cervi. The prevalence of the three trematodes identified in this study was significantly associated (p<0.05) with body condition and breed, while the prevalence of Fasciola hepatica and Paramphistomum cervi, was associated with age. The prevalence of the three main trematodes of importance for animal health with a high rate of mixed infection along with a poor body condition, suggests a substantial economic loss incurred due to reduced productivity of livestock in the study area.El estudio se llevó a cabo para establecer la prevalencia e identificar los factores de riesgo asociados con las infecciones por trematodes en ganado lechero de las tierras altas de Boyacá, Colombia. Las muestras fecales recogidas de 300 bovinos seleccionados al azar se examinaron utilizando una técnica de sedimentación simple para el recuento diferencial de huevos de trematodes. En el ganado estudiado fueron encontrados huevos de tres grupos de trematodes, a saber: Fasciola hepatica, Paramphistomum cervi y Cotylophoron cotylophorum. La prevalencia específica para estas tres especies fueron de 11,6%, 9,3% y 3,7% respectivamente. Se observó una superposición importante entre F. hepatica y P. cervi. La prevalencia de los tres trematodes identificados en este estudio se asoció significativamente (p<0,05) con la condición corporal y la raza, mientras que la prevalencia de Fasciola sp y Paramphistomum sp fue asociada con la edad. La prevalencia de los tres principales trematodes de importancia para la salud animal y la alta tasa de infección mixta, junto al deterioro de la condición corporal, determinan una pérdida económica sustancial debida a la reducción de la productividad del ganado en el área estudiada

Colombian vanilla and its microbiota. III. Diversity and structure of the endophytic community

Endophytic fungal communities are well-recognised entities within plants worldwide. They hold species with potential in medicinal affairs, biological control of pests, industry, and more. Nevertheless, ecological data about structure and dynamics of endophytic communities are scarce. In this study we sampled root, stem and leaf tissues of Colombian vanilla species in order of both, identifying endosymbionts and characterising the community they belong to. An interesting array of endophytic species was found, including taxa that function as pathogens, saprotrophs, and dermatophytes in other plants/scenarios. Ecological parameters show a moderate diversity with a lognormal arrangement of species quite similar to communities of macroorganisms. Many species here reported belong to taxa broadly reported as sources of biologically active compounds, so they are good candidates for bioprospecting research

Seroprevalence of rubella in Colombia: a birth-year cohort analysis

OBJETIVO : Estimar la seroprevalencia de rubéola y factores asociados. METODOS : Estudio de seroprevalencia poblacional con una muestra aleatoria de 2.124 individuos de seis a 64 años, representativa por edad, sexo y área en Medellín, Colombia, 2009. Se analizó la asociación de variables biológicas y socioeconómicas con la seroprotección para rubéola, según la cohorte del año de nacimiento antes (1954 a 1990) y después (1991 a 2003) del inicio de la vacunación universal. Se determinaron los títulos de IgG con pruebas de alta sensibilidad (AxSYM ® Rubella IgG – Laboratorio Abbott) y especificidad (VIDAS RUB IgG II ® – Laboratorio BioMerieux). Se estimaron proporciones y promedios ponderados derivados de un muestreo complejo incluyendo un factor de corrección por las diferencias en la participación por sexo. Se analizó la asociación de la protección por grupos de variables biológicas y sociales con un modelo de regresión logística, según la cohorte de nacimiento. RESULTADOS : Los títulos promedio de IgG fueron más altos en los nacidos antes del inicio de la vacunación (media 110 UI/ml; IC95% 100,5;120,2) que en los nacidos después (media 64 UI/ml; IC95% 54,4;72,8), p = 0,000. La proporción de protección fue creciente de 88,9% en los nacidos en 1990-1994, de 89,2% en 1995-1999 y de 92,1% en 2000 a 2003, posiblemente relacionado con la administración del refuerzo desde 1998. En los nacidos antes del inicio de la vacunación, la seroprotección estuvo asociada con el antecedente de contacto con casos (RD 2,6; IC95% 1,1;5,9), el estado de salud (RD 2,5; IC95% 1,05;6,0), el nivel de escolaridad (RD 0,2; IC95% 0,08;0,8) y los años de residencia del hogar en el barrio (RD 0,96; IC95% 0,98;1,0), luego de ajustar por todas las variables. En los nacidos después se asoció con el tiempo de sueño efectivo (RD 1,4; IC95%1,09;1,8) y el estado de salud (RD 5,5; IC95%1,2;23,8). CONCLUSIONES : La vacunación masiva generó un cambio en el perfil de seroprevalencia, siendo mayores los títulos en quienes nacieron antes del inicio de la vacunación. Se recomienda monitorear el sostenimiento del nivel de protección a largo plazo y concertar acciones para el mejoramiento de las condiciones socioeconómicas potencialmente asociadas.OBJECTIVE : To estimate the seroprevalence of rubella and associated factors. METHODS : Population-based seroprevalence study in a random sample of 2,124 individuals, aged six to 64 years, representative by age, sex and area in Medellín, Colombia, 2009. Biological and socioeconomic variables were analyzed for their association with serum protection against rubella, according to birth-year cohort; those born before (1954-1990) and after (1991-2003) the introduction of universal immunization. Titer of IgG antibodies against the rubella virus was detected using a high sensitivity (AxSYM®Rubella IgG – Abbott Laboratories) and a high specificity test (VIDAS RUB IgG II®– BioMerieux Laboratories). Proportions and weighted averages derived from a complex sample, including a correction factor for differences in gender participation, were estimated. Association with protection for groups of biological and social variables according to birth cohort was analyzed using a logistic regression model. RESULTS : Titers of IgG antibodies were higher in those born before (mean 110 UI/ml, 95%CI 100.5;120.2) compared to those born after (mean 64 UI/ml; 95%CI 54.4;72.8; p = 0.000) the introduction of mass immunization. The proportion of protection increased from 88.9% in those born 1990-1994, to 89.2% in those born 1995-1999 and to 92.1% in those born between 2000 and 2003, possibly due to boosters being administered from 1998 onwards. In those born before the introduction of the immunization, seroprotection was associated with previous contact with cases (OR 2.6; 95%CI 1.1;5.9), self- perceived health status (OR 2.5; 95%CI 1.05;6.0), educational level (OR 0.2; 95%CI 0.08;0.8) and years of residence in the neighborhood (RD 0,96; 95%CI 0.98;1.0) after adjusting for all variables. In those born after, serum protection was associated with effective sleep time (OR 1,4; 95%CI 1.09;1.8) and self-perceived health status (OR 5.5; 95%CI 1.2;23.8). CONCLUSIONS : The seroprevalence profile changed with the mass immunization plan, with higher titers of IgG antibodies in those born before the start of the immunization. It is recommended that the level of long-term protection be monitored and concerted action taken to improve potentially associated socioeconomic conditions.OBJETIVO : Estimar a soroprevalência de rubéola e fatores associados. MÉTODOS : Estudo de soroprevalência em população a través de uma amostra aleatória de 2.124 indivíduos de seis a 64 anos, representativa por idade, sexo e área em Medellín, Colômbia, 2009. Foi analisada a associação de variáveis biológicas e socioeconômicas com a soroproteção para rubéola, de acordo com a coorte de nascimento antes (1954 a 1990) e depois (1991 a 2003) do inicio da vacinação universal. Foram determinados os títulos de IgG com testes de alta sensibilidade (AxSYM® Rubella IgG – Laboratório Abbott) e especificidade (VIDAS RUB IgG II® – Laboratório BioMerieux). Foram estimadas proporções e médias ponderadas derivadas de amostragem complexa incluindo um fator de correição pelas diferenças na participação por sexo. Foi analisada a associação da proteção por grupos de variáveis biológicas e sociais com um modelo de regressão logística, segundo a coorte de nascimento. RESULTADOS : As médias dos títulos de IgG foram maiores nos nascidos antes do inicio da vacinação (média 110UI/ml; IC95% 100,5;120,2) do que nos nascidos posteriormente (média 64 UI/ml; IC 95% 54,4;72,8), p = 0,000. A proporção de proteção foi crescente de 88,9% nos nascidos em 1990-1994, de 89,2% em 1995-1999 e de 92,1% em 2000 a 2003, provavelmente relacionado à administração do reforço desde 1998. A soroproteção esteve associada nos nascidos antes com o fato de ter contato com casos (RD 2,6; IC95% 1,1;5,9), o estado de saúde (RD 2,5; IC95% 1,05;6,0), o nível de escolaridade (RD 0,2; IC95% 0,08;0,8) e os anos morando no bairro (RD 0,96; IC95% 0,98;1,0), após ajuste por todas as variáveis. Nos nascidos posteriormente, houve associação com o tempo de sono efetivo (RD 1,4; IC95% 1,09;1,8) e o estado de saúde (RD 5,5; IC95% 1,2;23,8). CONCLUSÕES : A vacinação massiva gerou mudanças no perfil da soroprevalência, sendo maiores os títulos naqueles nascidos antes do inicio da vacinação. Propõe-se realizar monitoramento do nível de proteção em longo prazo e concertar ações para aprimorar as condições socioeconômicas potencialmente associadas

Seroprevalencia de rubeola en Colombia: un analisis por cohorte de nacimiento

OBJETIVO : Estimar la seroprevalencia de rubéola y factores asociados. METODOS : Estudio de seroprevalencia poblacional con una muestra aleatoria de 2.124 individuos de seis a 64 años, representativa por edad, sexo y área en Medellín, Colombia, 2009. Se analizó la asociación de variables biológicas y socioeconómicas con la seroprotección para rubéola, según la cohorte del año de nacimiento antes (1954 a 1990) y después (1991 a 2003) del inicio de la vacunación universal. Se determinaron los títulos de IgG con pruebas de alta sensibilidad (AxSYM ® Rubella IgG – Laboratorio Abbott) y especificidad (VIDAS RUB IgG II ® – Laboratorio BioMerieux). Se estimaron proporciones y promedios ponderados derivados de un muestreo complejo incluyendo un factor de corrección por las diferencias en la participación por sexo. Se analizó la asociación de la protección por grupos de variables biológicas y sociales con un modelo de regresión logística, según la cohorte de nacimiento. RESULTADOS : Los títulos promedio de IgG fueron más altos en los nacidos antes del inicio de la vacunación (media 110 UI/ml; IC95% 100,5;120,2) que en los nacidos después (media 64 UI/ml; IC95% 54,4;72,8), p = 0,000. La proporción de protección fue creciente de 88,9% en los nacidos en 1990-1994, de 89,2% en 1995-1999 y de 92,1% en 2000 a 2003, posiblemente relacionado con la administración del refuerzo desde 1998. En los nacidos antes del inicio de la vacunación, la seroprotección estuvo asociada con el antecedente de contacto con casos (RD 2,6; IC95% 1,1;5,9), el estado de salud (RD 2,5; IC95% 1,05;6,0), el nivel de escolaridad (RD 0,2; IC95% 0,08;0,8) y los años de residencia del hogar en el barrio (RD 0,96; IC95% 0,98;1,0), luego de ajustar por todas las variables. En los nacidos después se asoció con el tiempo de sueño efectivo (RD 1,4; IC95%1,09;1,8) y el estado de salud (RD 5,5; IC95%1,2;23,8). CONCLUSIONES : La vacunación masiva generó un cambio en el perfil de seroprevalencia, siendo mayores los títulos en quienes nacieron antes del inicio de la vacunación. Se recomienda monitorear el sostenimiento del nivel de protección a largo plazo y concertar acciones para el mejoramiento de las condiciones socioeconómicas potencialmente asociadas

II Workshop on Modeling and Simulation for Science and Engineering

II Workshop on Modeling and Simulation for Science and Engineering (II WMSSE) was a conference conducted at Universidad Tecnológica de Bolívar, in the city of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, on September 24, 25 and 26, 2019. There, works in several topics of science, technology and engineering were presented. Specially, the participants of conference wanted to bring some solutions to the actual industrial requirements such as improvement and optimization of the heat transfer equipment, electronic devices, system control by mean of computational modeling. Also, dynamic system control was widely used for the prediction of power flow market, diffusion of bacteria in coffee production, stress concentration in industrial machines, analysis of population dynamics, model of hydrological and pluviometric networks, encryption for intercommunication of substation control centers, and others

Model-based aerodynamic-angle attitude control of an atmospheric entry capsule

The paper describes the attitude control system of a low lift-to-drag biconic atmospheric entry capsule based on the Embedded Model Control methodology. The control structure derives from the development of the attitude dynamics and kinematics written in terms of aerodynamic angles, instead of Euler/quaternion kinematics. A detailed development of the simplified set of equations linking the torques generated by the reaction control system with the time evolution of the aerodynamic angles is provided. The simplified set of equations becomes the core of the control algorithm. The bank angle dynamics is shown to be fourthorder and forced by yaw and roll torques. A dynamic dispatching technique is proposed for converting fourth-order dynamics into a pair of second order systems. Nonlinear dynamic inversion and active disturbance rejection are employed to handle gyroscopic torques, parametric errors and to compensate for angular variation of translational velocity. A bank reversal logic is designed to reduce the effect of bank reversals on the translational motion. The performance of the attitude control algorithm has been tested on a high fidelity simulator and relevant results are presented

Patient centred diagnosis: sharing diagnostic decisions with patients in clinical practice.

Patient centred diagnosis is best practised through shared decision making; an iterative dialogue between doctor and patient, whichrespects a patient’s needs, values, preferences, and circumstances. Shared decision making for diagnostic situations differs fundamentally from that for treatment decisions. This has important implications when considering its practical application. The nature of dialogue should be tailored to the specific diagnostic decision; scenarios with higher stakes or uncertainty usually require more detailed conversation