Unravelling the chemistry behind the toxicity of oil refining effluents: from characterisation to treatment

This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University LondonAdequate wastewater management is a crucial element to achieve water sustainability in the petroleum refining sector, as their operations produce vast quantities of wastewater with potentially harmful contaminants. Treatment technologies are therefore pivotal for stopping these chemicals from entering the environment and protecting receiving environments. However, refining effluents are still linked to serious pollution problems, partly because little progress has been made in determining the causative agents of the observed biological effects, resulting in non-targeted treatment. Here it is shown that naphthenic acids, which have been reported as toxic and recalcitrant, are important components of refining wastewater resulting from the processing of heavy crude oil and that they have a significant contribution to the toxic effects exerted by these effluents. Furthermore, it was found that their chemical stability makes them highly resistant to remediation using Pseudomonas putida and H2O2/Fe-TAML (TetraAmido Macrocyclic Ligands) systems under laboratory conditions, and only sequential aliquots of Fe-TAML catalysts and H2O2 showed to partially degrade naphthenic acids (50 mg/L) within 72 hours. Results suggest that a combinatorial approach of Fe-TAML/H2O2 followed by biodegradation might improve current treatment options, but further optimisation is required for the biological treatment. These results can serve as a starting point for better environmental regulations relevant to oil refining wastewater resulting from heavy crude oil, as naphthenic acids are not currently considered in the effluent guidelines for the refining sector. Furthermore, the degradation of naphthenic acids under mild conditions using Fe-TAML/H2O2 systems indicates that these catalysts hold promise for the remediation of refining wastewater in real-life scenarios.Administrative Department of Science, Technology and Innovation – COLCIENCIA

Comparação das manifestações periodontais em uma amostra de consumidores de chimu e cigarro na cidade de Villavicencio, na Colômbia

Introduction: the active ingredient of chewing tobacco, known as chimú in Colombia, is nicotine, a liquid, oily and colorless alkaloid that goes through the oral mucosa, which is a triggering factor and further problem in periodontal diseases. The objective of this analysis was to determine the difference in patients consuming chewing tobacco (chimu), compared to a group of cigarette smokers and a group of non-smokers. Methods: a case and cross-sectional study, with a sample, for convenience purposes, of 90 subjects (18 to 40 years). An intra-oral examination was conducted, which included a periodontogram, as well as the O’Leary index, both to classify the periodontal disease according to the American Academy of Periodontology, and gingival retractions according to Miller. Results: a total of 26.7% of the subjects who chewed chimu had periodontal disease; 73.3% gingivitis, 63.3 gingival retractions; and 40% gingival hyperplasia. As for smokers, 63.3% had periodontal disease; 367%, gingivitis; 26.7%, gingival retractions, and 20%, gingival hyperplasia. As for patients who did not consume tobacco, 3.3% had periodontal disease; 96.7%, gingivitis; 20%, gingival retractions, and 16.6%, gingival hyperplasia. Association between chimu and cigarettes: periodontal disease (p = 0,004, or 0,21 ci 95% 0,70-0,631), gingivitis (p = 0,004 or 4,75 ci 95% 1,58-14,24), gingival retractions (p = 0,004, or 4,75 ci 95% 1,58-14,24), gingival hyperplasia (valor p: 0,091). Conclusions: chimu consumption is less harmful than smoking, as regards periodontal disease. It is, however, a risk factor for gingivitis and gingival retraction. Gingival hyperplasia is not associated with the smoking and tobacco chewing habits.Resumen. Introducción: el tabaco de mascar, conocido en Colombia como chimú, tiene como principio activo la nicotina, alcaloide líquido, oleoso e incoloro que atraviesa la mucosa bucal, factor desencadenante y agravante de enfermedades periodontales. El propósito de este estudio fue determinar la diferencia en pacientes que consumen tabaco mascado (chimú), en comparación con un grupo de fumadores de cigarrillo y un grupo de no consumidores. Métodos: estudio de casos y controles anidado en un corte transversal, con muestra por conveniencia de 90 sujetos (18-40 años). Se hizo un examen intraoral que incluía periodontograma e índice de placa bacteriana O’Leary, para clasificar la enfermedad periodontal segúnla Academia Americana de Periodoncia y las retracciones gingivales según Miller. Resultados: en total, un 26,7% de los sujetos que consumían chimú presentó enfermedad periodontal; 73,3%, gingivitis; 63,3%, retracciones gingivales, y 40%, hiperplasia gingival. En pacientes fumadores, un 63,3% presentó enfermedad periodontal; 36,7%, gingivitis; 26,7%, recesiones gingivales, y 20%, hiperplasia gingival.En pacientes no consumidores de tabaco, se encontró que 3,3% presentaba enfermedad periodontal; 96,7%, gingivitis; 20%, retracciones gingivales, y 16,6%, hiperplasias gingivales. Asociación entre chimú y cigarrillo: enfermedad periodontal (p = 0,004, or 0,21 ic 95% 0,70-0,631), gingivitis (p = 0,004 or 4,75 ic 95%1,58-14,24), retracciones gingivales (p = 0,004, or 4,75 ic 95% 1,58-14,24), hiperplasia gingival (valor p: 0,091). Conclusiones: consumir chimú es menos nocivo que fumar, en cuanto a la aparición de enfermedad periodontal; sin embargo, es un factor de riesgo para la aparición de gingivitis y retracciones gingivales. La hiperplasia gingival no está asociada con los hábitos de fumar o mascar chimú.Introdução: o tabaco mastigável, na Colômbia conhecido de “chimu”, tem como princípio ativo a nicotina, alcaloide líquido, oleoso e incoloro que passa pela mucosa bucal, fator desencadeante e agravante de doenças periodontais. O escopo deste estudo foi determinar a diferença em pacientes que consumem tabaco mastigado (chimu), comparado com um grupo de fumadores de cigarro e um grupo de não consumidores. Métodos: estudo de casos e controles aninhado em um corte transversal, com amostra por conveniência de 90 sujeitos (18-40 anos). Foi feito um exame intrabucal que incluía psr (Avaliação Periodontal Simplificada) e o índice de placa bacteriana O’Leary, para classificar a doença periodontal segundo a Academia Americana de Periodontia e as retrações gengivais segundo Miller. Resultados: em total, 26,7% dos sujeitos que consumiam chimu apresentou doença periodontal; 73,3%, gengivite; 63,3%, retrações gengivais, e 40%, hiperplasia gengival. Em pacientes fumadores, 63,3% apresentou doença periodontal; 36,7%, gengivite; 26,7%, recessões gengivais, e 20%, hiperplasia gengival. Em pacientes não consumidores de tabaco, encontrou-se que 3,3% apresentava doença periodontal; 96,7%, gengivite; 20%, retrações gengivais, e 16,6%, hiperplasias gengivais. Associação entre chimu e cigarro: doença periodontal (p = 0,004, or 0,21 ic 95% 0,70-0,631), gengivite (p = 0,004 or 4,75 ic 95% 1,58-14,24), retrações gengivais (p = 0,004, or 4,75 ic 95% 1,58-14,24), hiperplasia gengival (valor p: 0,091). Conclusões: consumir chimu é menos nocivo do que fumar, no que diz respeito ao aparecimento de doença periodontal; no entanto, é um fator de risco para o aparecimento da gengivite e retrações gengivais. A hiperplasia gengival não está associada com os hábitos de fumar ou mastigar chimu

Crisis financiera actual de estados unidos, amenaza u oportunidad para las economías emergentes: Colombia

La crisis financiera mundial iniciada en el segundo trimestre del 2007, ha afectado de forma distinta a las economías desarrolladas y a las emergentes, estas últimas han mantenido un buen desempeño en los últimos años con un diferencial de crecimiento bastante marcado respecto a las economías avanzadas y con proyecciones de crecimiento y desarrollo muy favorables, llegando a ser consideradas como el motor de crecimiento futuro de la economía a nivel global, en la región de América Latina los aspectos que han impulsado este comportamiento se encuentran asociados a la bonanza en los precios de los principales productos de exportación (bienes básicos) y a la confianza mantenida en la economías de la zona, que se ha traducido en mayores entradas de flujos de capital internacional, sin embargo, los factores que han permitido enfrentar y soportar la recesión de buena manera por parte de los países emergentes pueden convertirse en elementos de vulnerabilidad y desencadenamiento de recalentamiento económico y deterioro comercial. Para el caso específico colombiano, la coyuntura actual de crisis puede llegar a representar una oportunidad, siempre y cuando las medidas de política macroeconómica adoptadas por parte del gobierno tanto en materia monetaria, cambiaria y fiscal estén dirigidas a reforzar la capacidad de resistencia ante posibles amenazas, contando con un sistema financiero estable y un sistema productivo fortalecido y competitivoThe global financial crisis that started in the second quarter of 2007, has affected differently than developed economies and emerging, the latter have maintained a good performance in recent years with a growth differential with respect to advanced economies and with projections growth and development very favorable, becoming considered the engine of growth for the global economy, issues that have driven this behavior are associated with the boom in prices of major export products (commodities) and the confidence in the emerging economies that has resulted in increased inflows of international capital flows, however, the factors that have led to face and withstand the recession in good way by the emerging countries can become elements of vulnerability, onset of economic overheating and deterioration of trade. For the specific case of Colombia, the current situation of crisis may represent an opportunity, if the macroeconomic policy taken by the government, both in the matter monetary, fiscal and exchange, are intended to strengthen the resilience to potential threats, with a stable financial system and a strengthened productive syste

Análisis de georreferenciación de servicios TEP que trasladan víctimas de accidentes de tránsito, 2017-I

This document presents a methodology of georeferencing of the special transport services of patients (ambulances), who carry out the medical assistance of victims of traffic accidents to the different health service providers (PSS) in Colombia. From what was reported in the SIRAS (Resolution No. 3823 of 2016) makes use of the tools ArcGIS: Network Analysis and Street Map Premium. Such a quantitative methodology contains important public policy relevance, since it is possible to determine certain risky practices that can lead to the obstruction and, consequently, to the delay of the attention of health services required by the victims.Este documento presenta una metodología de georreferenciación de los servicios de transporte especial de pacientes (ambulancias), que realizan el traslado asistencial de víctimas de accidente de tránsito a los distintos prestadores de servicios de salud (PSS) en Colombia. A partir de lo reportado en el SIRAS (Resolución N° 3823 de 2016) se hace uso de las herramientas ArcGIS: Network Analysis y Street Map Premium. Tal metodología cuantitativa, contiene una relevancia de política pública importante, dado que se logra determinar ciertas prácticas riesgosas que pueden conllevar a la obstaculización y, por ende, al retraso de la atención de servicios de salud requeridos por las víctimas

Comparação das manifestações periodontais em uma amostra de consumidores de chimu e cigarro na cidade de Villavicencio, na Colômbia

Introduction: the active ingredient of chewing tobacco, known as chimú in Colombia, is nicotine, a liquid, oily and colorless alkaloid that goes through the oral mucosa, which is a triggering factor and further problem in periodontal diseases. The objective of this analysis was to determine the difference in patients consuming chewing tobacco (chimu), compared to a group of cigarette smokers and a group of non-smokers. Methods: a case and cross-sectional study, with a sample, for convenience purposes, of 90 subjects (18 to 40 years). An intra-oral examination was conducted, which included a periodontogram, as well as the O’Leary index, both to classify the periodontal disease according to the American Academy of Periodontology, and gingival retractions according to Miller. Results: a total of 26.7% of the subjects who chewed chimu had periodontal disease; 73.3% gingivitis, 63.3 gingival retractions; and 40% gingival hyperplasia. As for smokers, 63.3% had periodontal disease; 367%, gingivitis; 26.7%, gingival retractions, and 20%, gingival hyperplasia. As for patients who did not consume tobacco, 3.3% had periodontal disease; 96.7%, gingivitis; 20%, gingival retractions, and 16.6%, gingival hyperplasia. Association between chimu and cigarettes: periodontal disease (p = 0,004, or 0,21 ci 95% 0,70-0,631), gingivitis (p = 0,004 or 4,75 ci 95% 1,58-14,24), gingival retractions (p = 0,004, or 4,75 ci 95% 1,58-14,24), gingival hyperplasia (valor p: 0,091). Conclusions: chimu consumption is less harmful than smoking, as regards periodontal disease. It is, however, a risk factor for gingivitis and gingival retraction. Gingival hyperplasia is not associated with the smoking and tobacco chewing habits.Resumen. Introducción: el tabaco de mascar, conocido en Colombia como chimú, tiene como principio activo la nicotina, alcaloide líquido, oleoso e incoloro que atraviesa la mucosa bucal, factor desencadenante y agravante de enfermedades periodontales. El propósito de este estudio fue determinar la diferencia en pacientes que consumen tabaco mascado (chimú), en comparación con un grupo de fumadores de cigarrillo y un grupo de no consumidores. Métodos: estudio de casos y controles anidado en un corte transversal, con muestra por conveniencia de 90 sujetos (18-40 años). Se hizo un examen intraoral que incluía periodontograma e índice de placa bacteriana O’Leary, para clasificar la enfermedad periodontal segúnla Academia Americana de Periodoncia y las retracciones gingivales según Miller. Resultados: en total, un 26,7% de los sujetos que consumían chimú presentó enfermedad periodontal; 73,3%, gingivitis; 63,3%, retracciones gingivales, y 40%, hiperplasia gingival. En pacientes fumadores, un 63,3% presentó enfermedad periodontal; 36,7%, gingivitis; 26,7%, recesiones gingivales, y 20%, hiperplasia gingival.En pacientes no consumidores de tabaco, se encontró que 3,3% presentaba enfermedad periodontal; 96,7%, gingivitis; 20%, retracciones gingivales, y 16,6%, hiperplasias gingivales. Asociación entre chimú y cigarrillo: enfermedad periodontal (p = 0,004, or 0,21 ic 95% 0,70-0,631), gingivitis (p = 0,004 or 4,75 ic 95%1,58-14,24), retracciones gingivales (p = 0,004, or 4,75 ic 95% 1,58-14,24), hiperplasia gingival (valor p: 0,091). Conclusiones: consumir chimú es menos nocivo que fumar, en cuanto a la aparición de enfermedad periodontal; sin embargo, es un factor de riesgo para la aparición de gingivitis y retracciones gingivales. La hiperplasia gingival no está asociada con los hábitos de fumar o mascar chimú.Introdução: o tabaco mastigável, na Colômbia conhecido de “chimu”, tem como princípio ativo a nicotina, alcaloide líquido, oleoso e incoloro que passa pela mucosa bucal, fator desencadeante e agravante de doenças periodontais. O escopo deste estudo foi determinar a diferença em pacientes que consumem tabaco mastigado (chimu), comparado com um grupo de fumadores de cigarro e um grupo de não consumidores. Métodos: estudo de casos e controles aninhado em um corte transversal, com amostra por conveniência de 90 sujeitos (18-40 anos). Foi feito um exame intrabucal que incluía psr (Avaliação Periodontal Simplificada) e o índice de placa bacteriana O’Leary, para classificar a doença periodontal segundo a Academia Americana de Periodontia e as retrações gengivais segundo Miller. Resultados: em total, 26,7% dos sujeitos que consumiam chimu apresentou doença periodontal; 73,3%, gengivite; 63,3%, retrações gengivais, e 40%, hiperplasia gengival. Em pacientes fumadores, 63,3% apresentou doença periodontal; 36,7%, gengivite; 26,7%, recessões gengivais, e 20%, hiperplasia gengival. Em pacientes não consumidores de tabaco, encontrou-se que 3,3% apresentava doença periodontal; 96,7%, gengivite; 20%, retrações gengivais, e 16,6%, hiperplasias gengivais. Associação entre chimu e cigarro: doença periodontal (p = 0,004, or 0,21 ic 95% 0,70-0,631), gengivite (p = 0,004 or 4,75 ic 95% 1,58-14,24), retrações gengivais (p = 0,004, or 4,75 ic 95% 1,58-14,24), hiperplasia gengival (valor p: 0,091). Conclusões: consumir chimu é menos nocivo do que fumar, no que diz respeito ao aparecimento de doença periodontal; no entanto, é um fator de risco para o aparecimento da gengivite e retrações gengivais. A hiperplasia gengival não está associada com os hábitos de fumar ou mastigar chimu

Polimerización de ácido (dl) láctico mediante policondensación por fusión directa. estudio cinético de la etapa de oligomerización

La reacción de polimerización del ácido láctico por el mecanismo de policondensación por fusión directa es de gran importancia cuando se desean obtener polímeros de bajo peso molecular, principalmente para aplicaciones médicas, debido a la facilidad del proceso y el bajo costo.Un ejemplo de esto es la elaboración de dispositivos para la liberación controlada de medicamentos. En este trabajo se estudiaron las diferentes etapas que involucra la policondensación (oligomerización y polimerización) para obtener PAL. La etapa de oligomerización se estudió en un estrecho intervalo de temperatura, 100-150 °C, donde el modelo cinético que describe la reacción es una ley de potencias de orden tres con Ea y factorpreexponencial de 22,7 kcal/mol°K y 3,28x10-7 L2/mol2h respectivamente. Para la etapa de polimerización se estudiaronla influencia de la temperatura, el porcentaje de catalizador (SnCl2.H2O) y el tiempo de reacción tomando comovariable de respuesta la temperatura de transición vítrea

Herramientas de redes sociales que mayor influyen en el proceso de compra de los consumidores, postpandemia

Social networks have significantly transformed various aspects of daily life, especially with regard to the promotion and acquisition of products and services. In this context, consumers turn to these platforms in search of information about the product or service they want to purchase, considering the recommendations of other users or influential people according to the social networks they browse and the generational group to which they belong. The objective of this research was based on determining the social media tools that most influence the consumer purchasing process, post-pandemic. For this purpose, a descriptive-explanatory methodology was used with a non-experimental design complemented by an exhaustive review of secondary literature. The results indicated that each platform has its unique characteristics and its users by generational group. The influence of a specific platform on consumer behavior is due to factors such as the characteristics of the social platform, the type of product or service, the target audience, and the demographics of the users. In short, consumer behavior in the ways of consuming influenced by social networks impacts various populations in their purchasing decisions, so companies must diversify their strategies on social networks to connect with their audiences where they spend their time.Las redes sociales han transformado significativamente diversos aspectos de la vida cotidiana, especialmente en lo referente a la promoción y a la adquisición de productos y servicios En este contexto los consumidores recurren a estas plataformas en búsqueda de información sobre el producto o servicio que desean adquirir, considerando las recomendaciones de otros usuarios o de personas influyentes según las redes sociales en las que navegan y del grupo generacional al que pertenezcan. El objetivo de esta investigación se basó en determinar las herramientas de redes sociales que mayor influyen en el proceso de compra de los consumidores, postpandemia. Para ello se utilizó una metodología de alcance descriptivo-explicativo con un diseño no experimental complementada por una revisión exhaustiva de literatura secundaria. Los resultados indicaron que cada plataforma tiene sus características únicas y sus usuarios por grupo generacional. La influencia de una plataforma, en específica en el comportamiento del consumidor, se debe a factores como las características de la plataforma social, el tipo de producto o servicio, el público objetivo y la demografía de los usuarios. En definitiva, el comportamiento del consumidor ante las formas de consumir influenciado por las redes sociales, impactan a diversas poblaciones en su decisión de compra, por lo que las empresas deben diversificar sus estrategias en redes sociales para conectar con sus audiencias donde ellas pasan su tiempo

Toward precision psychiatry in bipolar disorder : staging 2.0

Personalized treatment is defined as choosing the “right treatment for the right person at the right time.” Although psychiatry has not yet reached this level of precision, we are on the way thanks to recent technological developments that may aid to detect plausible molecular and genetic markers. At the moment there are some models that are contributing to precision psychiatry through the concept of staging. While staging was initially presented as a way to categorize patients according to clinical presentation, course, and illness severity, current stagingmodels integratemultiple levels of information that can help to define each patient’s characteristics, severity, and prognosis in a more precise and individualized way. Moreover, staging might serve as the foundation to create a clinical decision-making algorithm on the basis of the patient’s stage. In this review we will summarize the evolution of the bipolar disorder staging model in relation to the new discoveries on the neurobiology of bipolar disorder. Furthermore, we will discuss how the latest and future progress in psychiatry might transform current staging models into precision staging models

Creation Process of the Digital Platform to Foster Healthy and Active Aging: enbuenaedad

Andalusia is a region in the south of Spain with 8,4 million inhabitants of which 1,3 million are over 65 years old. Andalusia has been recognized as Reference Site by the European Commission within the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Aging. The Regional Ministry of Health of Andalusia has put in place strategies to promote healthy and active aging. One of these strategies is enbuenaedad, a digital platform which main aim is to foster active and healthy aging. The target audience is people over 55 years old, caregivers of older adults, as well as health and other key professionals who work with this population. Content sections are inspired in the three pillars of the World Health Organization (WHO) policy framework for active and healthy aging: health, participation, and security, but introducing an additional one which is lifelong learning. One of the strengths of this platform is the creation process. Using a co-thinking design, all target groups get voice under the umbrella of empathy and are empowered by providing support, training, knowledge, and best practices. For its development, dissemination, maintenance, and improvement, the project advocates the unavoidable participation of key stakeholders representing all sectors involved: The Senior Council of Andalusia; Primary Health Care professionals; local authorities; Guadalinfo agents; Permanent Adult Education; and Active Participation Centers. Quantitative and qualitative data obtained within the process support this project. Since its launching, 10,779 users have registered to the platform with more than 157,000 visits. Focusing on WHO four pillars on active and healthy aging Enbuenaedad is based on, preliminary results show effectiveness regarding participation and social interaction. Furthermore, achieving high participation coverage is a necessary but not sufficient input to the provision of adequate approach to older people. More comprehensive evaluation of the four pillars must be taken to ensure a holistic approach. A challenge is a cooperation between three traditionally independent sectors, cooperative work between health, social services, and education is crucial for the future sustainability of this intervention