Modelling and analysis of conversion efficiency in flow-through catalysts for lean-burn combustion engines

[ES] La preocupación mundial por el cambio climático y la calidad del aire se refleja en normativas para la regulación de emisiones en el sector del transporte cada vez más estrictas, situando el desarrollo de sistemas propulsivos sostenibles como el objetivo fundamental. En el caso de los motores de combustión interna, el uso de sistemas de postratamiento de gases de escape, necesario para cumplir con los límites impuestos a las emisiones contaminantes, ha añadido mayor complejidad a la línea de escape. Una correcta comprensión de la respuesta de estos sistemas y su interacción con el motor requiere un profundo conocimiento de los procesos termo-fluidodinámicos y químicos que tienen lugar en los mismos. Su estudio indica que las mayores contribuciones a la reducción de las emisiones consisten en conseguir una activación más rápida de los catalizadores. Sin embargo, por lo general, las estrategias empleadas para alcanzar este fin se traducen en una penalización del consumo de combustible y, por consiguiente, de las emisiones de CO2. En este contexto, el objetivo de esta tesis doctoral es contribuir a la comprensión de los fenómenos presentes en los reactores monolíticos de flujo continuo utilizados en los motores de combustión pobre. En primer lugar, se presenta el desarrollo de una herramienta computacional para el modelado de los reactores estándar, es decir, los monolitos con recubrimiento catalítico monocapa, con un coste computacional bajo que permite responder de manera oportuna a las nuevas condiciones de contorno. El modelo se construyó dentro del entorno de modelo de motor virtual VEMOD, un software de dinámica de gases desarrollado por el I.U.I. CMT-Motores Térmicos para la simulación termo-fluidodinámica de motores de combustión interna y sus componentes. Apoyada sobre experimentos específicos para su calibración y validación en catalizadores de oxidación y de reducción de NOx, la herramienta computacional permite la identificación y el estudio de los parámetros que determinan la eficiencia de conversión de los sistemas de postratamiento. De esta forma, se aplica, con un enfoque de cálculo de valor medio, al análisis, en primer lugar, del impacto de la meso-geometría y el material de catalizadores de oxidación en condiciones dinámicas en función de la forma del canal. También se aborda el estudio de la sensibilidad a la composición de los gases de escape considerando diversas estrategias de combustión comparadas con el diésel convencional, así como el empleo de combustibles alternativos. Por último, se explora experimentalmente la importancia de la ubicación en la línea de escape de un catalizador de oxidación para discutir el efecto sobre las emisiones y el rendimiento del motor de la ubicación pre-turbina, por los beneficios que a nivel térmico tiene esta localización para el postratamiento. Todo ello sirve como fuente de desarrollos tecnológicos y científicos en el área de control de emisiones para el uso y comprensión de la nueva generación de sistemas de postratamiento.[CA] La preocupació mundial pel canvi climàtic i la qualitat de l'aire es reflecteix en normatives per a la regulació d'emissions en el sector del transport cada vegada més estrictes, situant el desenvolupament de sistemes propulsius sostenibles com l'objectiu fonamental. En el cas dels motors de combustió interna, l'ús de sistemes de posttractament de gasos de fuita, necessari per a complir amb els límits imposats a les emissions contaminants, ha afegit major complexitat a la línia de fuita. Una correcta comprensió de la resposta d'aquests sistemes i la seua interacció amb el motor requereix un profund coneixement dels processos termo-fluidodinámicos i químics que tenen lloc en aquests. El seu estudi indica que les majors contribucions a la reducció de les emissions consisteix a aconseguir una activació més ràpida dels catalitzadors. No obstant això, en general, les estratègies emprades per a aconseguir aquest objectiu es tradueixen en una penalització del consum de combustible i, per consegüent, de les emissions de CO2. En aquest context, l'objectiu d'aquesta tesi doctoral és contribuir a la comprensió dels fenòmens presents en els reactors monolítics de flux continu utilitzats en els motors de combustió pobra. En primer lloc, es presenta el desenvolupament d'una eina computacional per al modelatge dels reactors estàndard, és a dir, els monòlits amb recobriment catalític monocapa, amb un cost computacional baix que permet respondre de manera oportuna a les noves condicions de contorn. El model es va construir dins de l'entorn de model de motor virtual VEMOD, un programari de dinàmica de gasos desenvolupat per l'I.U.I. CMT-Motors Tèrmics per a la simulació termo-fluidodinámica de motors de combustió interna i els seus components. Recolzada sobre experiments específics per al seu calibratge i validació en catalitzadors d'oxidació i de reducció de NOx, l'eina computacional permet la identificació l'estudi dels paràmetres que determinen l'eficiència de conversió dels sistemes de posttractament. D'aquesta manera, s'aplica, amb un enfocament de càlcul de valor mitjà, a l'anàlisi, en primer lloc, de l'impacte de la meso-geometria i el material de catalitzadors d'oxidació en condicions dinàmiques en funció de la forma del canal. També s'aborda l'estudi de la sensibilitat a la composició dels gasos de fuita considerant diverses estratègies de combustió comparades amb el dièsel convencional, així com l'ús de combustibles alternatius. Finalment, s'explora experimentalment la importància de la ubicació en la línia de fuita d'un catalitzador d'oxidació per a discutir l'efecte sobre les emissions i el rendiment del motor de la ubicació pre-turbina, pels beneficis que a nivell tèrmic té aquesta localització per al posttractament. Tot això serveix com a font de desenvolupaments tecnològics i científics en l'àrea de control d'emissions per a l'ús i comprensió de la nova generació de sistemes de posttractament.[EN] The global concern on climate change and air quality is reflected over increasingly strict emission regulations in the transportation sector, making the development of sustainable propulsion systems the key objective. In the case of internal combustion engines, the use of aftertreatment systems (ATS), necessary to comply with the limits imposed on pollutant emissions, has added further complexity to the exhaust line. A correct comprehension of the response of these systems and their interaction with the engine requires an in-depth knowledge of the thermo-fluid-dynamic and chemical processes taking place inside them. Their study indicates that the major contributions to emission reduction rely on driving the catalysts to a faster light-off. However, in general, the strategies employed to achieve this goal involve a fuel consumption penalty and, consequently, CO2 emissions increase. In this context, the aim of this Ph.D. thesis is to contribute to the understanding of the phenomena present in flow-through catalysts used in lean burn combustion engines. First, the development of a computational tool for modelling the standard devices, i.e. mono-layers washcoat catalysts, is presented, with flexible and low computational cost, enabling timely response to the new boundary conditions. The model was built inside the Virtual Engine Model VEMOD, an open-source gas dynamics software developed by I.U.I. CMT-Motores Térmicos for thermo-fluid-dynamic simulation of internal combustion engines and their components. Supported by specific experiments for its calibration and validation on oxidation and NOx reduction catalysts, the computational tool allows the identification and study of the parameters that determine the conversion efficiency of the ATS. In the first instance it is used to analyze the impact of meso-geometry and oxidation catalyst material under dynamic conditions as a function of the channel shape. The study of the sensitivity to exhaust gas composition is also addressed considering various combustion strategies compared to conventional diesel, as well as the use of alternative fuels. Finally, the importance of the position in the exhaust line of an oxidation catalyst is explored experimentally to discuss the effect on emissions and engine performance of the pre-turbine location, because of the thermal benefits of this location for the aftertreatment. All of this serves as a source of technological and scientific developments in the area of emissions control for the use and comprehension of the new generation of aftertreatment systems.Ruiz Lucas, MJ. (2023). Modelling and analysis of conversion efficiency in flow-through catalysts for lean-burn combustion engines [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/19401

Lumped Approach for Flow-Through and Wall-Flow Monolithic Reactors Modelling for Real-Time Automotive Applications

[EN] The increasingly restrictive legislation on pollutant emissions is involving new homologation procedures driven to be representative of real driving emissions. This context demands an update of the modelling tools leading to an accurate assessment of the engine and aftertreatment systems performance at the same time as these complex systems are understood as a single element. In addition, virtual engine models must retain the accuracy while reducing the computational effort to get closer to real-time computation. It makes them useful for pre-design and calibration but also potentially applicable to on-board diagnostics purposes. This paper responds to these requirements presenting a lumped modelling approach for the simulation of aftertreatment systems. The basic principles of operation of flow-through and wall-flow monoliths are covered leading the focus to the modelling of gaseous emissions conversion efficiency and particulate matter abatement, i.e. filtration and regeneration processes. The model concept is completed with the solution of pressure drop and heat transfer processes. The lumped approach hypotheses and the solution of the governing equations for every sub-model are detailed. While inertial pressure drop contributions are computed from the characteristic pressure drop coefficient, the porous medium effects in wall-flow monoliths are considered separately. Heat transfer sub-model applies a nodal approach to account for heat exchange and thermal inertia of the monolith substrate and the external canning. In wall-flow monoliths, the filtration and porous media properties are computed as a function of soot load applying a spherical packed bed approach. The soot oxidation mechanism including adsorption reactant phase is presented. Concerning gaseous emissions, the general scheme to solve the chemical species transport in the bulk gas and washcoat regions is also described. In particular, it is finally applied to the modelling of CO and HC abatement in a DOC and DPF brick. The model calibration steps against a set of steady-state in-engine experiments allowing separate certain phenomena are discussed. As a final step, the model performance is assessed against a transient test during which all modelled processes are taking place simultaneously under highly dynamic driving conditions. This test is simulated imposing different integration time-steps to demonstrate the model’s potential for real-time applications.This research has been partially supported by FEDER and the Government of Spain through project TRA2016-79185-R and by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement number 723976.Payri, F.; Arnau Martínez, FJ.; Piqueras, P.; Ruiz Lucas, MJ. (2018). Lumped Approach for Flow-Through and Wall-Flow Monolithic Reactors Modelling for Real-Time Automotive Applications. SAE Technical Papers. https://doi.org/10.4271/2018-01-0954

Influence of Pre-Turbine Small-Sized Oxidation Catalyst on Engine Performance and Emissions under Driving Conditions

[EN] The earlier activation of the catalytic converters in internal combustion engines is becoming highly challenging due to the reduction in exhaust gas temperature caused by the application of CO2 reduction technologies. In this context, the use of pre-turbine catalysts arises as a potential way to increase the conversion efficiency of the exhaust aftertreatment system. In this work, a small-sized oxidation catalyst consisting of a honeycomb thin-wall metallic substrate was placed upstream of the turbine to benefit from the higher temperature and pressure prior to the turbine expansion. The change in engine performance and emissions in comparison to the baseline configuration are analyzed under driving conditions. As an individual element, the pre-turbine catalyst contributed positively with a relevant increase in the overall CO and HC conversion efficiency. However, its placement produced secondary effects on the engine and baseline aftertreatment response. Although small-sized monoliths are advantageous to minimize the thermal inertia impact on the turbocharger lag, the catalyst cross-section is in trade-off with the additional pressure drop that the monolith causes. As a result, the higher exhaust manifold pressure in pre-turbine pre-catalyst configuration caused a fuel consumption increase higher than 3% while the engine-out CO and HC emissions did around 50%. These increments were not completely offset despite the high pre-turbine pre-catalyst conversion efficiency (>40%) because the partial abatement of the emissions in this device conditioned the performance of the close-coupled oxidation catalyst.This research has been partially supported by FEDER and the Government of Spain through project TRA2016-79185-R and by Universitat Politecnica de Valencia under a grant with reference number FPI-2018-S2-10 to the Ph.D. student Maria Jose Ruiz.Serrano, J.; Piqueras, P.; De La Morena, J.; Ruiz-Lucas, MJ. (2020). Influence of Pre-Turbine Small-Sized Oxidation Catalyst on Engine Performance and Emissions under Driving Conditions. Applied Sciences. 10(21):1-17. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10217714S1171021Serrano, J. R., Novella, R., & Piqueras, P. (2019). Why the Development of Internal Combustion Engines Is Still Necessary to Fight against Global Climate Change from the Perspective of Transportation. Applied Sciences, 9(21), 4597. doi:10.3390/app9214597Road Transport: Reducing CO2 Emissions from Vehicles. European Commissionhttps://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/transport/vehicles/carsJoshi, A. (2020). Review of Vehicle Engine Efficiency and Emissions. SAE Technical Paper Series. doi:10.4271/2020-01-0352Gohil, D. B., Pesyridis, A., & Serrano, J. R. (2020). Overview of Clean Automotive Thermal Propulsion Options for India to 2030. Applied Sciences, 10(10), 3604. doi:10.3390/app10103604Jain, A., Krishnasamy, A., & V, P. (2020). Computational optimization of reactivity controlled compression ignition combustion to achieve high efficiency and clean combustion. International Journal of Engine Research, 22(7), 2213-2232. doi:10.1177/1468087420931730Claßen, J., Pischinger, S., Krysmon, S., Sterlepper, S., Dorscheidt, F., Doucet, M., … Thewes, S. C. (2020). Statistically supported real driving emission calibration: Using cycle generation to provide vehicle-specific and statistically representative test scenarios for Euro 7. International Journal of Engine Research, 21(10), 1783-1799. doi:10.1177/1468087420935221Di Maio, D., Beatrice, C., Fraioli, V., Napolitano, P., Golini, S., & Rutigliano, F. G. (2019). Modeling of Three-Way Catalyst Dynamics for a Compressed Natural Gas Engine during Lean–Rich Transitions. Applied Sciences, 9(21), 4610. doi:10.3390/app9214610Reitz, R. D., Ogawa, H., Payri, R., Fansler, T., Kokjohn, S., Moriyoshi, Y., … Zhao, H. (2019). IJER editorial: The future of the internal combustion engine. International Journal of Engine Research, 21(1), 3-10. doi:10.1177/1468087419877990Kawaguchi, A., Wakisaka, Y., Nishikawa, N., Kosaka, H., Yamashita, H., Yamashita, C., … Tomoda, T. (2019). Thermo-swing insulation to reduce heat loss from the combustion chamber wall of a diesel engine. International Journal of Engine Research, 20(7), 805-816. doi:10.1177/1468087419852013Luján, J. M., Serrano, J. R., Piqueras, P., & Diesel, B. (2019). Turbine and exhaust ports thermal insulation impact on the engine efficiency and aftertreatment inlet temperature. Applied Energy, 240, 409-423. doi:10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.02.043Arnau, F. J., Martín, J., Pla, B., & Auñón, Á. (2020). Diesel engine optimization and exhaust thermal management by means of variable valve train strategies. International Journal of Engine Research, 22(4), 1196-1213. doi:10.1177/1468087419894804Maniatis, P., Wagner, U., & Koch, T. (2018). A model-based and experimental approach for the determination of suitable variable valve timings for cold start in partial load operation of a passenger car single-cylinder diesel engine. International Journal of Engine Research, 20(1), 141-154. doi:10.1177/1468087418817119Luján, J. M., Bermúdez, V., Piqueras, P., & García-Afonso, Ó. (2015). Experimental assessment of pre-turbo aftertreatment configurations in a single stage turbocharged diesel engine. Part 1: Steady-state operation. Energy, 80, 599-613. doi:10.1016/j.energy.2014.05.048Luján, J. M., Serrano, J. R., Piqueras, P., & García-Afonso, Ó. (2015). Experimental assessment of a pre-turbo aftertreatment configuration in a single stage turbocharged diesel engine. Part 2: Transient operation. Energy, 80, 614-627. doi:10.1016/j.energy.2014.12.017Serrano, J. R., Climent, H., Piqueras, P., & Angiolini, E. (2014). Analysis of fluid-dynamic guidelines in diesel particulate filter sizing for fuel consumption reduction in post-turbo and pre-turbo placement. Applied Energy, 132, 507-523. doi:10.1016/j.apenergy.2014.07.043Joergl, V., Keller, P., Weber, O., Mueller-Haas, K., & Konieczny, R. (2008). Influence of Pre Turbo Catalyst Design on Diesel Engine Performance, Emissions and Fuel Economy. SAE International Journal of Fuels and Lubricants, 1(1), 82-95. doi:10.4271/2008-01-0071Serrano, J. R., Bermúdez, V., Piqueras, P., & Angiolini, E. (2017). On the impact of DPF downsizing and cellular geometry on filtration efficiency in pre- and post-turbine placement. Journal of Aerosol Science, 113, 20-35. doi:10.1016/j.jaerosci.2017.07.014Kröcher, O., Elsener, M., Bothien, M.-R., & Dölling, W. (2014). Pre-Turbo Scr - Influence of Pressure on NOx Reduction. MTZ worldwide, 75(4), 46-51. doi:10.1007/s38313-014-0140-xBermúdez, V., Serrano, J. R., Piqueras, P., & García-Afonso, O. (2011). Assessment by means of gas dynamic modelling of a pre-turbo diesel particulate filter configuration in a turbocharged HSDI diesel engine under full-load transient operation. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering, 225(9), 1134-1155. doi:10.1177/0954407011402278Payri, F., Serrano, J. R., Piqueras, P., & García-Afonso, O. (2011). Performance Analysis of a Turbocharged Heavy Duty Diesel Engine with a Pre-turbo Diesel Particulate Filter Configuration. SAE International Journal of Engines, 4(2), 2559-2575. doi:10.4271/2011-37-0004Serrano, J. R., Guardiola, C., Piqueras, P., & Angiolini, E. (2014). Analysis of the Aftertreatment Sizing for Pre-Turbo DPF and DOC Exhaust Line Configurations. SAE Technical Paper Series. doi:10.4271/2014-01-1498Klaewkla, R., Arend, M., & F., W. (2011). A Review of Mass Transfer Controlling the Reaction Rate in Heterogeneous Catalytic Systems. Mass Transfer - Advanced Aspects. doi:10.5772/22962Piqueras, P., García, A., Monsalve-Serrano, J., & Ruiz, M. J. (2019). Performance of a diesel oxidation catalyst under diesel-gasoline reactivity controlled compression ignition combustion conditions. Energy Conversion and Management, 196, 18-31. doi:10.1016/j.enconman.2019.05.111Sampara, C. S., Bissett, E. J., & Chmielewski, M. (2007). Global Kinetics for a Commercial Diesel Oxidation Catalyst with Two Exhaust Hydrocarbons. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 47(2), 311-322. doi:10.1021/ie070813

The gene transformer-2 of Anastrepha fruit flies (Diptera, Tephritidae) and its evolution in insects

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In the tephritids <it>Ceratitis</it>, <it>Bactrocera </it>and <it>Anastrepha</it>, the gene <it>transformer </it>provides the memory device for sex determination via its auto-regulation; only in females is functional Tra protein produced. To date, the isolation and characterisation of the gene <it>transformer-2 </it>in the tephritids has only been undertaken in <it>Ceratitis</it>, and it has been shown that its function is required for the female-specific splicing of <it>doublesex </it>and <it>transformer </it>pre-mRNA. It therefore participates in <it>transformer </it>auto-regulatory function. In this work, the characterisation of this gene in eleven tephritid species belonging to the less extensively analysed genus <it>Anastrepha </it>was undertaken in order to throw light on the evolution of <it>transformer-2</it>.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The gene <it>transformer-2 </it>produces a protein of 249 amino acids in both sexes, which shows the features of the SR protein family. No significant partially spliced mRNA isoform specific to the male germ line was detected, unlike in <it>Drosophila</it>. It is transcribed in both sexes during development and in adult life, in both the soma and germ line. The injection of <it>Anastrepha transformer-2 </it>dsRNA into <it>Anastrepha </it>embryos caused a change in the splicing pattern of the endogenous <it>transformer </it>and <it>doublesex </it>pre-mRNA of XX females from the female to the male mode. Consequently, these XX females were transformed into pseudomales. The comparison of the eleven <it>Anastrepha </it>Transformer-2 proteins among themselves, and with the Transformer-2 proteins of other insects, suggests the existence of negative selection acting at the protein level to maintain Transformer-2 structural features.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>These results indicate that <it>transformer-2 </it>is required for sex determination in <it>Anastrepha </it>through its participation in the female-specific splicing of <it>transformer </it>and <it>doublesex </it>pre-mRNAs. It is therefore needed for the auto-regulation of the gene <it>transformer</it>. Thus, the <it>transformer/transfomer-2 > doublesex </it>elements at the bottom of the cascade, and their relationships, probably represent the ancestral state (which still exists in the Tephritidae, Calliphoridae and Muscidae lineages) of the extant cascade found in the Drosophilidae lineage (in which <it>tra </it>is just another component of the sex determination gene cascade regulated by <it>Sex-lethal</it>). In the phylogenetic lineage that gave rise to the drosophilids, evolution co-opted for <it>Sex-lethal</it>, modified it, and converted it into the key gene controlling sex determination.</p

Temporal hydrochemical and microbial variations in microcosm experiments from sites contaminated with chloromethanes under biostimulation with lactic acid

The objective of our research is to identify the sequence of degradation processes leading to microbial speciation of microorganisms involved in degradation of CT and CF under natural attenuation and lactic acid biostimulation conditions. To this end, a comparative study of two types of microcosm experiments was carried out to analyze two scenarios: natural attenuation and lactic acid biostimulation. Experiments were carried out with water and sediment from a field site located at a petrochemical complex whose hydrochemical background inhibited the natural attenuation of carbon tetrachloride and chloroform. A significant result of our work was that these experiments allowed us to identify the CT abiotic degradation processes, among which the abiotic degradation induced by the biogenic activity of Dechlorosoma suillum should be noted. Although this is an abiotic degradation, the metabolism of this microorganism generates green rust precipitates, which in turn favor the abiotic reductive dechlorination of CT. Other relevant result was the identification of the biotic reductive dechlorination of CF by a bacterium of the Clostridiales order. This result presented the particularity that an apparent absence of isotopic fractionation was observed because a mixture of chloroform of different origins was produced. Our research showed that these processes were more efficient, in terms of faster degradation rates, when biostimulation with lactic acid was carried out. This biostimulation could therefore be an efficient remediation strategy at sites contaminated by chloromethanes, especially in cases where a complex pollution history results in a rich hydrochemical background that makes it difficult natural attenuation

Semaglutide in type 2 diabetes with chronic kidney disease at high risk progression—real-world clinical practice

Albuminuria; Obesity; SemaglutideAlbuminúria; Obesitat; SemaglutidaAlbuminuria; Obesidad; SemaglutidaBackground Semaglutide [glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor-agonist (GLP-1RA)] has shown nephroprotective effects in previous cardiovascular studies. However, its efficacy and safety in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) have been rarely studied. Methods This is a multicenter, retrospective, observational study in patients with T2D and CKD with glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 7.5–9.5% treated with subcutaneous semaglutide for 12 months in real-world clinical practice. The main objectives were glycemic control as HbA1c 5%. Results We studied a total of 122 patients, ages 65.50 ± 11 years, 62% men, duration of T2D 12 years, baseline HbA1c 7.57% ± 1.36% and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 50.32 ± 19.21 mL/min/1.73 m2; 54% had a urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (UACR) of 30–300 mg/g and 20% had a UACR >300 mg/g. After 12 months of follow-up, HbA1c declined −0.73% ± 1.09% (P 5% of their body weight. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased −9.85 mmHg and −5.92 mmHg, respectively (P 300 mg/g). The mean eGFR (by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration) remained stable. The need for basal insulin decreased 20% (P < .005). Only 7% of patients on insulin had mild hypoglycemic episodes. Semaglutide was stopped in 5.7% of patients for digestive intolerance. Conclusions In this real-world study, patients with T2D and CKD treated with subcutaneous semaglutide for 12 months significantly improved glycemic control and decreased weight. Albuminuria decreased by >50% in patients with macroalbuminuria. The administration of GLP-1RA in patients with T2D and CKD was safe and well tolerated

ANÁLISIS Y SATIDFACCIÓN DEL SERVICIO DE AYUDA A DOMICILIO EN LA PROVINCIA DE ALMERÍA (ESPAÑA)

The increase of the dependency to make Activities of the Daily Living requires political and social answers for this new and emergent social challenge. The present paper presents the characteristics of the Home Help Service (SAD) in the province of Almería, with respect to activities of domestic, personal and educative character, besides to evalu-ate the satisfaction of the users. Thus, we observed as the demanded SAD more is the related one to domestic activities, followed of the activities of personal and educative character. A greater prevalence in the use for the women exists, increasing the difference with respect to the men as it in-creases the age. Most of the subjects that use the domestic aid are located in the groups of 70-79 and 80-89 years, not being observed differences based on the civil state in the use of activities related to the dress and the cleanliness. The degree of satisfaction, with the service and the treatment of the responsible personnel, is considerably high, whereas approximately 35% don’t consider the benefit sufficient that receives.El aumento de la dependencia para la realización de Activida-des de la Vida Diaria exige respuestas político-sociales de cara a tomar responsabilidades ante este nuevo y emergente reto social. El presente estudio da a conocer las características de la prestación del Servicio de Ayuda a Domicilio (SAD) en la provincia de Almería, respecto a activida-des de carácter doméstico, personal y educativo, además de evaluar la satisfacción de los usuarios. Así, observamos como el SAD más demanda-do es el relacionado con actividades domésticas, seguido de las actividades de carácter personal y educativo. Existe una mayor prevalencia en el uso por parte del género femenino, aumentando la diferencia respecto al mas-culino a medida que aumenta la edad. La mayoría de los sujetos que utili-zan la ayuda doméstica se sitúan en los grupos de 70-79 y 80-89 años, no observándose diferencias en función del estado civil en el uso de activida-des relacionadas con el vestido y el aseo. Es considerablemente alto el grado de satisfacción con el servicio y el trato del personal responsable, mientras que aproximadamente el 35% no considera suficiente la presta-ción que recibe

Different lesion distribution in calves orally or intratracheally challenged with Mycobacterium bovis: implications for diagnosis

[EN] Animal tuberculosis (TB) remains a major problem in some countries despite the existence of control programmes focused mainly on cattle. In this species, aerogenous transmission is accepted as the most frequent infection route, affecting mainly the respiratory system. Under the hypothesis that the oral route could be playing a more relevant role in transmission, diagnosis and disease persistence than previously thought, this study was performed to assess the course of TB infection in cattle and its effects on diagnosis depending on the route of entry of Mycobacterium bovis. Two groups of five calves each were either endotracheally (EC) or orally (OC) challenged. Necropsies were carried out 12 weeks after challenge except for three OC calves slaughtered 8 weeks later. All animals reacted to the tuberculin skin test and the entire EC group was positive to the interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) 2 weeks after challenge and thereafter. The first positive IGRA results for OC calves (3/5) were recorded 4 weeks after challenge. Group comparison revealed significant differences in lesion and positive culture location and scoring. TB-compatible gross lesions and positive cultures were more frequently found in the thorax (p < 0.001) and lung (p < 0.05) of EC animals, whereas OC animals presented lesions (p = 0.23) and positive cultures (p < 0.05) mainly located in the abdomen. These results indicate that the infection route seems to be a determining factor for both the distribution and the time needed for the development of visible lesions. Our study suggests that confirmation of TB infection in some skin reactor animals can be problematic if current post-mortem examination and diagnostics are not improvedSIThis study was supported with funds from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Research Project AGL2014-56305-C3-3-R) and the Department of Economic Development and Competitiveness of the Basque Government. MS holds a fellowship from the Department of Education of the Basque Government (PRE_2017_2_0043

Evaluating the impact of existing legislation in Europe with regard to Female Genital Mutilation

The Spanish Report on the evaluation of existing legislation with regard to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is the result of a research project supported by the European Commision Daphne Programme. The project Evaluating the impact of existing legislation in Europe with regard to female genital mutilation, has been coordinated by the International Centre for Reproductive Health of Ghent University (Belgium) from january 2003 to march 2004. The project included as partners the Foundation for Women’s Health, Research and Development (FORWARD, United Kingdom); Lund University (Sweden); Commission pour l'Abolition des Mutilations Sexuelles, (CAMS, France), the Centre of Studies on Citizenship, Migration and Minorities of the University of Valencia (GECIM, Spain), and the above mentioned ICRH (Ghent University, Belgium) . The Spanish report is an interdisciplinary research done by the Centre of Studies on Citizenship, Migration and Minorities (University of València), directed by professor Javier De Lucas, and which counts with researchers and collaborators both, from the University of Valencia and other Universities such as University of Barcelona and University Rovira i Virgili of Tarragona; in the fields of Law (Penal Law, Constitutional Law, Theory and Philosophy of Law), Sociology and Antropology. The Group of researchers includes as well lawyers and public prosecutors. Practice of Female Genital Mutilation in Spain, like other european countries, address this rite that is introduced by immigrants from countries where the practice is prevalent (as we may see in chapter 3), as a violation of women’s rights and consider that such violation cannot be justified by respect of cultural traditions or initiation ceremonies. The increasing of immigration in Spain, has been a fact in last years, and it would be an important issue in future, increasing too the number of girls at risk in our country. In Spain, since october 2003, we have anew specific legislation, but before Female Genital Mutilation was liable too under the general offence of injuries in the Penal Code. In this Report, like in the other of the project, we have examined the possibilities and difficulties in the implementation of the spanish national legislation, in order to recommend a legislative and political strategy through Europe. page4image1440 The research methodology, common to all reports, was designed by the ICRH in its cooordination task, but was as well discussed by all the partners along the six steering commitee meetings we have had. The structure and content of report reflects the answers to following questions: 1. What is the legislation with regard to FGM in your country? Description of the legislation.; 2. What is the number of published court cases/suspected cases related to FGM in your country? What is the number of “hearsay” cases?; 3. Brief description of the practising community and the corresponding jurisdiction: number of Africans per country in the geographic area where the cases that you describe are located; 4. What is the procedure to be followed in case of a legal intervention to prevent or to penalise the performance of FGM?; 5. Is legislation applicable on FGM being implemented?; 6.What are the obstructing (favouring) factors for the implementation of legislation applicable to FGM? First of all we have compiled information about legislation applied with regard to FGM: not only general or specific criminal law, (in the case of Spain both because we have a change of law since october 2003), but also child protection procedures. In chapter 1, you may find the result: a Constitutional analysis, changes in Criminal Law, ans an introduction to Minor protection Laws. The second issue was the knowledge of court cases, police and judicial investigation in order to study how justice works. In this part, we contact key-informants, review archival records and study other reports: usually sociological, anthropological and health reports. In chapter 2 we have selected and summarized seven court cases in which we hace found enough relevant information to other parts of the report. At the same time, we need to identify the practicing communities to estimate the prevalence of women with FGM and the number of girls at risk of FGM. This was interesting not only to limit the research but to focus on a territory where there was a probability of cases in Court. We have choosen Catalonia: a community with court cases (in Barcelona and Girona) and prevalence of FGM; and Valencia, a territory without known cases and with no prevalence of FGM. This analysis is shown in chapter 3. In order to detect factors that hamper the implementation of existing legisaltion we need to know how procedures works at different levels: health services, social assistance, police, prosecution office and courts. Examining procedure laws, referral procedures, guidelines or ruled practices was not enough. We had to know what happen, who know a case, which institution examine it, which real mens they have.... To complete this, we have performe a study, interviewing key-informants with an standard interview: police, prosecutors, judges, doctors, nurses, social assistants and immigrants. Interviews were fulfilled in Valencia, Tarragona, Barcelona and Girona. Results are in Chapter 4 (procedure followed); Chapter 5 (implementation of appllicable legislation) and Chapter 6 (obstructing and favouring factors for the implementation of legislation). We had three main meetings to design the research and discuss texts and provissional results. Some of conclusions of provissional spanish report were discused in two seminars: “Ciudadania europea y conflictos culturales”, [european citizenship and cultural conflicts] (Valencia, 29, 30 and 31 october 2003); and “Violencia de género: instrumentos jurídicos en la lucha contra la discriminación de las mujeres”[Gender violence: legal instruments fighting agains women discrimination] (Valencia, 26, 27 and 28 november 2003) The study was financed by the European Commission, Daphne programme, and ran from January 2003 to March 2004 (EC-CONTRACT no 02/058/WYC). In additon, in the period we have done this study, the Centre of Studies on Citizenship, Migration and Minorities was financed with other projects related: “Indicadores y medidas para el desarrollo de políticas públicas de integración social de los inmigrantes y la garantía de sus derechos en la Comunidad Valenciana”, [indicators and measures to develop public policies for social integration of immigrants and the protection of their fundamental rights in the Land of Valencia], Project I+D “Generalitat Valenciana”; 2002-2003; "Los derechos fundamentales en las sociedades multiculturales" [fundamental rights in multicultural societies], project I+D, Subdirección General de Proyectos de Investigación, Dirección General de Investigación, Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología, november 2002-october 2005; “Los derechos de participación como elemento de integración de los inmigrantes” [participation rights as a element of the integration of immigrants], II Convocatoria de Ayudas a la Investigación en Economía, Demografía y Estudios de Población y Estudios Europeos de la Fundacion BBVA; 2004-2005. We wish to thank all who have collaborated in this study, specially we remark the collaboration and contributions of Elena Gascón Sorribas (Sociology of Law Laboratory; University of Zaragoza); María Heras García (Public Prosecutor); Dolores Gisbert Millet (Doctor, Health Service, Valencia); Ignacio de Lucas (Public Prosecutor); Laura Matilla (Lawyer, city council of Cullera); Joan Mayoral Simón (Justice Evaluating the impact of existing legislation with regard to Female Genital Mutilation..Spanish National Report. Daphne Programme Department, Regional Government of Catalonia); Xavier Montagud (Social Services, Regional Government of Valencia); and Dolores Sabater Collado (Court Secretary). With the results of the five National Report analysis and the information about legislation in all European Union member States, the coordinators, Els Leye and Jessika Deblonde, have elaborated A comparative analysis of the different legal approaches in the 15 EU Member States, and the respective judicial outcomes in Belgium, France, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom (ICRH, 2004)