Modelo empírico para el cálculo de los residuos generados en obras de edificiación residencial

There are numerous studies developing quantification models of construction and demolition waste (CDW) in building works. Currently, knowing the amount of CDW generated in a construction site is essential to optimize its management. Therefore, any tool, which can estimate in advance the waste generated, should be considered a strategy to propose real solutions in the field of sustainability. However, the developed models up to now, offer indicators taking into consideration only the gross floor area (GFA) of the project. In general, GFA has been widely used for CDW estimation worldwide and mainly in high density urban areas such as China or Hong Kong where dwellings are sold by GFA. However, regions such as Europe, U.S or Australia may need to consider other parameters such as the numbers of dwellings as houses are usually sold by units. Also, previous research highlight that masonry work is the main activity generating CDW. Considering this issue, the amount of waste generated during masonry works in two different projects --with the same floor area—but one designed with big surface dwellings and the other with small studios, will differ --as the latter has more brick interior partitions--. Consequently, the main aim of this research is to establish a model to estimate the waste generated, both in weight and volume, considering the GFA and the number of dwellings of the project. To do this, several construction works built in the Community of Madrid have been analyzed. The results obtained offer some formulas to know in advance the amount, both in weight and volume of the total waste that will be generated in newly built construction works. In short, the methodology developed in this paper can help to optimize and systematize the management of the CDW generated in residential construction and can help building agents in the development of CDW management Plans and Reports in agreement with the legislation in force.Existen numerosos estudios que analizan distintos modelos de cuantificación de residuos de construcción y demolición (RCD) en obras de edificación. Actualmente, es esencial conocer la cantidad de residuo generado en una obra para optimizar su gestión. Por lo tanto, cualquier herramienta que permita estimar los RCD generados en una edificación debe considerarse como una estrategia que ofrece soluciones reales en el ámbito de la sostenibilidad. Sin embargo, los modelos desarrollados hasta ahora, sólo tienen en cuenta la superficie total construida del proyecto. En general, este parámetro ha sido ampliamente utilizado para la estimación de RCD, en zonas urbanas de alta densidad, como China o Hong Kong, donde las viviendas se venden por metros cuadrados. Sin embargo, otras regiones, como Europa, Estados Unidos o Australia, deben considerar otros parámetros, como el número de viviendas ya que generalmente las viviendas se venden por unidades. Por otro lado, diversas investigaciones previas destacan que la albañilería es la actividad que más residuo genera en una obra. Teniendo en cuenta esta cuestión, la cantidad de residuo de albañilería generado en dos obras diferentes con igual superficie, pero una diseñada con grandes viviendas y la otra con pequeños estudios, diferirá pues la ejecutada con pequeños estudios generará más residuo al tener más particiones interiores. En consecuencia, el objetivo principal de esta comunicación es establecer un modelo para estimar los residuos generados, tanto en peso como en volumen, considerando la superficie total y el número de viviendas del proyecto. Para ello, se han analizado varias obras construidas en la Comunidad de Madrid. Los resultados obtenidos ofrecen dos fórmulas para estimar la cantidad, tanto en peso como volumen del RCD total generado en obras de nueva construcción. En resumen, la metodología desarrollada en esta comunicación puede ayudar a optimizar y sistematizar la gestión de los RCD generados en obras residenciales, ayudando a los agentes de la construcción en el desarrollo de los Planes y Estudios de gestión de RCD de acuerdo con la legislación vigente

Whole exome sequencing of Rett syndrome-like patients reveals the mutational diversity of the clinical phenotype

Classical Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder where most of cases carry MECP2 mutations. Atypical RTT variants involve mutations in CDKL5 and FOXG1. However, a subset of RTT patients remains that do not carry any mutation in the described genes. Whole exome sequencing was carried out in a cohort of 21 female probands with clinical features overlapping with those of RTT, but without mutations in the customarily studied genes. Candidates were functionally validated by assessing the appearance of a neurological phenotype in Caenorhabditis elegans upon disruption of the corresponding ortholog gene. We detected pathogenic variants that accounted for the RTT-like phenotype in 14 (66.6 %) patients. Five patients were carriers of mutations in genes already known to be associated with other syndromic neurodevelopmental disorders. We determined that the other patients harbored mutations in genes that have not previously been linked to RTT or other neurodevelopmental syndromes, such as the ankyrin repeat containing protein ANKRD31 or the neuronal acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha-5 (CHRNA5). Furthermore, worm assays demonstrated that mutations in the studied candidate genes caused locomotion defects. Our findings indicate that mutations in a variety of genes contribute to the development of RTT-like phenotypes

Colorimetric and fluorescent hydrazone-BODIPY probes for the detection of γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and cathinones

Consumption and abuse of drugs is a general problem, which concerns our entire society. In some cases, drugs are used for recreational purposes; but in others, they are used to commit crimes such as Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA). In other cases, this consumption alters the consumer mood in such a way that risky situations can rise. In any case, detection of drugs in different environment is worthwhile. Here, two new chromogenic and fluorescent probes are reported. Detection of both cathinone derivatives and γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) can be carried out with naked-eye with limits of detection of 0.4 μM and 0.3 μM for GHB and 2.0 μM for ephedrone. Selectivity in the presence of other drugs has been tested. Sensing mechanisms have been studied using different spectroscopic techniques and they have been also corroborated through theoretical calculations

From influence to impact: the multifunctional land-use in Mediterranean prehistory emerging from palynology of archaeological sites (8.0-2.8 ka BP)

Archaeobotany is used to discover details on local land uses in prehistoric settlements developed during the middle and beginning of late Holocene. Six archaeological sites from four countries (Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey) have pollen and charcoal records showing clear signs of the agrarian systems that had developed in the Mediterranean basin during different cultural phases, from pre-Neolithic to Recent Bronze Age. A selected list of pollen taxa and sums, including cultivated trees, other woody species, crops and annual or perennial synanthropic plants are analysed for land use reconstructions. In general, cultivation has a lower image in palynology than forestry, and past land uses became visible when oakwoods were affected by human activities. On-site palynology allows us to recognise the first influence of humans even before it can be recognised in off-site sequences, and off-site sequences can allow us to determine the area of influence of a site. Neolithic and Bronze Age archaeological sites show similar land use dynamics implying oak exploitation, causing local deforestation, and cultivation of cereal fields in the area or around the site. Although a substantial difference makes the Neolithic influence quite distant from the Bronze Age impact, mixed systems of land exploitation emerged everywhere. Multiple land use activities exist (multifunctional landscapes) at the same time within the area of influence of a site. Since the Neolithic, people have adopted a diffuse pattern of land use involving a combination of diverse activities, using trees\u2013crops\u2013domesticated animals. The most recurrent combination included wood exploitation, field cultivation and animal breeding. The lesson from the past is that the multifunctional land use, combining sylvo-pastoral and crop farming mixed systems, has been widely adopted for millennia, being more sustainable than the monoculture and a promising way to develop our economy

New insights into the genetic etiology of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias

Characterization of the genetic landscape of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADD) provides a unique opportunity for a better understanding of the associated pathophysiological processes. We performed a two-stage genome-wide association study totaling 111,326 clinically diagnosed/'proxy' AD cases and 677,663 controls. We found 75 risk loci, of which 42 were new at the time of analysis. Pathway enrichment analyses confirmed the involvement of amyloid/tau pathways and highlighted microglia implication. Gene prioritization in the new loci identified 31 genes that were suggestive of new genetically associated processes, including the tumor necrosis factor alpha pathway through the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex. We also built a new genetic risk score associated with the risk of future AD/dementia or progression from mild cognitive impairment to AD/dementia. The improvement in prediction led to a 1.6- to 1.9-fold increase in AD risk from the lowest to the highest decile, in addition to effects of age and the APOE ε4 allele

New insights into the genetic etiology of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias

Characterization of the genetic landscape of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADD) provides a unique opportunity for a better understanding of the associated pathophysiological processes. We performed a two-stage genome-wide association study totaling 111,326 clinically diagnosed/'proxy' AD cases and 677,663 controls. We found 75 risk loci, of which 42 were new at the time of analysis. Pathway enrichment analyses confirmed the involvement of amyloid/tau pathways and highlighted microglia implication. Gene prioritization in the new loci identified 31 genes that were suggestive of new genetically associated processes, including the tumor necrosis factor alpha pathway through the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex. We also built a new genetic risk score associated with the risk of future AD/dementia or progression from mild cognitive impairment to AD/dementia. The improvement in prediction led to a 1.6- to 1.9-fold increase in AD risk from the lowest to the highest decile, in addition to effects of age and the APOE ε4 allele

Multiancestry analysis of the HLA locus in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases uncovers a shared adaptive immune response mediated by HLA-DRB1*04 subtypes

Across multiancestry groups, we analyzed Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) associations in over 176,000 individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) versus controls. We demonstrate that the two diseases share the same protective association at the HLA locus. HLA-specific fine-mapping showed that hierarchical protective effects of HLA-DRB1*04 subtypes best accounted for the association, strongest with HLA-DRB1*04:04 and HLA-DRB1*04:07, and intermediary with HLA-DRB1*04:01 and HLA-DRB1*04:03. The same signal was associated with decreased neurofibrillary tangles in postmortem brains and was associated with reduced tau levels in cerebrospinal fluid and to a lower extent with increased Aβ42. Protective HLA-DRB1*04 subtypes strongly bound the aggregation-prone tau PHF6 sequence, however only when acetylated at a lysine (K311), a common posttranslational modification central to tau aggregation. An HLA-DRB1*04-mediated adaptive immune response decreases PD and AD risks, potentially by acting against tau, offering the possibility of therapeutic avenues

Novel microsatellite markers for an endangered freshwater snail,Heleobia atacamensis(Caenogastropoda: Cochliopidae), from the Atacama Saltpan

The minute freshwater gastropod Heleobia atacamensis is only known from its type locality Tilopozo, located at the southern end of the Atacama Saltpan, Antofagasta Region, Chile. It is classified as Critically Endangered by the national agency, Ministerio del Medio Ambiente de Chile, due to its restricted distribution. For the first time, we have isolated and evaluated 65 microsatellite markers in 42 specimens of H. atacamensis, successfully characterising 11 as polymorphic. Cross-amplification testing was successful in three other species of the genus. As a result, the development and characterisation of these markers could be useful in future genetic studies of H. atacamensis and its congeners, regarding population structuring, dispersal patterns and recent demographic history. Furthermore, this information will also be significant to undertake conservation efforts in this endangered species, since its environment is highly threatened by lithium mining activities and a global water crisis.Comision Nacional de Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnologica (CONICYT) CONICYT FONDECYT 1140540 Comision Nacional de Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnologica (CONICYT) C15B02 Universidad de Chile UCHILE-1566 ANID-FONDECYT 120041

Prediction of the Impact of Air Speed Produced by a Mechanical Fan and Operative Temperature on the Thermal Sensation

Natural ventilation associated with a mechanical fan is a feasible strategy to enhance thermal acceptability in warm weather. The ASHRAE-55 provides the increase for operative temperature proportional to the increase in air speed while maintaining thermal comfort. Conversely, the range of informed values is limited and little guidance for mechanical fans is provided. This work explores the relationship between operative temperature and air speed produced by ceiling fans, and the effective-ness to deliver thermal comfort for a wider range of values. The research method comprises transient computer fluid dynamics simulations coupled with a thermal sensation model and is divided into two stages: a calibration exercise and a parametrical investigation. Three matrices are presented for a range of operative temperatures (21.0–36.0◦ C) and air speeds (0–2.5 m/s) for: Dynamic Thermal Sensation (DTS) (a computer-based seven-point index), Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied, and potential Cooling Effect. When compared to the Predicted Mean Vote, the DTS overestimates thermal comfort for temperatures under 28.0◦ C with increased air speed and overestimates discomfort for temperatures above 31.0◦ C, even with increased air speed. Agreement is found between both scales for 28.0–31.0◦ C, defining a range for the effective use of ceiling fans to provide thermal comfort under warm weather conditions. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland

Data from: Evolution and conservation on top of the world: Phylogeography of the Marbled Water Frog (Telmatobius marmoratus species complex; Anura, Telmatobiidae) in protected areas of Chile

The Andean Altiplano has served as a complex setting throughout its history, driving dynamic processes of diversification in several taxa. We investigated phylogeographic processes in the Telmatobius marmoratus species complex occurring in this region by studying the geographic patterns of genetic variability, genealogies, and historical migration, using the cytochrome b (cyt-b) gene as a marker. DNA sequences from Telmatobius gigas and Telmatobius culeus, Bolivian species with an uncertain taxonomic status, were also included. Additionally, we evaluated the phylogenetic diversity (PD) represented within Chilean protected areas and the complementary contribution from unprotected populations. Phylogenetic reconstructions from 148 cyt-b sequences revealed 4 main clades, one of which corresponded to T. culeus. T. gigas was part of T. marmoratus clade indicating paraphyletic relationships. Haplotypes from Chilean and Bolivian sites were not reciprocally monophyletic. Geographic distribution of lineages, spatial Bayesian analysis, and migration patterns indicated that T. marmoratus displays a weaker geographic structure than expected based on habitat distribution and physiological requirements. Demographic and statistical phylogeography analyses pointed out to a scenario of recent population expansion and high connectivity events of a more recent age than the post Last Glacial Maximum, probably associated to more humid events in Altiplano. PD of T. marmoratus populations within protected areas represents 55.6% of the total estimated PD. The unprotected populations that would contribute the most to PD are Caquena and Quebe (21%). Recent evolutionary processes and paleoclimatic changes, potentially driving shifts in habitat connectivity levels and population sizes, could explain the phylogeographic patterns recovered herein