Hydrodesulfurization of Dibenzothiophene Using Lanthanum Doped CoMoS2

Hydrodesulfurization (HDS) is a technique used in petrochemical industry for the removal of sulfur from crude oil. Using dibenzothiophene (DBT) as a target molecule and CoMoS2 catalysts doped with various concentrations of lanthanum were studied for catalytic activity in the removal of DBT from solution. Catalysts were synthesized using ammonium tetrathiomolydate, cobalt chloride and lanthanum nitrate under a solvothermal decomposition in decalin at 350 °C with H2 gas at 160 psi. To evaluate decomposition effects, a second set of catalyst precursors were decomposed in a tube furnace at 450 °C under a constant flow of 10%/90% H2/Ar. Characterizations of the catalysts were performed prior to and following one catalytic cycle using XRD, SEM/EDX and XPS. Catalytic cycles were performed in DBT/decalin solutions and analyzed using a combination of GC-FID and GC-MS. The introduction of lanthanum enhanced catalytic activity of the catalysts at concentrations of 10–25%. However, a 5%, lanthanum doping poisoned the catalyst. In addition, the studies showed the 25% doped catalyst decomposed at 450°C exhibited higher catalytic activity than those decomposed solvothermally

The use of Fe3O4/Carbon composite fibers as anode materials in lithium ion batteries

In the present work, results on the synthesis and mass production of polymer/ceramic composite fibers through Forcespinning® (FS) are reported. Magnetite (Fe3O4), has been considered as a good anode material for Lithium‒Ion Batteries (LIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity (~924 mAhg-1), low cost, and low toxicity. The Fe3O4/carbon composite, in the present study, was achieved through Forcespinning iron (III) acetylacetonate /polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor solution with stabilization in air at 280°C followed by carbonization at 600°C under argon. The electrochemical cyclic performance of Fe3O4/C composite fibers was investigated by galvanostatic charge/discharge experiments. The results showed the Fe3O4/C composite fiber anode exhibited higher reversible capacity of 300 mAhg-1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mAg-1 compared to that of carbon fibers, which was approximately100 mAhg-1. In addition, the Fe3O4/composite fiber anode showed improved capacity retention and better rate performance than pure carbon fibers

Use of noninvasive ‘bug-eggs’ to enable comparative inferences on genetic mating system with and without parental information: A study in a cattle egret colony

Colonial waterbirds such as herons, egrets and spoonbills exhibit ecological characteristics that could have promoted the evolution of conspecific brood parasitism and extra-pair copulation. However, an adequate characterization of the genetic mating systems of this avian group has been hindered by the lack of samples of elusive candidate parents which precluded conducting conventional parentage allocation tests. Here, we investigate the genetic mating system of the invasive cattle egret using hematophagous insects contained in fake eggs to collect blood from incubating adults in a wild breeding colony. We tested a protocol with a previously unused Neotropical Triatominae, Panstrongylus megistus, obtained blood samples from males and females in 31 nests built on trees, drew blood from 89 nestlings at those nests, and genotyped all samples at 14 microsatellite loci, including six new species-specific loci. We comparatively addressed the performance of parentage allocation versus kinship classification of nestlings to infer the genetic mating system of cattle egrets. In line with previous behavioral observations, we found evidence in support of a non-monogamous genetic mating system, including extra-pair paternity (EPP) and conspecific brood parasitism (CBP). Parentage allocation tests detected a higher percentage of nests with alternative reproductive tactics (EPP: 61.7%; CBP: 64.5%) than the kinship classification method (EPP: 50.0%; CBP: 43.3%). Overall, these results indicate that rates of alternative reproductive tactics inferred in the absence of parental genetic information could be underestimated and should be interpreted with caution. This study highlights the importance of incorporating samples from candidate parents to adequately determine the genetic mating system of a species. We expand knowledge on the reproductive tactics of colonial waterbirds, contributing novel data on the genetic mating system of the cattle egret, valuable for the design of management strategies for this invasive bird.Fil: Miño, Carolina Isabel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú; ArgentinaFil: Dantas de Souza, Elaine. Universidade Federal do São Carlos; BrasilFil: Moralez-Silva, Emmanuel. Universidade Federal do São Carlos; BrasilFil: Valdes, Talita Alvarenga. Universidade Federal do São Carlos; BrasilFil: Cortiço Corrêa Rodrigues, Vera Lúcia. Superintendencia de Controle de Endemias; BrasilFil: Del Lama, Sílvia Nassif. Universidade Federal do São Carlos; Brasi

Aproximación ontológica del diseño gráfico. Virtudes y desengaños en 3 actos

El presente trabajo de investigación pretende demostrar una correspondencia; (o falta de ésta) entre las distintas etapas que llevan al diseñador gráfico al lugar que ocupará dentro de una sociedad activa como profesionista. Visualizándolo desde una perspectiva general. Tomando en consideración factores que van desde su definición, hasta su ejecución; siendo un camino que aborda la ética, el aprendizaje y sus dificultades; la responsabilidad social, el campo laboral y la capacidad de conversión de alumno a diseñador. icha investigación documenta una realidad tanto académica como profesional. Lo cuál hace ubicar al proyecto dentro de la postura epistemológico -hermenéutica (interpretativa), exentando la posibilidad de no requerir una solución gráfica es decir un planteamiento de (hipótesis) al dotar únicamente un cuestionamiento epistemológico.El presente trabajo de investigación nace a partir de la inquietud personal por vislumbrar un panorama disciplinar que permita contrastar las diferentes etapas en las que se desarrolla el diseñador gráfico, con el fin principal de comprender mi propia disciplina, así como representar un primer acercamiento ante las posibilidades que el diseño gráfico brinda por sí mismo, permitiendo documentar/ evidenciar la manera en que va evolucionando, conforme el entorno y los factores lo requieran. De esta manera será posible aproximar al lector hacia una comprensión del campo del diseño gráfico, desde su concepción, hasta un estimado del desempeño profesional. Se documenta el contraste existente al dividir en tres etapas de desarrollo, abordando las distintas situaciones que atañen al desarrollo del diseñador gráfico, tanto en su etapa formativa, como su inmersión al campo laboral

Investigation into the thermodynamics and kinetics of the binding of Cu2+ and Pb2+ to TiS2 nanoparticles synthesized using a solvothermal process

In the present study, titanium (IV) sulfide (TiS2) was synthesized and investigated for the removal of Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions. TiS2 nanoparticles synthesized through a solvothermal synthesis were characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The average particle size for the TiS2 material was determined to be 8.03 ± 0.98 nm from the diffraction pattern. Studies were performed to examine the effects of pH, temperature, time, and interfering ions on the binding of Cu2+ and Pb2+ to the TiS2. As well isotherm studies were performed to determine the binding capacity of TiS2 for both Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions. The pH profile studies showed optimal binding occurred at pH 2 for the sorption of both Cu2+ and Pb2+ to the TiS2. The isotherm studies showed the adsorption capacities at temperatures of 4, 22, and 45 °C for Cu2+ were 243, 222, and 153 mg/g, respectively. An opposite trend in the adsorption was observed for Pb2+ binding to the TiS2. The observed binding capacities for Pb2+ were 32, 166, and 357 mg/g, at temperatures of 4, 22, and 45 °C, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters for binding showed a non-spontaneous process for the sorption of Cu2+ whereas a spontaneous binding process was observed for the sorption of Pb2+. Additionally, the binding of Cu2+ on TiS2 in the presence of interfering ions (Na+, K+, Mg2+, and/or Ca2+) was observed to decrease at high concentrations; however, the binding of Pb2+ was unaffected by the presence of the same cations

Effect of Lanthanum Doping on the reactivity of unsupported CoMoS2 catalysts

In the present study, catalytic systems based on La-doping were developed to improve the activity and performance of CoMoS2 hydrodesulfurization catalysts. Lanthanum-doped at 5, 10, or 25% of the Co content in CoMoS2 hydrodesulfurization catalysts were synthesized through a solvothermal process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses confirmed the catalysts were triphasic consisting of Co9S8, MoS2, and La2S3. The La doped catalysts showed enhanced catalytic activity compared with CoMoS2 synthesized under the same conditions. The CoMoS2 prepared under solvothermal synthesis conditions showed a catalytic activity of 6.80 mol g-1 s-1, however, the La0.05Co0.95MoS2 doping showed a catalytic activity of 6.51 mol g -1 s-1 whereas the La0.1Co0.9MoS2 and La0.25Co0.75MoS2 samples showed catalytic activities of 10.7 mol g-1 s-1. The reaction products indicated the major reaction pathway was direct desulfurization. The La0.25Co0.75MoS2 catalyst after one reaction cycle showed a lower amount of carbon, than the undoped CoMoS2 catalyst

Removal of Cu2+ and Ni2+ from Aqueous Solution using SnO2 Nanomaterial effect of: pH, Time, Temperature, interfering cations

Tin oxide, SnO2, nanomaterial was synthesized and tested for the removal of Cu2+ and Ni2+ ions from aqueous solutions. Various parameters for the binding were investigated in batch studied, which included pH, time, temperature, and interferences. In addition, isotherm studied were performed to determine the maximum binding capacity for both Cu2+ and Ni2+ ions. The optimal binding pH determined from the effects of pH were to be at pH 5 for both the Cu2+ and Ni2+ ions. The isotherm studies were performed at temperatures of 4°C, 25 °C, and 45 °C for both the Cu2+ and Ni2+ ions and were found to follow the Langmuir isotherm model. The binding capacities for the Cu2+ ions were 2.63 mg/g, 2.95 mg/g and 3.27 mg/g at the aforementioned temperatures, respectively. Whereas the binding capacities for Ni2+ were 0.79 mg/g, 1.07 mg/g, and 1.46 mg/g at the respective temperatures. The determined thermodynamic parameters for the binding showed that the binding processes for the reactions were endothermic, as the ΔG was observed to decrease with decreasing temperatures. As well the ΔH was 28.73 kJ/mol for Cu2+ (III) and 13.37 kJ/mol for Ni2+. The ΔS was observed to be 92.65 J/mol for Cu2+ and 54.53 J/mol for Ni2+. The free energy of adsorption for the Cu2+ was determined to be 13.99 kJ/mol and the activation energy for the binding of Ni2+ was determined to be 8.09 KJ/mol. The activation energy data indicate that the reaction was occurring through chemisorptio

Peatlands of Southern South America : a review

This article is an outcome of the workshop entitled “Turberas: puesta al día y desafíos” (14 Jun 2017). The workshop was supported by FONDECYT Grant N° 11150275 from the Comisión Nacional de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (CONICYT). L.D.F. is funded by ANID (FONDECYT 11170927). We are very grateful to the reviewers and Dr Stephan Glatzel for their constructive suggestions.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Análisis del emprendimiento turístico en Ecuador y su impacto en la sociedad. Caso de estudio: empresas familiares en la parroquia de Mindo

Mindo is a parish located at San Miguel de los Bancos, next to the Preservation Forrest Mindo, Nambillo. It is positioned as a touristic destination, diverse in flora and fauna. This dynamism has generated the development of touristic ventures, most of them managed by families that contribute to the destination offer. Even though Mindo is considered an important destination in Ecuador, it does not generate enough income for a local sustainable development. The aim of this study is to analyze the tourism entrepreneurship of the parish of Mindo, as well as examine actual conditions in which they develop. Qualitative, quantitative and descriptive approach were used in the study, and the following variables were analyzed: individual trust, innovation, risk assumption, decision making, business creation, types of ventures and relations between clients, providers, and competitors who contributed with the study. The most relevant conclusions determine that innovation is a key factor that is not perceived at Mindo’s touristic dynamics; the lack of technical risk analysis gives poor information to make decisions. Finally, the parish and groups of interest are not working together with a defined horizon, this generates nonexistence of agreements and decisions that does not allow Mindo to become a competitive destination.Mindo es una parroquia del cantón San Miguel de los Bancos, ubicada en el valle del Bosque Protector Mindo Nambillo; cuenta con gran diversidad de flora y fauna que la han posicionado como un destino turístico de naturaleza. Esta dinámica ha generado el desarrollo de emprendimientos turísticos, en su mayoría familiares, que aportan con la oferta del destino. Sin embargo, a pesar de ser un destino turístico importante para el país no ha podido despuntar con sus emprendimientos y mantiene una oferta comercial limitada. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de la presente investigación es analizar el emprendimiento turístico en Ecuador, enfocado en la parroquia de Mindo, y su impacto en la sociedad actual en la que se desenvuelve, examinando la dinámica de los emprendimientos turísticos familiares. Para ello se consideró una metodología con enfoque cualitativo y cuantitativo de carácter descriptivo. Se levantó información apegada a variables como: confianza individual, innovación, asunción de riesgo, toma de decisiones, creación de empresa, tipos de emprendimientos y relaciones entre clientes, proveedores y competidores que aportan con el análisis del mismo. Entre las principales conclusiones que se obtuvieron del estudio se encontró que la innovación es un factor fundamental y un elemento que no se percibe en la dinámica turística de la parroquia;  que la falta de análisis técnicos de riesgos no aporta con  información pertinente para una toma de decisiones acertada; y, finalmente, que el trabajo conjunto entre los actores del turismo en la parroquia no apunta a objetivos conjuntos lo cual genera una falta de consensos y decisiones que permitan el desarrollo de un destino turístico competitivo

La imagen y la narrativa como herramientas para el abordaje psicosocial en escenarios de violencia en el Departamento del Cesar, Atlántico.

De acuerdo a los temas tratados en este diplomado de Profundización Acompañamiento Psicosocial en Escenarios de Violencia, se aborda y se realiza contextualización de escenarios de violencia a través de la aplicación de imagen y la narrativa con herramienta de análisis de foto voz, permitiendo así evidenciar la problemática de una población y la realidad de forma expresiva e interpretativa mediante el cual se busca simbolizar los acontecimientos violentos de forma subjetiva desde la técnica de análisis del relato en escenario como una herramienta de acción psicosocial. Se afrontan tejidos desde los enfoques narrativos y acompañamiento psicosocial en contextos que han sufrido el fenómeno de violencia y desplazamiento forzoso, tomado como insumo el relato de “Ana Ligia” correspondiente al libro voces: historia de violencia y esperanza en Colombia. Como lo es el caso del rio Cacariaca donde se demuestran hechos de violencia que afecta tanto la salud física y mental de una población, luego de haber vivido en carne propia este flagelo de la violencia que desencadeno dolor y perdida de muchas personas. Palabras claves: Resiliencia, Violencia, Desplazamiento.According to the thematic contents of the Diploma in Deepening Psychosocial Accompaniment in Violence Scenarios, approach and contextualization of scenarios of violence is applied through the application of the image and narrative with the tool of Photo voice analysis, which shows the problems of a community and reality in an expressive and interpretive way that seeks to metaphorize the facts of violence in a subjective way, from the technique of analyzing the story in a setting as an instrument of psychosocial action. Contexts are addressed from the narrative approaches and psychosocial accompaniment strategies in scenarios that have been hit by the phenomenon of violence and forced displacement, taking as input the story of "Ana Ligia" taken from the book Voices: stories of violence and hope in Colombia . As also the case of the municipality of Pandurí in which violent events are reported that affect the physical and mental integrity of a community, after experiencing torture and murder, unleashing pain due to loss of loved ones, massive displacement, breaking family union, economic instability, and causing emotional damage at the individual and collective level. Psychosocial strategies and actions are proposed that allow an accompaniment based on strengthening the resilient capacity of each person and community. Keywords: Violence, Narrative, Displacement, Resilience