Gestión, control y monitorización de una planta química

Aquest projecte tracta sobre la gestió, el control i la monitorització d'una planta pilot per al tractament d'aigües residuals, concretament per a tractaments de tipus terciari basats en reaccions Fenton i Foto-Fenton. A més d'introduir els conceptes propis de l'automàtica i d'aquest tipus de processos químics, es realitzarà una descripció de la instal.lació per tal de fer una revisió dels treballs fets per tercers, i s'escometrà, d'acord amb tot això la programació interna del PLC associat a la planta, així com també la de les interfícies de visualització en plataformes SCADA sota el software propi de la signatura del hardware de control asociat a l’instal·lació. D'altra banda es desenvoluparà el disseny d'un model de comportament per a la variable pH, crítica en el procés. I d'acord amb aquest, implementat en Matlab, es realitzarà un disseny de control. Finalment, fent-nos valer de la tecnologia OPC que incorpora el PLC instal·lat, aprofitarem aquest disseny de control per implementar una plataforma en SIMULINK capaç de comunicar-se amb la planta, de manera que serveixi com a introducció a futures ampliacions pel que fa a sistemes externs d’ajuda a la presa de decisions

A Systematic Review on the Implication of Minerals in the Onset, Severity and Treatment of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease with high prevalence in adults that leads to destruction of the teeth-supporting tissues. Periodontal therapy has been traditionally directed at reduction of the bacterial load to a level that encourages health-promoting bacteria and maintenance of oral-hygiene. The role of nutrition in different chronic inflammatory diseases has been the subject of an increasing body of research in the last decades. In this sense, there has been an important increase in the volume of research on role of nutrition in periodontitis since the diet has known effects on the immune system and inflammatory cascades. Minerals play a key role in all these processes due to the multiple pathways where they participate. To clarify the role of the different minerals in the establishment, progression and/or treatment of this pathology, a systemically review of published literature cited in PubMed until May 2016 was conducted, which included research on the relationship of these elements with the onset and progression of periodontal disease. Among all the minerals, calcium dietary intake seems important to maintain alveolar bone. Likewise, dietary proportions of minerals that may influence its metabolism also can be relevant. Lastly, some observations suggest that all those minerals with roles in immune and/or antioxidant systems should be considered in future research

Gestión, control y monitorización de una planta química

Aquest projecte tracta sobre la gestió, el control i la monitorització d'una planta pilot per al tractament d'aigües residuals, concretament per a tractaments de tipus terciari basats en reaccions Fenton i Foto-Fenton. A més d'introduir els conceptes propis de l'automàtica i d'aquest tipus de processos químics, es realitzarà una descripció de la instal.lació per tal de fer una revisió dels treballs fets per tercers, i s'escometrà, d'acord amb tot això la programació interna del PLC associat a la planta, així com també la de les interfícies de visualització en plataformes SCADA sota el software propi de la signatura del hardware de control asociat a l’instal·lació. D'altra banda es desenvoluparà el disseny d'un model de comportament per a la variable pH, crítica en el procés. I d'acord amb aquest, implementat en Matlab, es realitzarà un disseny de control. Finalment, fent-nos valer de la tecnologia OPC que incorpora el PLC instal·lat, aprofitarem aquest disseny de control per implementar una plataforma en SIMULINK capaç de comunicar-se amb la planta, de manera que serveixi com a introducció a futures ampliacions pel que fa a sistemes externs d’ajuda a la presa de decisions

Manejo responsable de los desechos radiactivos en la Universidad de Costa Rica

The Radiation Safety Program (RSP) of the University of Costa Rica established in 1990, handles the radioactive waste generated at the University. A centralized storage waste room is used by the Atomic, Nuclear and Molecular Research Center, Health Research Institute, Molecular and Cellular Biology Research Center and the Environmental Contamination Research Center. The RSP has pre-storage procedures, internal controls, protocols for storage, withdrawal of sources and discharges to the environment, according to national and international legislation. The main radionuclides in liquid and solid wastes are P32, I125, S35 y C14; which after a storage period will be disposed of as exempted materials. The waste room also permanently stores sources with the following radionuclides Cs137, U238, Th232, Sr90, Ra226, Cd109, Cf252 and Am241. It has 96 permanent sources and 52 that will be disposed of. The RSP allows the University to have a centralized facility for the safe management of all radioactive waste generated locally. 

Natural and human–mediated factors in the recovery and subsequent expansion of the Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio L

Abstract. Instances of range contraction and population decline in bird species in Europe are more common than cases of recovery following decline. Here we report on the recovery and expansion processes of an endangered bird species in Europe, the purple swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio L., Rallidae), with special reference to the Iberian Peninsula, its main distribution area in Western Europe. After a drastic decline during the first half of the 20th century, which restricted its range to a few areas in southern Spain, the Iberian population has recovered. Currently, the species occurs in a range similar to the one it had at the beginning of the 20th century, and has even colonized new areas. These processes seem to be the result of both human-mediated (effective protection of the species and suitable habitats; success of reintroduction programs as expansion focuses of birds colonizing nearby and distant regions [>300 km] wetlands) and natural factors (inter-and intra-seasonal cycles of wet and dry years). Thus, we found a significant relationship between rainfall and bird abundance and productivity, suggesting that such inter-and intra-seasonal cycles may have significant effects on demographic parameters that could be related to the expansion process. Finally the species shows remarkable adaptability, as proven by data on breeding success in recently colonized areas and the ability to breed shortly after reintroduction. We hypothesize that saturation of breeding habitats in established areas, a reasonable habitat continuity and favorable environmental conditions, and protection have facilitated the dispersion of birds

Pérdidas de fruto y movilización de semillas en olea europaea var. Sylvestris brot. (oleaceae)

Se analizan varios aspectos de la biología de reproducción del acebuche [Olea europaea var. sylvestris Brot. (Oleaceae)] relacionados con la dispersión de semillas. Se compara el éxito de remoción en dos habitat -uno en dos temporadas- y se analizan las similitudes y diferencias en las causas de pérdidas de frutos por agentes bióticos y abióticos. En general, el esfuerzo de producción de fruto fue poco recompensado, ya que el éxito de remoción fue bajo. Las pérdidas totales de fruto variaron considerablemente entre años, pero aparentemente no limitaron la dispersión de semillas. Los agentes abióticos causaron más pérdidas que los bió- ticos. Al final de la temporada permanecían muchos frutos en las ramas, lo que sugiere que la cantidad de dispersantes fue limitante para el éxito de remoción. La importancia relativa de la remoción y de cada tipo de pérdida permaneció constante entre habitat y tendió a mantenerse entre individuos. En conclusión, aunque el porcentaje de remoción fue bajo, los resultados sugieren que el éxito de la función de fructificación de los acebuches en estas parcelas dependió fundamentalmente de la acción de los dispersantes

An evaporite-bearing accretionary complex in the northern front of the Betic-Rif orogen

The Guadalquivir Accretionary Complex forms a largely oblique prism at the northern edge of the Betic-Rif orogen, where Miocene sediments plus allochthonous evaporite-bearing units were accreted during the displacement of the Alborán Domain toward the west. Traditional interpretations end the tectonic structuring of the Betic Cordillera at the present topographic front, beyond which gravitational and/or diapiric processes would predominate. However, this study shows pervasive tectonic deformation in the outer prism with coherent oblique shortening kinematics, which is achieved through an alternation of roughly N-S arcuate thrust systems connected by E-W transfer fault zones. These structures accord well with the geophysical models that propose westward rollback subduction. The main stage of tectonic activity occurred in the early-middle Miocene, but deformation lasted until the Quaternary with the same kinematics. Evaporite rocks played a leading role in the deformation as evidenced by the suite of ductile structures in gypsum distributed throughout the area. S- and L- gypsum tectonites, scaly clay fabrics, and brittle fabrics coexist and consistently indicate westward motion (top to 290°), with subordinate N-S contraction almost perpendicular to the transfer zones. This work reveals ductile tectonic fabrics in gypsum as a valuable tool to elucidate the structure and deformational history of complex tectonic mélanges involving evaporites above the décollement level of accretionary wedges.This study was supported by research projects CGL2012-33281 and CGL2013-46368-P (Secretaría de Estado de I+D+I, Spain), CeacTierra-Universidad de Jaén, RNM-0451 (Junta de Andalucía), and by the Junta de Andalucía Research Groups RNM 208, 325, and 370

SARS-CoV-2 and acute respiratory síndrome pandemic (COVID-19)

Introducción: En diciembre de 2019, se detectaron los primeros casos de enfermedad respiratoria causada por un coronavirus emergente, al que se denominó SARS-CoV-2, que en los primeros meses de 2020 se ha extendido por todo el mundo con características de pandemia. Método: Se examinaron las publicaciones más relevantes en relación con los objetivos de la revisión. Resultados: La enfermedad, conocida como COVID-19, cursa con tos, fiebre y dificultad respiratoria. Las formas más graves, que afectan principalmente a personas de edad avanzada y con determinadas comorbilidades, se manifiestan por afectación de la función respiratoria, que requiere ventilación mecánica, y síndrome de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica, que puede conducir a un choque séptico con fallo multiorgánico, y altas tasas de mortalidad. En esta revisión se examina el estado actual de conocimientos sobre las características y origen del SARS-CoV-2, su replicación, y la patogénesis, clínica, diagnóstico, tratamiento y prevención de COVID-19. Conclusiones: Las características del SARS-CoV-2 y la clínica de COVID-19 son bien conocidas. La PCR es la técnica de referencia para el diagnóstico de laboratorio; se dispone de ensayos para detección de antígenos y de anticuerpos, con margen de optimización. Los protocolos de tratamiento incluyen la corrección de la respuesta inflamatoria sistémica y administración de agentes antivirales. Existen vacunas en desarrollo.Introduction: In December 2019, the first cases of respiratory disease caused by an emerging coronavirus were detected. The causative agento f the outbreak was called SARS-CoV-2, and in the first months of 2020 it spread throughout the world as a pandemic. Method: The most relevant publications concerned with the aims of the review were examined. Results: The disease, known as COVID-19. Patients show cough, fever, and respiratory distress. The most severe forms, mainly affecting the elderly and associated with various comorbidities, are manifested by impaired respiratory function, requiring mechanical ventilation, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome, which can lead to septic shock with multi-organ failure and high mortality rates. This review examines the current state of knowledge about the characteristics and origin of SARS-CoV-2, its replication, and the pathogenesis, clinical, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of COVID-19. Conclusions: The characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 are well known. PCR is the reference technique for laboratory diagnosis; assays for the detection of antigens and antibodies are available, with optimization possibilities. Treatment protocols include attenuation of the systemic inflammatory response and administration of antiviral agents. There are vaccines in development