Laser induced plasma methodology for ignition control in direct injection sprays

New combustion modes for internal combustion engines represent one of the main fields of investigation for emissions control in transportation Industry. However, the implementation of lean fuel mixture condition and low temperature combustion in real engines is limited by different unsolved practical issues. To achieve an appropriate combustion phasing and cycle-to-cycle control of the process, the laser plasma ignition system arises as a valid alternative to the traditional electrical spark ignition system. This paper proposes a methodology to set-up and optimize a laser induced plasma ignition system that allows ensuring reliability through the quantification of the system effectiveness in the plasma generation and positional stability, in order to reach optimal ignition performance. For this purpose, experimental tests have been carried out in an optical test rig. At first the system has been optimized in an atmospheric environment, based on the statistical analysis of the plasma records taken with a high speed camera to evaluate the induction effectiveness and consequently regulate and control the system settings. The same optimization method has then been applied under engine-like conditions, analyzing the effect of thermodynamic ambient conditions on the plasma induction success and repeatability, which have shown to depend mainly on ambient density. Once optimized for selected engine conditions, the laser plasma induction system has been used to ignite a direct injection Diesel spray, and to compare the evolution of combustion with that of a conventional auto-ignited Diesel spray.The authors acknowledge that this research work has been partly funded by the Government of Spain under the project HiReCo TRA2014-58870-R and grant BES-2015-072119. The equipment used in this work has been partially supported by FEDER project ICTS-2012-06, framed in the operational program of unique scientific and technical infrastructure of the Ministry of Science and Innovation of Spain.Pastor Soriano, JV.; García Oliver, JM.; García Martínez, A.; Pinotti, M. (2016). Laser induced plasma methodology for ignition control in direct injection sprays. Energy Conversion and Management. 120:144-156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2016.04.086S14415612

Toxicological Profiling and Long-Term Effects of Bare, PEGylated- and Galacto-Oligosaccharide-Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

[EN] Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are amongst the most used nanoparticles in biomedicine. However, the potentially toxic effects of MSNs have not yet been fully evaluated, being a controversial matter in research. In this study, bare MSNs, PEGylated MSNs (MSNs-PEG), and galacto-oligosaccharide-functionalized MSNs (MSNs-GAL) are synthesized and characterized to assess their genotoxicity and transforming ability on human lung epithelial BEAS-2B cells in short- (48 h) and long-term (8 weeks) exposure scenarios. Initial short-term treatments show a dose-dependent increase in genotoxicity for MSNs-PEG-treated cells but not oxidative DNA damage for MSNs, MSNs-PEG, or for MSNs-GAL. In addition, after 8 weeks of continuous exposure, neither induced genotoxic nor oxidative DNA is observed. Nevertheless, long-term treatment with MSNsPEG and MSNs-GAL, but not bare MSNs, induces cell transformation features, as evidenced by the cell¿s enhanced ability to grow independently of anchorage, to migrate, and to invade. Further, the secretome from cells treated with MSNs and MSNs-GAL, but not MSNs-PEG, shows certain tumor-promoting abilities, increasing the number and size of HeLa cell colonies formed in the indirect soft-agar assay. These results show that MSNs, specifically the functionalized ones, provoke some measurable adverse effects linked to tumorigenesis. These effects are in the order of other nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes or cerium dioxide nanoparticles, but they are lower than those provoked by some approved drugs, such as doxorubicin or dexamethasone.This work was supported by PID2021-126304OB-C41, PID2021-128141OB-C22, and PID2020-116789RB-C43 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/, by the European Regional Development Fund `A way of doing Europe¿, by Generalitat Valenciana (CIPROM/2021/007), and by the Generalitat de Catalunya (2021-SGR-00731). The work was also supported by CIBER `Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red¿ (CB06/01/2012), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación. This study forms part of the Advanced Materials programme (MFA/2022/049) and was supported by MCIN with funding from European Union NextGenerationEU (PRTR-C17.I1) and from Generalitat Valenciana. This project has also received funding from the European Union¿s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No. 965196. Alba Hernández was granted an ICREA ACADEMIA award. Vicente Candela-Noguera thanks the Spanish Government for his fellowship (FPU15/02753). Paula Díez thanks the Generalitat Valenciana for her contract APOSTD/2020/153 and thanks the Instituto de Salud Carlos III and the European Social Fund for the financial support `Sara Borrell¿, CD20/00120. The authors thank the Electron Microscopy Service at UPV for support.Barguilla, I.; Candela-Noguera, V.; Oliver, P.; Annangi, B.; Diez-Sánchez, P.; Aznar, E.; Martínez-Máñez, R.... (2023). Toxicological Profiling and Long-Term Effects of Bare, PEGylated- and Galacto-Oligosaccharide-Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 24(22):1-14. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242216158114242

Materials and Nanomaterials Laboratory Practical Sessions for First Year Physics Engineering Students

[EN] The subject "Chemical Foundations for Engineering I" is part of the basic training module of the Physics Engineering Degree that is taught at the Higher Technical School of Telecommunications Engineering at the Universitat Politècnica de València. This subject consists of a theoretical part, in which basic chemical concepts are taught in addition to materials science. This communication presents the development of practical laboratory sessions with the aim to introduce an educational improvement and to be able to apply the material science concepts of the subject in the laboratory through affordable experiments for first-year students that allow them to better assimilate the contents of the subject. The students have actively participated in the laboratory sessions and have raised their doubts about the processes carried out and their theoretical bases.[ES] La asignatura “Fundamentos Químicos para Ingeniería I” forma parte del módulo de formación básica del Grado de Ingeniería Física que se imparte en la Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería de Telecomunicación en la Universitat Politécnica de Valencia. Esta asignatura consta de una parte teórica, en la que se enseñan los conceptos químicos básicos además de ciencia de los materiales. En esta comunicación se presenta el desarrollo de sesiones prácticas de laboratorio con el objetivo de introducir una mejora educativa y poder aplicar en el laboratorio los conceptos de ciencia de los materiales de la asignatura a través de experimentos asequibles a estudiantes de primer curso que les permitan una mejor asimilación de los contenidos de la asignatura. Los alumnos han participado de forma activa en las sesiones de laboratorio y nos han planteado sus dudas sobre los procesos realizados y las bases teóricas de los mismos.Martí Centelles, V.; Bernardos Bau, A.; Marcos Martínez, MD.; Querol Magdalena, S.; Oliver Talens, J. (2022). Prácticas de Materiales y Nanomateriales para Estudiantes de Primer Curso de Ingeniería Física. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 34-42. https://doi.org/10.4995/INRED2022.2022.15908344

Evaluation of Practical Laboratory Sessions on Materials and Nanomaterials in Chemistry, for First Year Physics Engineering Students

[EN] This article includes the results obtained in the practical laboratory sessions of the subject “Chemical Fundamentals for Engineering I”, which is part of the basic training of the new degree of Physical engineering of the Higher Technical School of Telecommunications Engineering at the Universitat Politècnica de València. The theoretical part of the subject includes both fundamental chemical concepts and concepts of material science, essential for any engineer in the field of physics. However, for a better understanding of these concepts, it is important to apply them in practice. The inclusion of practical laboratory sessions allows first -year students to apply the concepts of material science through accessible experiments, improving their assimilation of theoretical contents. The results have been positive, since the students have actively participated and have raised questions about the theoretical processes and fundamentals, demonstrating a better understanding of the key concepts of the subject. For the evaluation of the practical sessions, opinion surveys have been conducted to the students. Student evaluation surveys show that an important educational improvement in the subject has been satisfactorily implemented, demonstrating the importance of applying the theoretical concepts in practice, to achieve comprehensive education and a better preparation for their future in the field of the physical.[ES] El presente artículo recoge los resultados obtenidos en las sesiones prácticas de laboratorio de la asignatura "Fundamentos Químicos para Ingeniería I", la cual es parte de la formación básica del nuevo Grado de Ingeniería Física de la Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería de Telecomunicaciones en la Universitat Politècnica de València. La parte teórica de la asignatura incluye tanto conceptos químicos fundamentales como conceptos de ciencia de los materiales, esenciales para cualquier ingeniero en el campo de la física. Sin embargo, para una mejor comprensión de estos conceptos, es importante aplicarlos en la práctica. La inclusión de sesiones prácticas de laboratorio permite a los estudiantes de primer año aplicar los conceptos de la ciencia de los materiales a través de experimentos accesibles, mejorando su asimilación de los contenidos teóricos. Los resultados han sido positivos, ya que los estudiantes han participado activamente y han planteado sus dudas sobre los procesos y bases teóricas, demostrando una mejor comprensión de los conceptos clave de la asignatura. Para la evaluación de las sesiones practicas se han realizado encuestas de opinión a los alumnos. Las encuestas de evaluación de los alumnos muestran que se ha implementado satisfactoriamente una mejora educativa importante en la asignatura, demostrando la importancia de aplicar los conceptos teóricos en la práctica, para lograr una educación integral y una mejor preparación para su futuro en el campo de la física.Martí Centelles, V.; Bernardos Bau, A.; Marcos Martínez, MD.; Querol Magdalena, S.; Oliver Talens, J. (2023). Evaluación de Sesiones Prácticas de Laboratorio de Materiales y Nanomateriales en Química, para Alumnos de Primer Curso de Ingeniería Física. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 297-307. https://doi.org/10.4995/INRED2023.2023.1645029730

REMAS: Greenhouse gas emissions risk management in forest fires

Trabajo presentado en World Forestry Congress, celebrado en Seúl (Corea del Sur) del 02 al 06 de mayo de 2022.REMAS is an Interreg SUDOE project, an innovative project, both in terms of subject matter and territorial approach. Through transnational cooperation, REMAS addresses the risk management of emitting carbon contained in forest ecosystems into the atmosphere due to forest fires, with a multidisciplinary and integrative character. REMAS proposes prevention and post-fire measures to minimise damage and accelerate the recovery of carbon stocks. The project also works to ensure that this emission risk is included in the design of prevention plans and in taking measures to restore sinks in soil and vegetation at a transnational level. Therefore, through transnational cooperation, REMAS is fostering strong partnerships in which regional and local authorities, academia, NGOs and forest sector companies work together to address the transboundary risk of greenhouse gas emissions from forest fires in the SUDOE territory, whose forest ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. REMAS is a project co-financed by the Interreg Sudoe Program through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) which involves 8 partners and 9 associated partners

Resumen ejecutivo del documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (SEIMC) sobre el diagnóstico y tratamiento antimicrobiano de las infecciones por bacterias gramnegativas resistentes a carbapenémicos

[EN] Infections caused by multidrug resistant Gram-negative bacteria are becoming a worldwide problem due to their increasing incidence and associated high mortality. Carbapenem-resistant bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii are the most important in clinical practice. The objective of these guidelines is to update the recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of infections caused by these multidrug resistant bacteria. Although ‘old’ antibiotics such as aminoglycosides, colistin, or tigecycline are frequently used for therapy of these bacteria, the ‘new’ beta-lactams such as ceftazidime–avibactam, ceftolozane–tazobactam, meropenem–vaborbactam, imipenem–cilastatin–relebactam or cefiderocol are progressively becoming the first-line therapy for most of these microorganisms. The Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica) designated a panel of experts in the field to provide evidence-based recommendations in response to common clinical questions. This document is primarily focused on microbiological diagnosis, clinical management, and targeted antimicrobial therapy of these infections, with special attention to defining the role of the new antimicrobials in the treatment of these bacteria.[ES] Las infecciones causadas por bacterias gramnegativas multirresistentes se han convertido en un problema mundial debido a su creciente incidencia y alta mortalidad asociada. Las bacterias resistentes a carbapenémicos como Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Acinetobacter baumannii son las más importantes en la práctica clínica. El objetivo de este documento de consenso es actualizar las recomendaciones sobre diagnóstico y tratamiento de las infecciones causadas por estas bacterias multirresistentes. Aunque los antibióticos ‘antiguos’ como aminoglucósidos, colistina o tigeciclina se utilizan con frecuencia en el tratamiento de estas bacterias, los ‘nuevos’ betalactámicos como ceftazidima-avibactam, ceftolozano-tazobactam, meropenem-vaborbactam, imipenem-cilastatina-relebactam o cefiderocol se están convirtiendo de forma progresiva en el tratamiento de primera elección para la mayoría de estos microorganismos. La Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica ha designado un grupo de expertos en la materia para elaborar una guía de recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia sobre las cuestiones clínicas más habituales. Este documento está principalmente centrado en el diagnóstico microbiológico, el manejo clínico y el tratamiento dirigido de estas infecciones, con especial referencia a definir el papel de los nuevos antimicrobianos en el tratamiento de estas bacterias.Peer reviewe

Jet energy measurement with the ATLAS detector in proton-proton collisions at sqrt(s) = 7 TeV

The jet energy scale (JES) and its systematic uncertainty are determined for jets measured with the ATLAS detector at the LHC in proton-proton collision data at a centre-of-mass energy of sqrt(s) = 7 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 38 inverse pb. Jets are reconstructed with the anti-kt algorithm with distance parameters R=0.4 or R=0.6. Jet energy and angle corrections are determined from Monte Carlo simulations to calibrate jets with transverse momenta pt > 20 GeV and pseudorapidities eta 50 GeV after a dedicated correction for this effect. The JES is validated for jet transverse momenta up to 1 TeV to the level of a few percent using several in situ techniques by comparing a well-known reference such as the recoiling photon pt, the sum of the transverse momenta of tracks associated to the jet, or a system of low-pt jets recoiling against a high-pt jet. More sophisticated jet calibration schemes are presented based on calorimeter cell energy density weighting or hadronic properties of jets, providing an improved jet energy resolution and a reduced flavour dependence of the jet response. The JES systematic uncertainty determined from a combination of in situ techniques are consistent with the one derived from single hadron response measurements over a wide kinematic range. The nominal corrections and uncertainties are derived for isolated jets in an inclusive sample of high-pt jets

ATLAS search for a heavy gauge boson decaying to a charged lepton and a neutrino in pp collisions at root s=7 TeV

The ATLAS detector at the LHC is used to search for high-mass states, such as heavy charged gauge bosons (W'), decaying to a charged lepton (electron or muon) and a neutrino. Results are presented based on the analysis of pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 7 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.7 fb(-1). No excess beyond Standard Model expectations is observed. A W' with Sequential Standard Model couplings is excluded at the 95 % credibility level for masses up to 2.55 TeV. Excited chiral bosons (W*) with equivalent coupling strength are excluded for masses up to 2.42 TeV

Dynamics of isolated-photon plus jet production in pp collisions at root s=7 TeV with the ATLAS detector

The dynamics of isolated-photon plus jet production in pp collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV has been studied with the ATLAS detector at the LHC using an integrated luminosity of 37 pb(-1). Measurements of isolated-photon plus jet bin-averaged cross sections are presented as functions of photon transverse energy, jet transverse momentum and jet rapidity. In addition, the bin-averaged cross sections as functions of the difference between the azimuthal angles of the photon and the jet, the photon jet invariant mass and the scattering angle in the photon jet centre-of-mass frame have been measured. Next-to-leading-order QCD calculations are compared to the measurements and provide a good description of the data, except for the case of the azimuthal opening angle

Measurement of the cross-section for W boson production in association with b-jets in pp collisions at root s=7 TeV with the ATLAS detector

This paper reports a measurement of the W+b-jets (W+b+X and W+b (b) over bar +X) production cross-section in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV at the LHC. These results are based on data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.6 fb(-1), collected with the ATLAS detector. Cross-sections are presented as a function of jet multiplicity and of the transverse momentum of the leading b-jet for both the muon and electron decay modes of the W boson. The W+b-jets cross-section, corrected for all known detector effects, is quoted in a limited kinematic range. Combining the muon and electron channels, the fiducial cross-section for W+b-jets is measured to be 7.1 +/- 0.5 (stat) +/- 1.4 (syst) pb, consistent with the next-to-leading order QCD prediction, corrected for non-perturbative and double-parton interactions (DPI) contributions, of 4.70 +/- 0.09 (stat) (+0.60)(-0.49) (scale) +/- 0.06 (PDF) +/- 0.16 (non-pert) (+0.52)(-0.38) (DPI) pb