Comparison of matroid intersection algorithms for large circuit analysis

This paper presents two approaches to symbolic analysis of large analog integrated circuits via simplification during the generation of the symbolic expressions. Both techniques are examined from the point of view of matroid theory. Finally, a new approach which combines the positive features of both approaches is introduced

Una visita al manicomio de Alcalá de Henares.

Sin resumen

Carpobrotus Management in a Mediterranean Sand Dune Ecosystem: Minimum Effective Glyphosate Dose and an Evaluation of Tarping

[EN] At a global scale, biological invasions represent one of the most important threats to biodiversity conservation. The Carpobrotus (Aizoaceae) genus, which is native to South Africa, has been introduced into five different continents and is particularly invasive in many coastal habitats. The application of glyphosate avoids some problems associated with manually controlling Carpobrotus over large spatial scales. However, before this practice can be extended and its impact minimized, its effectiveness under different application conditions must be assessed first. Thus, glyphosate was sprayed at different concentrations (0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, and 0.05 g/m(2)) on experimental plots with 100% Carpobrotus coverage to determine the minimum effective dose. Tarping was also evaluated as an alternative method for Carpobrotus management over reduced areas. Thus, four different weed-control fabric types were tested: black anti-weed fabric, sewn felt, black G-300 polyethylene, and Fijavert coconut-anti-weed matting on experimental plots with 100% Carpobrotus coverage. The obtained results showed that the minimum effective dose of glyphosate which prevents Carpobrotus regrowth in dune ecosystems was 0.4 g/m(2). It was also shown that at least three months of tarping were required under winter conditions to produce complete-Carpobrotus plant wilting and thus, prevent their regrowth. No significant effect on Carpobrotus growth was observed in terms of the fabric type used for the tarping tests. The presence of native species seedlings in the experimental plots after the death of the Carpobrotus plants following the application of herbicides or tarping was also monitored.This study was made possible by significant support from the Conselleria de Territori i Habitatge, Generalitat Valenciana (grant Number T621700) and from the Conselleria d'Educacio, Generalitat Valenciana (project GVPRE/2008/134). The authors would also like to thank the Valencian Regional Government environmental officers, Gabriel Ballester and Vicente Deltoro for their logistical support.Fos Causera, M.; Sanz Vidal, FDB.; Sanchís Duato, E. (2021). Carpobrotus Management in a Mediterranean Sand Dune Ecosystem: Minimum Effective Glyphosate Dose and an Evaluation of Tarping. Journal of Ecological Engineering. 22(7):57-66. https://doi.org/10.12911/22998993/138871576622

Vine Shoots-Derived Hard Carbons as Anodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries: Role of Annealing Temperature in Regulating Their Structure and Morphology

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are considered one of the most promising large‐scale and low‐cost energy storage systems due to the abundance and low price of sodium. Herein, hard carbons from a sustainable biomass feedstock (vine shoots) were synthesized via a simple two‐step carbonization process at different highest temperatures to be used as anodes in SIBs. The hard carbon produced at 1200 °C delivered the highest reversible capacity (270 mAh g−1 at 0.03 A g−1, with an acceptable initial coulombic efficiency of 71 %) since a suitable balance between the pseudographitic domains growth and the retention of microporosity, defects, and functional groups was achieved. A prominent cycling stability with a capacity retention of 97 % over 315 cycles was also attained. Comprehensive characterization unraveled a three‐stage sodium storage mechanism based on adsorption, intercalation, and filling of pores. A remarkable specific capacity underestimation of up to 38 % was also found when a two‐electrode half‐cell configuration was employed to measure the rate performance. To avoid this systematic error caused by the counter/reference electrode polarization, we strongly recommend the use of a three‐electrode setup or a full‐cell configuration to correctly evaluate the anode response at moderate and high current rates

Cutaneous apocrine cystomatosis in three slaughter-aged pigs

Apocrine cystomatosis is a rare condition characterized by clusters of cystically dilated sweat glands or other specialized apocrine glands. Cystic dilation of cutaneous sweat glands has been described in humans, dogs, and cats, but not in pigs, to our knowledge. We describe herein linear, brown, colloid-filled cavities < 1 cm diameter within the subcutaneous fat of the entire dorsal region of carcasses of three 6-mo-old pigs. These incidental findings were detected during meat inspection in 3 different slaughterhouses in Catalonia, Spain. Histopathology revealed multiple cystic cavities lined by flattened glandular epithelium, filled with proteinaceous material, and corresponding to cystic hyperplasia of sweat glands.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

CFD models as a tool to analyze the performance of the hydraulic agitation system of an air-assisted sprayer

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the fluid velocities generated by the agitation system of an air-assisted sprayer was developed and validated by practical experiments in a laboratory. The model was developed considering different settings of the agitation system: Three water levels in the tank (1000, 2000, and 3000 L); two different numbers of active nozzles (2 or 4); and three working pressures of the agitation circuit (8, 10, or 12 bar). Actual measurements of the fluid velocity into the tank were taken using an acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV). CFD simulations made it possible to estimate fluid velocities at 38% of the measuring points with relative errors of less than 30%. Additionally, the CFD models have allowed the correct prediction of the general behavior of the fluid in the tank considering mean velocities depending on the setting parameters of the agitation system (water level in the tank, hydraulic circuit pressure, and number of active nozzles)

The use of glyphosate for Carpobrotus eradication in sand dune ecosystems: evaluation of the potential effects on the reintroduction of native plants

[EN] Glyphosate application avoids some problems associated with manually controlling Carpobrotus. However, before it can be extended, we must understand whether residual glyphosate affects the restoration of natural vegetation by sowing or planting. Thus, we sprayed glyphosate on plots with 100% Carpobrotus coverage at 10 times the maximum recommended dose (4 g/m(2)) and directly on sand at 0.3 and 4 g/m(2). Sand, sifted sand without Carpobrotus litter and sand with Carpobrotus litter were subsequently collected 15, 30, and 60 days after applications, and were used as substrates to evaluate seedling emergence of four native dune species sown in trays. We also assessed the development of two species when grown in pots. Seedling emergence of M. marina, L. creticus and O. ramosissima was not affected in sand without Carpobrotus litter; A. arenaria emergence was reduced by 35%. Seedling emergence of four dune species was inhibited when glyphosate had been directly sprayed on sand. Effect of dose and time after spraying was observed. The presence of Carpobrotus litter reduced the emergence of L. creticus, O. ramosissima and A. arenaria, and inhibition seemed be caused by the allelopathic properties of the Carpobrotus litter. No significant effects of glyphosate spraying were observed in growth tests.This study was made possible through significant support from the Conselleria de Territori i Habitatge, Generalitat Valenciana (grant Number T621700) and from the Conselleria d'Educacio, Generalitat Valenciana (project GVPRE/2008/134).Fos Causera, M.; Sanz Vidal, FDB.; Sanchís Duato, EJ. (2022). The use of glyphosate for Carpobrotus eradication in sand dune ecosystems: evaluation of the potential effects on the reintroduction of native plants. Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology. 156(2):480-489. https://doi.org/10.1080/11263504.2021.1884621480489156

Construcción de una almazara para la elaboración de aceite de oliva virgen en el municipio de Sena (Huesca)

El presente proyecto tiene como fin diseñar y justificar las infraestructuras e instalaciones necesarias para la elaboración de aceite de oliva virgen. La almazara tiene capacidad para molturar 400 toneladas anuales de aceituna, empleándose un sistema de extracción continuo de dos fases. La almazara ocupará una superficie de 720 m2. El objetivo del proyecto es diseñar y justificar las infraestructuras e instalaciones requeridas con los elementos necesarios para la manipulación y el procesado de la aceituna con el fin de obtener aceite de oliva virgen. Para ello es necesario cumplir con los siguientes objetivos específicos: -Diseño y cálculo de las construcciones necesarias. -Diseño y cálculo del equipamiento a instalar. -Diseño y cálculo de la instalación eléctrica necesaria. -Diseño y cálculo de las instalaciones de fontanería, saneamiento, así como de protección contra incendios necesarias. Se trata de un proyecto técnico que consta de las siguientes partes: 1. Memoria y Anejos. Aquí se incluirán entre otros apartados el objeto del proyecto, el emplazamiento, el diseño del proceso y el equipamiento. Por último, se añadirán los anejos a la memoria con la documentación necesaria. 2. Planos. Figurarán todos los planos necesarios, entre otros: de situación y emplazamiento, planos de distribución, fontanería y saneamiento de la instalación, cimentación, estructura, diagrama unifilar,... 3. Pliego de condiciones. Contemplará la normativa o legislación aplicable, una breve descripción de la obra a realizar, condiciones de materiales y equipos, condiciones a cumplir durante la ejecución de la obra, medición y abono de las obras y, por último, se describirán las responsabilidades y facultades de cada una de las partes (promotor, instalador, dirección de obra, …). 4. Presupuesto. Aquí se detallarán los precios unitarios, los descompuestos y los presupuestos parciales por capítulos (resumen del presupuesto). 5. Estudio de seguridad y salud. Se describirán las normas de seguridad y salud aplicables durante el desarrollo de la obra, la identificación de los riesgos laborables evitables y los que no pueden eliminarse, especificando en este último caso las medidas preventivas y protecciones técnicas a aplicar para reducir riesgos