La formación del diplomático, 1890-1914: ¿elitismo o profesionalismo?

Sin resume

La formación del diplomático, 1890-1914: ¿elitismo o profesionalismo?

Sin resume

Valorization of rejected plantain fruit as an isomaltooligosaccharides syrup

Introduction. The generation of agricultural waste, in particular from plantain fruit, have been increasing. Its accumulation and poor valorization limits the environmental, economic and social development of communities. The main goal of this work was to characterize physicochemically and functionally the flour obtained from rejected DominicoHartón pulp (Musa AAB Simmonds). As well as to evaluate the production of a prebiotic isomaltooligosaccharides syrup from this waste feedstock. Methodology. Moisture, total protein, ethereal extract and ash contents of the raw flour were determined applying AOAC methods. Thermal properties of the raw flour were determined through rheometry, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The functionality and kinetics hydrolysis of the raw and cooked flour was evaluated by in vitro gastrointestinal digestion using the INFOGEST protocol. The production of isomaltooligosaccharides was made from plantain flour solution 18% (p/p) that was treated with thermostable -amylase at 95 ºC for 3 h. Starch dextrins were then treated with -amylase (barley) and pullulanase at 50 ºC for 24 h. Finally, the syrup was treated with -glucosidase (transglucosidase) at 50 ºC for 24 h. Saccharides were analyzed by HPLC. Results. Moisture, total protein, ethereal extract and ash contents determined for the flour were 9.8±0.5%, 2.83±0.01%, 0.46±0.03% and 2.15±0.02%, respectively. Starch and amylose content was 87±2% and 31.2 ± 0.8%, respectively. The pasting temperature, gelatinization temperature, gelatinization enthalpy, mass loss at the first decomposition stage and mass loss at the second decomposition stage were 79.26±0.02 ºC, 69.9±0.24 ºC, 2.48±0.04 J×g-1, 10.79±0.04% and 59.3 ± 0.1%, respectively. When cooked, the starch content changed for rapid (0.5±0.1 to 2.4±0.3), slow (15.6±1.2 to 32±1) and resistant digestion (59±1 to 48±2). The glycemic index predicted for raw and cooked flour was 47.7±2.2 and 84.2±1.8, respectively. The greatest amount of production of isomaltooligosaccharides was of degree of polymerization (DP) 3 (isomaltotriose) at 6 h of transglycosylation step, in a content of 25.75 g/L. Conclusions. The rejected plantain fruit showed potential as a prebiotic source, which may be a good strategy for the valorization of this waste.This work was supported by the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation of Colombia (Minciencias) through the research project “Design of a Biorefinery for the Use of the Lignocellulosic and Starchy Waste of the Plantain Agribusiness” (Call 757 for Funding of National Doctorates) [grant 1640318]; and the Universidad de Caldas through the research project “Basic Process Development for the Use of Agro– industrial and Urban Waste Under the Concept of Biorefineries” [grant 0240518]. The study was also supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UIDB/04469/2020 unit and BioTecNorte operation (NORTE–01–0145– FEDER-000004) funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the scope of Norte 2020– Programa Operacional Regional do Norte and the Project ColOsH PTDC/BTM–SAL/30071/2017 (POCI– 01–0145–FEDER–030071).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Towards a biorefinery processing waste from plantain agro-industry: process design and techno-economic assessment of single-cell protein, natural fibers, and biomethane production through process simulation

The plantain agro-industry generates different residues in the harvest and post-harvest stages. Therefore, the design of processes for valorization is required. The aim of this work was to design and techno-economically evaluate the processes for the production of single-cell protein, natural fibers, and biomethane from plantain residues by process simulation in the framework of the design of a future biorefinery for valorization of these residues. The processes were simulated using SuperPro Designer. The scale size was calculated at 1,267,071 tons for the processing of plantain lignocellulosic waste (pseudostems) and 3179 tons for the processing of starchy waste (rejected unripe plantain fruits). The results obtained suggest that the best alternative for the valorization of plantain residues corresponded to the production of natural fibers, with a net present value of $29,299,000. This work shows that waste from the plantain agro-industry exhibits high potential as a feedstock for the production of value-added products. In addition, the process flowsheets simulated in this work can be integrated into the basic design of a biorefinery processing plantain waste.This work was supported by the Colombian Ministry for Science, Technology, and Innovation (MinCiencias) through the research project “Design of a Biorefinery for the Use of the Lignocellulosic and Starchy Waste of the Plantain Agribusiness” (Call 757 for Funding of National Doctorates) [grant 1640318]; and the Universidad de Caldas through the research project “Basic Process Development for the Use of Agro-industrial and Urban Waste Under the Concept of Biorefineries” [grant 0240518].info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Six Sigma: From a goal-theoretic perspective to shared-vision development

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to extend understanding of the success of Six Sigma quality management initiative by investigating the effects of Six Sigma teamwork and statistical process control (SPC) on organizational shared vision.Design/methodology/approach: The information used comes from a larger study, the data for which were collected from a random sample of 237 European firms. Of these 237 organizations, 58 are Six Sigma organizations. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses.Findings: The main findings show that Six Sigma teamwork and SPC positively affect the development of organizational shared vision. A positive but not significant influence is also observed between shared vision and organizational performance.Research limitations/implications: Positive effects found in this study should be investigated further employing a larger sample of Six Sigma firms and including other variables such as organizational learning. Further, the effects of these variables on performance should be measured with real results from firms to test possible direct and indirect influence on performance.Practical implications: The findings of this study offer a justification of Six Sigma implementation in firms. This study provides us with an in-depth understanding of some structural elements that characterize the Six Sigma methodology, enabling us to provide an explanation for its success.Originality/value: There is little empirical research on the positive effects of Six Sigma implementation and even less that explains the success of Six Sigma initiatives. Our paper contributes to filling this gap. It also contributes to emerging literature on how the development of shared vision affects organizational performance

Conduit Resonance Models for Long-Period Seismicity at Galeras Volcano (Colombia), During 2004–2010

This study analyzes the long-period (LP) seismicity of Galeras volcano from the period 2004–2010, based on resonance models of a magma column. In this model an initial disturbance is propagated through the magma column’s walls in the form of waves until it reaches a receiver located on the surface. The input parameters for the crust and magma were obtained from previous studies, and the solution of the systems of equations was found using a finite element method. Models for two groups of LP events were found: group G1 associated with the emplacement of the lava domes in 2006 and 2008, and group G2 related to the seismicity preceding the emplacement of these domes. Group G1 is modeled by the resonance of a magma column about 2800 m long with its top near the surface and group G2 is related to a column close to 2000 m in length. The main frequency of initial perturbation differs between the groups. Additionally, the results of this study cast doubt on the effec­tiveness of location methods of fluid-related seismicity based on amplitude attenuation

Nextmed: Automatic Imaging Segmentation, 3D Reconstruction, and 3D Model Visualization Platform Using Augmented and Virtual Reality

The visualization of medical images with advanced techniques, such as augmented reality and virtual reality, represent a breakthrough for medical professionals. In contrast to more traditional visualization tools lacking 3D capabilities, these systems use the three available dimensions. To visualize medical images in 3D, the anatomical areas of interest must be segmented. Currently, manual segmentation, which is the most commonly used technique, and semi-automatic approaches can be time consuming because a doctor is required, making segmentation for each individual case unfeasible. Using new technologies, such as computer vision and artificial intelligence for segmentation algorithms and augmented and virtual reality for visualization techniques implementation, we designed a complete platform to solve this problem and allow medical professionals to work more frequently with anatomical 3D models obtained from medical imaging. As a result, the Nextmed project, due to the different implemented software applications, permits the importation of digital imaging and communication on medicine (dicom) images on a secure cloud platform and the automatic segmentation of certain anatomical structures with new algorithms that improve upon the current research results. A 3D mesh of the segmented structure is then automatically generated that can be printed in 3D or visualized using both augmented and virtual reality, with the designed software systems. The Nextmed project is unique, as it covers the whole process from uploading dicom images to automatic segmentation, 3D reconstruction, 3D visualization, and manipulation using augmented and virtual reality. There are many researches about application of augmented and virtual reality for medical image 3D visualization; however, they are not automated platforms. Although some other anatomical structures can be studied, we focused on one case: a lung study. Analyzing the application of the platform to more than 1000 dicom images and studying the results with medical specialists, we concluded that the installation of this system in hospitals would provide a considerable improvement as a tool for medical image visualization

Testing Scenarios to Achieve Workplace Sustainability Goals : Using Backcasting and Agent-Based Modeling

[Abstract] Pro-environmental behaviors have been analyzed in the home, with little attention to other important contexts of everyday life, such as the workplace. The research reported here explored three categories of pro-environmental behavior (consumption of materials and energy, waste generation, and work-related commuting) in a public large-scale organization in Spain, with the aim of identifying the most effective policy options for a sustainable organization. Agent-based modeling was used to design a virtual simulation of the organization. Psychologically informed profiles of employees were defined using data gathered through a questionnaire, measuring knowledge, motivations, and ability. Future scenarios were developed using a participatory backcasting scenario development methodology, and policy tracks were derived. Dynamic simulations indicated that, to be effective, organizational policy should strengthen worker participation and autonomy, be sustained over time, and should combine different measures of medium intensity for behavior change, instead of isolated policies of high intensity

Phase shift of amplitude-modulated optical signals in graphene oxide water dispersions due to thermal lens focal length oscillation

We analyze the phase shift induced in an amplitude-modulated laser beam propagating through a water dispersion of graphene oxide sheets in a fiber-to-fiber U-bench. This phase shift arises from the thermally induced nonlinear refraction in the sample. The system exhibits strong optical limiting performance for weak continuous-wave signals. A theoretical model including beam propagation and thermal lens focal length oscillation reproduces the experimental findings

A systematic review of serious games in medical education : quality of evidence and pedagogical strategy

Q2Q1Introduction: The literature shows an optimistic landscape for the effectiveness of games in medical education. Nevertheless, games are not considered mainstream material in medical teaching. Two research questions that arise are the following: What pedagogical strategies do developers use when creating games for medical education? And what is the quality of the evidence on the effectiveness of games? Methods: A systematic review was made by a multi-disciplinary team of researchers following the Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines. We included peer-reviewed journal articles which described or assessed the use of serious games or gamified apps in medical education. We used the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) to assess the quality of evidence in the use of games. We also evaluated the pedagogical perspectives of such articles. Results: Even though game developers claim that games are useful pedagogical tools, the evidence on their effectiveness is moderate, as assessed by the MERSQI score. Behaviourism and cognitivism continue to be the predominant pedagogical strategies, and games are complementary devices that do not replace traditional medical teaching tools. Medical educators prefer simulations and quizzes focused on knowledge retention and skill development through repetition and do not demand the use of sophisticated games in their classrooms. Moreover, public access to medical games is limited. Discussion: Our aim was to put the pedagogical strategy into dialogue with the evidence on the effectiveness of the use of medical games. This makes sense since the practical use of games depends on the quality of the evidence about their effectiveness. Moreover, recognition of said pedagogical strategy would allow game developers to design more robust games which would greatly contribute to the learning process.https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8980-6590https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1169-9086https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3825-7149https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8060-4140https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5401-0018N/