El cultivo del café en El Salvador constituyó un caso notable tanto por su volumen de producción y exportación, como por la magnitud de los márgenes comerciales obtenidos por la minoría que controló ...el negocio desde finales del siglo XIX, favorecida por el Estado. Los efectos del método de beneficio húmedo del café, utilizado por los más importantes empresarios, fueron altamente contaminantes y llegaron a afectar a la salud de parte de la población. La solución que se decidió a comienzos del siglo xx para este problema no fue suficiente para resolverlo. Se echa en falta un estudio de las consecuencias que haya tenido durante décadas el uso de dicho método para las altas cantidades de café producido en El Salvador. Aquí se estudian algunos casos relacionados con la cuestión.
Several authors have claimed that less luminous active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are not capable of sustaining a dusty torus structure. Thus, a gradual resizing of the torus is expected when the AGN ...luminosity decreases. Our aim is to examine mid-infrared observations of local AGNs of different luminosities for the gradual resizing and disappearance of the torus. We applied the decomposition method described by Hernán-Caballero et al. to a sample of ∼100 Spitzer/IRS spectra of low-luminosity AGNs and powerful Seyferts in order to decontaminate the torus component from other contributors. We have also included Starburst objects to ensure secure decomposition of the Spitzer/IRS spectra. We have used the affinity propagation (AP) method to cluster the data into five groups within the sample according to torus contribution to the 5-15 m range ( ) and bolometric luminosity ( ). The AP groups show a progressively higher torus contribution and an increase of the bolometric luminosity from Group 1 ( and ) up to Group 5 ( and ). We have fitted the average spectra of each of the AP groups to clumpy models. The torus is no longer present in Group 1, supporting its disappearance at low luminosities. We were able to fit the average spectra for the torus component in Groups 3 ( and ), 4 ( and ), and 5 to Clumpy torus models. We did not find a good fitting to Clumpy torus models for Group 2 ( and ). This might suggest a different configuration and/or composition of the clouds for Group 2, which is consistent with the different gas content seen in Groups 1, 2, and 3, according to detections of molecular lines. Groups 3, 4, and 5 show a trend of decreasing torus width (which leads to a likely decrease of the geometrical covering factor), although we cannot confirm it with the present data. Finally, Groups 3, 4, and 5 show an increase of the outer radius of the torus for higher luminosities, consistent with a resizing of the torus according to AGN luminosity.
The long-term variability of a 22-year dataset of
Be,
Pb and gross alpha concentrations in surface aerosols collected in the Canary Islands has been analysed in this study. These "time series" were ...collected on a weekly basis. Various analytical techniques, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA), K-means clustering, correlation analyses, and back-trajectory were used to determine the variability of the data and assess the statistical importance of the source of the air masses reaching the study area. Monthly and annual variations for the time series were also studied. As expected,
Be,
Pb time series showed common variability, while gross alpha concentrations were strongly correlated with average PM10 concentration in air. The fractal properties of the time series were studied to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying structure and dynamics of the data. Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (MF-DFA) and Multifractal Detrended Cross-Correlation Analysis (MF-DCCA) techniques were also used to detect and analyse the multifractal characteristics of the
Be,
Pb, and gross alpha time series. Multifractality was observed, with values of 0.28, 0.67, and 0.61 for
Be,
Pb, and gross alpha, respectively. Long-range correlation was found to be the source of the observed multifractality in the three parameters. Multifractal detrended cross-correlation analysis supports the correlation between
Be - Alpha,
Pb - Alpha, and
Be -
Pb pairs. The results from this study will help model the transport and destiny of natural radionuclides in the atmosphere at this site. The evolution and interactions between
Be,
Pb, and gross alpha, reported herein occurred not just locally but also across extensive temporal domains, leading to the emergence of multifractal behaviour in their concentrations. These long-range behaviours/correlations might result from various factors such as atmospheric circulation patterns, global transport mechanisms, or large-scale environmental processes.
En El Salvador, en 1932, tras un golpe de Estado, el Ejército llevó a cabo una gran represión, conocida como «la matanza», que tuvo en Izalco uno de los más duros escenarios. La oligarquía del país ...había construido durante décadas una sociedad profundamente desigual. El artículo pone el foco en algunos aspectos de aquella desigualdad y recupera determinadas fuentes no utilizadas hasta hoy en el análisis del proceso.
Automated growth-based methods for sterility testing of cell-therapy products should be qualified to demonstrate that they are equivalent to, or better than, the conventional reference method. The ...aim of the present study was to assess the ability of the BACTEC FX40 system to detect low microbial contamination and to confirm the suitability of the method in the presence of seven different human mesenchymal cell–based products, according to Ph. Eur. 2.6.27. Additionally, a study to select the best vial to detect fungus contamination was performed.
Microorganisms representing Gram-negative, Gram-positive, aerobic, anaerobic, spore-forming, slow-growing bacteria, yeast and mold were prepared in either Dulbecco's PBS or seven biological matrices containing approximately 5, 10, and 15 colony-forming units (CFU) per sample. These preparations were inoculated to the specific media required for each test method: (i) BACTEC aerobic and anaerobic vials; (ii) aerobic and anaerobic media for direct inoculation; and (iii) Trypcase soy 3P or Brucella blood agar plates. Colonies from cultures were identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.
The BACTEC FX40 system, in both Dulbecco's PBS and the biological matrices with a 5-CFU inoculum, detected most of the microorganisms significantly faster than the conventional method, despite the presence of a matrix containing gentamicin and several matrices containing 10% DMSO. Conversely, it showed an extremely delayed detection of Candida albicans compared with the conventional method. The addition of a Mycosis IC/F (MYC) vial decreased radically the time to detection (TTD) of C. albicans (28.2 ± 1.8 h) compared with the conventional method (36 h).
When a MYC vial was added to the standard aerobic and anaerobic vials to test each sample, BACTEC FX40 was shown to be a superior alternative sterility method for cell-therapy products contaminated with low inocula, with a faster TTD for microbial growth compared with the conventional method (5 versus 14 days). The studies were carried out in different cell-based matrices with sensitivities and specificities of 100% for all the tested strains at 15-, 10- and 5-CFU inoculum, with the exception of Kocuria rhizophila at 5 CFU (90.48% sensitivity and 100% specificity).
This manuscript describes a swift control prototyping (SCP) approach implemented within an industrial setting, utilizing a DC-DC nonlinear quadratic buck converter (QBC) to decrease production ...expenses of electronic materials and devices while improving power system efficiency. A practical experimental setup is utilized to develop a working prototype, transforming 380 VDC to 48 VDC with a power capacity of up to 500 W. The setup incorporates dSPACE CP1103 to execute Model in the Loop (MIL), Software in the Loop (SIL), and Hardware in the Loop (HIL) methodologies. Additionally, it employs advanced control strategies such as passivity-based control (PCB) and canonical forms, which are compared with classical Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control arrangements to propose a comprehensive control scheme that ensures stability in the presence of real-time disturbances (RT). Finally, a performance analysis is conducted, assessing important indicators like reaction time, precision of signals, stability of the system, and efficiency in resource utilization. The document concludes by offering a performance evaluation that encompasses PI, Cp, CpK, Z-score, and ITAE. This assessment considers factors such as response time, signal accuracy, system stability, and the efficiency of resource utilization.
This document introduces a rapid control prototyping (RCP) approach applied to the industrial sector using a non-linear Quadratic Buck Converter (QBC) DC-DC. The goal is to reduce manufacturing costs ...for materials and electronic devices while enhancing the power quality in the system's response. An experimental setup is utilized to create a functional model, converting 380 VDC to 48 VDC at a power level of 500 W. dSPACE CP1103 is employed to implement Model in the Loop (MIL), Software in the Loop (SIL), and Hardware in the Loop (HIL) simulations. Modern control techniques, including sliding mode control (SMC) and passivity-based control (PBC), are employed to devise a robust control scheme capable of maintaining stability in real-time (RT) and resisting disturbances. The document concludes with a performance analysis, PI, Cp, CpK, Z-score, and ITAE considering response time, signal accuracy, system stability, and resource utilization efficiency.
Saliva of patients with COVID-19 has a high SARS-CoV-2 viral load. The risk of spreading the virus is not insignificant, and procedures for reducing viral loads in the oral cavity have been proposed. ...Little research to date has been performed on the effect of mouthwashes on the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and some of their mechanisms of action remain unknown.
SARS-CoV-2 positive nasopharyngeal swabs measured by RT-PCR were used for virucidal activity in a 1:1 ratio, with an incubation time of 1 min. The solutions used in this study were: iodopovidone (8 mg); * D-limonene, a terpene extracted from citrus peels (0.3%);
cetylpyridinium chloride (0.1%) (CPC);
chlorhexidine gluconate (10%) (CHX);
a CPC (0.12%) and CHX (0.05%) containing formula; ** a formula containing essential oils;
a CPC containing formula (0.07%);
a D-limonene (0.2%) and CPC (0.05%) containing formula;
a solution containing sodium fluoride (0.05%) and CPC (0.075%); *** a solution containing CHX (0.12%) and;
a CHX (0.2%) containing formula.
As a control reaction, saline solution or excipient solution (water, glycerin, citric acid, colorant, sodium citrate) was used.
Within the limitations of this study, we can conclude that a mouthwash containing both D-limonene and CPC reduced the virucidal activity in about 6 logs (>99.999% reduction). Hence, establishing a clinical protocol for dentists is suggested, where all patients to be treated rinse pre-operatively with a mouthwash containing both D-limonene and CPC to reduce the likelihood of infection with SARS-CoV-2 for dentists. This is a relatively inexpensive way to reduce viral transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from infected individuals within the community. It is also a simple way to decrease infections from asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic patients.
Successful cell cryopreservation and banking remain a major challenge for the manufacture of cell therapy products, particularly in relation to providing a hermetic, sterile cryovial that ensures ...optimal viability and stability post-thaw while minimizing exposure to toxic cryoprotective agents, typically dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO).
In the present study, the authors evaluated the effectiveness and functionality of Limbo technology (Cellulis S.L., Santoña, Spain). This system provides a hermetic vial with two compartments (one for adding cells with the cryoprotective agent solution and the other for the diluent solution) and an automated defrosting device. Limbo technology (Cellulis S.L.) allows reduction of the final amount of Me2SO, sidestepping washing and dilution steps and favoring standardization. The study was performed in several Good Manufacturing Practice laboratories manufacturing diverse cell therapy products (human mesenchymal stromal cells, hematopoietic progenitor cells, leukapheresis products, fibroblasts and induced pluripotent stem cells). Laboratories compared Limbo technology (Cellulis S.L.) with their standard cryopreservation procedure, analyzing cell recovery, viability, phenotype and functionality.
Limbo technology (Cellulis S.L.) maintained the viability and functionality of most of the cell products and preserved sterility while reducing the final concentration of Me2SO.
Results showed that use of Limbo technology (Cellulis S.L.) offers an overall safe alternative for cell banking and direct infusion of cryopreserved cell products into patients.
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During the welding activities many compounds are released, several of these cause oxidative stress and inflammation and some are considered carcinogenic, in fact the International Agency for Research ...on Cancer established that welding fumes are carcinogenic to humans. The aim of the present study was to analyze the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of exposure to welding fumes and to determine concentrations of metals in blood and urine of occupationally exposed workers. We included 98 welders and 100 non-exposed individuals. Our results show significant increase in the frequency of micronuclei (MN), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPB), nuclear buds (NBUD) and necrotic cells (NECR) in cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (CBMN-Cyt) assay, as well as in the telomere length (TL) of the exposed individuals with respect to the non-exposed group. In the analysis of the concentrations of inorganic elements using PIXE method, were found higher concentrations of Cr, Fe and Cu in the urine, and Cr, Fe, Mg, Al, S, and Mn in the blood in the exposed group compared to the non-exposed group. A significant correlation was observed between MN and age and between NPB and years of exposure. Additionally, we found a significant correlation for TL in relation to MN, NPB, age and years of exposure in the exposed group. Interestingly, a significant correlation between MN and the increase in the concentration of Mg, S, Fe and Cu in blood samples of the exposed group, and between MN and Cr, Fe, Ni and Cu in urine. Thus, our findings may be associated with oxidative and inflammatory damage processes generated by the components contained in welding fumes, suggesting a high occupational risk in welding workers.
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•Welding fumes are carcinogenic to humans.•Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in welders were investigated.•Correlation between TL and genetic instability was found.•Higher concentrations of several metals were found in blood and urine.•Occupational risk for welders was demonstrated.
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