Extracción, caracterización de sustancias húmicas y su empleo en procesos fotoquímicos de interés ambiental

Objetivos • Extraer sustancias húmicas de vermicompost y caracterizarlas. • Investigar la capacidad de generar especies reactivas por fotosensibilización. • Estudiar la reactividad de las sustancias húmicas con radicales inorgánicos oxidantes. • Investigar la degradación de contaminantes por métodos fotoquímicos y sensibilizados por sustancias húmicas. • Plantear los mecanismos de reacción involucrados en los dos objetivos anteriores. • Estudiar el rol de las sustancias húmicas y su fotodegradación en el desarrollo de microorganismos aislados del medio ambiente.Facultad de Ciencias Exacta

PACE Solver Description: CIMAT_Team

This document describes MAEDM-OCM, a first generation memetic algorithm for the one-sided crossing minimization problem (OCM), which obtained the first position at the heuristic track of the Parameterized Algorithms and Computational Experiments Challenge 2024. In this variant of OCM, given a bipartite graph with vertices V = A ∪ B, only the nodes of the layer B can be moved. The main features of MAEDM-OCM are the following: the diversity is managed explicitly through the Best-Non-Penalized (BNP) survivor strategy, the intensification is based on Iterated Local Search (ILS), and the cycle crossover is applied. Regarding the intensification step, the neighborhood is based on shifts and only a subset of the neighbors in the local search are explored. The use of the BNP replacement was key to attain a robust optimizer. It was also important to incorporate low-level optimizations to efficiently calculate the number of crossings and to reduce the requirements of memory. In the case of the longest instances (|B| > 17000) the memetic approach is not applicable with the time constraints established in the challenge. In such cases, ILS is applied. The optimizer is not always applied to the original graph. In particular, twin nodes in B are grouped in a single node

Closing the nutrient cycle in urban areas:The use of municipal solid waste in <i>peri</i>-urban and urban agriculture

Cities face the challenges of supplying food and managing organic municipal solid waste (OMSW) sustainably amid increasing urbanization rates. Urban agriculture (UA) can help with this effort by producing local crops that are fertilized with nutrients recovered from compost generated from OMSW. This research aims to determine the potential of OMSW compost to supply the nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) demand of UA and the environmental benefits of replacing mineral fertilizer from a life cycle perspective. The Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB) serves as the case study given its commitment to reuse biowaste according to the Revised Waste Framework Directive and to promote UA as a signing member of the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact. Based on crop requirements and farmer surveys, we find that the annual NPK demands of the agricultural fields of the AMB that cover 5,500 ha and produce 70,000 tons of crops are approximately 769, 113, and 592 tons of NPK, respectively. Spatial material flow analysis and life cycle assessment were applied to found that the current waste management system can potentially substitute 8 % of the total NPK demanded by UA with compost, reduce the impacts by up to 39 % and yield savings in global warming of 130 %. The more ambitious future scenario of 2025 can potentially substitute 21 % of the total NPK demand and reduce environmental impacts up to 1,049 %, depending on the category considered. Avoiding processing of mixed OMSW, mineral fertilizer replacement and cogeneration of electricity from biogas are the major contributors to these environmental savings.</p

Closing the nutrient cycle in urban areas:The use of municipal solid waste in <i>peri</i>-urban and urban agriculture

Cities face the challenges of supplying food and managing organic municipal solid waste (OMSW) sustainably amid increasing urbanization rates. Urban agriculture (UA) can help with this effort by producing local crops that are fertilized with nutrients recovered from compost generated from OMSW. This research aims to determine the potential of OMSW compost to supply the nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) demand of UA and the environmental benefits of replacing mineral fertilizer from a life cycle perspective. The Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB) serves as the case study given its commitment to reuse biowaste according to the Revised Waste Framework Directive and to promote UA as a signing member of the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact. Based on crop requirements and farmer surveys, we find that the annual NPK demands of the agricultural fields of the AMB that cover 5,500 ha and produce 70,000 tons of crops are approximately 769, 113, and 592 tons of NPK, respectively. Spatial material flow analysis and life cycle assessment were applied to found that the current waste management system can potentially substitute 8 % of the total NPK demanded by UA with compost, reduce the impacts by up to 39 % and yield savings in global warming of 130 %. The more ambitious future scenario of 2025 can potentially substitute 21 % of the total NPK demand and reduce environmental impacts up to 1,049 %, depending on the category considered. Avoiding processing of mixed OMSW, mineral fertilizer replacement and cogeneration of electricity from biogas are the major contributors to these environmental savings.</p

Cost-effectiveness of non-invasive methods for assessment and monitoring of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with chronic liver disease: systematic review and economic evaluation

BACKGROUND: Liver biopsy is the reference standard for diagnosing the extent of fibrosis in chronic liver disease; however, it is invasive, with the potential for serious complications. Alternatives to biopsy include non-invasive liver tests (NILTs); however, the cost-effectiveness of these needs to be established. OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness of NILTs in patients with chronic liver disease. DATA SOURCES: We searched various databases from 1998 to April 2012, recent conference proceedings and reference lists. METHODS: We included studies that assessed the diagnostic accuracy of NILTs using liver biopsy as the reference standard. Diagnostic studies were assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using the bivariate random-effects model with correlation between sensitivity and specificity (whenever possible). Decision models were used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the NILTs. Expected costs were estimated using a NHS perspective and health outcomes were measured as quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Markov models were developed to estimate long-term costs and QALYs following testing, and antiviral treatment where indicated, for chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and chronic hepatitis C (HCV). NILTs were compared with each other, sequential testing strategies, biopsy and strategies including no testing. For alcoholic liver disease (ALD), we assessed the cost-effectiveness of NILTs in the context of potentially increasing abstinence from alcohol. Owing to a lack of data and treatments specifically for fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the analysis was limited to an incremental cost per correct diagnosis. An analysis of NILTs to identify patients with cirrhosis for increased monitoring was also conducted. RESULTS: Given a cost-effectiveness threshold of £20,000 per QALY, treating everyone with HCV without prior testing was cost-effective with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of £9204. This was robust in most sensitivity analyses but sensitive to the extent of treatment benefit for patients with mild fibrosis. For HBV [hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative)] this strategy had an ICER of £28,137, which was cost-effective only if the upper bound of the standard UK cost-effectiveness threshold range (£30,000) is acceptable. For HBeAg-positive disease, two NILTs applied sequentially (hyaluronic acid and magnetic resonance elastography) were cost-effective at a £20,000 threshold (ICER: £19,612); however, the results were highly uncertain, with several test strategies having similar expected outcomes and costs. For patients with ALD, liver biopsy was the cost-effective strategy, with an ICER of £822. LIMITATIONS: A substantial number of tests had only one study from which diagnostic accuracy was derived; therefore, there is a high risk of bias. Most NILTs did not have validated cut-offs for diagnosis of specific fibrosis stages. The findings of the ALD model were dependent on assuptions about abstinence rates assumptions and the modelling approach for NAFLD was hindered by the lack of evidence on clinically effective treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Treating everyone without NILTs is cost-effective for patients with HCV, but only for HBeAg-negative if the higher cost-effectiveness threshold is appropriate. For HBeAg-positive, two NILTs applied sequentially were cost-effective but highly uncertain. Further evidence for treatment effectiveness is required for ALD and NAFLD. STUDY REGISTRATION: This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42011001561. FUNDING: The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme

Luminescence properties and ROS generation of magnetic porous silicon nanoparticles

Magnetite‒Porous Silicon 100−150 nm size nanoparticles (MPSi) were obtained combining luminescent and magnetic properties from silicon and magnetite, respectively. MPSi hybrids were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, atomic and magnetic force microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The presence of magnetite quenches statically visible luminescence of Porous Silicon toluene suspensions. Whereas MPSi, maintain the luminescence in the 300−450 nm spectral region. Particles retained the capacity for singlet oxygen and superoxide radical ion generation (Reactive Oxygen Species, ROS). However quantum yield singlet oxygen generation is much lower than the PSi analogues and superoxide radical ion concentration dismiss when magnetite is incorporated in the PSi matrix. Silanization of Porous Silicon and MPSi yield nanoparticles with − SH terminal groups with unique luminescence properties.Fil: Caregnato, Paula. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; ArgentinaFil: David Gara, Pedro Maximiliano. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones Ópticas. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigaciones Ópticas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones Ópticas; ArgentinaFil: Prieto, Eduardo Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; ArgentinaFil: Gonzalez, Monica Cristina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; Argentin

An analysis of consumer protection for gamblers across different online gambling operators in Ireland: a descriptive study

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the responsible gambling tools which are available to online gamblers at Irish online gambling websites. The present study used a similar methodology to a recent study carried out on the world’s most popular websites (Bonello and Griffiths Gaming Law Review and Economics, 21, 278–285, 2017), where 50 of the most advertised online gambling websites were evaluated in relation to their responsible gambling (RG) practices. The present study evaluated 39 gambling websites with either a “.ie” or “.com/ie” domain. Each website was evaluated by checking for a number of RG practices, including presence of a dedicated RG page; age verification; access to gambling account history; the availability of RG tools, such as limit setting facilities and exclusion settings; and links to limit-setting options on the deposit page. Descriptive statistics were then performed on the results from each website. Of the 39 online gambling operators identified, 22 redirected gamblers to a “.com” domain, while 17 operators remained as a “.ie” domain. Thirty-five websites (89.7%) visited had a dedicated RG page. Responsible gambling features were evaluated and demonstrated to be available in an inconsistent manner across online gambling websites. Irish websites were shown to perform poorly in comparison with non-Irish counterparts in the provision of RG tools. The researchers of the present study are not aware of any similar studies conducted to date in Ireland

Enhancement of clinical skills through virtual reality: a proposal for training certified nursing assistant

Introduction: integrating virtual reality (VR) in education is emerging as a transformative tool to improve practical learning. This proposal asks about its application within the training of certified nursing assistant to improve students\u27 practical skills in training. Objectives: the main objective is to assess whether VR technology can improve understanding of complex concepts and skills in nursing education. This involves evaluating the effectiveness of VR in fostering meaningful, self-directed learning experiences that potentially prepare students more effectively for the health workforce. Methods: implementing a pilot VR program within a controlled educational environment is proposed. The impact of this integration will be assessed through surveys and analysis of academic performance, focusing on the acquisition of professional skills and competencies. Results: expected outcomes include greater student participation and better learning outcomes. The work highlights the benefits of VR in improving in-depth understanding of procedures and concepts through immersive experiences. Conclusions: the expected benefits after the incorporation of VR in nursing training include an improvement in the professional qualifications of students and an innovation through the introduction of immersive learning methodologies. Despite the potential challenges of its implementation, the results are expected to support the integration of VR as a complementary educational tool, reducing the gap between traditional learning and technological advancement in nursing educatio

Fotoquímica de compuestos de coordinación: Aplicación en la degradación de contaminantes emergentes en sistemas acuáticos naturales

Esta tesis doctoral se enfoca en el estudio fotoquímico y fotofísico de complejos de Re(I) y macrociclos metálicos (ftalocianinas), en solución acuosa y también anclados en soportes sólidos adecuados, y en la posterior evaluación de su capacidad fotosensibilizadora en la degradación de contaminantes emergentes (CE) en sistemas acuáticos naturales. La selección de los compuestos a utilizar se fundamenta con la presencia de características específicas, como por ejemplo la resistencia a la fotodescomposición, la generación de especies reactivas capaces de inducir o mejorar la degradación de los contaminantes y la existencia de grupos de anclaje al soporte sólido. Los CE son compuestos presentes en efluentes como consecuencia del inadecuado descarte de productos de higiene personal, residuos de la industria farmacéutica, desechos de hospitales y medicamentos terapéuticos, entre otros. Su regulación e investigación es insuficiente considerando los graves problemas ambientales y sanitarios que suponen, siendo que nuevas investigaciones demuestran que la exposición continua a CE puede causar cito y genotoxicidad, apoptosis, y/o alteraciones funcionales en los seres vivos, así como también aumentar la proliferación de bacterias resistentes a los fármacos antibacterianos de uso común. El uso y abuso extendidos de fármacos no ha hecho más que aumentar los niveles de contaminación en los efluentes, haciendo que sea posible encontrar compuestos tales como cafeína, paracetamol, nicotina y sus derivados, diversos antibióticos, anticonvulsivos, analgésicos, etc, algunos de los cuales serán objeto de estudio del presente trabajo. Considerando lo anteriormente mencionado, el objetivo principal propuesto se basa en la necesidad de encontrar una forma de tratamiento para que los CE puedan ser degradados de forma tal de obtener una mineralización completa de los mismos o, en su defecto, su conversión en compuestos de menor toxicidad, siendo que Argentina se encuentra entre los países con mayor concentración de CE a nivel global. Para poder lograr los objetivos presentados se planea sintetizar nuevos y/o seleccionar complejos obtenidos previamente en el grupo, para evaluar su potencial acción fotosensibilizadora; seleccionar los complejos que reúnan las condiciones adecuadas en soportes sólidos y caracterizar su comportamiento fotoquímico y fotofísico; estudiar la degradación fotoinducida de fármacos mediada por la acción de estos compuestos, así como también dilucidar los aspectos mecanísticos, monitoreando la desaparición de los reactivos y la identificación de los fotoproductos utilizando diversas técnicas analíticas, y finalmente, estudiar la toxicidad de los subproductos obtenidos

Photophysics, photochemistry and thermally-induced redox reactions of a (Pterin)rhenium(I) complex

In this work, we present a whole and deep study on the thermal redox and the photophysical and photochemical reactions of a tricarbonyl Re(I) complex coordinating Pterin, fac-ReI(CO)3(pterin)(H2O) (pterin = 2-amino-4-oxo-3H-pteridine). In aqueous solutions, the fluorescence of the complex is attributed to the emitting 1IL state (τemi ∼ 7.6 ns). In MeCN, however, the luminescence was ascribed to an overlapping dual emission from 1IL and 3MLCT states (τemi1 = 8.0 ns and τemi2 = 1.0 μs). Oxygen quenching of the 3MLCT based luminescence occurred with kq = 1.6 × 109 M−1 s−1. In glasses at 77 K, nevertheless, the 3MLCT prevailed over 1IL states. Flash photolysis experiments in aqueous solutions showed the spectrum of 3IL while in MeCN the presence of 3MLCT was evident. Pulse radiolysis experiments under oxidizing and reducing environments were performed in aqueous solutions of the Re-Pterin complex. By performing multivariate curve resolution − alternating least-squares (MCR-ALS), two species were identified under reducing conditions: an intermediate related to the semireduced radical of pterin ligand and the dihydrogenated [Re(CO)3(7,8-PtrH2)(H2O)] product. TD-DFT calculations helped to ascertain the nature of these species. Flash photolysis experiments where the excited states were reduced with triethylamine were in good agreement with pulse radiolysis experiments under reductive conditions. The oxidized transient spectrum was also obtained by pulse radiolysis, which compares very well with those published for Re(II) species, leading us to propose oxidation in the metal core as the reaction product of the transient under oxidizing conditions. The combination of different spectroscopic techniques along with the theoretical calculation allowed elucidating the nature, dynamics and reactivity of the excited states prevail in a Re-Pterin complex. This is of the particular importance considering that equivalent studies have not been reported for any other rhenium complex of substituted pterins nor for complexes of other transition metal ions of pterin derivatives.Fil: Ragone, Fabricio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; ArgentinaFil: David Gara, Pedro Maximiliano. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones Ópticas. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigaciones Ópticas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones Ópticas; ArgentinaFil: Garcia Einschlag, Fernando Sebastian. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; ArgentinaFil: Lappin, Alexander G.. University of Notre Dame; Estados UnidosFil: Ferraudi, Guillermo J.. University of Notre Dame; Estados UnidosFil: Wolcan, Ezequiel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; ArgentinaFil: Ruiz, Gustavo Teodosio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; Argentin