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Producción Científica, Nowadays, people spend 80–90% of their time indoors, while recent policies on energy efficient and safe buildings require reduced building ventilation rates and locked windows. These facts have raised a growing concern on indoor air quality, which is currently receiving even more attention than outdoors pollution. Prevention is the first and most cost-effective strategy to improve indoor air quality, but once pollution is generated, a battery of physicochemical technologies is typically implemented to improve air quality with a questionable efficiency and at high operating costs. Biotechnologies have emerged as promising alternatives to abate indoor air pollutants, but current bioreactor configurations and the low concentrations of indoor air pollutants limit their widespread implementation in homes, offices and public buildings. In this context, recent investigations have shown that potted plants can aid in the removal of a wide range of indoor air pollutants, especially volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and can be engineered in aesthetically attractive configurations. The original investigations conducted by NASA, along with recent advances in technology and design, have resulted in a new generation of botanical biofilters with the potential to effectively mitigate indoor air pollution, with increasing public aesthetics acceptance. This article presents a review of the research on active botanical filters as sustainable alternatives to purify indoor air., Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación y Ministerio de Universidades (RTI2018-0096441-B-I00), Junta de Castilla y León - EU-FEDER (CLU 2017–09, CL-EI-2021-07, UIC 315)

Aquest Treball de Fi de Grau fa un estudi teòric de les diferents tecnologies de detecció de compostos orgànics volàtils, exposa el mode de funcionament i les característiques de cadascuna d'elles. Al seu torn, analitza l'oferta de mercat existent per a cadascuna de les tecnologies, observant la demanda actual i la tendència d'aquesta, contrastant els avenços tecnològics amb la disponibilitat comercial. També fa una comparativa teòrica i experimental en profunditat de quatre sensors, estudiant-ne dades tècniques i observant la resposta de cadascun d’ells en les mateixes condicions de prova. La comparació experimental es realitza mitjançant el disseny i desenvolupament d'un prototip de prova, amb la intenció de proporcionar una eina amb la qual avaluar el comportament dels sensors ambientals i l'evolució de la seva resposta a l'exposició a compostos orgànics volàtils., Este Trabajo de Fin de Grado realiza un estudio teórico de las diferentes tecnologías de detección de compuestos orgánicos volátiles, expone el modo de funcionamiento y las características de cada una de ellas. A su vez, analiza la oferta existente del mercado para cada una de las tecnologías, observando la demanda actual y la tendencia de este, contraponiendo los avances tecnológicos con la disponibilidad comercial. También realiza una comparación teórica y experimental en profundidad de cuatro sensores, estudiando sus datos técnicos y observando la respuesta de cada uno en las mismas condiciones de ensayo. La comparación experimental se realiza mediante el diseño y elaboración de un prototipo para ensayos, con la intención de proporcionar una herramienta con la que evaluar el comportamiento de sensores ambientales y la evolución de su respuesta ante una exposición a compuestos orgánicos volátiles., This thesis makes a theoretical study of the different technologies of detection of volatile organic compounds. It also exposes the mode of operation and characteristics of each of them. At the same time, it analyzes the existing market supply for each of the technologies, observing the current demand and the trend of this, contrasting technological advances with commercial availability. It also makes an in-depth theoretical and experimental comparison of four sensors, studying their technical data and observing the response of each in the same test conditions. The experimental comparison is made by designing and developing a prototype for testing, with the intention of providing a tool with which to evaluate the behavior of environmental sensors and the evolution of their response to exposure to volatile organic compounds.

Producción Científica, Nowadays, people spend 80–90% of their time indoors, while recent policies on energy efficient and safe buildings require reduced building ventilation rates and locked windows. These facts have raised a growing concern on indoor air quality, which is currently receiving even more attention than outdoors pollution. Prevention is the first and most cost-effective strategy to improve indoor air quality, but once pollution is generated, a battery of physicochemical technologies is typically implemented to improve air quality with a questionable efficiency and at high operating costs. Biotechnologies have emerged as promising alternatives to abate indoor air pollutants, but current bioreactor configurations and the low concentrations of indoor air pollutants limit their widespread implementation in homes, offices and public buildings. In this context, recent investigations have shown that potted plants can aid in the removal of a wide range of indoor air pollutants, especially volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and can be engineered in aesthetically attractive configurations. The original investigations conducted by NASA, along with recent advances in technology and design, have resulted in a new generation of botanical biofilters with the potential to effectively mitigate indoor air pollution, with increasing public aesthetics acceptance. This article presents a review of the research on active botanical filters as sustainable alternatives to purify indoor air., Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación y Ministerio de Universidades (RTI2018-0096441-B-I00), Junta de Castilla y León - EU-FEDER (CLU 2017–09, CL-EI-2021-07, UIC 315)

In 2020, the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, caused a pandemic, which is still raging at the time of writing this. Here, we present results from SpikeSeq, the first published Sanger sequencing-based method for the detection of Variants of Concern (VOC) and key mutations, using a 1 kb amplicon from the recognized ARTIC Network primers. The proposed setup relies entirely on materials and methods already in use in diagnostic RT-qPCR labs and on existing commercial infrastructure offering sequencing services. For data analysis, we provide an automated, open source, and browser-based mutation calling software (https://github.com/kblin/covid-spike-classification, https://ssi.biolib.com/covid-spike-classification). We validated the setup on 195 SARS-CoV-2 positive samples, and we were able to profile 85% of RT-qPCR positive samples, where the last 15% largely stemmed from samples with low viral count. We compared the SpikeSeq results to WGS results. SpikeSeq has been used as the primary variant identification tool on > 10.000 SARS-CoV-2 positive clinical samples during 2021. At approximately 4€ per sample in material cost, minimal hands-on time, little data handling, and a short turnaround time, the setup is simple enough to be implemented in any SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR diagnostic lab. Our protocol provides results that can be used to choose antibodies in a clinical setting and for the tracking and surveillance of all positive samples for new variants and known ones such as Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1) Delta (B.1.617.2), Omicron BA.1(B.1.1.529), BA.2, BA.4/5, BA.2.75.x, and many more, as of October 2022.

BackgroundAlthough severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been associated with increased risk of adverse perinatal health outcomes, few large-scale, community-based epidemiological studies have been conducted.MethodsWe conducted a national cohort study using deidentified administrative claims data for 78 283 pregnancies with estimated conception before 30 April 2020 and pregnancy end after 11 March 2020. We identified SARS-CoV-2 infections using diagnostic and laboratory testing data, and compared the risk of pregnancy outcomes using Cox proportional hazard models treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a time-varying exposure and adjusting for baseline covariates.ResultsOf the pregnancies, 2655 (3.4%) had a documented SARS-CoV-2 infection. COVID-19 during pregnancy was not associated with risk of miscarriage, antepartum hemorrhage, or stillbirth, but was associated with 2-3 fold higher risk of induced abortion (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-5.78), cesarean delivery (aHR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.71-2.31), clinician-initiated preterm birth (aHR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.93-4.30), spontaneous preterm birth (aHR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.37-2.34), and fetal growth restriction (aHR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.72-2.43).ConclusionsPrenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Prevention could have fetal health benefits.

BackgroundAlthough severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been associated with increased risk of adverse perinatal health outcomes, few large-scale, community-based epidemiological studies have been conducted.MethodsWe conducted a national cohort study using deidentified administrative claims data for 78 283 pregnancies with estimated conception before 30 April 2020 and pregnancy end after 11 March 2020. We identified SARS-CoV-2 infections using diagnostic and laboratory testing data, and compared the risk of pregnancy outcomes using Cox proportional hazard models treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a time-varying exposure and adjusting for baseline covariates.ResultsOf the pregnancies, 2655 (3.4%) had a documented SARS-CoV-2 infection. COVID-19 during pregnancy was not associated with risk of miscarriage, antepartum hemorrhage, or stillbirth, but was associated with 2-3 fold higher risk of induced abortion (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-5.78), cesarean delivery (aHR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.71-2.31), clinician-initiated preterm birth (aHR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.93-4.30), spontaneous preterm birth (aHR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.37-2.34), and fetal growth restriction (aHR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.72-2.43).ConclusionsPrenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Prevention could have fetal health benefits.

El secret de la gran popularitat de les tòfones rau majoritàriament en els seus compostos orgànics volàtils (COV), els quals són els responsables de la seva olor característica. En aquest article es dona una visió global de les tòfones, del seu origen i de les seves propietats fisicoquímiques, nutricionals, organolèptiques i biològiques. Com a exemple dels components volàtils en productes derivats de la tòfona Tuber melanosporum, es mostren els resultats d’un estudi comparatiu dels COV que s’alliberen en olis comercials aromatitzats o amb tòfona macerada. La caracterització dels COV es va fer mitjançant una anàlisi química instrumental — microextracció en fase sòlida de l’espai de cap (HS-SPME) combinada amb cromatografia de gasos i espectrometria de masses (GC-MS)— i una anàlisi sensorial amb un panell de tastadors entrenats., The secret of the great popularity of truffles lies mainly in their volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which produce their characteristic smell. This paper provides an overview of truffles in general as well as of their origin and their physico-chemical, nutritional, organoleptic and biological properties. As an example of the volatile compounds in derivatives of the truffle Tuber melanosporum, the results are presented of a comparative study of the VOCs that are released in aromatized commercial oils or those containing macerated truffles. The characterization of the VOCs was carried out by instrumental chemical analysis – headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) combined with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) – and sensory analysis by a panel of trained professional tasters.

En aquest treball s’ha realitzat un anàlisi estadístic de les concentracions d’un total de 62 contaminants atmosfèrics corresponents a compostos orgànics volàtils, recollides en un total de 12 localitats catalanes diferents durant l’any 2020. Després de situar les localitats segons les zones industrials properes, les dades de concentració han estat comparades amb les recollides durant l’any 2019, calculant l’evolució de les concentracions, realitzant test de Student i comparant gràficament mitjançant diagrames de caixa. S’ha estudiat quins són els compostos orgànics volàtils més abundants en les diferents localitats, individualment i en classificació per grups químics. Per últim, s’ha estudiat l’efecte que ha tingut l’etapa de confinament per la pandèmia ocasionada pel virus COVID-19 en els valors de concentració de compostos orgànics volàtils, quines substàncies s’han vist afectades en les diferents localitats, individualment i en classificació per grups químics. D’aquest s’ha pogut concloure que la majoria de substàncies estudiades ha disminuït la seva concentració durant l’etapa de confinament., En aquest treball s’ha realitzat un anàlisi estadístic de les concentracions d’un total de 62 contaminants atmosfèrics corresponents a compostos orgànics volàtils, recollides en un total de 12 localitats catalanes diferents durant l’any 2020. Després de situar les localitats segons les zones industrials properes, les dades de concentració han estat comparades amb les recollides durant l’any 2019, calculant l’evolució de les concentracions, realitzant test de Student i comparant gràficament mitjançant diagrames de caixa. S’ha estudiat quins són els compostos orgànics volàtils més abundants en les diferents localitats, individualment i en classificació per grups químics. Per últim, s’ha estudiat l’efecte que ha tingut l’etapa de confinament per la pandèmia ocasionada pel virus COVID-19 en els valors de concentració de compostos orgànics volàtils, quines substàncies s’han vist afectades en les diferents localitats, individualment i en classificació per grups químics. D’aquest s’ha pogut concloure que la majoria de substàncies estudiades ha disminuït la seva concentració durant l’etapa de confinament., In this paper, a statistical analysis of the concentrations of a total of 62 atmospheric pollutants corresponding to volatile organic compounds, collected in a total of 12 different Catalan locations during the year 2020, has been carried out. After locating the localities according to the nearby industrial zones, the concentration data have been compared with those collected during the year 2019, calculating the evolution of the concentrations, performing the Student test and comparing graphically using box plots. It has been studied which are the most abundant volatile organic compounds in the different localities, individually and in classification by chemical groups. Finally, the effect that the confinement stage caused by the COVID-19 virus has had on the concentration values of volatile organic compounds, which substances have been affected in different locations, individually and in chemical groups, has been studied. From this it has been possible to conclude that most of the substances studied have decreased their concentration during the confinement stage.

Metal–organic frameworks (MOF) are a new type of porous materials that have great potential for adsorption of voltaic organic compounds (VOCs). These types of materials composed of metal ions and organic ligands are easy to synthesize, have high surface areas, their surface chemistry can be adjusted to the desired application, and they can also have good chemical and thermal stability. Therefore, this work focuses on the synthesis of a highly hydrophobic MOF material called CIM-80, a porous material that is made up of the Al3+ cation and the mesaconate linker. This MOF has a B.E.T. of approximately 800 m2/g and has potential applications for the adsorption of hydrophobic organic compounds. However, its synthesis is expensive and very dirty. Therefore, we have studied the synthesis conditions necessary to achieve high synthesis yields (85%) and materials with high crystallinity and accessible porosity. To achieve these results, we have used urea as a mild deprotonation reagent and modulator as an alternative to NaOH, which is traditionally used for the synthesis of this MOF. Once the synthesis of this material was controlled, its adsorption/desorption behavior of water and organic compounds such as toluene, cyclohexane and m-xylene was studied by means of vapor adsorption isotherms. The results show the hydrophobic character of the material and the greater affinity the material has toward aliphatic compounds than toward aromatic ones, with toluene being the most adsorbed compound, followed by cyclohexane and m-xylene.

In this study of 1 549 488 individuals in the Capital Region of Denmark, of which 1 119 574 were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, we found that individuals who received 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine had very low risk of breakthrough infections with SARS-CoV-2.Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are implemented worldwide in efforts to curb the pandemic. This study investigates the risk of a positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test following BNT162b2 vaccination in a large real-life population in Denmark. Methods Vaccination status and positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR results from adults in the Capital Region of Denmark (n = 1 549 488) were obtained from national registries. PCR testing was free and widely available. The number of positive PCR tests per individual at risk was calculated as weekly rates. Time to positive PCR test was modelled using Kaplan-Meier methods and hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using Cox regression. Results A total of 1 119 574 individuals received the first dose of BNT162b2 and 1 088 879 received a second dose of BNT162b2. Individuals were followed up to 8.7 months after first dose (median: 5.5 months; interquartile ratio: 4.1-8.7). Rates of PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection 2-4 months after the second dose were 0.21, 0.33, and 0.36 per 1000 individuals per week at risk for July, August, and September, respectively. Four or more months after the second dose, the rates were 0.56, 0.76, and 0.53 per 1000 individuals per week at risk for July, August, and September, respectively. HR of SARS-CoV-2 infection after the second dose was 0.2 (95% confidence interval, .05-.48; P = .001) for individuals with 8 months' follow-up. Conclusions Individuals who received 2 doses of the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine had a low risk of breakthrough infection after up to 8 months of follow-up. However, there was a tendency toward higher rates with lo

El present projecte té com a objectiu l’estudi d’aplicació i justificació de les Millors Tècniques Disponibles dels sistemes de tractament i gestió d’emissions de gasos i aigües residuals a una industria farmacèutica que es dedica a la fabricació de principis actius i productes farmacèutics. La part inicial del projecte es basa en la recerca bibliogràfica de la normativa vigent del sector per tal de comprendre la situació ambiental i determinar els límits que s’estableixen actualment per reduir els efectes del canvi climàtic. Per a l’anàlisi de minimització de l’impacte ambiental de l’establiment, s’han estudiat els diferents aspectes que afecten de manera negativa al medi ambient com són les emissions difuses de compostos orgànics volàtils (COV), emissions d’olors, emissions de sorolls, aigües residuals, contaminació de sòls i residus, i s’han determinat els focus principals de generació d’aquestes emissions. S’estudien els equips del procés de producció de la planta detectant un incorrecte funcionament en la neutralització de gasos de dos dels scrubbers degut a la corrosió al seu interior. Aquest fet provoca que les emissions entrin a la planta de tractament de gasos sense neutralitzar i que, per tant, s’emetin emissions contaminades a l’atmosfera. S’analitzen les possibles causes i es determinen diferents propostes de millora per a un correcte funcionament. Finalment, es proposa la incorporació d’equips de millora de processos com per exemple la instal·lació d’un nou sistema de neteja de tipus Clean in Place per optimitzar el consum energètic i el consum d’aigua, així com reduir el risc de contaminació, i la instal·lació de vàlvules de pressió al buit amb apagaflames als venteigs dels tancs d’emmagatzematges per reduir les emissions de COV a l’atmosfera., El presente proyecto tiene como objetivo el estudio de aplicación y justificación de las Mejores Técnicas Disponibles de los sistemas de tratamiento y gestión de gases y aguas residuales en una industria farmacéutica que se dedica a la fabricación de principios activos y productos farmacéuticos. La parte inicial del proyecto se basa en la búsqueda bibliográfica de la normativa vigente del sector con el fin de comprender la situación ambiental y determinar los límites establecidos actualmente para la reducción de los efectos del cambio climático. Para el análisis de minimización del impacto ambiental del establecimiento, se han estudiado los diferentes aspectos que afectan de manera negativa al medio ambiente como son las emisiones difusas de compuestos orgánicos volátiles (COV), emisiones de olores, emisiones de ruidos, aguas residuales, contaminación de suelos y residuos, y se han determinado los focos principales de generación de dichas emisiones. Se realiza un estudio de los equipos de proceso de producción de la planta detectando un incorrecto funcionamiento en la neutralización de gases de dos de los scrubbers debido a la corrosión en su interior. Este hecho provoca que las emisiones entren en la planta de tratamiento de gases sin neutralizar y que, por lo tanto, se emitan emisiones contaminadas en la atmosfera. Se analizan las posibles causas y se determinan diferentes propuestas de mejora para un correcto funcionamiento. Finalmente, se propone la incorporación de equipos de mejora de los procesos como por ejemplo la instalación de un nuevo sistema de limpieza de tipo Clean in Place para optimizar el consumo energético, el consumo de agua y reducir el riesgo de contaminación. También se propone la instalación de válvulas de presión al vacío con apagallamas en los venteos de los tanques de almacenamiento para reducir las emisiones de COV en la atmosfera., The aim of this project is to study the application and justification of the Best Available Techniques for gas and wastewater treatment and management Systems in a pharmaceutical industry dedicated to the manufacture of active ingredients and pharmaceutical products. The first part of the project is based on a bibliographic search of the sector’s current regulations in order to understand the environmental situation and determine the limits currently established for reducing the effects of climate change. For the analysis of the minimisation of the establishment environmental impact, the different aspects that negatively affect the environment were studied, such as diffuse emissions of volatile orgic compounds (VOC), odour emissions, noise emissions, waste water, soil contamination and waste, and also the main sources of these emissions were determinate. The plant’s production process equipment is studied, detecting an incorrect operation in the neutralisation of gases in two of the scrubbers due to corrosion inside them. This causes emissions to enter the gas treatment plant without being neutralised and, therefore, contaminated emissions are emitted into the atmosphere. The possible causes are analysed and different proposals for improvement for correct operation are determined. Finally, the incorporation of process improvement equipment is proposed, such as the installation of a new Clean in Place cleaning system to optimise energy consumption, water consumption and reduce the risk of contamination. It is also proposed to install vacuum pressure valves with flame arresters on the storage tank vents to reduce VOC emissions into the atmosphere., Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::6 - Aigua Neta i Sanejament, Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::13 - Acció per al Clima

El secret de la gran popularitat de les tòfones rau majoritàriament en els seus compostos orgànics volàtils (COV), els quals són els responsables de la seva olor característica. En aquest article es dona una visió global de les tòfones, del seu origen i de les seves propietats fisicoquímiques, nutricionals, organolèptiques i biològiques. Com a exemple dels components volàtils en productes derivats de la tòfona Tuber melanosporum, es mostren els resultats d’un estudi comparatiu dels COV que s’alliberen en olis comercials aromatitzats o amb tòfona macerada. La caracterització dels COV es va fer mitjançant una anàlisi química instrumental — microextracció en fase sòlida de l’espai de cap (HS-SPME) combinada amb cromatografia de gasos i espectrometria de masses (GC-MS)— i una anàlisi sensorial amb un panell de tastadors entrenats., The secret of the great popularity of truffles lies mainly in their volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which produce their characteristic smell. This paper provides an overview of truffles in general as well as of their origin and their physico-chemical, nutritional, organoleptic and biological properties. As an example of the volatile compounds in derivatives of the truffle Tuber melanosporum, the results are presented of a comparative study of the VOCs that are released in aromatized commercial oils or those containing macerated truffles. The characterization of the VOCs was carried out by instrumental chemical analysis – headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) combined with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) – and sensory analysis by a panel of trained professional tasters.

In this study of 1 549 488 individuals in the Capital Region of Denmark, of which 1 119 574 were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, we found that individuals who received 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine had very low risk of breakthrough infections with SARS-CoV-2.Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are implemented worldwide in efforts to curb the pandemic. This study investigates the risk of a positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test following BNT162b2 vaccination in a large real-life population in Denmark. Methods Vaccination status and positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR results from adults in the Capital Region of Denmark (n = 1 549 488) were obtained from national registries. PCR testing was free and widely available. The number of positive PCR tests per individual at risk was calculated as weekly rates. Time to positive PCR test was modelled using Kaplan-Meier methods and hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using Cox regression. Results A total of 1 119 574 individuals received the first dose of BNT162b2 and 1 088 879 received a second dose of BNT162b2. Individuals were followed up to 8.7 months after first dose (median: 5.5 months; interquartile ratio: 4.1-8.7). Rates of PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection 2-4 months after the second dose were 0.21, 0.33, and 0.36 per 1000 individuals per week at risk for July, August, and September, respectively. Four or more months after the second dose, the rates were 0.56, 0.76, and 0.53 per 1000 individuals per week at risk for July, August, and September, respectively. HR of SARS-CoV-2 infection after the second dose was 0.2 (95% confidence interval, .05-.48; P = .001) for individuals with 8 months' follow-up. Conclusions Individuals who received 2 doses of the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine had a low risk of breakthrough infection after up to 8 months of follow-up. However, there was a tendency toward higher rates with lo

Las sustancias que causan mal olor procedente de la manipulación de los residuos sólidos urbanos (RSU), por lo general, surgen como resultado de la actividad biológica. Compuestos de amoniaco y sulfuro son los principales gases inorgánicos siendo los mercaptanos, terpenos, Índoles y otros diversos compuestos orgánicos que llevan nitrógeno las sustancias orgánicas emitidas más importantes. El análisis de estos compuestos suele ser problemático debido a la baja concentración en el aire ambiente. La técnica actualmente más utilizada es la preconcentración de estos en absorbentes. Entre ellos uno de los más utilizados es el Twister©. Esta técnica permite una alta sensibilidad debido a la gran superficie de la fase estacionaria de sorción utilizada. El presente trabajo describe la optimización de un procedimiento de desorción térmica, aplicable a los compuestos emitidos tanto en la manipulación como el compostaje de RSU, de los compuestos adsorbidos en el Twister©. Los parámetros que afectan a la desorción térmica se investigan utilizando un enfoque quimiométrico en el que, por trabajos previos, se ha comprobado que, entre los parámetros implicados en la desorción térmica (temperatura de desorción (TDES), tiempo de desorción (t) y flujo de helio (f) y temperatura en el inyector PTV (TCIS)) los más importantes parámetros a optimizar son TDES y TCIS. Se comprueba que, fijando en sus valores típicos t (3 min) y f (50 ml min-1), los valores para los que el área encontrada para la mayoría de los compuestos desorbidos se sitúan en un valor de TDES de 300ºC y TCIS de -20ºC.

Gliocladium sp. is a genus from Fungi that is often described as a counterpart of Penicillium sp. Most studies related to this genus have been focused on its powerful capacity as biocontrol agent, especially of fungal pathogens. Nevertheless, its potential applications include numerous products derived from its metabolism capable of generate a variety of chemicals. It is remarkable as well that Gliocladium sp. is an important endophyte organism whom besides providing benefits to the wide range of host plants, can successfully mimic their chemical behavior. Among the latest applications stands out its potential for the production of compounds associated with diesel fuel and its ability as bio-absorbent organism of heavy metals. This research describes and illustrates these applications showing this genus of Fungi as a promising biotechnological tool., La mayoría de estudios relacionados con Gliocladium se han enfocado en su potente capacidad como agente biocontrolador, principalmente de hongos fitopatógenos. Sin embargo, las aplicaciones potenciales de este género de hongos abarcan numerosos productos obtenidos a partir de su metabolismo, capaz de generar una gran variedad de compuestos químicos. Cabe destacar también que es un organismo endófito que, además, de proveer beneficios a un amplio rango de plantas hospederas, puede imitar con éxito su comportamiento químico. Entre las aplicaciones más novedosas destaca su potencial para la producción de compuestos asociados con biocombustibles y su capacidad bioabsorbente de metales pesados. Esta investigación describe y ejemplifica estas aplicaciones y muestra a este género de hongos como una prometedora herramienta biotecnológica.

Gliocladium sp. is a genus from Fungi that is often described as a counterpart of Penicillium sp. Most studies related to this genus have been focused on its powerful capacity as biocontrol agent, especially of fungal pathogens. Nevertheless, its potential applications include numerous products derived from its metabolism capable of generate a variety of chemicals. It is remarkable as well that Gliocladium sp. is an important endophyte organism whom besides providing benefits to the wide range of host plants, can successfully mimic their chemical behavior. Among the latest applications stands out its potential for the production of compounds associated with diesel fuel and its ability as bio-absorbent organism of heavy metals. This research describes and illustrates these applications showing this genus of Fungi as a promising biotechnological tool., La mayoría de estudios relacionados con Gliocladium se han enfocado en su potente capacidad como agente biocontrolador, principalmente de hongos fitopatógenos. Sin embargo, las aplicaciones potenciales de este género de hongos abarcan numerosos productos obtenidos a partir de su metabolismo, capaz de generar una gran variedad de compuestos químicos. Cabe destacar también que es un organismo endófito que, además, de proveer beneficios a un amplio rango de plantas hospederas, puede imitar con éxito su comportamiento químico. Entre las aplicaciones más novedosas destaca su potencial para la producción de compuestos asociados con biocombustibles y su capacidad bioabsorbente de metales pesados. Esta investigación describe y ejemplifica estas aplicaciones y muestra a este género de hongos como una prometedora herramienta biotecnológica.

Gliocladium sp. is a genus from Fungi that is often described as a counterpart of Penicillium sp. Most studies related to this genus have been focused on its powerful capacity as biocontrol agent, especially of fungal pathogens. Nevertheless, its potential applications include numerous products derived from its metabolism capable of generate a variety of chemicals. It is remarkable as well that Gliocladium sp. is an important endophyte organism whom besides providing benefits to the wide range of host plants, can successfully mimic their chemical behavior. Among the latest applications stands out its potential for the production of compounds associated with diesel fuel and its ability as bio-absorbent organism of heavy metals. This research describes and illustrates these applications showing this genus of Fungi as a promising biotechnological tool., La mayoría de estudios relacionados con Gliocladium se han enfocado en su potente capacidad como agente biocontrolador, principalmente de hongos fitopatógenos. Sin embargo, las aplicaciones potenciales de este género de hongos abarcan numerosos productos obtenidos a partir de su metabolismo, capaz de generar una gran variedad de compuestos químicos. Cabe destacar también que es un organismo endófito que, además, de proveer beneficios a un amplio rango de plantas hospederas, puede imitar con éxito su comportamiento químico. Entre las aplicaciones más novedosas destaca su potencial para la producción de compuestos asociados con biocombustibles y su capacidad bioabsorbente de metales pesados. Esta investigación describe y ejemplifica estas aplicaciones y muestra a este género de hongos como una prometedora herramienta biotecnológica.

Gliocladium sp. is a genus from Fungi that is often described as a counterpart of Penicillium sp. Most studies related to this genus have been focused on its powerful capacity as biocontrol agent, especially of fungal pathogens. Nevertheless, its potential applications include numerous products derived from its metabolism capable of generate a variety of chemicals. It is remarkable as well that Gliocladium sp. is an important endophyte organism whom besides providing benefits to the wide range of host plants, can successfully mimic their chemical behavior. Among the latest applications stands out its potential for the production of compounds associated with diesel fuel and its ability as bio-absorbent organism of heavy metals. This research describes and illustrates these applications showing this genus of Fungi as a promising biotechnological tool., La mayoría de estudios relacionados con Gliocladium se han enfocado en su potente capacidad como agente biocontrolador, principalmente de hongos fitopatógenos. Sin embargo, las aplicaciones potenciales de este género de hongos abarcan numerosos productos obtenidos a partir de su metabolismo, capaz de generar una gran variedad de compuestos químicos. Cabe destacar también que es un organismo endófito que, además, de proveer beneficios a un amplio rango de plantas hospederas, puede imitar con éxito su comportamiento químico. Entre las aplicaciones más novedosas destaca su potencial para la producción de compuestos asociados con biocombustibles y su capacidad bioabsorbente de metales pesados. Esta investigación describe y ejemplifica estas aplicaciones y muestra a este género de hongos como una prometedora herramienta biotecnológica.

Gliocladium sp. is a genus from Fungi that is often described as a counterpart of Penicillium sp. Most studies related to this genus have been focused on its powerful capacity as biocontrol agent, especially of fungal pathogens. Nevertheless, its potential applications include numerous products derived from its metabolism capable of generate a variety of chemicals. It is remarkable as well that Gliocladium sp. is an important endophyte organism whom besides providing benefits to the wide range of host plants, can successfully mimic their chemical behavior. Among the latest applications stands out its potential for the production of compounds associated with diesel fuel and its ability as bio-absorbent organism of heavy metals. This research describes and illustrates these applications showing this genus of Fungi as a promising biotechnological tool., La mayoría de estudios relacionados con Gliocladium se han enfocado en su potente capacidad como agente biocontrolador, principalmente de hongos fitopatógenos. Sin embargo, las aplicaciones potenciales de este género de hongos abarcan numerosos productos obtenidos a partir de su metabolismo, capaz de generar una gran variedad de compuestos químicos. Cabe destacar también que es un organismo endófito que, además, de proveer beneficios a un amplio rango de plantas hospederas, puede imitar con éxito su comportamiento químico. Entre las aplicaciones más novedosas destaca su potencial para la producción de compuestos asociados con biocombustibles y su capacidad bioabsorbente de metales pesados. Esta investigación describe y ejemplifica estas aplicaciones y muestra a este género de hongos como una prometedora herramienta biotecnológica.

Soil property values for use in geotechnical design are often estimated from a limited number of in situ or laboratory tests. The uncertainty involved in estimating soil properties from a limited number of tests can be addressed by quantifying the variability within individual soundings and of the collection of soundings at a site. It has been proposed that factors of safety or resistance factors used in design be linked to site variability. Site variability can be assessed by studying the correlation structure of in situ test data. The cone penetration test (CPT), which is a reliable and widely-accepted in situ test, can be used for this purpose. Soil behavior type (SBT) charts are often used to obtain the subsurface soil profile from CPT parameters such as the cone resistance and the sleeve friction. A soil profile generation algorithm was developed in this research to generate a soil profile from an individual CPT sounding using two modified SBT charts. Soils are variable in both the vertical and horizontal directions. A vertical variability index (VVI) was defined to quantify variability in a CPT sounding. The average of the VVIs for all CPT soundings performed at a site is the site VVI. A site horizontal variability index (site HVI) was also developed, based on cross-correlation between cone resistances, the cone resistance trend differences and the spacing between every pair of CPTs considered, to quantify the soil variability of a site in the horizontal direction. A site variability rating (SVR) system, integrating the vertical and horizontal site variability, was developed to assess the overall site variability. Depending on the SBT chart selected, the soil profile generated using the soil profile generation algorithm may be slightly different; however, the SBT chart effect on the variability indices that compose the SVR index is small. Close agreement was found between the SVRs obtained using the two SBT charts selected for this research. In order to illust

Due to their carcinogenic properties, exposure to volatile organic compounds such as benzene, toluene and xylene (BTEX) has been associated with an increased risk of developing cancer in people living or working near gas stations. This study puts forward a methodological approach to study the problems posed by VOCs on individuals exposed to hydrocarbons. The data obtained indicate that there is a greater presence of VOCs in the areas close to point sources of emission and, therefore, a greater exposure to toxic factors. This paper presents a simple procedure to establish which areas are vulnerable to technological risks within the urban area owing to the presence of BTEX by using GIS technology, which enables spatial analysis of benzene emissions to the atmosphere. These results will serve the agencies involved in decision-making. There is no clear legislation in Mexico to protect people living in the vicinity of gas stations. Therefore, programs should be developed to reduce their impact on the population at the environmental, health and social levels., La exposición a compuestos orgánicos volátiles (COV) presentes en la gasolina, como el benceno, tolueno, etilbenceno y xileno (BTEX), por su capacidad cancerígena se ha asociado con el aumento del riesgo a desarrollar cáncer en las personas que viven o trabajan en las proximidades de las estaciones de servicio. En este trabajo se propone una aproximación metodológica para estudiar la problemática que representan los COV en los individuos expuestos a los hidrocarburos. Los datos obtenidos indican que existe mayor presencia de COV en las zonas ubicadas en la cercanía de las fuentes puntuales de emisión y por ende con mayor exposición a factores tóxicos. Con este trabajo se plantea un procedimiento sencillo para establecer las zonas vulnerables a riesgos tecnológicos dentro del área urbana por presencia de BTEX, utilizando para ello la tecnología SIG que permite realizar un análisis espacial de las emisiones de benceno a la atmósfera. Estos resultados quedarán al servicio de los organismos involucrados en la toma de decisiones. En México no existe una legislación clara que proteja a los habitantes de las cercanías de las estaciones de servicio, por lo tanto se deben desarrollar programas para disminuir el impacto en la población a nivel ambiental, sanitario y social., A exposição a compostos orgânicos voláteis (COV) presentes na gasolina, como o benzeno, tolueno, etilbenzeno e xileno (BTEX), pela sua ação cancerígena foi associada ao aumento do risco de desenvolver cancro, nas pessoas que vivem ou trabalham nas proximidades das estações de serviço. Neste trabalho propõe-se uma abordagem metodológica para estudar a problemática que os COV representam para os indivíduos expostos a hidrocarbonetos. Os dados obtidos indicam que há uma maior presença de COV em áreas localizadas na proximidade de fontes pontuais de emissão e, portanto, mais expostas a fatores tóxicos. Com este trabalho, é proposto um procedimento simples para a definição de zonas vulneráveis a riscos tecnológicos, dentro da área urbana pela presença de BTEX, utilizando a tecnologia SIG que permite uma análise espacial das emissões de benzeno na atmosfera. Estes resultados ficarão à disposição dos organismos envolvidos na tomada de decisões. No México, não existe uma legislação clara que proteja quem vive nas proximidades dos postos de gasolina, motivo pelo qual se devem desenvolver programas que visem diminuir o impacto na população a nível ambiental, sanitário e social.

Soil property values for use in geotechnical design are often estimated from a limited number of in situ or laboratory tests. The uncertainty involved in estimating soil properties from a limited number of tests can be addressed by quantifying the variability within individual soundings and of the collection of soundings at a site. It has been proposed that factors of safety or resistance factors used in design be linked to site variability. Site variability can be assessed by studying the correlation structure of in situ test data. The cone penetration test (CPT), which is a reliable and widely-accepted in situ test, can be used for this purpose. Soil behavior type (SBT) charts are often used to obtain the subsurface soil profile from CPT parameters such as the cone resistance and the sleeve friction. A soil profile generation algorithm was developed in this research to generate a soil profile from an individual CPT sounding using two modified SBT charts. Soils are variable in both the vertical and horizontal directions. A vertical variability index (VVI) was defined to quantify variability in a CPT sounding. The average of the VVIs for all CPT soundings performed at a site is the site VVI. A site horizontal variability index (site HVI) was also developed, based on cross-correlation between cone resistances, the cone resistance trend differences and the spacing between every pair of CPTs considered, to quantify the soil variability of a site in the horizontal direction. A site variability rating (SVR) system, integrating the vertical and horizontal site variability, was developed to assess the overall site variability. Depending on the SBT chart selected, the soil profile generated using the soil profile generation algorithm may be slightly different; however, the SBT chart effect on the variability indices that compose the SVR index is small. Close agreement was found between the SVRs obtained using the two SBT charts selected for this research. In order to illust

Durante el compostaje de residuos vegetales se emiten diferentes compuestos orgánicos volátiles (COV) procedentes tanto de la degradación microbiana como terpenos de origen vegetal. En el presente trabajo, se estudia la composición de la atmósfera interna de pilas de restos de poda procedentes de jardinería urbana en relación a las condiciones de aireación (profundidad en la pila) y tiempo de compostaje transcurrido. Las determinaciones se realizaron en pilas de escala real usando analizadores de gases, GC-MS y una nariz electrónica. Los resultados indicaron que la huella de olor obtenida con la nariz electrónica resultó muy dependiente de las condiciones de oxigenación en la pila y del tiempo de compostaje transcurrido. La dependencia de la huella de olor con las condiciones del compostaje abre la posibilidad de usar este instrumento para la monitorización en tiempo real de la madurez del compost. IV Jornadas de la Red Española de Compostaje‐REC‐2014. De Residuo a Recurso: Estrategias de gestión tratamiento y valorización en el Horizonte 2020 12‐14 de noviembre de 2014 (Murcia)

La actividad humana es la principal responsable de la producción de sustancias contaminantes que se liberan a la biosfera. Estos contaminantes, producidos principalmente por el consumo de combustibles fósiles, son liberados por vehículos con motor de explosión, las industrias, centrales térmicas, combustión de calefacción doméstica y las explotaciones agrícolas y ganaderas. En este artículo se pretende dar a conocer, la contribución a la edificación ecoeficiente que puede hacer la arquitectura, mediante la utilización de soluciones constructivas basadas en materiales fabricados con el principio TX Active, desarrollado por Italcementi. La utilización generalizada de materiales fabricados con cementos con efecto autolimpiante y descontaminante, supone una importante ayuda a la disminución de la concentración de contaminantes presentes en nuestras ciudades.

La actividad humana es la principal responsable de la producción de sustancias contaminantes que se liberan a la biosfera. Estos contaminantes, producidos principalmente por el consumo de combustibles fósiles, son liberados por vehículos con motor de explosión, las industrias, centrales térmicas, combustión de calefacción doméstica y las explotaciones agrícolas y ganaderas. En este artículo se pretende dar a conocer, la contribución a la edificación ecoeficiente que puede hacer la arquitectura, mediante la utilización de soluciones constructivas basadas en materiales fabricados con el principio TX Active, desarrollado por Italcementi. La utilización generalizada de materiales fabricados con cementos con efecto autolimpiante y descontaminante, supone una importante ayuda a la disminución de la concentración de contaminantes presentes en nuestras ciudades.

La actividad humana es la principal responsable de la producción de sustancias contaminantes que se liberan a la biosfera. Estos contaminantes, producidos principalmente por el consumo de combustibles fósiles, son liberados por vehículos con motor de explosión, las industrias, centrales térmicas, combustión de calefacción doméstica y las explotaciones agrícolas y ganaderas. En este artículo se pretende dar a conocer, la contribución a la edificación ecoeficiente que puede hacer la arquitectura, mediante la utilización de soluciones constructivas basadas en materiales fabricados con el principio TX Active, desarrollado por Italcementi. La utilización generalizada de materiales fabricados con cementos con efecto autolimpiante y descontaminante, supone una importante ayuda a la disminución de la concentración de contaminantes presentes en nuestras ciudades.

La actividad humana es la principal responsable de la producción de sustancias contaminantes que se liberan a la biosfera. Estos contaminantes, producidos principalmente por el consumo de combustibles fósiles, son liberados por vehículos con motor de explosión, las industrias, centrales térmicas, combustión de calefacción doméstica y las explotaciones agrícolas y ganaderas. En este artículo se pretende dar a conocer, la contribución a la edificación ecoeficiente que puede hacer la arquitectura, mediante la utilización de soluciones constructivas basadas en materiales fabricados con el principio TX Active, desarrollado por Italcementi. La utilización generalizada de materiales fabricados con cementos con efecto autolimpiante y descontaminante, supone una importante ayuda a la disminución de la concentración de contaminantes presentes en nuestras ciudades.

La actividad humana es la principal responsable de la producción de sustancias contaminantes que se liberan a la biosfera. Estos contaminantes, producidos principalmente por el consumo de combustibles fósiles, son liberados por vehículos con motor de explosión, las industrias, centrales térmicas, combustión de calefacción doméstica y las explotaciones agrícolas y ganaderas. En este artículo se pretende dar a conocer, la contribución a la edificación ecoeficiente que puede hacer la arquitectura, mediante la utilización de soluciones constructivas basadas en materiales fabricados con el principio TX Active, desarrollado por Italcementi. La utilización generalizada de materiales fabricados con cementos con efecto autolimpiante y descontaminante, supone una importante ayuda a la disminución de la concentración de contaminantes presentes en nuestras ciudades.

La actividad humana es la principal responsable de la producción de sustancias contaminantes que se liberan a la biosfera. Estos contaminantes, producidos principalmente por el consumo de combustibles fósiles, son liberados por vehículos con motor de explosión, las industrias, centrales térmicas, combustión de calefacción doméstica y las explotaciones agrícolas y ganaderas. En este artículo se pretende dar a conocer, la contribución a la edificación ecoeficiente que puede hacer la arquitectura, mediante la utilización de soluciones constructivas basadas en materiales fabricados con el principio TX Active, desarrollado por Italcementi. La utilización generalizada de materiales fabricados con cementos con efecto autolimpiante y descontaminante, supone una importante ayuda a la disminución de la concentración de contaminantes presentes en nuestras ciudades.

[EN]: The relative statistical influence of control parameters, used in industrial composting of Municipal Salid Waste (MSW), such as aeration (0.05-0.300 Lair kg-1 min-1) and moisture content (40-70%) on the amount and composition of the gases and odorous volatile organic compounds (COVs) generated in this process have been studied. Specifically the evolution of limonene, ß-pinene, 2-butanone, undecane, phenol, toluene, dimethyl-sulfide and dimethyl-disulfide has been studied. The greatest amount of odor-generating compounds was emitted into the initial mesophilic-thermophilic phase and, after that, a continuous decrease has been observed during the mesophilic phase. Aeration has higher statistical influence on the composition of the studied gases generated than that of moisture. A high level of aeration (0.300 Lair kg-1 min-1) caused high emissions of the studied gases. Moreover under low aeration levels (0.05 Lair kg-1 min-1) certain anaerobic stages have been found during the thermophilic phase., [ES]: En el presente estudio se ha evaluado la influencia de los parámetros de control utilizados en el compostaje de Residuos Sólidos Urbanos (RSU), como son la aireación (0.05-0.300 Laire kg-1 min-1) y la humedad (40-70%) en la cantidad y composición de los gases y compuestos orgánicos volátiles olorosos generados en este proceso. Concretamente se ha estudiado la evolución de limoneno, ß-pineno, 2-butanona, undecano, fenol, tolueno, sulfuro de dimetilo y disulfuro de dimetilo sulfuro de dimetilo. La mayor cantidad de gases generadores de olor se emitieron en la etapa mesófila inicial y en la termófila decreciendo la cantidad de éstos durante la etapa de maduración. Los cambios en la aireación presentaron, tras su análisis estadístico, una mayor influencia en la variación de la composición de los gases generados que la provocada por los cambios en la humedad. Altos niveles de aireación (0.300 Laire kg-1 min-1) provocaron altos niveles de emisión de los gases estudiados. Por otra parte, bajos niveles (0.05 Laire kg-1 min-1) dieron lugar a episodios de anaerobiosis provocando cierta emisión de compuestos de azufre.

Se estudia el efecto promotor en la actividad de oxidación completa de compuestos orgánicos volátiles (COVs) que exhiben el Pt y el Pd con la incorporación de cantidades de Fe o de Cu en concentraciones similares al metal más activo (Pt, Pd). Se evaluó la posible interacción del Pt-Fe y Pd-Fe empleando la microscopia electrónica de barrido (MEB). El mapeo elemental obtenido por esta técnica reveló la preseCOV, Pt, Pd, Fe; oxidación; monolitos catalíticos.ncia de estos sistemas bimetálicos.

Se prepararon monolitos catalíticos optimizando el contenido de platino presente en la superficie de las paredes de los canales del Monolito (M), para lo cual se varía el método de impregnación acostumbrado, es decir, acortando el tiempo hasta lograr un valor de compromiso entre concentración metálica superficial y tamaño adecuado de los microcristales de platino. Los sólidos fueron caracterizados por Microscopía Electrónica de Barrido (SEM) y por adsorción de N2. La actividad oxidativa fue determinada con el Compuesto Orgánico Volátil (COV), tolueno. Se estudia la influencia de la temperatura de reacción, caudal de reactantes, concentración en fase gaseosa del COV y contenido de Pt, en la actividad de los catalizadores.

Las empresas del sector de artes gráficas, y de huecograbado en concreto, son grandes consumidoras de tintas en base disolvente para ciertas aplicaciones a día de hoy. Debido a que existe normativa en materia medioambiental que fija valores límite de emisión de los compuestos orgánicos volátiles (COV) provenientes de tintas y de operaciones de limpieza de los equipos de impresión y laminado, dichas empresas deben tener instalaciones preferentemente de recuperación, o al menos de eliminación, de estos COV. El objetivo central de este proyecto es el estudio y optimización de una instalación real de recuperación de disolvente que se encuentra actualmente en funcionamiento en la Comunidad Autónoma de Cataluña. El diseño de esta instalación de recuperación consiste en la separación de COV por adsorción, seguida de desorción con gas inerte y destilación azeotrópica final. Tras análisis inicial del funcionamiento de la planta se detectaron mejoras del proceso descrito. Se basa en la sustitución de válvulas de cierre manual del ciclo invierno-verano de la zona de acondicionamiento del aire residual a tratar. Se diseña su sustitución por válvulas automáticas controladas en función de la señal emitida por sensores de temperatura, humedad y punto de rocío. La segunda parte del estudio consiste en la optimización de los parámetros de control de modo que se favorezca la adsorción de acetato de etilo, sin aumentar la capacidad de adsorción de vapor de agua por parte de los cinco lechos de carbón activo que se emplean en la instalación. Para este fin se comparan los resultados de cálculos teóricos de equilibrios termodinámicos y cinética con los resultados reales de un diseño de experimentos (DOE) llevado a cabo en la instalación de recuperación. En definitiva se concluye la obtención de mayor rapidez de regulación del acondicionamiento de las emisiones confinadas a tratar. Esto concatenado con la optimización del punto de consigna del punto de rocío del parámetro de control, conl

A strength grading process, starting with log grading, was studied with respect to grading yield, impact on quality, and economic efficiency when visual grades according to Nordic grading rules were used for alternate product comparison. Pine (Pinus sylvestris) and spruce (Picea abies) logs and boards were graded with several varieties of commercial grading and strength-grading equipment. The boards were destructively tested, and the European grade-determining properties strength, stiffness, and density were measured. Models for these were made by partial least squares and validated. A method for the derivation of settings for multiple indicating properties, which increased yield in some cases, was proposed and evaluated. Grading to grade combinations of C40, C30, and C18 was done. The impact of visual override based on deformations was also studied. A simplified economic and sensitivity analysis was done. The outcome was that log grading can be used for strength grading with good economic and quality results. Strength pregrading on logs improves sawmill economy, depending on the species and market situation. Drying quality greatly influences the yield through visual override grading on deformations. Market prices of high grades (>C30) must improve in order to stimulate supply, as it is more economical to produce lower grades., Validerad; 2009; 20090908 (ysko)

A strength grading process, starting with log grading, was studied with respect to grading yield, impact on quality, and economic efficiency when visual grades according to Nordic grading rules were used for alternate product comparison. Pine (Pinus sylvestris) and spruce (Picea abies) logs and boards were graded with several varieties of commercial grading and strength-grading equipment. The boards were destructively tested, and the European grade-determining properties strength, stiffness, and density were measured. Models for these were made by partial least squares and validated. A method for the derivation of settings for multiple indicating properties, which increased yield in some cases, was proposed and evaluated. Grading to grade combinations of C40, C30, and C18 was done. The impact of visual override based on deformations was also studied. A simplified economic and sensitivity analysis was done. The outcome was that log grading can be used for strength grading with good economic and quality results. Strength pregrading on logs improves sawmill economy, depending on the species and market situation. Drying quality greatly influences the yield through visual override grading on deformations. Market prices of high grades (>C30) must improve in order to stimulate supply, as it is more economical to produce lower grades., Validerad; 2009; 20090908 (ysko)

Correlations between the coefficient of variations (COV) of ion current integrals and COV of indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) are investigated. The investigations are made to see if there is a possibility to use ion sense technique for closed loop combustion control to maximize Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) level with remaining combustion stability. The engine studied in this thesis is a stoichiometric natural gas engine with a three way catalyst working with different EGR levels. One way to increase the efficiency in a stoichiometric natural gas engine is to maximize the EGR level [3]. With a higher EGR level it is possible to open the throttle even further with a result of lower pumping losses. Also temperature losses to chamber walls will be smaller with high EGR levels. A closed loop system controlling the EGR valve against COV of IMEP around 5 % is used for this engine. For COV of flame peak integral in range from 0 to 15-20% of COV of IMEP a linear correlation was found for lambda less than 1.3. For COV of two peaks integral a linear correlation was found for the entire measured range. This correlation may not be used for a robust EGR control system due to a small increase of COV of ion integral and due to a high variance in COV of ion integral. Correlations are discussed for different ion integrals with different air/fuels ratios and EGR levels. A control strategy is also presented.

Correlations between the coefficient of variations (COV) of ion current integrals and COV of indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) are investigated. The investigations are made to see if there is a possibility to use ion sense technique for closed loop combustion control to maximize Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) level with remaining combustion stability. The engine studied in this thesis is a stoichiometric natural gas engine with a three way catalyst working with different EGR levels. One way to increase the efficiency in a stoichiometric natural gas engine is to maximize the EGR level [3]. With a higher EGR level it is possible to open the throttle even further with a result of lower pumping losses. Also temperature losses to chamber walls will be smaller with high EGR levels. A closed loop system controlling the EGR valve against COV of IMEP around 5 % is used for this engine. For COV of flame peak integral in range from 0 to 15-20% of COV of IMEP a linear correlation was found for lambda less than 1.3. For COV of two peaks integral a linear correlation was found for the entire measured range. This correlation may not be used for a robust EGR control system due to a small increase of COV of ion integral and due to a high variance in COV of ion integral. Correlations are discussed for different ion integrals with different air/fuels ratios and EGR levels. A control strategy is also presented.

Neopterin and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were determined in serum samples from 129 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) patients and 156 healthy blood donors. In the patients with confirmed SARS, an early neopterin elevation was detected already at the day of onset of symptoms and rose to a maximum level of 45.0 nmol/L 3 days after the onset. All SARS patients had elevated neopterin concentrations (> 10 nmol/L) within 9 days after the onset. The mean neopterin concentrations were 34.2 nmol/L in acute sera of SARS patients, 5.1 nmol/L in convalescent sera, and 6.7 nmol/L in healthy controls. In contrast, the mean CRP concentrations in both acute and convalescent sera of SARS patients were in the normal range (< 10 mg/L). Serum neopterin level in SARS patients was associated with fever period and thus the clinical progression of the disease, while there was no significant correlation between the CRP level and the fever period. Serum neopterin may allow early assessment of the severity of SARS. The decrease of neopterin level was found after steroid treatment, which indicates that blood samples should be collected before steroid treatment for the neopterin measurement. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Neopterin and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were determined in serum samples from 129 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) patients and 156 healthy blood donors. In the patients with confirmed SARS, an early neopterin elevation was detected already at the day of onset of symptoms and rose to a maximum level of 45.0 nmol/L 3 days after the onset. All SARS patients had elevated neopterin concentrations (> 10 nmol/L) within 9 days after the onset. The mean neopterin concentrations were 34.2 nmol/L in acute sera of SARS patients, 5.1 nmol/L in convalescent sera, and 6.7 nmol/L in healthy controls. In contrast, the mean CRP concentrations in both acute and convalescent sera of SARS patients were in the normal range (< 10 mg/L). Serum neopterin level in SARS patients was associated with fever period and thus the clinical progression of the disease, while there was no significant correlation between the CRP level and the fever period. Serum neopterin may allow early assessment of the severity of SARS. The decrease of neopterin level was found after steroid treatment, which indicates that blood samples should be collected before steroid treatment for the neopterin measurement. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Neopterin and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were determined in serum samples from 129 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) patients and 156 healthy blood donors. In the patients with confirmed SARS, an early neopterin elevation was detected already at the day of onset of symptoms and rose to a maximum level of 45.0 nmol/L 3 days after the onset. All SARS patients had elevated neopterin concentrations (> 10 nmol/L) within 9 days after the onset. The mean neopterin concentrations were 34.2 nmol/L in acute sera of SARS patients, 5.1 nmol/L in convalescent sera, and 6.7 nmol/L in healthy controls. In contrast, the mean CRP concentrations in both acute and convalescent sera of SARS patients were in the normal range (< 10 mg/L). Serum neopterin level in SARS patients was associated with fever period and thus the clinical progression of the disease, while there was no significant correlation between the CRP level and the fever period. Serum neopterin may allow early assessment of the severity of SARS. The decrease of neopterin level was found after steroid treatment, which indicates that blood samples should be collected before steroid treatment for the neopterin measurement. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cílem bakalářské práce je technologická studie a vybrané technologické předpisy pro Novostavbu vícegeneračního rodinného domu v Leštině u Herálce. Bakalářská práce obsahuje technologické postupy a jejich odpovídající kontrolní zkušební plány, dále pak časový a finanční plán pro celou hrubou stavbu, řešení širších dopravních vztahů, projekt zařízení staveniště, katalog použitých strojů, bilanci nasazení pracovníků, výkresy pohybů strojních sestav, BOZP a seminární práce pro návrh domovní ČOV., The aim of bachelor´s thesis is the construction and technological studies and selected technical prescriptionts for a new house multigenerational family house in Leština at Herálec. Bachelor´s thesis contains technical prescriptionts, and their corresponding control test plans, also includes time and financial plan for stage of coarse substructure, the resolution of wider transport relations, project construction site equipment, catalogue of used machinery, balance the deployment of workers, drawings movements mechanical assemblies, health and safety plan, and the seminar work for the design of wastewater treatment plant.

Bakalářská práce se ve svém úvodu zabývá úpravou odpadní vody až do fáze vzniku odpadního kalu, na tuto část navazuje souhrn většiny dostupných metod pro zpracování odpadního kalu a jejich popis. Následuje legislativní přehled a souhrn limitů kladených na ČOV. V poslední části se bakalářská práce věnuje popisu vlastností kalů a jejich metodám měření. Praktická část obsahuje měření a výpočet vlastností odpadního kalu, a to konkrétně stanovení obsahu sušiny a ztrátu žíháním., The first part of bachelor’s thesis deals with waste water treatment up to the phase, when the sewage sludge is created. Then follows the summary of available sludge treatment and disposal methods and their description. Next part is about legislative overview and a summary of the limits imposed on waste water treatment plants. In the last part, the bachelor thesis deals with description of sludge properties and their measurement methods. The practical part contains measurement and calculation of sewage sludge properties, exactly calculation of dry matter by determination of dry residue and determination of loss on ignition in sludge.

Předmětem bakalářské práce je statický návrh nádrže čističky odpadních vod, dimenzování a posouzení konstrukčních části na mezní stav únosnosti a mezní stav použitelnosti. Součástí projektu je i výkresová dokumentace. Cílem práce je navrhnout nádrž tak, aby v ní nevznikaly trhliny v betonu. Výpočty jsou provedeny v souladu s Eurokódem 2., The subject of my bachelor's thesis is a static design of a sewage plant reservoir, dimensioning and examination of the construction part for Capacity Limit State and Applicability Limit State. Design documentation is included in the project. The aim of this thesis was to design the reservoir in such a way that there would be no cracks in the concrete. The calculations were carried out in accordance with Eurocode 2.

Práce se zabývá čistírnami odpadních vod (ČOV). Pro energetickou soběstačnost ČOV je nutné studovat provozní zázemí, zařízení a jejich možnou provozní predikci pro energetické rozložení v čase a přizpůsobení se případnému OZE. Nebo je možné optimalizovat provoz cílem maximálního zrovnoměrnění odebíraného příkonu. Uvažuje se o malé ČOV do 500 EO. Případně velké čistírenské bloky. Student vyhodnotí současný stav poznání a pokusí se navrhnout a případně zrealizovat finanční úsporu dané koncepce., The thesis deals with wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). For the energetic self-sufficiency of the WWTP, it is necessary to study the operational background, equipment and their possible operational prediction for energy distribution over time and adaptation to any renewable energy (RES). It is also possible to optimize the operation to maximize the equalization of the input power. We're talking about small WWTPs up to 500 EP. Large purification blocks are also an option. The student will evaluate the current state of knowledge and try to design and possibly implement the financial savings of the given concept.

Cieľmi tejto bakalárskej práce je ponúknuť stručný návod na to, ako postupovať pri energetickom audite čistiarne odpadových vôd a ponúknuť energeticky efektívnejšie a úspornejšie alternatívy ku dnes používaným zariadeniam a technológiám používaných pri mechanických a biologických procesoch čistenia. Praktická čast sa následne zaoberá návrhom možných somenutých riešení ku zlepšeniu energetickej náročnosti prevádzky ČOV Mikulov., Objectives of this bachelor thesis are to offer a brief tutorial on how to proceed with the energy audit of the wasterwater treatment plant and offer energy-efficient and economical alternatives to the technologies and equipment currently used for mechanical and biological wastewater treatment processes. Chapter with practical part of the thesis deals with possible applications of retreived knowledge on to operations of WWTP Mikulov in order to optimize its energy efficiency.

V této práci řeším aktuální téma využití šedé a dešťové vody v občanské vybavenosti. Hlavními cíli práce jsou možnosti využití těchto vod a rozebrání problematiky kvality dešťových vod. V práci také rozebírám již aplikovaný systém využití šedých vod a to konkrétně na hotelu MOSAIC HOUSE v Praze, který jako vůbec první v naší republice použil tento systém a jako druhý na světě využívá teplo z šedých vod. V závěru své bakalářské práce jsem si zvolil jeden objekt občanské vybavenosti, konkrétně pension U Černého psa v Českém Krumlově. Pro tento objekt jsem navrhl čistírnu šedých vod od firmy ASIO s.r.o., zasakovací objekt pro dešťové vody od stejné firmy a zpracoval ekonomickou rozvahu návratnosti., This paper analyzes the usage of grey and rain water in civic amenities. Its main goal is to assess the advantages and disadvantages of the grey and rain water and to dissect the problematic of rain water quality. In order to reach its goal, the current paper will analyze the already applied system of using grey water, specifically in the case of MOSAIC HOUSE in Prague, which was the first in the Czech Republic and second in the world to use grey water for heat purposes. In conclusion, this Bachelor’s paper presents one object of civic amenities, specifically the guesthouse U Cerneho psa in Cesky Krumlov, with the proposal of grey water purifier by ASIO s.r.o. and grey water seepage object from the same company together with a projected balance sheet.

V této bakalářské práci je mým úkolem zpracovat rešeršní rozbor stírání hladiny dosazovacích nádrží v čistírenských provozech. Dosazovací nádrž na čistírně odpadních vod je součástí tzv. biologické linky a slouží k oddělení aktivovaného kalu od odpadní vody. Aktivovaný kal v dosazovací nádrži sedimentuje v usazovací zóně. Při tomto procesu vzniká, i při sebelépe provozované čistírně odpadních vod, na hladině dosazovací nádrže vyflotovaný kal který se většinou zdržuje v prostoru mezi vtokovým válcem a přepadovou hranou, resp. nornou stěnou před přepadem. Takto vyflotovaný kal, který je buď biologického, nebo chemického původu, se může, při masivním výskytu, dostávat do odtoku a tím zhoršovat jeho kvalitu. Vyflotovaný kal je tedy nutné s hladiny dosazovací nádrže odebírat. Vzhledem k tomu, že ruční odběr je náročný, byly postupně vyvinuty různé systémy odběru kalu s povrchu dosazovacích nádrží. Současně dochází k vývoji systémů, kterými je odebírán usazený kal ze dna dosazovacích nádrží, což je hlavní funkcí tohoto zařízení biologické jednotky čistírny odpadních vod., Main topic of this bachelor thesis is analyse of settlement tanks scraping equipements in sewage plants. Settlement tank at the wastewater treatment plant is part of the so-called bio-lines, which is used for the separation of activated sludge from waste water. Activated sludge settles in the settling zone. Part of the sludge flotates to the surface of the tank, usually in the space between the inflow cylinder and overflow edge, respectively. This sludge, biological or chemical origin, may, at the massive occurrence, outflow to the recipient and causes worse quality of the effluent. The sludge is therefore necessary to remove from surface of the settlement tank. Some of the different systems of sludge collection have been developer during last decades. The equipments and their function are descriped in my work.