Search

Abstract: Spore germination of Culcita macrocarpaC. Presl and Woodwardia radicans(L.) Sm. from nine populations at the northern limit of their distribution, in the northwest Iberian Peninsula, was investigated. In a first experiment, population type and temperature (10, 15, 20, and 25 °C) were both found to affect germination percentage and germination time significantly in both species. There were also significant interactions between the two factors with respect to the percentage germination of C. macrocarpaand the germination time of W. radicans.In C. macrocarpathere was an outstanding increase in germination time at 15 °C and, above all, at 10 °C, whereas in W. radicansthe most remarkable result was the existence of two populations with especially low germination percentages. In a second experiment, germination of 20 individuals from each population of W. radicanswas compared with similar inter‐population differentiation. Although its variability possibly has a genetic basis, these species are able to germinate successfully, and it seems probable that the season in which it occurs depends more on spore release than on thermal conditions in the populations. The effect of temperature on germination in both species does not explain their coastal distribution. Temperature is probably more important in limiting other stages of the life cycle.

The interfacial state density existing in metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) structures was measured by deep level transient spectroscopy technique. The MIS structures were fabricated on InP substrates by direct deposition of silicon nitride SiNxH) thin films by the electron cyclotron resonance method. In this work, we show that interfacial state density can be diminished without degrading electrical insulator properties by fabricating MIS structures based on a bi-layered insulator with different insulator compositions and different thickness. The effect of rapid thermal annealing treatment has been analysed in detail in these samples. An interface state density as low as 3 × 1011cm−2eV−1was measured in some structures.

BackgroundParenteral nutrition (PN) is a high-risk medication. For this reason quality control must be guaranteed.PurposeTo evaluate the impact of implementing an automated system (Exacta-Mix 2400®Baxa) on the quality of the elaboration of PN.Material and methodsRetrospective study in which a comparative gravimetric control was performed between the PNs in the first week of December 2015 (manual procedure) and the same week one year later with the automated system.Gravimetric control is a strategy used for the quality control in the elaboration of PN. It consists of comparing the real weight with the theoretical weight (calculated according to the volume and density of each of its components). The gravimetric error was calculated as a percentage compared to the theoretical weight. Regulatory agencies establish an acceptable margin of error of 5%, and advise reducing it to 3%, especially in paediatric nutrition. The deviations from the theoretical weight and the percentage of preparations that exceeded 3% were analysed. For the comparison of means of deviation, a K-W test was performed using software R.Tricameral nutrition was excluded from the study because it is already elaborated and does not require manipulation.ResultsOne hundred and fourty-four PNs (77 manuals and 77 automated) were analysed.The mean variation of the actual weight with respect to the theoretical weight was 3.37% and 0.73% with the manual and automated procedure respectively (p<0. 05). Forty-five PNs exceeded the margin of error of 3% and 12 PNs exceeded the margin of error of 5% with the manual procedure. None of the PNs made with Exacta-Mix 2400®Baxa exceeded the variation limit of 3%.ConclusionManual preparation of parenteral nutrition is associated with a greater gravimetric error due to human preparation. This is especially important in very low weight nutrition, such as neonatal nutrition. Automation means an increase in accuracy control and a decrease in the risk of exceeding acceptable limits. Despite the difficulties of implementing a new technological process, robotisation tends to become an essential in hospital pharmacy services and allows an improvement in the integral quality of care.Reference and/or Acknowledgements1. Llop Talavera JM, et al. Automation of parenteral nutrition elaboration: adaptation to in force legislation. Nutr Hosp. 2006Mar–Apr;21(2):184–8.No conflict of interest