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Existing topographical microstructure analyses obtain information based on surface properties of the analyzed material, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). However, these methods cannot provide quantitative topographical data, such as fractal analysis. In this paper, we present the relationship between two different methods in the obtaining the fractal dimension using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and AFM image analysis based on statistics and behavior of roughness and porosity properties of four other coating systems obtained by RF-magnetron sputtering. Our results demonstrated that the [Formula: see text] bilayer system is the best since it presented a lower porosity–roughness percentage and means. At least one of the fractal dimension values has a nonnormal distribution. However, the hypothesis testing showed no significant difference between the medians of both method’s fractal dimension values. The correlation coefficient showed a strong relationship between the roughness and porosity properties with a typical regular distribution pattern. According to the statistical data results, researchers can use both the methods due to their outstanding data precision.

espanolAntecedentes: el pez diablo (Pterygoplichthys sp.) es una plaga de alto impacto en los sistemas de produccion acuicolas. A traves de los procesos de fermentacion biologicos podria ser utilizado como fuente de proteina en los suplementos para vacas en produccion. Sin embargo, el sabor y olor a pescado en la leche pudiera ser una limitante. Objetivos: evaluar la calidad de la leche de vacas suplementadas con ensilaje biologico de pez diablo como fuente de proteina. Metodos: los tratamientos (T) evaluados fueron T1, 0% de ensilaje biologico de Pterygoplichthys sp.; T2, 10% de ensilaje biologico de Pterygoplichthys sp.; y T3, 20% de ensilaje biologico de Pterygoplichthys sp.. Se utilizaron doce vacas seleccionadas al azar en un diseno experimental de cuadrado latino. Cada periodo tuvo una duracion de 20 dias (periodo de adaptacion de 15 dias y fase experimental de 5 dias). La leche fue analizada para determinar su condicion fisicoquimica, microbiologica, sanitaria y sensorial. Se realizaron analisis de varianza para todas las variables. Resultados: no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los tratamientos estudiados para las variables fisicoquimicas las cuales estuvieron dentro de los estandares de leche de mayor calidad. Se observaron diferencias en las variables microbiologicas y sanitarias entre los tratamientos, pero los valores estuvieron dentro del rango para los estandares de leche de mayor calidad (˂100.000 UFC ml-1 de bacterias mesofilicas aerobicas y ˂400.000 celulas somaticas ml-1). Los analisis sensoriales no detectaron olores extranos, ni olor o sabor a pescado en la leche de los tratamientos estudiados. Conclusiones: se puede incluir hasta 20% de ensilaje biologico de Pterygoplichthys sp. como fuente de proteina en los suplementos de vacas en produccion. EnglishBackground:Devilfish (Pterygoplichthys sp.) is a pest of high impact in aquaculture production systems. Through a biological fermentation process, it could be used as a source of protein for dairy cows. However, milk palatability and smell could be limiting factors. Objective: to evaluate the quality of milk from cows supplemented with biological fish silage (Pterygoplichthys sp.) as a protein source. Methods: The treatments (T) evaluated were T1, 0% biological fish silage; T2, 10% biological fish silage; and T3, 20% biological fish silage. Twelve randomly selected cows were used in a Latin square experimental design, in which three treatments were tested with all of the cows during three time periods. Each period lasted 20 days (15-day adaptation period and 5-day experimental phase). Milk was analyzed for physicochemical, microbiological, sanitary condition and sensory characteristics. Analyses of variance were performed for all the response variables. Results:No significant differences for physicochemical variables were found among the treatments studied. Differences were observed in microbiological and sanitary variables among treatments, but values were in the range for high quality milk standards (˂100,000 CFU mL-1 aerobic mesophilic bacteria, and ˂400,000 somatic cells mL-1). In the sensory analyses, panelists did not detect strange odors nor fishy taste or odor in the milk of any of the treatments. Conclusion: Biological fish silage can be included up to 20% as a protein source in supplements for lactating cows. portuguesAntecedentes: o peixe cascudo (Pterygoplichthys sp.) e uma praga de alto impacto nos sistemas de producao aquicola. Por meio de processos de fermentacao biologica poderia ser usado como fonte de proteina em suplementos para vacas em producao, porem o sabor e cheiro de peixe no leite podem ser uma limitacao. Objetivos: avaliar a qualidade do leite de vacas suplementadas com silagem biologica de peixe cascudo como fonte de proteina. Metodos: os tratamentos (T) avaliados foram T1, 0% da silagem biologica de Pterygoplichthys sp.; T2, silagem biologica a 10% de Pterygoplichthys sp.; e T3, silagem biologica a 20% de Pterygoplichthys sp. Doze vacas selecionadas aleatoriamente foram utilizadas em um delineamento experimental de quadrado latino. Cada periodo durou 20 dias (periodo de adaptacao de 15 dias e fase experimental de 5 dias). O leite foi analisado para determinar sua condicao fisico-quimica, microbiologica, sanitaria e sensorial. Analises de variância foram realizadas para todas as variaveis. Resultados: nao foram encontradas diferencas significativas entre os tratamentos estudados para as variaveis fisico-quimicas, os valores estavam dentro dos mais altos padroes de qualidade do leite. Observaram-se diferencas nas variaveis microbiologicas e sanitarias entre os tratamentos, mas os valores estavam dentro dos limites para os mais altos padroes de leite de qualidade (˂100.000 CFU ml-1 de bacterias mesofilicas aerobicas e ˂400.000 celulas somaticas ml-1). As analises sensoriais nao detectaram odores estranhos, nem cheiro ou sabor de peixe no leite dos tratamentos estudados. Conclusoes: a silagem biologica de peixes pode ser incluida em ate 20% como fonte de proteina em suplementos de vacas em producao.

The combination of Trichoderma virens Gl006 and B. velezensis Bs006 as a consortium has high potential to control Fusarium wilt (FW) of cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. physali (Foph). However, the interactions between these two microorganisms that influence the biocontrol activity as a consortium have not been studied. Here, we studied the interactions between Gl006 and Bs006 that keep their compatibility under in vitro and greenhouse conditions. Antagonism tests between Gl006 and Bs006 inoculated both individually and in consortium against Foph strain Map5 was carried out on several solid media. The effect of supernatant of each selected microorganism on growth, conidia germination, biofilm formation and antagonistic activity on its partner was also studied. Biocontrol activity by different combinations of cells and supernatants from both microorganisms against Fusarium wilt was evaluated under greenhouse conditions. In vitro antagonism of the consortium against Foph showed a differential response among culture media and showed compatibility among BCA under nutritional conditions close to those of the rhizosphere. The supernatant of Bs006 did not affect the antagonistic activity of Gl006 and vice versa. However, the supernatant of Bs006 promoted the biocontrol activity of Gl006 in a synergistic way under greenhouse, reducing the disease severity by 71%. These results prove the compatibility between T. virens Gl006 and B. velezensis Bs006 as a potential tool to control Fusarium wilt of cape gooseberry.

We report the robust detection of coherent, localised deviations from Keplerian rotation possibly associated with the presence of two giant planets embedded in the disc around HD 163296. The analysis is performed using the DISCMINER channel-map modelling framework on $^{12}$CO $J=2-1$ DSHARP data. Not only orbital radius, but also azimuth of the planets are retrieved by our technique. One of the candidate planets, detected at $R=94\pm6$ au, $\phi=50\pm3^\circ$ (P94), is near the centre of one of the gaps in dust continuum emission, and is consistent with a planet mass of 1 $\rm M_{\rm Jup}$. The other planet, located at $R=261\pm4$ au, $\phi=57\pm1^\circ$ (P261), is in the region where a velocity kink was previously observed in $^{12}$CO channel maps. Also, we provide a simultaneous description of the height and temperature of the upper and lower emitting surfaces of the disc, and propose the line width as a solid observable to track gas substructure. Using azimuthally averaged line width profiles we detect gas gaps at $R=38$ au, $R=88$ au, and $R=136$ au, closely matching the location of their dust and kinematical counterparts. Furthermore, we observe strong azimuthal asymmetries in line widths around the gas gap at $R=88$ au, possibly linked to turbulent motions driven by the P94 planet. Our results confirm that the DISCMINER is capable of finding localised, otherwise unseen velocity perturbations thanks to its robust statistical framework, but also that it is well suited for studies of the gas properties and vertical structure of protoplanetary discs., Comment: 22 pages, 14 figures, 1 table. Accepted for publication in ApJ

(Abridged) Exoplanetary research has provided us with exciting discoveries of planets around very low-mass (VLM) stars (e.g., TRAPPIST-1 and Proxima Centauri). However, current theoretical models strive to explain planet formation in these conditions and do not predict the development of giant planets. Recent high-resolution observations from ALMA of the disk around CIDA 1, a VLM star in Taurus, show substructures hinting at the presence of a massive planet. We aim to reproduce the dust ring of CIDA 1, observed in the dust continuum emission in ALMA Band 7 (0.9 mm) and Band 4 (2.1 mm), along with its $^{12}$CO (J=3-2) and $^{13}$CO (J=3-2) channel maps, assuming the structures are shaped by the interaction of the disk with a massive planet. We seek to retrieve the mass and position of the putative planet. We model the protoplanetary disk with a set of hydrodynamical simulations, varying the mass and locations of the embedded planet. We compute the dust and gas emission using radiative transfer simulations, and, finally, we obtain the synthetic observations treating the images as the actual ALMA observations. Our models indicate that a planet with a minimum mass of $\sim1.4\,\text{M}_\text{Jup}$ orbiting at a distance of $\sim 9-10$ au can explain the morphology and location of the observed dust ring at Band 7 and Band 4. We can reproduce the low spectral index ($\sim 2$) observed where the dust ring is detected. Our synthetic images reproduce the morphology of the $^{12}$CO and $^{13}$CO observed channel maps where the cloud absorption allowed a detection. Applying an empirical relation between planet mass and gap width in the dust, we predict a maximum planet mass of $\sim4 - 8\,\text{M}_\text{Jup}$. Our results suggest the presence of a massive planet orbiting CIDA 1, thus challenging our understanding of planet formation around VLM stars., Accepted for publication in A&A, 22 pages, 21 figures, 3 tables

OB star clusters originate from parsec-scale massive molecular clumps. We aim to understand the evolution of temperature and density structures on the intermediate-scale ($\lesssim$0.1-1 pc) extended gas of massive clumps. We performed $\sim$0.1 pc resolution observations (SMA+APEX) of multiple molecular line tracers (e.g., CH$_{3}$CCH, H$_{2}$CS, CH$_{3}$CN, CH$_{3}$OH) which cover a wide range of excitation conditions, towards a sample of eight massive clumps. Based on various radiative transfer models, we constrain the gas temperature and density structures and establish an evolutionary picture, aided by a spatially-dependent virial analysis and abundance ratios of multiple species. We determine temperature radial profiles varying between 30-200 K over a continuous scale, from the center of the clumps out to 0.3-0.4 pc radii. The clumps' radial gas density profiles, described by radial power-laws with slopes between -0.6 and $\sim$-1.5, are steeper for more evolved sources, as suggested by results based on both dust continuum, representing the bulk of the gas ($\sim$10$^{4}$ cm$^{-3}$), and CH$_{3}$OH lines probing the dense gas ($\gtrsim$10$^{6}$-10$^{8}$ cm$^{-3}$) regime. The density contrast between the dense gas and the bulk gas increases with evolution, and may be indicative of spatially and temporally varying star formation efficiencies. The radial profiles of the virial parameter show a global variation towards a sub-virial state as the clump evolves. The line-widths decline with increasing radius around the central core region and increase in the outer envelope, with a slope shallower than the case of the supersonic turbulence ($\,\propto\,$$r^{0.5}$) and the subsonic Kolmogorov scaling ($\,\propto\,$$r^{0.33}$). In the context of clump evolution, we also find that the abundance ratios of [CCH]/[CH$_{3}$OH] and [CH$_{3}$CN]/[CH$_{3}$OH] show correlations with clump $L/M$., Accepted by A&A; 46 pages, 33 figures incl. appendices; abstract abridged to meet arxiv requirements

In recent years, high-angular-resolution observations of the dust and gas in circumstellar discs have revealed a variety of morphologies, naturally triggering the question of whether these substructures are driven by forming planets. While it remains difficult to directly image embedded planets, a promising method to distinguish disc-shaping mechanisms is to study the gas kinematics as characterising deviations from Keplerian rotation can be used to probe underlying perturbations such as planets. Creating spiral structures, the latter can also be traced in the brightness temperature. Here we analyse the brightness temperatures and kinematics of a sample of 36 transition discs observed with ALMA to search for substructures possibly tracing companions. We use archival Band 6 and 7 observations of different CO isotopologues and fit Keplerian disc models to the velocity fields. After subtraction of an azimuthally averaged brightness temperature and Keplerian rotation model from the data, we find significant substructures in both residuals of eight sources. Other sources show tentative features, while half of our sample does not show any substructures that may be indicative of planet-disc interactions. For the first time, we compare the substructures from our analysis with various other indicators of planets. About 20% of discs show strong features such as arcs or spirals, possibly associated with the presence of planets, while the majority do not present as clear planet-driven signatures. Almost all discs that exhibit spirals in near-infrared scattered light show at least tentative features in the CO data. The present data are able to reveal only very massive bodies and a lack of features may suggest that, if there are planets, they are of lower mass (, 31 pages, 22 figures; accepted for publication in A&A

We aim to directly trace the vertical location of the emitting surface of multiple molecular tracers in protoplanetary disks. Our sample of disks includes Elias 2-27, WaOph 6 and the sources targeted by the MAPS ALMA Large Program. The set of molecules studied include CO isotopologues in various transitions, HCN, CN, H2CO, HCO+, C2H and c-C3H2. The vertical emitting region is determined directly from the channel maps, implementing accurate masking of the channel emission to recover the vertical location of the emission surface even at large radial distances from the star and for low-SNR lines. The vertical location of the emitting layer is obtained for 4-10 lines in each disk. IM Lup, HD163296 and MWC 480 12CO and 13CO show vertical modulations, which are coincident with dust gaps and kinematical perturbations. We also present estimates of the gas pressure scale height in the disks from the MAPS sample. Compared to physical-chemical models we find good agreement with the vertical location of CO isotopologues. In HD 163296 CN and HCN trace a similar intermediate layer, for the other disks, the UV flux tracers and the vertical profiles of HCN and C2H are lower than predicted in theoretical models. HCN and H2CO show a highly structured vertical profile, possibly indicative of different formation pathways. It is possible to trace the vertical locations of multiple molecular species that trace a wide variety of physical and chemical disk properties. The distribution of CO isotopologues are found at a wide range of vertical heights $z/r = $ 0.5-0.05. Other molecular lines are mostly found at $z/r \leq $0.15. The vertical layering of molecules is in agreement with theory in some systems, but not in all, therefore dedicated chemical-physical models are needed to further study and understand the emission surfaces., Accepted for publication in A&A. 29 pages, 28 figures

We present the first results of K2-OjOS, a collaborative project between professional and amateur astronomers primarily aimed to detect, characterize, and validate new extrasolar planets. For this work, 10 amateur astronomers looked for planetary signals by visually inspecting the 20 427 light curves of K2 campaign 18 (C18). They found 42 planet candidates, of which 18 are new detections and 24 had been detected in the overlapping C5 by previous works. We used archival photometric and spectroscopic observations, as well as new high-spatial resolution images in order to carry out a complete analysis of the candidates found, including a homogeneous characterization of the host stars, transit modelling, search for transit timing variations and statistical validation. As a result, we report four new planets (K2-355 b, K2-356 b, K2-357 b, and K2-358 b) and 14 planet candidates. Besides, we refine the transit ephemeris of the previously published planets and candidates by modelling C5, C16 (when available) and C18 photometric data jointly, largely improving the period and mid-transit time precision. Regarding individual systems, we highlight the new planet K2-356 b and candidate EPIC 211537087.02 being near a 2:1 period commensurability, the detection of significant TTVs in the bright star K2-184 (V = 10.35), the location of K2-103 b inside the habitable zone according to optimistic models, the detection of a new single transit in the known system K2-274, and the disposition reassignment of K2-120 b, which we consider as a planet candidate as the origin of the signal cannot be ascertained., Accepted for publication in MNRAS

Technological and mathematical advances have provided opportunities to investigate new approaches for the holistic quantification of complex biological systems. One objective of these approaches, including the multi-inverse deterministic approach proposed in this paper, is to deepen the understanding of biological systems through the structural development of a useful, best-fitted inverse mechanistic model. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the capacity of a deterministic approach, that is, the multi-inverse approach (MIA), to yield meaningful quantitative nutritional information. To this end, a case study addressing the effect of diet composition on sheep weight was performed using data from a previous experiment on saccharina (a sugarcane byproduct), and an inverse deterministic model (named Paracoa) was developed. The MIA successfully revealed an increase in the final weight of sheep with an increase in the percentage of corn in the diet. Although the soluble fraction also increased with increasing corn percentage, the effective nonsoluble degradation increased fourfold, indicating that the increased weight gain resulted from the nonsoluble substrate. A profile likelihood analysis showed that the potential best-fitted model had identifiable parameters, and that the parameter relationships were affected by the type of data, number of parameters and model structure. It is necessary to apply the MIA to larger and/or more complex datasets to obtain a clearer understanding of its potential.

We introduce a new suite of simulations, "The Cloud Factory", which self-consistently forms molecular cloud complexes at high enough resolution to resolve internal substructure (up to 0.25 Msol in mass) all while including galactic-scale forces. We use a version of the Arepo code modified to include a detailed treatment of the physics of the cold molecular ISM, and an analytical galactic gravitational potential for computational efficiency. The simulations have nested levels of resolution, with the lowest layer tied to tracer particles injected into individual cloud complexes. These tracer refinement regions are embedded in the larger simulation so continue to experience forces from outside the cloud. This allows the simulations to act as a laboratory for testing the effect of galactic environment on star formation. Here we introduce our method and investigate the effect of galactic environment on filamentary clouds. We find that cloud complexes formed after a clustered burst of feedback, have shorter lengths and are less likely to fragment compared to quiescent clouds (e.g. the Musca filament) or those dominated by the galactic potential (e.g. Nessie). Spiral arms and differential rotation preferentially align filaments, but strong feedback randomises them. Long filaments formed within the cloud complexes are necessarily coherent with low internal velocity gradients, which has implications for the formation of filamentary star-clusters. Cloud complexes formed in regions dominated by supernova feedback have fewer star-forming cores, and these are more widely distributed. These differences show galactic-scale forces can have a significant impact on star formation within molecular clouds., 20 pages, 15 figures, submitted to MNRAS

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Rose Bengal Immobilized on Supported Ionic‐Liquid‐like Phases: An Efficient Photocatalyst for Batch and Flow Processes, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.201901533. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. The catalytic activity of Rose Bengal (RB) immobilized on supported ionic liquid (IL)‐like phases was evaluated as a polymer‐supported photocatalyst. In these systems, the polymer was designed to play a pivotal role. The polymeric backbone adequately modified with IL‐like moieties (supported IL‐like phases, SILLPs) was not just an inert support for the dye but controlled the accessibility of reagents/substrates to the active sites and provided specific microenvironments for the reaction. The structure of SILLPs could be finetuned to adjust the catalytic efficiency of the RB‐SILLP composites, achieving systems that were more active and stable than the related systems in the absence of IL‐like units.

Elias 2-27 is a young star that hosts an extended, bright and inclined disk of dust and gas. The inclination and extreme flaring of the disk make Elias 2-27 an ideal target to study the vertical distribution of molecules, particularly CN. We directly trace the emission of CN in Elias 2-27 and compare it to previously published CO isotopologue data. CN $N = 3-2$ emission is analyzed in two different transitions $J = 7/2 - 5/2$ and $J = 5/2 - 3/2$, for which we detect two hyperfine group transitions. The vertical location of CN emission is traced directly from the channel maps, following geometrical methods that have been previously used to analyze the CO emission of Elias 2-27. Analytical models are used to parametrize the vertical profile of each molecule and study the extent of each tracer, additionally we compute radial profiles of column density and optical depth. We show that the vertical location of CN and CO isotopologues in Elias 2-27 is layered and consistent with predictions from thermochemical models. A north/south asymmetry in the radial extent of CN is detected and we find that the CN emission is mostly optically thin and constrained vertically to a thin slab at $z/r \sim$0.5. A column density of 10$^{14}$\,cm$^{-2}$ is measured in the inner disk which for the north side decreases to 10$^{12}$\,cm$^{-2}$ and for the south side to 10$^{13}$\,cm$^{-2}$ in the outer regions. In Elias 2-27, CN traces a vertically elevated region above the midplane, very similar to that traced by $^{12}$CO. The inferred CN properties are consistent with thermo-chemical disk models, in which CN formation is initiated by the reaction of N with UV-pumped H$_2$. The observed north/south asymmetry may be caused by either ongoing infall or by a warped inner disk. This study highlights the importance of tracing the vertical location of various molecules to constrain the disk physical conditions., Accepted for publication in A&A, 19 pages, 14 figures

[Abridged] The study of disc kinematics has recently opened up as a promising method to detect unseen planets. However, a systematic, statistically meaningful analysis of such an approach remains missing. The aim of this work is to devise an automated, statistically robust technique to identify kinematical perturbations induced by the presence of planets in a gas disc, and to accurately infer their location. For this purpose, we produce hydro simulations of planet-disc interactions with different planet masses, 0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 $M_{Jup}$, at a radius of $R=100$ au in the disc, and perform radiative transfer calculations of CO to simulate observables for 13 planet azimuths. Using the DISCMINER package, we fit the synthetic data cubes with a Keplerian model of the channel-by-channel emission to study line profile differences, including deviations from Keplerian rotation. The detection technique, based on line centroid differences, captures localised planet-driven perturbations, and can distinguish them from axisymmetric velocity perturbations. The method can detect all three simulated planets, at all azimuths, with an average accuracy of $\pm3^\circ$ in azimuth and $\pm8$ au in radius. Owing to disc structure and line-of-sight projection effects, planets at azimuths close to $\pm45^\circ$ yield the highest velocity fluctuations, whereas those at limiting cases, $0^\circ$ and $\pm90^\circ$, drive the lowest. The observed peak velocities range within 40$-$70, 70$-$170 and 130$-$450 m s$^{-1}$ for 0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 $M_{Jup}$ planets. Our analysis indicates that the variance of peak velocities is boosted near planets due to organised gas motions prompted by their localised gravitational well. We propose an approach that exploits this velocity coherence to provide, for the first time, statistically significant detections of localised planet-driven perturbations in the gas disc kinematics., Comment: 20 pages, 17 figures, 1 table. Accepted for publication in A&A

Protostellar jets have a fundamental role at the earliest evolution of protostars of all masses. In the case of low-mass (, Accepted for publication in ApJ Letters

We present a statistical analysis of the gravoturbulent velocity fluctuations in molecular cloud complexes extracted from our "Cloud Factory" galactic-scale ISM simulation suite. For this purpose, we produce non-LTE $^{12}$CO J=1-0 synthetic observations and apply the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) reduction technique on a representative sample of cloud complexes. The velocity fluctuations are self-consistently generated by different physical mechanisms at play in our simulations, which include galactic-scale forces, gas self-gravity, and supernova feedback. The statistical analysis suggests that, even though purely gravitational effects are necessary to reproduce standard observational laws, they are not sufficient in most cases. We show that the extra injection of energy from supernova explosions plays a key role in establishing the global turbulent field and the local dynamics and morphology of molecular clouds. Additionally, we characterise structure function scaling parameters as a result of cloud environmental conditions: some of the complexes are immersed in diffuse (inter-arm) or dense (spiral-arm) environments, and others are influenced by embedded or external supernovae. In quiescent regions, we obtain time-evolving trajectories of scaling parameters driven by gravitational collapse and supersonic turbulent flows. Our findings suggests that a PCA-based statistical study is a robust method to diagnose the physical mechanisms that drive the gravoturbulent properties of molecular clouds. Also, we present a new open source module, the PCAFACTORY, which smartly performs PCA to extract velocity structure functions from simulated or real data of the ISM in a user-friendly way. Software DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.3822718, 29 pages, 15 figures, 4 tables. Accepted for publication in MNRAS

Objetivo: Desarrollar un proceso de clarificación de vinos y cervezas por centrifugación de flujo continuo a pequeña escala y desarrollar un método de evaluación de la clarificación por espectrofotometría. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Se desarrolló un método para clarificar una bebida fermentada / cerveza en una centrífuga de flujo continuo hasta reducir la turbidez a un valor cercano a 0. Se llevaron a cabo 15 ciclos de centrifugado para la reducción visible de la turbidez. La turbidez se determinó midiendo la absorbancia a 600 nm de alícuotas del líquido resultante de la centrifugación de cada ciclo. A partir de lecturas realizadas, se hizo una curva de reducción de la turbidez y un modelo de predicción de la reducción de la turbidez y un cálculo de la eficiencia. Resultados: Una centrifugación no fue suficiente, pues la turbidez fue de aprox. 0.9. Se clarificaron aproximadamente 15 litros de bebida fermentada por hora, para lo cual fueron necesarios aplicar 15 ciclos de centrifugado. La eficiencia de remoción de la turbidez al final de los 15 ciclos fue de 99.6 %. Se tomaron lecturas de turbidez de cada ciclo de centrifugado. Con las lecturas realizadas a las muestras después de cada centrifugación, se generó un modelo, curva exponencial negativa, que fueron posteriormente transformados para finalmente obtener un modelo de extinción lineal simple que muestra como la turbidez desaparece después de 18 ciclos de centrifugado. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: La clarificación con uso de centrífuga de flujo continuo podría optimizarse aumentando la velocidad del rotor y/o reduciendo el flujo de salida del líquido clarificado. Hallazgos/conclusiones: El proceso de centrifugación de flujo continuo de mostos fermentados permite la clarificación de vinos y cervezas en varios ciclos y representa una alternativa viable a pequeña escala de producción.

Esta investigación calibra y valida un modelo de sistemas fotovoltaicos monocristalinos en la herramienta computacional System Advisor Model (SAM) para simulación de generación eléctrica, considerando las características meteorológicas en Cuenca (Ecuador), ciudad en altura próxima a la línea ecuatorial. Se obtiene el rendimiento eléctrico al desplegarse paneles fotovoltaicos de características específicas, con inclinaciones que responden a techumbres típicas locales y distintas orientaciones. Se calcula la eficiencia con mediciones in situ durante un período de 18 días, para que, con datos meteorológicos se calibre un archivo climático para el año 2016. Se estiman rendimientos anuales acorde a inclinación y orientación, y a características técnicas de los fotovoltaicos. Se detectan pérdidas por acumulación de suciedad e incremento de temperatura de las placas. Se valida el modelo mediante una regresión lineal, al comparar los valores simulados con los datos obtenidos de mediciones in situ de un panel en posición horizontal. Los resultados indican una pérdida promedio de eficiencia de 2,77 % por condiciones de suciedad y de hasta el 30 % por incremento de temperatura. La validación del modelo mostró un coeficiente de determinación R2 = 0,996 y un RMSE normalizado de 8,16 %. Se concluye además que, por la latitud particular del sitio en estudio, a diferencia de la mayor parte del planeta, la disposición de paneles fotovoltaicos en cualquier orientación considerando pendientes bajas, no reduce significativamente el rendimiento en la generación de energía eléctrica anual.// This research calibrates and validates a model for monocrystalline photovoltaic systems in SAM (System Advisor Model) for power generation simulation, considering the meteorological characteristics of Cuenca, Ecuador, close to the equatorial line. The electrical performance is calculated by arranging photovoltaic systems with specific characteristics, with inclinations that respond to conventional local roofing and different orientations. Efficiency is calculated with in-situ measurements over a period of 18 days. Meteorological data were used to calibrate a weather file for the year 2016. Annual yields are estimated according to inclination and orientation, and technical characteristics of the photovoltaic system. Losses are detected due to dirt accumulation and increase in temperature of the panels. The model is validated by linear regression, by comparing the simulated values with the data obtained from in-situ measurements of a reference panel deployed horizontally. The results show an average efficiency loss of 2,77% for dirt conditions and up to 30% for temperature increases. The validation of the model showed a determination coefficient R2=0,996 and a normalized Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 8,16%. It is concluded that, because of the particular latitude of the study site, unlike most of the planet, the provision of photovoltaic panels in any orientation considering low slopes, does not significantly reduce the annual power generation performance.

Fusarium wilt (FW) is the major constraint on cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) production. Fungicides have been ineffective in disease control and alternative tools are not available. Bacillus velezensis (formerly Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) strain Bs006 has an antagonistic potential against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. physali (Foph). However, results of in vivo tests have been variable. We examined the effect of biotic sources of variability on the biocontrol activity of Bs006. Pot experiments in greenhouse were carried out to determine the influence of soil sterilization and concentration of both pathogen and antagonist in soil on biocontrol activity and the effect of pathogen on plant growth promotion by Bs006. Efficacy of Bs006 against FW was significantly lower under sterile than non-sterile soil condition. Diluted liquid culture of Bs006 at 1 × 106 and 1 × 107 cfu.mL−1 reduced FW by up to 97% under low Foph inoculum pressure (102 to 104 cfu.g−1 of soil) but at 1 × 108 cfu.mL−1 biological treatment significantly reduced FW only when the concentration of Foph was 1 × 104 cfu.g−1 by 71%. The evaluation of biomass of Bs006 (1 × 108 cfu.mL−1) and supernatant free of bacteria added at 10% allowed to observe that the supernatant was an additional source of biocontrol variability, since high volumes of supernatant favored the development of the disease. Plant growth promoting activity by Bs006 was reduced by the presence of Foph in the soil. Bs006 grew endophytically in cape gooseberry and had high population levels in the rhizosphere inoculated with Foph. The efficacy of Bs006 to reduce FW was affected by soil sterilization, the concentration of both antagonist and pathogen, and high volumes of supernatant. This work has practical implications for the design of control strategies based on B. velezensis Bs006.

The objective of the present work was to develop a method for the preservation of T. harzianum conidia at room temperature and the immobilised conidia propagation in submerged culture. This was acc...

Se evaluó el efecto del nivel de urea sobre la degradación del pasto Elefante (Pennisetum purpureum) en el suplemento fermentado,Sacchapulido(SP). Se determinó el pH, N-NH3, la degradación in situ(DI) y efectiva (DE), así como, los parámetros cinéticos de materia seca (MS), FDN y FDA del forraje. Se utilizaron cinco bovinos fistulados en rumen en un diseño cuadro Latino 5 x 5. La desviación estándar indicó que los suplementos tienen entre 0.5 y 1.0% de urea, aportaron un 10% más de biomasa por el aumento de tamaño de la fracción potencialmente degradable (PD) del alimento, tanto en la FDN, como en el contenido celular. Debido al costo de la urea, se recomienda el uso del SP con 0.5% de urea.

Here an all-carbon linked 3D covalent organic framework (COF) is introduced by employing a templated surface reaction in a continuous flow (TSRCF). The presented method of synthesis provides spatial control over the reaction chemistry and allows for the creation of ultrasmooth COF films of desired thickness and significant crystallinity. The films show high electrical conductivity (≈3.4 S m-1 ) after being doped with tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), setting a new record for 3D COF materials. The concurrence of 3D nanosized channels and high conductivity opens up for a number of hitherto unexplored applications for this class of materials, such as high surface area electrodes, electrochemical transistors, and for electronic sensing.

On the basis of results from exhaustive first-principles simulations, we report a thorough description of the recently identified high pressure phase of the CO2 hydrate, and provide an estimation of the transition pressure from the sI low pressure phase to the C0 high pressure (HP) phase around 0.6 GPa. The vibrational properties calculated here for the first time might be useful to detect this HP structure in extraterrestrial environments, such as the Jupiter ice moons. Interestingly, we also find that CO2 gas molecules are quasi-free to diffuse along the helical channels of the structure, thus allowing the interchange of volatiles across a solid icy barrier. Taking into account its density and comparing it with other substances, we can estimate the naturally occurring zone of this CO2@H2O HP phase within a giant ice moon such as Ganymede. Other potential planetary implications that all of the found properties of this hydrate might have are also discussed., With funding from the Spanish government through the "María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence" accreditation (MDM-2017-0737)

We present a study of the filamentary structure in the emission from the neutral atomic hydrogen (HI) at 21 cm across velocity channels in the 40'' and 1.5-km/s resolution position-position-velocity cube resulting from the combination of the single-dish and interferometric observations in The HI/OH/Recombination (THOR) line survey. Using the Hessian matrix method in combination with tools from circular statistics, we find that the majority of the filamentary structures in the HI emission are aligned with the Galactic plane. Part of this trend can be assigned to long filamentary structures that are coherent across several velocity channels. However, we also find ranges of Galactic longitude and radial velocity where the HI filamentary structures are preferentially oriented perpendicular to the Galactic plane. These are located (i) around the tangent point of the Scutum spiral arm, $l \approx 28^{\circ}$ and $v_{\rm LSR}\approx 100$ km/s, (ii) toward $l \approx 45^{\circ}$ and $v_{\rm LSR}\approx 50$ km/s, (iii) around the Riegel-Crutcher cloud, and (iv) toward the terminal velocities. Comparison with numerical simulations indicates that the prevalence of horizontal filamentary structures is most likely the result of the large-scale dynamics and that vertical structures identified in (i) and (ii) may arise from the combined effect of supernova (SN) feedback and strong magnetic fields. The vertical filamentary structures in (iv) can be related to the presence of clouds from extra-planar HI gas falling back into the Galactic plane after being expelled by SNe. Our results indicate that a systematic characterization of the emission morphology toward the Galactic plane provides an unexplored link between the observations and the dynamical behaviour of the interstellar medium, from the effect of large-scale Galactic dynamics to the Galactic fountains driven by SNe., Comment: 28 pages. 37 figures. Accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics (09SEP2020)

[EN] Chemical nomenclature is perceived to be a closed topic. However, this work shows that the identification of polyanionic groups is still ambiguous and so is the nomenclature for some ternary compounds. Two examples, boron phosphate (BPO4) and boron arsenate (BAsO4), which were assigned to the large phosphate and arsenate families, respectively, nearly a century ago, are explored. The analyses show that these two compounds should be renamed phosphorus borate (PBO4) and arsenic borate (AsBO4). Beyond epistemology, this has pleasing consequences at several levels for the predictive character of chemistry. It paves the way for future work on the possible syntheses of SbBO4 and BiBO4, and it also renders previous structure field maps completely predictive, allowing us to foresee the structure and phase transitions of NbBO4 and TaBO4. Overall, this work demonstrates that quantum mechanics calculations can contribute to the improvement of current chemical nomenclature. Such revisitation is necessary to classify compounds and understand their properties, leading to the main final aim of a chemist: predicting new compounds, their structures and their transformations., This research was partially supported by Spanish MINECO (grant Nos. MAT2015-71070-REDC and MAT2016-75586-C4-2-P, and MALTA Consolider Team RED2018-102612-T) and Generalitat Valenciana (grant No. PROMETEO/2018/123-EFIMAT). J. Contreras-Garci ' a thanks CALSIMLAB (public grant No. ANR-11-LABX-0037-01), overseen by the French National Research Agency (ANR) as part of the Investissements d'Avenir program (grant No. ANR-11-IDEX-0004-02). M. Marque ' s acknowledges support from the ERC grant `Hecate' and computational resources provided by the UKCP consortium under EPSRC grant EP/P022561/1.

Small fibre neuropathy is a disorder of the peripheral nervous system for which main clinical manifestation is chronic neuropathic pain, often accompanied by alterations of the autonomic nervous system. This disease affects the small diameter myelinated (Aδ) and non-myelinated nerve fibres (C). Its causes are primary or secondary, such as metabolism defects, infection, and autoimmune, neurological or toxic diseases, among others. Routine neurophysiological tests are usually negative. Diagnosis can be made with complementary tests which are difficult to access from Primary Health Care. These include microneurography, and the sensory stimulation test; but the most used technique is the skin biopsy. Treatment is directed at the causes and the neurological symptoms. Due to the variability of symptoms that can be presented, the importance of being aware of this condition is emphasised in order to reach a diagnosis and offer the appropriate treatment.

BACKGROUND: The malignant mechanisms that control the development of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) are beginning to be identified. Recent evidence suggests that disturbances in specific intracellular signalling pathways, such as RAS-mitogen-activated protein kinase, T-cell receptor (TCR)-phospholipase C gamma 1 (PLCG1)-nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), may play an essential role in the pathogenesis of CTCL. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the mechanisms controlling disease development and progression in mycosis fungoides (MF), the most common form of CTCL. METHODS: We collected 100 samples that were submitted for diagnosis of, or a second opinion regarding, MF between 2001 and 2018, 80% of which were in the early clinical stages of the disease. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues were used for histological review and to measure the expression by immunohistochemistry of surrogate markers of activation of the TCR-PLCG1-NFAT, JAK-STAT and NF-?B pathways. Folliculotropism and large-cell transformation were also examined. RESULTS: NFAT and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-?B) markers showed a comparable activation status in early and advanced stages, while STAT3 activation was more frequent in advanced stages and was associated with large-cell transformation. Consistently with this observation, STAT3 activation occurred in parallel with MF progression in two initially MF-negative cases. A significant association of NFAT with NF-?B markers was also found, reflecting a common mechanism of activation in the two pathways. Genomic studies identified nine mutations in seven genes known to play a potential role in tumorigenesis in T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma, including PLCG1, JAK3 and STAT3, which underlies the activation of these key cell-survival pathways. A higher mutational allele frequency was detected in advanced stages. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that STAT3 is activated in advanced cases and is associated with large-cell transformation, while the activation of NFAT and NF-?B is maintained throughout the disease. These findings could have important diagnostic and therapeutic implications. What's already known about this topic? Mycosis fungoides is characterized by a clonal expansion of T cells in the skin. The mechanisms controlling disease development and progression are not fully understood. What does this study add? An association of the nuclear factor of activated T cells and nuclear factor kappa B pathways was found, which could reflect a common mechanism of activation. These pathways were activated in early and advanced stages at the same level. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 activation was associated with large-cell transformation and was more frequent in advanced stages. A genomic analysis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma-associated genes was performed. Nine mutations were detected. What is the translational message? These results could have important implications for the treatment of MF in the near future. Funding: This study has been supported by grants from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, from the Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad (SAF2013-47416-R, CIBERONC-ISCIII, ISCIII-MINECO-AES-FEDER (Plan Estatal I + D + I 2013–2016): PI14/00221, PIE14/0064, PIE15/0081, PIE16/01294, and FIS 17/0957)), Asociación española contra el Cáncer (AECC), Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid and from the Instituto Formación e Investigación Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL): NVAL16/18.

We present a composite model and radiative transfer simulations of the massive star forming core W33A MM1. The model was tailored to reproduce the complex features observed with ALMA at $\approx 0.2$ arcsec resolution in CH$_3$CN and dust emission. The MM1 core is fragmented into six compact sources coexisting within $\sim 1000$ au. In our models, three of these compact sources are better represented as disc-envelope systems around a central (proto)star, two as envelopes with a central object, and one as a pure envelope. The model of the most prominent object (Main) contains the most massive (proto)star ($M_\star\approx7~M_\odot$) and disc+envelope ($M_\mathrm{gas}\approx0.4~M_\odot$), and is the most luminous ($L_\mathrm{Main} \sim 10^4~L_\odot$). The model discs are small (a few hundred au) for all sources. The composite model shows that the elongated spiral-like feature converging to the MM1 core can be convincingly interpreted as a filamentary accretion flow that feeds the rising stellar system. The kinematics of this filament is reproduced by a parabolic trajectory with focus at the center of mass of the region. Radial collapse and fragmentation within this filament, as well as smaller filamentary flows between pairs of sources are proposed to exist. Our modelling supports an interpretation where what was once considered as a single massive star with a $\sim 10^3$ au disc and envelope, is instead a forming stellar association which appears to be virialized and to form several low-mass stars per high-mass object., 22 pages, 13 figures, 3 tables. Accepted for publication in MNRAS

An international innovative teaching group from different EU Universities (De Montfort University, Leicester, UK; University of San Pablo CEU, Madrid, Spain; University of Miguel Hernandez, Elche, Spain) and biomedical scientists registered by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC, UK) are developing a complete e-learning package in medical parasitology for undergraduate and postgraduate students that study Health Sciences. This package, named DMU e-Parasitology, is accessible through the DMU website (http://parasitology.dmu.ac.uk) and will present different modules including a virtual laboratory module for the study of traditional and novel biomedical laboratory techniques and equipment for detecting, identifying and studying human pathogens, specifically parasites. These techniques could also be potentially used to study other pathogens such as bacteria or viruses. The virtual biomedical laboratory is under development, but is available in the DMU website here: http://parasitology.dmu.ac.uk/learn/laboratory.htm. To develop this new module of the DMU e-Parasitology, we are using Storyline 360 software and the scaffolding and methods used to build the theoretical module (Peña-Fernández et al., 2017) [1]. To facilitate the navigation, study and comprehension of the final user, we have divided the virtual laboratory into a series of sub-sections that include different units; the sub-sections so far are: microscopes (with units such as the electron microscope); molecular biology (e.g. polymerase chain reaction and gel electrophoresis); biological safety cabinets and cell/parasite culture; biochemical and immunological techniques (e.g. magnetic immunoseparation); histology (e.g. microtome) and staining techniques (e.g. Kinyoun staining). The virtual laboratory units are highly interactive and present short videos of academics and/or technicians working in real conditions with the different laboratory equipment such as a thermocycler, a microtome, or a biological safety cabinet, as well as performing a specific technique such as a staining to determine pathogens. Therefore, the user of this virtual environment will receive a complete and “real” experience of the work in a biomedical laboratory. The DMU e-Parasitology package, and specifically its virtual laboratory environment, could help technicians and students across the world to learn how to work in a biomedical laboratory as well as to perform techniques to identify and diagnose human pathogens such as microsporidia or Plasmodium spp. Thus, the virtual resource is supported by a virtual library that includes a real collection of clinical slides that will provide the user with the functionality of a light and/or an immunofluorescence microscope. In conclusion, the virtual laboratory may serve as a high quality and reliable on-line environment for the learning of techniques and equipment. These resources can be used to improve the learning of undergraduate and postgraduate students of human health sciences as well as to develop CPD training. Moreover, the virtual laboratory module may impact in the teaching of laboratory techniques and skills in developing countries due to their limited resources. This communication will explore the design and development of the virtual laboratory environment that will be publicly accessible by the end of 2018.

In this letter, the Orthogonal Matching Pursuit algorithm is introduced to model the radiation of antennas in terms of elementary sources. This algorithm, combined with the application of the Translational Addition Theorems of spherical waves, provides an accurate sparse approximation of the transmitting coefficients of spherical waves by placing a reduced set of infinitesimal dipoles in the antenna location. The efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated by showing its capability to deal with electrically large antennas, the ease of implementation, and the computational efficiency. Numerical results are also presented for an array of cavity-backed patch antennas and a pyramidal horn antenna .

A thorough investigation of pressure effects on the structural properties of crystalline cesium uranyl chloride was performed by means of first-principles calculations within the density functional theory framework. Total energies, equilibrium geometries and vibrational frequencies were computed at selected pressures up to 50 GPa. Zero pressure results present good agreement with available experimental and theoretical data. Our calculated equation of state parameters reveal that Cs2UO2Cl4 is a high compressible material, similar to other ionic compounds with cesium cations, and displays a structural anisotropic behavior guided by the uranyl moiety. An unexpected variation of the U-O bond length, dUO, is detected as pressure is applied. It leads to a dUO-stretching frequency relationship that cannot be described by the traditional Badger's rule. Interestingly enough, it can be explained in terms of a change in the main factor controlling dUO. At low pressure, the charge transferred to the uranyl cation induces an increase of the bond length and a red shift of the stretching frequencies, whereas it is the mechanical effect of the applied pressure above 10 GPa that is the dominant factor that leads to a shortening of dUO and a blue shift of the stretching frequencies.

In this paper we explore the effects of self-obscuration in protostellar disks with a radially decreasing temperature gradient and a colder midplane. We are motivated by recent reports of resolved dark lanes (`hamburgers') and (sub)mm spectral indices systematically below the ISM value for optically thin dust $\alpha_{\rm ISM} =3.7$. We explore several model grids, scaling disk mass and varying inclination angle $i$ and observing frequency $\nu$ from the VLA Ka band ($\sim 37$ GHz) to ALMA Band 8 ($\sim 405$ GHz). We also consider the effects of decreasing the index of the (sub-)mm dust opacity power law $\beta$ from 1.7 to 1. We find that a distribution of disk masses in the range $M_{\rm disk} = 0.01-2~M_\odot$ is needed to reproduce the observed distribution of spectral indices, and that assuming a fixed $\beta =1.7$ gives better results than $\beta=1$. A wide distribution of disk masses is also needed to produce some cases with $\alpha \times10$, and are consistent with recent hydrodynamical simulations. Although we do not rule out the possibility of some grain growth occurring within the short protostellar timescales, we conclude that self-obscuration needs to be taken into account., Comment: Accepted to The Astrophysical Journal Supplement

First-principles calculations were performed to determine equilibrium geometries, static equation of state parameters, the energetics and orientation of the guest molecule inside the 5 and 56 cages, and vibrational frequencies of methane clathrate hydrate. According to our results, the progressive inclusion of one molecule in each clathrate cavity is always a stabilizing process up to saturation. The released energy is very similar for both types of cages. In agreement with the experimental observation of roto-vibrational spectra in this hydrate, we calculate an energy barrier of less than 0.5 kcal/mol, indicating free rotation of methane inside the cages. The stabilizing effect of applied pressure leads to a red shift of the O–H stretching frequencies of the water molecules of around 80 cm in average at 1 GPa.

The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link The BSc Biomedical Science (BMS) programme at De Montfort University (DMU, Leicester, UK) is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). Students enrolled within this programme acquire highly sought after skills related with human health sciences to work in: pathology departments in hospitals; research institutions; biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries; and the education sector to name a few. The degree recruits a large number of students with currently around 600 students enrolled on this programme at DMU. Despite pre-entry requirements of knowledge of subjects related to human biology, biology or chemistry, we have noted that first year students require basic support in STEM subjects (biology, chemistry and mathematics) in modules such as “Basic Microbiology”, “Basic Anatomy and Physiology” and “Chemistry for the Biosciences”. This support is especially necessary for students that come from non-traditional routes such as Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) routes. Moreover, usually topics related with microbiology and human diseases are challenging for students, often causing stress impacting their overall performance and experience. A group of BMS academics at DMU in conjunction with universities in the European Union (EU; e.g. University of San Pablo CEU, Spain) have started to design, create and develop a series of e-learning resources or units in human biology and BMS for undergraduate students that study health sciences degrees in the EU. These units are being uploaded onto the DMU web server (http://parasitology.dmu.ac.uk/) and will be only accessible for students from participating universities during the first phase of this project (2017/18 course) in which comprehensive feedback will be collected. This web server space has three sections or modules (theoretical section, virtual laboratory and microscope) in which the new e-learning resources will be preliminary accommodated. These units will be interactive and easy to follow, and will cover basic human biology (e.g. cells, cell structure), human anatomy and physiology, histology and basic microbiology, which will be embedded in a theoretical module named DMU e-Biology within the above URL link. They will include formative assessments and case studies throughout each unit. In addition, a series of practical units are being developed which describe routine practical elements in any biomedical laboratory such as laboratory materials, pipetting, molecular techniques (e.g. PCR), cell culture (e.g. use of biological safety cabinet) and histological techniques (e.g. use of microtome, staining techniques). The development of this teaching and learning resource will cover a gap in the traditional teaching and learning methods that are currently used and provided in the participating universities. The DMU e-Biology will aid to our undergraduate students to gain knowledge in human biology and microbiology by promoting self-learning. We consider that the DMU e-Biology will help overcome spatiotemporal, equipment and resource barriers. Additionally, it may help student retention as currently about a 10% of our first year students fail to continue BMS at DMU. Finally, the creation of the DMU e-Biology will also provide support to the DMU Student Retention and Attainment Strategy 2016-2020 through the DMU Student Learning Hub, which is currently under development.

The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link The study of parasitology has become essential to build future health care professionals with skills to respond to public health threats such as the recent outbreaks due to Cryptosporidium spp. or Giardia in the United Kingdom (UK). To facilitate the teaching of parasitology, which negligible across the different undergraduate and taught masters degrees at De Montfort University (DMU, Leicester, UK), a group from different EU Universities [DMU and the Spanish universities: University of San Pablo CEU (USP-CEU) and University Miguel Hernández], clinicians and practising Biomedical Scientists from the UK National Health Service are developing an on-line package for teaching and learning parasitology named DMU e-Parasitology. This package will have three sections or modules: a theoretical module with mini e-learning units to study major human parasites such as Leishmania spp. or malaria; a virtual laboratory module with units to enhance the learning and study of parasitic diseases such as culture of parasites, staining and use of light microscope to identify these organisms or molecular techniques for the identification of parasites to species level; and a virtual microscope with a real slide collection of clinical samples of parasites. The e-Parasitology resource is being created for undergraduate/postgraduate human health science students, with corresponding degrees of difficulty. Units will include a tool to assess the learning process of the students, in form of a quiz, activity and/or exam, and several formative activities throughout each mini-module. The development of this teaching resource will cover a gap in the traditional teaching and learning methods that are currently used and provided in the participating Universities. The DMU e-Parasitology will aid to our undergraduate students to gain a significant knowledge in parasitology by promoting self-learning. A unit related with Toxocara, a helmintiasis with prevalence rates that can reach as high as 40% or more in different parts of the world, was firstly developed to use as a model for the development of the DMU e-Parasitology. Three undergraduate students that studied parasitology during the first term in 2016/17 [n=27; 6 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System credits (ECTS); 3rd year module] from the bilingual Pharmacy and Biotechnology degree at USP-CEU were voluntarily recruited to provide comprehensive feedback for this model unit at the beginning of the second term. This unit was tested with these students because of their comprehensive knowledge of parasitology. Students described it as interactive and presenting the appropriate content and resources to study the parasitic disease addressed (toxocariasis). Limitations were the poor navigability in the formative exercise section and the excessive information provided in some slides that could hinder their understanding. The team has addressed these limitations and is using this unit as a model to build the DMU e-Parasitology, which will be accessible through the DMU website (http://parasitology.dmu.ac.uk) in 2018. We consider that this teaching and learning resource will overcome barriers of time, space, equipment and resources; and may help students and scientists around the world in the diagnostic of different parasitic diseases that impact human health.