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La capacidad instalada para generación de energía hidroeléctrica constituye el 69,2% de la matriz energética de Colombia, lo cual se debe a las características geográficas y a los recursos hídricos de este país. Aunque esta forma de generación es considerada renovable, las hidroeléctricas implican la construcción de presas y depósitos de agua (áreas inundadas) que, además de impactos ambientales en las comunidades, el suelo, el agua y el entorno en general, generan gases de efecto invernadero. Nuevas centrales hidroeléctricas se construirán en el país, por lo que se sugiere evaluarlas bajo una perspectiva de la sustentabilidad, entendida como la articulación de variables sociales, económicas, ambientales y culturales en búsqueda de un equilibrio a lo largo del tiempo. Se propone para esto el Análisis de Ciclo de Vida (ACV) como una herramienta para determinar impactos ambientales de proyectos hidroeléctricos. Este trabajo revisa cómo el enfoque de sustentabilidad puede apoyarse en herramientas ampliamente utilizadas en los proyectos de ingeniería como el ACV y el Análisis de Ciclo de Vida Social (ACVs) para conocer el impacto de proyectos hidroeléctricos en todas sus fases, abordando las dimensiones ambientales y sociales. La dimensión económica no se tuvo en cuenta, abriendo el camino para nuevos aportes. Se concluye que existe la necesidad de iniciar la construcción de una línea base de información para aplicar herramientas como el ACV y el ACVs, orientada a la sustentabilidad para proyectos de hidroeléctricas, tanto para los que se encuentren en planeación, como los que operan actualmente. Se sugieren aspectos para tener en cuenta en la toma de decisiones con el fin de contribuir a la sustentabilidad para futuros proyectos.

In recent years, invasive fungal infections have emerged as a common source of infections in immunosuppressed patients. All fungal cells are surrounded by a cell wall that is essential for cell integrity and survival. It prevents cell death and lysis resulting from high internal turgor pressure. Since the cell wall is not present in animal cells, it is an ideal target for selective invasive fungal infection treatments. The antifungal family known as echinocandins, which specifically inhibit the synthesis of the cell wall β(13)glucan, has been established as an alternative treatment for mycoses. To explore the mechanism of action of these antifungals, we analyzed the cell morphology and glucan synthases localization in Schizosaccharomyces pombe cells during the initial times of growth in the presence of the echinocandin drug caspofungin. S. pombe are rod-shaped cells that grow at the poles and divide by a central division septum. The cell wall and septum are formed by different glucans, which are synthesized by four essential glucan synthases: Bgs1, Bgs3, Bgs4, and Ags1. Thus, S. pombe is not only a perfect model for studying the synthesis of the fungal β(1-3)glucan, but also it is ideal for examining the mechanisms of action and resistance of cell wall antifungals. Herein, we examined the cells in a drug susceptibility test in the presence of either lethal or sublethal concentrations of caspofungin, finding that exposure to the drug for long periods at high concentrations (>10 µg/mL) induced cell growth arrest and the formation of rounded, swollen, and dead cells, whereas low concentrations (

Neutron-induced cross sections represent the main nuclear input to models of stellar and Big-Bang nucleosynthesis. While (n,γ) reactions are relevant for the formation of elements heavier than iron, (n,p) and (n,α) reactions can play an important role in specific cases. The time-of-flight method is routinely used at n_TOF to experimentally determine the cross section data. In addition, recent upgrades of the facility will allow the use of activation techniques as well, possibly opening the way to a systematic study of neutron interaction with radioactive isotopes. In the last 20 years n_TOF has provided a large amount of experimental data for Nuclear Astrophysics. Our plan is to carry on challenging measurements and produce nuclear data in the next decades as well.

This work presents a nonlinear model predictive control scheme with a novel structure of observers aiming to create a methodology that allows feasible implementations in industrial anaerobic reactors. In this way, a new step-by-step procedure scheme has been proposed and tested by solving two specific drawbacks reported in the literature responsible for the inefficiencies of those systems in real environments. Firstly, the implementation of control structures based on modeling depends on microorganisms’ concentration measurements; the technology that achieves this is not cost-effective nor viable. Secondly, the reaction rates cannot be considered static because, in the extended anaerobic digestion model (EAM2), the large fluctuation of parameters is unavoidable. To face these two drawbacks, the concentration of acidogens and methanogens, and the values of the two reaction rates considered have been estimated by a structure of two observers using data collected by sensors. After 90 days of operation, the error in convergence was lower than 5% for both observers. Four model predictive controller (MPC) configurations are used to test all the previous information trying to maximize the volume of methane and demonstrate a satisfactory operation in a wide range of scenarios. The results demonstrate an increase in efficiency, ranging from 17.4% to 24.4%, using as a reference an open loop configuration. Finally, the operational robustness of the MPC is compared with simulations performed by traditional alternatives used in industry, the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers, where some simple operational scenarios to manage for an MPC are longer sufficient to disrupt a normal operation in a PID controller. For this controller, the simulation shows an error close to the 100% of the reference value.

Parallelization schemes on many-core architectures, in this case, CUDA and OpenMP, are used to accelerate and improve the accuracy of adaptive multidimensional integration algorithms. The one-dimensional Gauss–Kronrod adaptive method is generalized to 3, 4, 5 and 6 dimensions. The implementation of the traditional tensor product construction of the grid and weights for multidimensional integration is revisited and reformulated taking advantages of the multi and many-core architectures. Tests performed in a set of benchmark functions show that the algorithm is numerically accurate, with accelerations as high as 800X in CUDA and 300X in the OpenMP implementation both compared to a sequential multidimensional integration algorithm.

Cytokinesis is the concluding step of the cell cycle. Coordination between multiple cellular processes is essential for the success of cytokinesis. The fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, like other fungal cells is contained within a cell wall. During cell division, the external cell wall is extended inwards to form a special septum wall structure in continuity with the cell wall. The primary septum, the central component of the three-layered division septum, is enriched with linear β-1,3-glucan formed by Bgs1p, a β-1,3-glucan synthase. In this study we uncover a novel essential protein, Smi1p, that functions as a suppressor of the Bgs1p temperature-sensitive mutant, cps1-191. We observe a rescue in the cell wall composition and ultrastructure and also in actomyosin ring dynamics. Further, we identify a colocalization and physical association between Bgs1p and Smi1p. Altogether, our results indicate that Smi1p regulates the function of Bgs1p during cytokinesis.

The 235U(n,f) cross section was measured in a wide energy range (18 meV–170 keV) at the n_TOF facility at CERN, relative to 6Li(n,t) and 10B(n,α) standard reactions, with high resolution and accuracy, with a setup based on a stack of six samples and six silicon detectors placed in the neutron beam. In this paper we report on the results in the region between 18 meV and 10 keV neutron energy. A resonance analysis has been performed up to 200 eV, with the code SAMMY. The resulting fission kernels are compared with the ones extracted on the basis of the resonance parameters of the most recent major evaluated data libraries.Acomparison of the n_TOF datawith the evaluated cross sections is also performed from thermal to 10 keV neutron energy for the energy-averaged cross section in energy groups of suitably chosen width. A good agreement, within 0.5%, is found on average between the new results and the latest evaluated data files ENDF/B-VIII.0 and JEFF-3.3, as well as with respect to the broad group average fission cross section established in the framework of the standard working group of IAEA (the so-called reference file). However, some discrepancies, of up to 4%, are still present in some specific energy regions. The newdataset here presented, characterized by a unique combination of high resolution and accuracy, low background and wide energy range, can help to improve the evaluations from the Resolved Resonance Region up to 10 keV, also reducing the uncertainties that affect this region., CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research)

The β-delayed neutron emission in the 85As β-decay has been measured at the IGISOL facility of the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyväskylä (JYFL). The complete β-decay has been studied with a setup which consists of a plastic scintillator, the MOdular Neutron time-of-flight SpectromeTER (MONSTER), and two types of γ-rays detectors (HPGe and LaBr3). The, β-delayed neutron energy distribution has been determined by unfolding the TOF spectrum with the iterative Bayesian unfolding method.

The n_TOF neutron time-of-flight facility at CERN is used for nuclear data measurements. The n_TOF Collaboration works closely with the Nuclear Reaction Data Centres (NRDC) network to disseminate the experimental data through the international EXFOR library. In addition, the Collaboration helps integrate the results in the evaluated library projects. The present contribution describes the dissemination status of n_TOF results, their impact on evaluated libraries and ongoing efforts to provide n_TOF resonance parameters in ENDF-6 format for further use by evaluation projects.

The neutron capture cross section of 241Am is an important quantity for nuclear energy production and fuel cycle scenarios. Several measurements have been performed in recent years with the aim to reduce existing uncertainties in evaluated data. Two previous measurements, performed at the 185 m flight-path station EAR1 of the neutron time-of-flight facility n_TOF at CERN, have permitted to substantially extend the resolved resonance region, but suffered in the near-thermal energy range from the unfavorable signal-to-background ratio resulting from the combination of the high radioactivity of 241Am and the rather low thermal neutron flux. The here presented 241Am(n,γ) measurement, performed with C6D6 liquid scintillator gamma detectors at the 20 m flight-path station EAR2 of the n_TOF facility, took advantage of the much higher neutron flux. The current status of the analysis of the data, focussed on the low-energy region, will be described here.

The slow neutron capture process (s-process) is responsible for producing about half of the elemental abundances heavier than iron in the universe. Neutron capture cross sections on stable isotopes are a key nuclear physics input for s-process studies. The 72Ge(n, γ) Maxwellian-Averaged Cross Section (MACS) has an important influence on the production of isotopes between Ge and Zr in the weak s-process in massive stars and so far only theoretical estimations are available. An experiment was carried out at the neutron time-of-flight facility n_TOF at CERN to measure the 72Ge(n, γ) reaction for the first time at stellar neutron energies. The capture measurement was performed using an enriched 72GeO2 sample at a flight path length of 184 m, which provided high neutron energy resolution. The prompt gamma rays produced after neutron capture were detected with a set of liquid scintillation detectors (C6D6). The neutron capture yield is derived from the counting spectra taking into account the neutron flux and the gamma-ray detection efficiency using the Pulse Height Weighting Technique. Over 70 new neutron resonances were identified, providing an improved resolved reaction cross section to calculate experimental MACS values for the first time. The experiment, data analysis and the new MACS results will be presented including their impact on stellar nucleosynthesis, which was investigated using the post-processing nucleosynthesis code mppnp for a 25 solar mass model.

A new measurement of the 235U(n,f) fission cross section was carried out at n_TOF. The experiment covered the neutron energy range from 10 MeV up to 500 MeV, and it used the 1H(n,n) cross section as normalization for the neutron fluence measurement. In this contribution, the measurements and the characterization of the detectors covering the incident energy range up to 150 MeV are discussed.

The measurement of the 235U(n,f) reaction cross section in the neutron energy region 10 MeV to 500 MeV was carried out at the CERN n_TOF facility. The experimental campaign, completed in 2018, provided precise and accurate data on the fission reaction relative to neutron-proton elastic scattering. A description and characterization of the used setup for the simultaneous measurement of fission fragments and neutron flux is reported here.

We have performed a long-term measurement of the neutron flux with the High Efficiency Neutron Spectrometry Array HENSA in the Hall A of the Canfranc Underground Laboratory. The Hall A measurement campaign lasted from October 2019 to March 2021, demonstrating an excellent stability of the HENSA setup. Preliminary results on the neutron flux from this campaign are presented for the first time. In Phase 1 (113 live days) a total neutron flux of 1.66(2) $\times$10$^{-5}$ cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$ is obtained. Our results are in good agreement with those from our previous shorter measurement where a reduced experimental setup was employed., Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Topics in Astroparticle and Underground Physics (TAUP 2021)

This work presents a new standard in the model, identification, and control of monitoring purposes over anaerobic reactors. One requirement that guarantees a normal controller operation is for the faculty to measure the data needed periodically. Due to its inability to easily obtain the concentrations of acidogenic bacteria and methanogenic archaea periodically using reliable and commercial sensors, this paper presents an algorithm composed of an asymptotic observer (considering the reaction rates are unknown), aiming to estimate these concentrations. This method represents a significant advantage because it is possible to perform a resource-saving strategy using standard measurements, such as pH or alkalinity, to calculate them analytically in natural environments. Additionally, two yield parameters were included in the original anaerobic model two (AM2) to unlock implementations for a wide range of organic substrates. The static parameter identification was improved using a new method called step-ahead optimization. It demonstrates significant improvements fitting the mathematical model to data until a (Formula presented.) increase in efficiency (compared with the traditional optimization method genetic algorithm). After the period of convergence, the state observer evidences a small error with a maximum (Formula presented.) deviation. Finally, numerical simulations demonstrate the structure’s strengths, which constitutes a significant step in paving the way further to implement feasible, cost-effective controls and monitoring systems in the industry

[Background] The fungal cell wall is an essential and robust external structure that protects the cell from the environment. It is mainly composed of polysaccharides with different functions, some of which are necessary for cell integrity. Thus, the process of fractionation and analysis of cell wall polysaccharides is useful for studying the function and relevance of each polysaccharide, as well as for developing a variety of practical and commercial applications. This method can be used to study the mechanisms that regulate cell morphogenesis and integrity, giving rise to information that could be applied in the design of new antifungal drugs. Nonetheless, for this method to be reliable, the availability of trustworthy commercial recombinant cell wall degrading enzymes with non‑contaminating activities is vital., [Results] Here we examined the efficiency and reproducibility of 12 recombinant endo‑β(1,3)‑d‑glucanases for specifically degrading the cell wall β(1,3)‑d‑glucan by using a fast and reliable protocol of fractionation and analysis of the fission yeast cell wall. This protocol combines enzymatic and chemical degradation to fractionate the cell wall into the four main polymers: galactomannoproteins, α‑glucan, β(1,3)‑d‑glucan and β(1,6)‑d‑glucan. We found that the GH16 endo‑β(1,3)‑d‑glucanase PfLam16A from Pyrococcus furiosus was able to completely and reproducibly degrade β(1,3)‑d‑glucan without causing the release of other polymers. The cell wall degradation caused by PfLam16A was similar to that of Quantazyme, a recombinant endo‑β(1,3)‑d‑glucanase no longer commercially available. Moreover, other recombinant β(1,3)‑d‑glucanases caused either incomplete or excessive degradation, suggesting deficient access to the substrate or release of other polysaccharides, [Conclusions] The discovery of a reliable and efficient recombinant endo‑β(1,3)‑d‑glucanase, capable of replacing the previously mentioned enzyme, will be useful for carrying out studies requiring the digestion of the fungal cell wall β(1,3)‑d‑glucan. This new commercial endo‑β(1,3)‑d‑glucanase will allow the study of the cell wall composition under different conditions, along the cell cycle, in response to environmental changes or in cell wall mutants. Furthermore, this enzyme will also be greatly valuable for othern practical and commercial applications such as genome research, chromosomes extraction, cell transformation, protoplast formation, cell fusion, cell disruption, industrial processes and studies of new antifungals that specifically target cell wall synthesis, This work was supported by grants PGC2018-098924-B-I00 (Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, MICINN , Spain; and the European Regional Developmental Fund, FEDER, EU), and CSI150P20 and “Escalera de Excelencia” CLU-2017-03 (Regional Government of Castile and Leon, JCYL, Spain; and the European Regional Developmental Fund, FEDER, EU).

Resumen Documentamos por primera vez para el departamento del Tolima, Colombia, la presencia de 22 especies de plantas vasculares sin semilla, principalmente como resultado de la revisión de los especímenes del herbario de la Universidad de Caldas (FAUC). Para ocho de estas especies se amplía su rango de distribución altitudinal. Destacamos la especie endémica Luisma bivascularis (Polypodiaceae) por ampliar su distribución geográfica y altitudinal, pues se consideraba restringida a su localidad tipo, y porque se registró un nuevo hábito para ella. Abstract The presence of 22 species of seed-free vascular plants is documented for the first time in the department of Tolima, Colombia, mainly as a result of the revision of specimens in the herbarium of the Universidad de Caldas (FAUC). Eight of these species extended their range of altitudinal distribution. The endemic species Luisma bivascularis (Polypodiaceae) is highlighted due the extension of its geographic and elevational distributions, previously restricted to its type locality, and because a new habit was recorded for it.

Fission yeast contains three essential β(1,3)-D-glucan synthases (GSs), Bgs1, Bgs3, and Bgs4, with non-overlapping roles in cell integrity and morphogenesis. Only the bgs4+ mutants pbr1-8 and pbr1-6 exhibit resistance to GS inhibitors, even in the presence of the wild-type (WT) sequences of bgs1+ and bgs3+. Thus, Bgs1 and Bgs3 functions seem to be unaffected by those GS inhibitors. To learn more about echinocandins’ mechanism of action and resistance, cytokinesis progression and cell death were examined by time-lapse fluorescence microscopy in WT and pbr1-8 cells at the start of treatment with sublethal and lethal concentrations of anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin. In WT, sublethal concentrations of the three drugs caused abundant cell death that was either suppressed (anidulafungin and micafungin) or greatly reduced (caspofungin) in pbr1-8 cells. Interestingly, the lethal concentrations induced differential phenotypes depending on the echinocandin used. Anidulafungin and caspofungin were mostly fungistatic, heavily impairing cytokinesis progression in both WT and pbr1-8. As with sublethal concentrations, lethal concentrations of micafungin were primarily fungicidal in WT cells, causing cell lysis without impairing cytokinesis. The lytic phenotype was suppressed again in pbr1-8 cells. Our results suggest that micafungin always exerts its fungicidal effect by solely inhibiting Bgs4. In contrast, lethal concentrations of anidulafungin and caspofungin cause an early cytokinesis arrest, probably by the combined inhibition of several GSs., This research was funded by grants PGC2018-098924-B-I00 (the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, MICINN, Spain; the European Regional Developmental Fund, FEDER, EU), and CSI150P20 and “Escalera de Excelencia” CLU-2017-03 (Regional Government of Castile and Leon, JCYL, Spain; and the European Regional Developmental Fund, FEDER, EU).

This paper presents a brief history of catalysis, as well as the processes of selective oxidation of hydrocarbons. On the other hand, the basic concepts involved in heterogeneous catalysis are mentioned, emphasizing the role of catalytic materials in chemical oxidation processes and posing a series of guiding questions to be followed when approaching a process catalyzed by solid materials. In the same way, the methods of synthesis of catalysts known in the literature as sol-gel and impregnation are shown, identifying the influence of each stage of preparation with the physical and chemical properties of the materials. Finally, a case study applied to the selective catalytic oxidation of methane and methanol using iron, molybdenum, and vanadium catalytic materials synthesized by the sol-gel method is presented.

Uno de los factores más importantes que debe considerar cualquier empresa de servicios en el mercado es tener y mantener una buena relación con sus clientes, esto puede contribuir a tener mayores oportunidades de trabajo, a ser considerados para futuros proyectos o incluso para ser recomendados con otros clientes. El siguiente estudio se basa en la elaboración y desarrollo de herramientas administrativas tales como el lienzo CANVAS, back y front office que para fines prácticos tienen la finalidad de mejorar los procesos internos de una organización aplicando estrategias que nos generen resultados y por otro lado fortalecer la propuesta de valor que para una mejor interacción de la empresa con sus clientes. La finalidad de este estudio es demostrar como utilizando estas herramientas se puede fortalecer la toma de decisiones con estrategias para aumentar los ingresos.

El aprovechamiento y mezcla de bienes manufacturados y servicios brinda un área de oportunidad, debido a que, se diseña un modelo de negocios donde se consideran aquellos elementos necesarios para introducirse en el mercado con ofertas distintas, originales y llamativas para los clientes y los usuarios. A la integración de un sistema de producción de bienes y una cartera de servicios se le denomina Sistema Producto-Servicio (PSS) y se enfoca en satisfacer las necesidades del usuario por medio de la estrategia de la innovación empresarial y ofrece una mezcla de productos y servicios, agrega un valor a la empresa y tienen un impacto en las redes de apoyo e infraestructura de manera que sea más competitiva. El presente trabajo se centra en el desarrollo de una cartera de servicios para crear un Sistema Producto-Servicio en una empresa de dispositivos para el corazón donde actualmente desarrollan un prototipo.

Se realiza un estudio enfocado a la aplicación de biomasa sólida de desecho forestal en la generación de vapor a pequeña escala. Se presenta el sistema de generación de vapor que usa biomasa sólida, como alternativa de combustible, y que es parte del sistema de microgeneración. La definición de la configuración inicial de la biomasa se basa en sus dimensiones promedio y su distribución dentro del espacio del hogar de combustión. Se analizan diversas configuraciones de la biomasa a fin obtener condiciones favorables de ignición, tiempo de flama y reducción de inquemados del combustible. También, se analiza la distancia de flama adecuada entre el contenedor de agua y la parrilla del hogar, considerando la cantidad de combustible. A su vez, esos parámetros se relacionan con las condiciones de operación de la turbina del sistema de microgeneración. Finalmente se indica la configuración que mejora las condiciones de combustión para el sistema.

[EN] FeOx-, MoOx and FeMoOx-SiO2 materials prepared by a sol-gel procedure have been evaluated as catalysts for the partial oxidation of methane and methanol. The effect of decreasing the pH of the synthesis gel on the chemical nature of FeOx and MoOx species has been investigated. Characterization results show that low pH improves the dispersion of metal oxide species present in SiO2 matrix. For FeOx/SiO2 materials, the presence of dispersed FeOx species (rather than bulk Fe2O3) improves the selectivity to formaldehyde in the partial oxidation of methane and methanol. For FeMoOx/SiOx catalysts, dispersed species favor the selectivity to formaldehyde only for methane oxidation. In contrast, for bimetallic FeMoOx/SiOx system, a better dispersion does not improve the selectivity to the aldehyde in methanol oxidation. In spite of the fact that the activation temperature for methane oxidation is remarkably higher than that for methanol oxidation, catalytic results show that the most active and selective catalysts for the partial oxidation of methane are also the most effective materials for the partial oxidation of methanol., The authors would like to acknowledge the MINECO in Spain (CRTl2018-099668-B-C21 and MAT2017-84118-C2-1-R projects) and Universidad Nacional de Colombia and Colciencias in Colombia for funding projects. Authors are grateful to the SCSIE, University of Valencia, for providing HR-TEM facility.

Thin 33S samples for the study of the 33S(n, α)30Si cross-section at the n_TOF facility at CERN were made by thermal evaporation of 33S powder onto a dedicated substrate made of kapton covered with thin layers of copper, chromium and titanium. This method has provided for the first time bare sulfur samples a few centimeters in diameter. The samples have shown an excellent adherence with no mass loss after few years and no sublimation in vacuum at room temperature. The determination of the mass thickness of 33S has been performed by means of Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. The samples have been successfully tested under neutron irradiation.

[Background] During the last three decades systemic fungal infections associated to immunosuppressive therapies have become a serious healthcare problem. Clinical development of new antifungals is an urgent requirement. Since fungal but not mammalian cells are encased in a carbohydrate-containing cell wall, which is required for the growth and viability of fungi, the inhibition of cell wall synthesizing machinery, such as β(1,3)-D-glucan synthases (GS) and chitin synthases (CS) that catalyze the synthesis of β(1-3)-D-glucan and chitin, respectively, represent an ideal mode of action of antifungal agents. Although the echinocandins anidulafungin, caspofungin and micafungin are clinically well-established GS inhibitors for the treatment of invasive fungal infections, much effort must still be made to identify inhibitors of other enzymes and processes involved in the synthesis of the fungal cell wall. [Purpose] Since natural products (NPs) have been the source of several antifungals in clinical use and also have provided important scaffolds for the development of semisynthetic analogues, this review was devoted to investigate the advances made to date in the discovery of NPs from plants that showed capacity of inhibiting cell wall synthesis targets. The chemical characterization, specific target, discovery process, along with the stage of development are provided here. [Methods] An extensive systematic search for NPs against the cell wall was performed considering all the articles published until the end of 2020 through the following scientific databases: NCBI PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar and using the combination of the terms “natural antifungals” and “plant extracts” with “fungal cell wall”. [Results] The first part of this review introduces the state of the art of the structure and biosynthesis of the fungal cell wall and considers exclusively those naturally produced GS antifungals that have given rise to both existing semisynthetic approved drugs and those derivatives currently in clinical trials. According to their chemical structure, natural GS inhibitors can be classified as 1) cyclic lipopeptides, 2) glycolipids and 3) acidic terpenoids. We also included nikkomycins and polyoxins, NPs that inhibit the CS, which have traditionally been considered good candidates for antifungal drug development but have finally been discarded after enduring unsuccessful clinical trials. Finally, the review focuses in the most recent findings about the growing field of plant-derived molecules and extracts that exhibit activity against the fungal cell wall. Thus, this search yielded sixteen articles, nine of which deal with pure compounds and seven with plant extracts or fractions with proven activity against the fungal cell wall. Regarding the mechanism of action, seven (44%) produced GS inhibition while five (31%) inhibited CS. Some of them (56%) interfered with other components of the cell wall. Most of the analyzed articles refer to tests carried out in vitro and therefore are in early stages of development. [Conclusion] This report delivers an overview about both existing natural antifungals targeting GS and CS activities and their mechanisms of action. It also presents recent discoveries on natural products that may be used as starting points for the development of potential selective and non-toxic antifungal drugs., J.C.G.C., M.A.C. and J.C.R. acknowledge Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN; PGC2018-098924-B-I00) and Junta de Castilla y León/FEDER (CSI150P20 and "Escalera de Excelencia" CLU-2017-03), Spain, for funds. L.A.S. acknowledges Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica (ANPCyT) PICT2016-1833 and Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR) 1BIO571 for funds. E.B. acknowledges Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) for a postdoctoral fellowship. L.A.S. is member of the CONICET Researcher career. L.A.S. and E.B. belong to the teaching staff of Pharmacognosy area.

In fission yeast, cytokinesis requires a contractile actomyosin ring (CR) coupled to membrane and septum ingression. Septation proceeds in two phases. In anaphase B, the septum ingresses slowly. During telophase, the ingression rate increases, and the CR becomes dispensable. Here, we explore the relationship between the CR and septation by analyzing septum ultrastructure, ingression, and septation proteins in cells lacking F-actin. We show that the two phases of septation correlate with septum maturation and the response of cells to F-actin removal. During the first phase, the septum is immature and, following F-actin removal, rapidly loses the Bgs1 glucan synthase from the membrane edge and fails to ingress. During the second phase, the rapidly ingressing mature septum can maintain a Bgs1 ring and septum ingression without F-actin, but ingression becomes Cdc42 and exocyst dependent. Our results provide new insights into fungal cytokinesis and reveal the dual function of CR as an essential landmark for the concentration of Bgs1 and a contractile structure that maintains septum shape and synthesis., M. Ramos and J.A. Clemente-Ramos acknowledge support by fellowships from Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC, Spain) and Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MCIU, Spain), respectively. J.C.G. Cortes was supported by a postdoctoral contract granted by the Universidad de Salamanca, Spain. This work was supported by MCIU and ERDF (European Regional Development Fund)/EU (European Union) grants BIO2015-69958-P and PGC2018-098924-B-I00, and Junta de Castilla y León, Spain, and ERDF/EU grants CSI068P17 and “Escalera de Excelencia” CLU-2017-03

Se tomó como caso de estudio a una empresa familiar dedicada a la producción y venta de helados artesanales, que presenta problemas de falta de stock para ventas y un índice no satisfactorio de recurrencia de los clientes. Se identificaron las actividades más importantes en el proceso productivo, al igual que las necesidades más importantes para el cumplimiento de los objetivos de los dueños. Para definir y alinear dichas necesidades, se implementó CANVAS Business Model, de modo que se visualizaran las áreas de oportunidad, posteriormente se integró un análisis de procesos, con la finalidad de cumplir con la necesidad de mantener los productos disponibles en el área de venta. Una vez realizado el análisis, se creó un tablero de control, para poder determinar de forma cuantitativa el cumplimiento de los objetivos, en los que se logró controlar la falta de producto y mejorar el proceso de producción.

La presencia de las organizaciones en los medios digitales constantemente genera diferentes tipos de datos, estos cuentan con información valiosa tanto numérica como textual para las mismas y si, esta pasa por desaperciba o sino se procesa correctamente se pueden perder indicadores elementales que permiten a las empresas tomar decisiones importantes. En los últimos años, se han desarrollado diferentes alternativas para el análisis datos de plataformas digitales y la Minería de Opiniones es una opción con la que se puede lograr dicha acción puesto que, esta herramienta está orientada al análisis de textos donde se busca determinar la polaridad de las opiniones expresadas por el emisor hacia un determinado asunto, en el caso específico de esta investigación refiere a la implementación de un modelo de Minería de Opiniones enfocado a una campaña digital mismo que, permitió generar estrategias de marketing digital fundamentadas en datos y estadísticas a partir de analizar los comentarios generados de dicha campaña digital.&nbsp

Este trabajo se enfoca en obtener las características de operación necesarias de un generador de vapor basado en la combustión de biomasa sólida para alcanzar la presión necesaria de 80 psi, además de los parámetros principales para la operación de una turbina no convencional enfocada en la microgeneración, se realizaron pruebas de combustión en las que el volumen de agua inicial en la caldera fue diferente en cada prueba. La caldera tiene una capacidad de 18 litros de agua, por lo cual para lograr reducir el tiempo en que se alcanza la presión de 80 psi se realizaron pruebas de combustión con 6, 8, 9 y 12 litros de agua y poder determinar el volumen de agua adecuado para alcanzar los 80 psi en el menor tiempo posible, posteriormente se midió el flujo másico y la presión alcanzada por la caldera, así como la velocidad angular de la turbina. &nbsp

México es un país que ha perdido liderazgo en la producción de café en los últimos años debido a diversos factores, entre ellos la poca innovación dentro de las plantaciones de cafetales, es por ello que se da paso a la construcción de un producto que ayude en el manejo de los mismos al productor. Antes de desarrollar un producto es importante analizar las jerarquías para la toma de decisiones y escuchar la voz del cliente. A continuación, se presenta el Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) de una herramienta para medición de variables que influyen en la producción de café que nos ayuda a conocer las características ideales del producto de acuerdo con el usuario (consumidor o cliente) De acuerdo con las fases que componen el instrumento AHP, primero se identificó a los clientes para poder entrevistar a los productores de café y así obtener las demandas primarias. Posteriormente el equipo de diseño identificó las demandas secundarias y localizará la importancia relativa (Wi). Una vez que se obtienen resultados tanto de las demandas primarias y secundarias y dichas demandas son clasificadas con base en su importancia, se puede identificar que, al ejercer estas demandas primarias, es posible cubrir un 71% de la satisfacción del cliente. Que nos indica que dicho proyecto es factible para realizarse.

Los bosques de encino son importantes en el equilibrio de los ecosistemas donde estos cohabitan, ya que son un grupo de especies con mayor capacidad para fijar y almacenar carbono atmosférico. El objetivo de este trabajo fue desarrollar ecuaciones alométricas para estimar biomasa aérea de seis especies de encino (Quercus rugosa, Q. obtusata, Q. sideroxyla, Q. coccolobifolia, Q. laurina y Q. candicans) con un muestreo destructivo de 165 árboles. Se ajustaron ecuaciones para estimar biomasa por componentes estructurales (fuste, ramas y follaje), y de forma aditiva se estimó la biomasa total, así como una ecuación generalizada para las seis especies, y ecuaciones para estas divididas en dos grupos. Para mejorar la capacidad predictiva de las ecuaciones se ajustaron modelos que incluyen las variables de diámetro normal, altura total y densidad de la madera. El mayor porcentaje de biomasa se concentró en el fuste con 60.6%, mientras que ramas y follaje representaron 36.1% y 3.28%, respectivamente. Las ecuaciones ajustadas explicaron más de 95% de la variabilidad en la biomasa total del árbol y, comparadas con ecuaciones desarrolladas en otros lugares para el mismo género, presentaron un menor sesgo porcentual. Las ecuaciones alométricas generadas pueden ser utilizadas para la región, así como en bosques con características estructurales y de crecimiento similares a las de las comunidades de encino de la sierra de Guanajuato.

[Background] In our previous study the synergism of four combinations of Zuccagnia punctata (ZpE) and Larrea nitida (LnE) exudates with the reliable statistical-based MixLow method was assessed, and the markers of the most anti-C. albicans synergistic ZpE-LnE bi-herbal combination were quantified according to European Medicines Agency (EMA)., [Purpose] To study the mechanisms of action as well as the cytotoxic properties of the ZpE-LnE most synergistic combination found in the previous work., [Materials and methods] Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) and rate of killing of ZpE-LnE were assessed with the microbroth dilution and the time-kill assays respectively. Morphological alterations were observed with both confocal and fluorescence microscopy on the yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The ergosterol exogenous assay, the quantification of ergosterol, the sorbitol as well as glucan synthase (GS) and chitin synthase (ChS) assays were used to detect the effects on the fungal membrane and cell wall respectively. The capacity of ZpE-LnE of inhibiting Candida virulence factors was assessed with previously reported methods. The effect of ZpE-LnE and of ZpE or LnE alone on cell viability was determined on human hepatoma cells line Huh7., [Results] ZpE-Ln E was fungicidal killing C. albicans in a shorter time than amphotericin B and produced malformations in S. pombe cells. ZpE-LnE showed to bind to ergosterol but not to inhibit any step of the ergosterol biosynthesis. ZpE-LnE showed a low or moderate capacity of inhibiting GS and ChS. Regarding inhibition of virulence factors, ZpE-LnE significantly decreased the capacity of adhesion to eukaryotic buccal epithelial cells (BECs), did not inhibit the germ tube formation and inhibited the secretion of phospholipases and proteinases but not of haemolysins. ZpE-LnE demonstrated very low toxicity on Huh7 cells, much lower than that each extract alone., [Conclusion] The fungicidal properties of ZpE-LnE against C. albicans, its dual mechanism of action targeting the fungal membrane's ergosterol as well as the cell wall, its capacity of inhibiting several important virulence factors added to its low toxicity, make ZpE-LnE a good candidate for the development of a new antifungal bi-Herbal Medicinal Product., S.Z. and M.S. acknowledge Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica (ANPCyT), PICT2014-1170 and PICT2016-1833 and National University of Rosario, Argentina (UNR) for funds. J.C.R. acknowledges MINECO (BIO2015-69958-P) and Junta de Castilla y León (CSI068P17), Spain for funds. A.D.Q. acknowledges ANPCyT (PICT2013-1440) and UNR for funds. E.B. acknowledges Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) for a doctoral fellowship. M.S., L.S. and A.D.Q. are members of the CONICET Researcher career; M.S., L.S., and E.B. belong to the teaching staff of Pharmacognosy area and M.S. belongs to the teaching staff of Mycological Area Faculty of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNR.

© 2019, Springer Nature Switzerland AG. We made an experiment to measure half-lives T1/2 and neutron emission probabilities Pxn of nuclei around mass 80, aiming to improve r-process abundance calculations around the first abundance peak with a new dedicated experimental setup at RIKEN. Details of the experiment and a few preliminary results are presented.