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Este estudio se centra en la comparativa de diferentes programas de modelización hidrológica en una cuenca semiárida con el objetivo de proporcionar una evaluación de su desempeño en la simulación de procesos hidrológicos. Para ello, se han evaluado dos programas de modelización distribuida o de enfoque bidimensional (Iber y HEC-RAS), y un programa de modelización semidistribuida (HEC-HMS), considerando tres eventos lluvia registrados en la red de pluviómetros de la Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura y un evento sintético de período de retorno de 100 años. Adicionalmente, se ha evaluado el comportamiento de los modelos al someter el modelo digital del terreno a cambios para una mejor modelización de la realidad. Los resultados demuestran que, en general, el modelo Iber presenta mayor similitud de los caudales simulados con respecto a los aforados, y que las obstrucciones presentes en las cuencas analizadas, a gran escala no ejercen influencia remarcable en los resultados.

A pesar de los avances significativos logrados en el estudio de los flujos bifásicos agua-aire, existen dudas acerca de la precisión de las campañas experimentales puesto que los equipos suelen obviar la fase de calibración. Las limitaciones inherentes a las técnicas de medición existentes han impulsado la presente investigación. El objetivo de este trabajo es profundizar en el conocimiento del funcionamiento de una sonda de fibra óptica de doble punta, ensayada en un banco de calibración con una fracción de vacío del 32.13%. Para alcanzar esta concentración se ha utilizado un caudal de agua Qw = 2.26 l/s y un caudal de aire Qa = 1.07 l/s. La evolución de las principales variables ha sido analizada en la dirección transversal del chorro, considerando diferentes secciones a distintas distancias respecto a la salida de la tobera. Estas variables incluyen: la fracción de vacío, la frecuencia de cambio de fase, la velocidad, y el diámetro medio de las burbujas de Sauter.

Caracterizar en tiempo real las aguas residuales urbanas es clave para poder garantizar una correcta gestión de los recursos hídricos y la protección del medioambiente. A partir de mediciones indirectas, como la espectroscopía molecular que proporciona información sobre las propiedades físico-químicas del agua, es posible determinar la carga contaminante de las aguas residuales empleando modelos matemáticos de correlación. El presente trabajo compara la regresión lineal multivariable y los modelos de regresión simbólica basados en programación genética, para establecer una correlación con la carga contaminante de las aguas residuales. El estudio se ha centrado en la comparativa de modelos para la caracterización de nitrógeno total, fósforo total y nitrógeno en forma de nitrato, considerando 90 muestras de aguas residuales urbanas. Se observa que la regresión simbólica basada en programación genética proporciona una mejora en el ajuste (R2) de entre el 72.76% y 146.39% respecto a la regresión lineal multivariable.

BackgroundIntra-articular (IA) combined with intra-osseous (IO) infiltration of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) have been proposed as an alternative approach to treat patients with severe osteoarthritis (OA) and subchondral bone damage. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of IO injections of PRGF to treat acute full depth chondral lesion in a rabbit model by using two histological validated scales (OARSI and ICRS II).MethodologyA total of 40 rabbits were included in the study. A full depth chondral defect was created in the medial femoral condyle and then animals were divided into 2 groups depending on the IO treatment injected on surgery day: control group (IA injection of PRGF and IO injection of saline) and treatment group (IA combined with IO injection of PRGF). Animals were euthanized 56 and 84 days after surgery and the condyles were processed for posterior histological evaluation.ResultsBetter scores were obtained in treatment group in both scoring systems at 56- and 84-days follow-up than in control group. Additionally, longer-term histological benefits have been obtained in the treatment group.ConclusionsThe results suggests that IO infiltration of PRGF enhances cartilage and subchondral bone healing more than the IA-only PRGF infiltration and provides longer-lasting beneficial effects.

This study performs an analysis that will enable the evaluation of the quality, durability, and structure of repaired cartilaginous extracellular matrix tissue using an autologous-based particulated autograft cartilage and platelet-rich plasma treatment (PACI + PRP). A single-blind controlled experiment was conducted on 28 sheep to evaluate the efficacy of the PACI + PRP treatment for cartilage defects. Full-thickness 8 mm diameter defects were created in the weight-bearing area of both knees. The right knees received PACI + PRP. The left knees were treated with Ringer’s lactate solution (RLS) or hyaluronic acid (HA) injections. Sheep were euthanized at 9- or 18-months post-surgery. An extensive immunohistochemical analysis was performed to assess collagen types (I, II, III, V, VI, IX, X, XI) and aggrecan positivity. A semiquantitative scoring system provided a detailed evaluation of immunostaining. Collagens and aggrecan scores in the PACI + PRP groups were similar to healthy cartilage. Significant differences were found in collagens associated with matrix maturity (II and V), degradation (IX), structure and mechanics (VI), and hypertrophy (X) between healthy cartilage and RLS- or HA-repaired cartilage. The PACI + PRP treatment advanced the repair cartilage process in chondral defects with mature hyaline cartilage and enhanced the structural and mechanical qualities with better consistent cartilage, less susceptible to degradation and without hypertrophic formation over time.

IntroductionFeline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a chronic disease that leads to the weakening of a cat's immune system. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) offers therapeutic effects for multiple diseases, the use of PRP and growth factors (GFs) determination could be an alternative treatment to improve the quality of life in these patients. The objectives of this study were to determine and compare the concentration of platelets (PLTs), red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs) between samples of whole blood (WB), PRP and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) fractions, and to evaluate the concentration of platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in both fractions in FeLV cats using a PRGF®-Endoret® protocol previously standardized in this species.MethodsWB was collected from 11 asymptomatic FeLV-positive cats. PRP and PPP was obtained following PRGF®-Endoret® technology according to centrifugation at 265 g for 10 min. Cellular components, RBCs, WBCs, PLTs, and the PDGF-BB and TGF-β1 concentrations in PRP and PPP fractions were determined.ResultsPLT in the PRP fraction was statistically higher than WB and PPP fraction, with no statistical differences between WB and PPP. PLT concentration increased 1.4 times in PRP fraction compared to WB. Mean platelet volume (MPV) did not differ significantly between the WB, PRP, and PPP fractions. Compared to WB, the absolute numbers of RBCs and WBCs were decreased by 99% and more than 95% in the PRP and PPP fractions, respectively. TGF-ß1 concentrations increased in PRP vs. PPP, with no changes in PDGF-BB.DiscussionBased on the degree of PLT enrichment and the absence of RBCs and WBCs, this blood product could be classified as a Pure Platelet-Rich Plasma (P-PRP). The presence of GFs in PRP and PPP samples suggests that the PRGF®-Endoret® methodology is suitable for obtaining PRP in FeLV cats, despite future studies are necessary to optimize the technique, standardize the results and assess clinical efficacy.

IntroductionIntra-articular infiltration of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) and adipose mesenchymal stromal cells (AMSCs) are known to inhibit osteoarthritis progression. However, in severely affected patients, the treatment cannot reach the deeper layers of the articular cartilage; thus, its potential is limited. To overcome this limitation, intra-osseous infiltrations have been suggested. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of intra-osseous infiltration therapies on serum biomarkers of osteoarthritis and to assess cartilage regeneration macroscopically.Materials and methodsA total of 80 rabbits were divided into four groups based on the intra-osseous treatment administered on the day of surgery: control, PRGF, AMSCs and a combination of PRGF + AMSCs. In addition, all groups received a single intra-articular administration of PRGF on the same day. Serum biomarker levels were measured before infiltration and 28-, 56-, and 84-days post infiltration, and macroscopical assessment was conducted at 56- and 84-days follow-up post infiltration.ResultsIn the PRGF + AMSCs group, significantly lower concentrations of hyaluronic acid and type II collagen cleavage neoepitope were recorded at all time points during the study, followed by PRGF, AMSCs and control groups. Regarding macroscopical assessment, lower scores were obtained in PRGF + AMSCs group at all study times.DiscussionThe results suggest that the combination of intra-articular PRGF with intra-osseous PRGF or AMSCs achieves better results in rabbits with acute chondral defects and that intra-osseous infiltration is a safe procedure.

IntroductionPlatelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous plasma with platelet (PLT) concentration above that of whole blood (WB). PLTs contain growth factors (GFs) that promote tissular repair.ObjectivesTo determine and compare the concentrations of PLT, red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC) between WB samples, PRP and platelet poor plasma (PPP) samples; and to analyze the concentrations of platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in the PRP and PPP of healthy adult cats using a standardized protocol with PRGF®-Endoret® characteristics.Material and MethodsWB was collected from 30 cats. PRP was obtained following three centrifugation protocols using PRGF®-Endoret® technology: 255, 260, and 265 g for 10 min each. The cellular components, RBC, WBC, PLT, and the concentrations of PDGF-BB and TGF-β1 in the PRP and PPP fractions were determined for each protocol.ResultsPLTs in the PRP fraction were statistically higher than WB, with no statistical differences between PPP and WB. In PRP fraction, PLT concentration was increased 1.4 times on average at 255 g; 1.3 times at 260 g and, 1.5 times at 265 g without statistical differences among them. The mean platelet volume (MPV) was significantly higher in WB compared to PRP and PPP fractions without significant differences between protocols. Compared to WB, the number of RBCs and WBCs was reduced by 99% and by more than 95% in PRP and PPP respectively, without significant differences between protocols. PDGF-BB concentrations were statistically higher in PRP than in PPP fractions, however, TGF-ß1 concentrations did not vary between fractions at 260 g. Comparing the three protocols within PRP and PPP fractions, no differences in PDGF-BB and TGF-ß1 concentrations were observed.Clinical RelevanceThe study shows scientific evidence regarding the obtention of PRP in cats using the PRGF®-Endoret® technology for the quantification of PDGF-BB and TGF-ß1. At 265 g for 10 min, PLT concentration was increased 1.5 times with unnoticeable erythrocytes and leukocytes in the samples. These results clearly show that the PRGF®-Endoret® methodology is suitable to obtain PRP in cats. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical efficacy of the obtained PGRF in the treatment of different pathologies in cats.

Abstract Background Pedobarographic analyses detect pressure redistribution among limbs and within limbs in humans, equids and dogs. The main objective of this study was to assess the usefulness of a set of pedobarographic parameters for the detection of lameness, as well as for its suitability for assessing the effects of therapies against osteoarthritis in dogs. With this purpose, eleven large-breed lame dogs with unilateral osteoarthritis due to elbow dysplasia were evaluated using a pressure platform prior to (D0) and after 3 months (D90) of treatment with mavacoxib, a COX-2 selective NSAID. The obtained parameters were: pressure distribution between lame and sound limbs, as well as paw area, mean pressure, and peak pressure of both lame and sound limbs. Results The results showed statistical differences in all these parameters between lame and sound limbs at D0; however, at D90, differences were significantly decreased as result of the treatment, indicating a substantial functional recovery under the study design conditions. Conclusions The provided data prove the suitability of this novel technique in canine models for the quantitative and objective assessment of lameness, but also for the evaluation of treatments for lameness caused by articular pain.

Abstract Background The limb center of pressure (COP) path measures and quantifies the load distribution within a limb in a still or moving subject. Under this premise, the aim of this study was to test whether data derived from this parameter could detect the differences between sound and lame limbs in unilaterally lame dogs with elbow dysplasia. To accomplish this purpose, ten unilaterally lame dogs of similar conformation were walked over a pressure platform. Next, the COP path, in relation to the position of sound and lame limbs, was measured in a coordinate system over a standard paw template obtained by pedobarography during the whole support phase. To compare variables, force platform data (peak vertical force and vertical impulse) from the same animals were obtained. Sound and lame limb statokinesiograms were also obtained while the animals stood still. Results The statistical analysis clearly showed that COP in lame limbs start cranially and were shorter than sound limbs. In addition, the value of the COP excursion index was lower in lame limbs. Finally, the area of statokinesiograms was greater in lame limbs. Conclusion This methodology based in limb COP characteristics serves to discriminate between sound and lame limbs in dogs with elbow dysplasia.

The objective of this study was to assess the ability of experimental advanced breeding clones as parental genotypes to transmit agronomic and quality traits to their progenies in breeding programs. A half diallel set of crosses (excluding reciprocals) with six parents was assayed in field trials for three years; four of the parents were Solanumtuberosum subsp. tuberosum cultivars, and two of them were advanced breeding clones that included genes from S. tuberosum subsp. andigenum with immunity to PVY virus and good agronomic performance. However, no information was available about the behavior of these clones as parental materials for quality traits, such as potato chip quality. The diallel mating design allowed us to discover their ability to transmit agronomic and quality traits to their offspring. Significant effects on general combining ability and specific combining ability were found for plant maturity, only general combining ability effects for specific gravity were found, and interactions of both general combining ability and specific combining ability with the environment for the chip color trait were found. However, no genetic effects were detected for yield. Where general combining ability significant effects were found, additive genetic effects are predominant; thus, so for those traits, it would be possible to use these genotypes as parents to obtain improved progenies. Such abilities were not found in the advanced breeding clones.

Abstract Background Static posturography and pedobarography are based on the detection of postural imbalance and, consequently, the pressure redistribution between limbs in lame subjects. These techniques have proven to be useful for the detection of lameness in humans and dogs. The main objective of this study was to test the suitability of static posturography and pedobarography in diagnosing lameness in ponies. A pressure platform was used to obtain postural data (statokinesiograms, mean X and Y, length, LFS ratio, and mean velocity) from 10 sound ponies and 7 ponies with unilateral forelimb lameness. Static pedobarographic data (pressure distribution, mean pressure, and peak pressure) were also collected and compared with force plate data (peak vertical force and vertical impulse) obtained from the same animals at the walk. Results Significant differences were seen between lame and sound ponies for almost all evaluated parameters. With this sample size, differences between lame and sound limbs/groups were detected with a statistical power of 90%, except for mean X and Y. Conclusions Static posturography and pedobarography provide a complementary approach for lameness detection in equids.

Abstract Background The usefulness of studying posture and its modifications due to locomotor deficiencies of multiple origins has been widely proven in humans. To assess its suitability in the canine species, static posturography and dynamic pedobarography were performed on lame dogs affected with unilateral elbow dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament rupture by using a pressure platform. With this objective, statokinesiograms and stabilograms, the percentage of pressure distribution between limbs, paw area, mean pressure, and peak pressure, were obtained from lame and sound dogs. These data were compared with Peak Vertical Force values originated from a force platform in the same recording sessions. Results Significant differences were found in the parameters mentioned above between sound and lame dogs and limbs. Conclusions Posturography and pedobarography are useful and reliable for the monitoring of fore and hindlimb lameness in dogs, providing a new set of parameters for lameness detection.

Tendon injuries are the most frequent musculoskeletal problems, constituting 30–50% of all sport-related lesions. Efficient handling of early stage tendon injury and healing can accelerate tendon repair as well as improve the quality of newly formed tendons. Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) is an autologous biological therapy that has been proposed to treat tendon injuries. To elucidate the effect of this treatment on the early stage of tendon healing, 14 sheep were used to perform the present study. The right Achilles tendon was surgically severed and repaired with sutures. Seven animals were treated with PRGF and the other seven with saline solution after surgical tendon reconstruction. Tendons were ultrasound-guide infiltrated 1 week after the induced injury. Two weeks later, the sheep were euthanized and histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. The tendons with PRGF showed reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells compared to those treated with saline solution. Analysis of the blood vessels, morphometric data of fibroblast nuclei, and collagen fibres in the extracellular matrix did not show statistical differences between groups. These findings suggest the important role that PRGF therapy plays in the modulation of inflammatory response in Achilles tendon injuries, leading to acceleration of the tendon healing process, shortening the convalescence period.

This study analyzes the air–water flow properties in overflow nappe jets. Data were measured in several cross-sections of rectangular free-falling jets downstream of a sharp-crested weir, with a maximum fall distance of 2.0 m. The flow properties were obtained using a conductivity phase-detection probe. Furthermore, a back-flushing Pitot-Prandtl probe was used in order to obtain the velocity profiles. Five specific flows rates were analyzed, from 0.024 to 0.096 m3/s/m. The measurements of the air–water flow allowed us to characterize the increment of the air entrainment during the fall, affecting the flow characteristic distributions, reducing the non-aerated water inner core, and increasing the lateral spread, thereby leading to changes in the jet thickness. The results showed slight differences between the upper and lower nappe trajectories. The experimental data of the jet thickness related to a local void fraction of 50% seemed to be similar to the jet thickness due only to gravitational effects until the break-up length was reached. The amount of energy tended to remain constant until the falling distance was over 15 times greater than the total energy head over the weir crest, a distance at which the entrained air affected the entire cross-section, and the non-aerated core tended to disappear. The new experiments related with air–water properties in free-falling jets allow us to improve the current knowledge of turbulent rectangular jets.

Wheat is one of the most important cereals in terms of its role in the human diet. The distribution of the nutrients in wheat grains depends largely on their morphology, the bran fraction being the richest in minerals, thus developing important functions related to human health. The main purpose of this study was to point out the potential nutritional and health claims related to the mineral composition based on the current European legislation in order to valorize the interesting wheat varieties traditionally consumed in Spain. The mineral composition (microelements: Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn; and macrolements: Ca, Mg, Na, and K) were evaluated in different milling fractions (white flour, whole grain flour, and bran fraction) of 4 wheat varieties of durum (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum Linnaeus) and bread (Triticum aestivum Linnaeus) wheat. As expected, the mineral concentration was higher in the case of bran and whole grain flour, K and Mg being the principal minerals found. A difference between wheat genotype and harvesting year have been found. Moreover, regarding these preliminary results, some samples analysed in the present study met the conditions of use of different approved health claims that could support the possibility to consider wheat flours, especially whole grain flour and bran fraction as functional foods, but some did not.

Spike lavender, Lavandula latifolia Medik., is a species of economic importance for its essential oil (EO). The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of the variable climate and fixed factors such as soil and geographic location on EO yield and quality. The study material was collected in 34 populations from four different Spanish bioregions for three years. The EO extraction from spike lavender leaves and flowers was done with simple hydrodistillation, in Clevenger. Soil samples were also collected. Climate data were provided by the State Meteorological Agency. The EO average yield was obtained for the bioregion mean and in each bioregion. The higher EO yield is related clearly to the climate condition. A greater amount of annual rainfall produced a higher EO yield in the four bioregions and of better quality. Soils richer in organic matter and minerals produced higher EO yield but with less quality. The altitude had little effect on EO yield. Higher altitude favored obtaining higher EO quality. At lower latitude, further south, the populations obtained a higher EO yield. The evaluation of the environmental effect on the EO yield and quality could allow better natural conservation and more accurate selection of the best populations for breeding and spike lavender cultivation protocols.

This experimental study presents an analysis of the air–water flow in rectangular free-falling jets. The measurements were obtained downstream of a 1.05 m wide sharp-crested weir. The properties of the air–water flow were registered in several cross-sections of the nappe. A conductivity phase detection probe was employed, sampling at 20 kHz. Three different specific flows were considered, with energy head over the crest of 0.080, 0.109 and 0.131 m to avoid scale effects. To analyze the flow properties, air–water parameters during the fall, such as the phase change spatial distribution, air–water phase change of frequency, Sauter mean diameter, bubble chord length, turbulent intensities and spectral analyses, were studied. The jet thickness behaviors (inner jet core and free surface) were also analyzed in the falling jet. The jet thickness related to a void fraction of 90% seems to be similar to the theoretical proposal obtained by Castillo et al. (2015), while the jet thickness related to a void fraction of 10% seems to be similar to the jet thickness due to gravitational effects. The results show relative differences in the behavior of the upper and lower sides of the nappe. The experimental data allow us to improve on and complement previous research.

Wheat is an important cereal with a key role in human nutrition. In this study, dietary fiber (DF) and arabinoxylans of different durum (Triticum turgidum ssp. Durum L.) and bread (Triticum aestivum L.) wheat flours were analyzed in order to point out their potential nutritional and health claims allege according to the current European regulation (Regulation (EU) No 432/2012). Moreover, other bioactive compounds (phenolics and tocopherols) were quantified as a first approach to their phytochemical composition in the analyzed wheat varieties. DF was analyzed following AOAC enzymatic-gravimetric methods; arabinoxylans and total phenols were quantified by colorimetric methods; tocopherols were determined by HPLC; antioxidant activity was evaluated using three different in vitro assays. Insoluble DF was the prevailing fraction in all analyzed samples. Water extractable arabinoxylans were higher in durum wheat flours. Whole flours contained higher total phenolics compounds. Alpha-tocopherol was the major isoform. Whole flours showed higher antioxidant properties. According to the obtained results, it is possible to allege all approved health claims referred to wheat, since all analyzed samples, especially whole flour and bran fraction, showed potential health benefits, as functional ingredients or functional foods, related with their phytochemical composition.

Wheat landraces are currently being explored mainly as a source of allelic variation related to crop resilience and low-input adaptation. Characterization of their high- and low-molecular weight glutenin subunits can aid breeders to select as donor local materials those ensuring good end-use properties in the derived elite cultivars. By using protein electrophoretic methods, we have determined the prolamin allelic profile of 116 Spanish durum wheat landraces. Their quality properties (as defined by grain protein content, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) sedimentation volume and mixograph behavior) have also been assessed. The study has identified six novel glutenin alleles plus some other rare alleles some of which have been associated with improved durum wheat quality. Most of the novel variation detected needs to be characterized in a wider sample of varieties to establish any eventual beneficial effect on functional quality. Further analysis of the quality properties associated to specific allele combinations of Glu-A3, Glu-B3, and Glu-A1 has disclosed some clues on the influence on quality of certain non-allelic interactions between these main prolamin-encoding loci. Some of the landraces, showing outstanding values for the gluten quality parameters analyzed, might be directly used by farmers interested in the cultivation of traditional varieties for specialized food markets.

A novel computational tool, DIMRACK, is presented for the design of the required length of bottom racks in intake systems. The users may consider clear water cases or the rack’s occlusion due to sediment transport in the river. The computational tool uses a methodology based on the experimental works undertaken at the Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena from 2010. This work also presents an extension of the methodology to cover a broad range of void ratios, bar profiles, slopes, and flow rates. Designing nomograms are also proposed. These are two diagrams to allow the approximate graphical computation of the rack length with clear water. In sediment transport cases, an occlusion factor is proposed, obtained from experimental gravel tests. This parameter enables an increment in the rack length due to occlusion, depending on the bar type. The results are compared with those proposed in classical technical manuals. Finally, the results have been compared with ten existing small hydropower plants’ bottom intake designs in Ecuador.

Osteoarticular pathologies very often require an implementation therapy to favor regeneration processes of bone, cartilage and/or tendons. Clinical approaches performed on osteoarticular complications in dogs constitute an ideal model for human clinical translational applications. The adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) have already been used to accelerate and facilitate the regenerative process. ASCs can be maintained in vitro and they can be differentiated to osteocytes or chondrocytes offering a good tool for cell replacement therapies in human and veterinary medicine. Although ACSs can be easily obtained from adipose tissue, the amplification process is usually performed by a time consuming process of successive passages. In this work, we use canine ASCs obtained by using a Bioreactor device under GMP cell culture conditions that produces a minimum of 30 million cells within 2 weeks. This method provides a rapid and aseptic method for production of sufficient stem cells with potential further use in clinical applications. We show that plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) treatment positively contributes to viability and proliferation of canine ASCs into caprolactone 2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl ester (CLMA) scaffolds. This biomaterial does not need additional modifications for cASCs attachment and proliferation. Here we propose a framework based on a combination of approaches that may contribute to increase the therapeutical capability of stem cells by the use of PRGF and compatible biomaterials for bone and connective tissue regeneration.

Flow over bottom racks is highly turbulent, three-dimensional and spatially varied. The design of bottom intake systems has mainly been studied in the laboratory. The comparison of existing experimental studies shows large deviations in the definition of design parameters such as wetted rack length. Each experimental study is limited to a single bar type or to a low range of void ratios, which makes it difficult to generalize the observed data. A combination of empirical, dimensional and inspectional analysis is presented as a useful tool to reduce the number of variables with influence in the design parameters, such as the wetted rack length or the mean discharge coefficient. This work includes a broad experimental campaign in which wetted rack length and mean discharge coefficient are characterized using five different bottom racks with different void ratios (area between bars divided by total area). T-shaped flat and circular bars are considered as well as five different longitudinal slopes. Empirical and inspectional analyses have allowed us to verify, in two different ways, the relation between wetted rack length and incoming flow through potential functions. The influence of the viscous forces has been studied as a function of the incoming flow. Similar results may be obtained when analysing the Froude number at the beginning of the rack, depending on the wetted rack length. A new formulation for calculating the mean discharge coefficient and wetted rack length is proposed.

The overall increase of chronic degenerative diseases associated with ageing makes wound care a tremendous socioeconomic burden. Thus, there is a growing need to develop novel wound healing therapies to improve cutaneous wound healing. The use of regenerative therapies is becoming increasingly popular due to the low-invasive procedures needed to apply them. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is gaining interest due to its potential to stimulate and accelerate the wound healing process. The cytokines and growth factors forming PRP play a crucial role in the healing process. This article reviews the emerging field of skin wound regenerative therapies with particular emphasis on PRP and the role of growth factors in the wound healing process.

Storm water overflows have an important impact on the environment in many European countries. Nowadays, a better knowledge of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) pollution is required for implementing measures to reduce these emissions. In this work, pollution flows mobilized during rainy events have been monitored and modeled in two urban catchments located in the city of Murcia (southeast Spain). For each analyzed event, rainfall volume, in-sewer turbidity and water flow depth have been continuously measured. Therefore, sets of pollutographs and hydrographs have been obtained for each event analyzed. Characteristic variables have been defined and obtained for each event such as the maximum concentration of turbidity, the total event rainfall, the previous dry weather period, the time to the peak of the hydrograph and to the peak of the pollutograph, among others. Relations between variables have been adjusted through a statistical model. The adjusted parameters are used to generate pollutographs that are compared with those measured in field. The present work provides tools to assist in the knowledge of pollution transported through sewer network during stormy events, suggesting the creation of design pollutographs which may facilitate the evaluation of measures to reduce urban runoff pollution.

The study analyzes the flow over bottom racks made of longitudinal T-shaped bars. A clear water flow is considered in a laboratory flume. Free surface profiles, wetted rack lengths, and discharge coefficients are measured, changing parameters such as longitudinal slope, void ratio, and approaching flow. The present work complements existing experimental studies, considering the influence of the approaching flow conditions. The velocity field measured with Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique and the pressure field with Pitot tubes are quantified. Numerical simulations (CFD) are used to complement laboratory data. The energy head along the rack is calculated and compared with the hypothesis of horizontal energy level with minimum energy at the beginning of the rack. A discharge coefficient adjustment that considers the slope, the void ratio, and the position along the rack is proposed and presented with the results of other works. Theoretical proposals to calculate the pressure field along the flow are compared with measurements in the laboratory. The relation between the static pressure head in the space of bars and the discharge coefficient is used as an alternative method to define the discharge.

Rainfall runoff collection in ephemeral streams is an objective in semi-arid zones. Rack intake systems are proposed to collect these flash floods with intensive sediment transport. The design parameters address the problem of clogging the spacing between bars. Experiments for two different void ratio racks are shown. Flows, longitudinal slopes in the rack, and water with three gravel-sized sediments were tested. Results such as effective void ratio due to the gravel deposition over the rack, the evolution of the flow rejected during each test, and the quantification of materials collected and deposited, are presented. The optimal longitudinal rack slope seems to be close to 30%. The effective void ratio is related to several hydraulic parameters calculated at the beginning of the rack. Some adjustments were proposed to predict the effective void ratio.

Paute-Cardenillo (owned by Celec Ep-Hidropaute) is a dam with maximum height 135 m located in the Paute River in Ecuador. Its hydroelectric production will be integrated at the National Electric System of Ecuador with an installed capacity of 600 MW which will produce 3300 GWh per year. To evaluate the stability and safety of the structure, it is necessary to ascertain the shape and dimensions of the scour generated downstream from the dam. We studied the scour, due to the operation of the free surface spillway (700 m3/s) and half-height outlets (1760 m3/s), with three complementary procedures: empirical formulae obtained in models and prototypes, semi-empirical methodology based on pressure fluctuations-erodibility index and computational fluid dynamics simulations. The free surface weir could generate a scour around 21 m, while the intermediate outlet could reach the intact rock, located 34 m below the initial river bed. A pre-excavated basin is proposed and the velocities and pressures are analyzed. The results demonstrated the suitability of combining different methodologies to achieve an adequate resolution of this complex phenomenon.