A PCR based method to detect Russula spp. in soil samples and Limodorum abortivum roots in Mediterranean environments

Aim of study. Orchidaceae has the largest number of species of any family in the plant kingdom. This family is subject to a high risk of extinction in natural environments, such as natural parks and protected areas. Recent studies have shown the prevalence of many species of orchids to be linked to fungal soil diversity, due to their myco-heterotrophic behaviour. Plant communities determine fungal soil diversity, and both generate optimal conditions for orchid development. Area of study. The work was carried out in n the two most important natural parks in Alicante (Font Roja and Sierra Mariola), in South-eastern of Spain. Material and Methods. We designed a molecular tool to monitor the presence of Russula spp. in soil and orchids roots, combined with phytosociological methods. Main results. Using a PCR-based method, we detected the presence in the soil and Limodorum abortivum orchid roots of the mycorrhizal fungi Russula spp. The species with highest coverage was Quercus rotundifolia in areas where the orchid was present. Research highlights. We present a useful tool based on PCR to detect the presence of Russula spp. in a natural environment. These results are consistent with those obtained in different studies that linked the presence of the mycorrhizal fungi Russula spp. in roots of the species Limodorum and the interaction between these fungal species and Quercus ilex trees in Mediterranean forest environments.

Conceptualización teórica de la resiliencia psicosocial y su relación con la salud

La resiliencia es un término que surge de la física en relación con la resistencia de los materiales así como con la capacidad de recuperación de los mismos al ser sometidos a diferentes presiones y fuerzas. En la actualidad consideramos que el concepto de resiliencia sigue siendo un constructo ambiguo, que necesita una mayor clarificación, sobre todo, en cuestiones referidas a su configuración teórica. Para poder llevarlo a la práctica en condiciones óptimas, necesitamos contar con un modelo que permita mejorar los resultados de las poblaciones vulnerables y de la población general en relación con la salud. En este trabajo se pretende profundizar en la configuración de la resiliencia psicosocial, estudiando las variables que empíricamente se relacionan con ella, con el objetivo de aproximarnos a una construcción más clara que permita su aplicabilidad en futuras investigaciones en el ámbito de la salud.

CIMBNC- Combination and interactions of three kinds of nanoclays structural modifiers, for the colored bio-nanocomposites optimization

Biopolymers do not have competitive prices, which has prevented their industrial exploitation on a global scale so far. In this context, Using nanoclays, improvements in certain biopolymer properties, mainly mechanical and thermal, have been achieved. However, research has been much less focused on changing optical properties through the incorporation of nanoclays. At the same time, current research has focused on obtaining nanopigments, by organic dyes adsoptions into different nanoclays in order to achieve sustainable colouring and high performance materials. By combining advances in these lines of research, biodegradable composites with optimal mechanical and optical properties can be obtained. The aim of this work is to find the optimal formulation of naturally sourced nanopigments, incorporate them into a biological origin epoxy resin, and obtain a significant improvement in their mechanical, and optical properties. We combine three structural modifiers in the nanopigment synthesis: surfactant, silane and mordant salt. The latter was selected in order to replicate the mordant textile dyeing with natural dyes. Using a Taguchi’s desing L8, we look for the effect of the presence of the modifiers, the pH acidification, and the interactions effect between the synthesis factors. Three natural dyes were selected: chlorophyll, beta-carotene, and beetroot extract. Furthermore we use two kinds of laminar nanoclays, differentiated by the ion exchange charge: montmorillonite, and hydrotalcite. Then the thermal, mechanical and colorimetric characterization of the bionanocomposite materials was carried out. The optimal conditions to obtain the best bionanocomposite materials are using acid pH, and modifying the nanoclays with mordant and surfactant.

Simultaneous synthesis of heat exchanger networks with pressure recovery: optimal integration between heat and work

The optimal integration between heat and work may significantly reduce the energy demand and consequently the process cost. This paper introduces a new mathematical model for the simultaneous synthesis of heat exchanger networks (HENs) in which the pressure levels of the process streams can be adjusted to enhance the heat integration. A superstructure is proposed for the HEN design with pressure recovery, developed via generalized disjunctive programming (GDP) and mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) formulation. The process conditions (stream temperature and pressure) must be optimized. Furthermore, the approach allows for coupling of the turbines and compressors and selection of the turbines and valves to minimize the total annualized cost, which consists of the operational and capital expenses. The model is tested for its applicability in three case studies, including a cryogenic application. The results indicate that the energy integration reduces the quantity of utilities required, thus decreasing the overall cost.

Hybrid simulation-optimization based approach for the optimal design of single-product biotechnological processes

In this work, we present a systematic method for the optimal development of bioprocesses that relies on the combined use of simulation packages and optimization tools. One of the main advantages of our method is that it allows for the simultaneous optimization of all the individual components of a bioprocess, including the main upstream and downstream units. The design task is mathematically formulated as a mixed-integer dynamic optimization (MIDO) problem, which is solved by a decomposition method that iterates between primal and master sub-problems. The primal dynamic optimization problem optimizes the operating conditions, bioreactor kinetics and equipment sizes, whereas the master levels entails the solution of a tailored mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model that decides on the values of the integer variables (i.e., number of equipments in parallel and topological decisions). The dynamic optimization primal sub-problems are solved via a sequential approach that integrates the process simulator SuperPro Designer® with an external NLP solver implemented in Matlab®. The capabilities of the proposed methodology are illustrated through its application to a typical fermentation process and to the production of the amino acid L-lysine.

Impedance spectroscopy study of the effect of environmental conditions in the microstructure development of OPC and slag cement mortars

In this work, the microstructure of mortars made with an ordinary Portland cement and slag cement has been studied. These mortars were exposed to four different constant temperature and relative humidity environments during a 180-day period. The microstructure has been studied using impedance spectroscopy, and mercury intrusion porosimetry as a contrast technique. The impedance spectroscopy parameters make it possible to analyze the evolution of the solid fraction formation for the studied mortars and their results are confirmed with those obtained using mercury intrusion porosimetry. The development of the pore network of mortars is affected by the environment. However, slag cement mortars are more influenced by temperature while the relative humidity has a greater influence on the OPC mortars. The results show that slag cement mortars hardened under non-optimal environments have a more refined microstructure than OPC mortars for the studied environmental conditions.