Pollutant formation and emissions from cement kiln stack using a solid recovered fuel from municipal solid waste.

The thermal decomposition of a solid recovered fuel (SRF) has been studied by two techniques. First, laboratory-scale experiments were performed in a horizontal furnace in which different atmospheres were studied to analyze the dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) evolved from the decomposition of the material. Sulfur presence was revealed to be important in PCDD/Fs formation. In the second technique, the emissions of various pollutants (PAHs, PCDD/Fs, metals, acid gases, etc.) were determined in a cement kiln fed on different proportions of SRF material, and where a maximum feed rate of 15000 kg SRF/h was achieved. In the laboratory furnace the dioxin toxicity revealed a maximum when the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere increased until approximately stoichiometric conditions. In the cement kiln, all emitted pollutants were under the legal limits. No correlation between SRF input and metal emission was observed.

"We can't carry the weight of the whole world": illness experiences among Peruvian older adults with symptoms of depression and anxiety.

BACKGROUND: Despite the high levels of depression and anxiety symptoms in old age, the use of mental health services in this population is low. Help-seeking behaviors are shaped by how an individual perceives and experiences their illness. The objective of this study was to characterize the illness experiences of Peruvian older adults with depression and anxiety symptoms in order to lay the foundation for tailored community-based mental health interventions. METHODS: In this qualitative study, we conducted in-depth interviews with a purposively selected sample of older adults (≥ 60 years) from peri-urban areas of Lima, Peru. We included individuals with only depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 ≥ 10), only anxiety symptoms (Beck Anxiety Inventory ≥ 16), with depressive and anxiety symptoms, and older adults who mentioned they had received mental health treatment/care. The interview guide included the following topics: perceptions and experiences about depression and anxiety; perceptions about the relationship between physical chronic diseases and mental health; experiences with mental health professionals and treatments, and coping mechanisms. Data collection was conducted between October 2018 and February 2019. RESULTS: We interviewed 38 participants (23 women, 15 men) with a mean age of 67.9 years. Participants' ideas and perceptions of depression and anxiety showed considerable overlap. Participants attributed depression and anxiety mainly to familial and financial problems, loneliness, loss of independence and past traumatic experiences. Coping strategies used by older adults included 'self-reflection and adaptation' to circumstances, 'do your part', and seeking 'emotional support' mainly from non-professionals (relatives, friends, acquaintances, and religion). CONCLUSIONS: Illness experiences of depression and anxiety set the pathway for tailored community-based mental health interventions for older adults. Overlapping narratives and perceptions of depression and anxiety suggest that these conditions should be addressed together. Mental health interventions should incorporate addressing areas related to depression and anxiety such as prevention of loss of independence, trauma, and loneliness. Good acceptability of receiving emotional support for non-professionals might offer an opportunity to incorporate them when delivering mental health care to older adults.

Pollutant formation in the pyrolysis and combustion of Automotive Shredder Residue.

The present work has been carried out to verify the feasibility of thermal valorization of an automobile shredder residue (ASR). With this aim, the thermal decomposition of this waste has been studied in a laboratory scale reactor, analyzing the pollutants emitted under different operating conditions. The emission factors of carbon oxides, light hydrocarbons, PAHs, PCPhs, PCBzs, PBPhs, PCDD/Fs, dioxin-like PCBs and PBDD/Fs were determined at two temperatures, 600 and 850°C, and under different oxygen ratios ranging from 0 (pure pyrolysis) to 1.5 (over-stoichiometric oxidation). After analyzing all these compounds, we conclude that thermal valorization of ASR is a clean way to treat this waste.

Micro-molding with ultrasonic vibration energy: new method to disperse nanoclays in polymer matrices.

Ultrasound technology was proved as an efficient processing technique to obtain micro-molded specimens of polylactide (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS), which were selected as examples of biodegradable polyesters widely employed in commodity and specialty applications. Operational parameters such as amplitude, molding force and processing time were successfully optimized to prepare samples with a decrease in the number average molecular weight lower than 6%. Ultrasonic waves also seemed an ideal energy source to provide effective disaggregation of clay silicate layers, and therefore exfoliated nanocomposites. X-ray diffraction patterns of nanocomposites prepared by direct micro-molding of PLA or PBS powder mixtures with natural montmorillonite or different organo-modified clays showed the disappearance of the 001 silicate reflection for specimens having up to 6 wt.% clay content. All electron micrographs revealed relatively homogeneous dispersion and sheet nanostructures oriented in the direction of the melt flow. Incorporation of clay particles during processing had practically no influence on PLA characteristics but enhanced PBS degradation when an organo-modifier was employed. This was in agreement with thermal stability data deduced from thermogravimetric analysis. Cold crystallization experiments directly performed on micro-molded PLA specimens pointed to a complex influence of clay particles reflected by the increase or decrease of the overall non-isothermal crystallization rate when compared to the neat polymer. In all cases, the addition of clay led to a clear decrease in the Avrami exponent.

Piomioma durante el puerperio: reporte de un caso / Pyomyoma in puerperium: a case report

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: La prevalencia de miomas durante el embarazo varía de 2-10%. Se calcula que 1 de cada 10 pacientes embarazadas tendrá complicaciones relacionadas con miomas (dolor, aumento del riesgo de aborto, parto pretérmino, posiciones fetales anómalas, entre otras). CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente primigesta de 30 años, con sepsis puerperal por piomioma, con febrícula como única manifestación clínica. El diagnóstico de piomioma se estableció después de descartar otras causas de fiebre en el puerperio y se confirmó con ecografía transvaginal y tomografía computada. El tratamiento consistió en histerectomía y antibióticos, con evolución favorable posterior. CONCLUSIÓN: El piomioma es una alteración excepcional durante el embrazo. La alta mortalidad refleja la necesidad del diagnóstico temprano, con la finalidad de iniciar el tratamiento con antibiótico y posterior intervención quirúrgica.

Abstract BACKGROUND: During pregnancy the incidence of myoma is from 2-10%. It is known that 1 of 10 cases will have problems related to the myoma (pain, pregnancy loss increased risk, preterm birth, anomal fetal position) CLINICAL CASE: 30-year-old primiparous patient, with puerperal sepsis due to piomyoma, with low-grade fever as the only clinical manifestation. The diagnosis of piomyoma was established after ruling out other causes of fever in the puerperium and was confirmed with transvaginal ultrasound and computed tomography. The treatment consisted of hysterectomy and antibiotic therapy, with favorable later evolution. CONCLUSIONS: The piomyoma is an exceptional alteration during the pregnancy. The high mortality reflects the need for early diagnosis, in order to initiate antibiotic therapy and subsequent surgical intervention.

EVEA en anatomía: adhesión y gestión de contenidos por áreas / EVEA in anatomy: accession and content management by area

Estudios preliminares ratificaron beneficios cuali-cuantititavos con el uso de espacios virtuales de enseñanza y aprendizaje (EVEA) en Anatomía tanto en el rendimiento cognoscitivo como en aspectos socioeducativos y pedagógicos. Objetivo: Evaluar la adhesión, gestión de contenidos y uso de alumnos de grado con un EVEA según las áreas que componen la materia y características de los usuarios. Estudio observacional, retrospectivo y transversal sobre características de uso y gestión de contenidos (administrativa y académica) en actividades de anatomía clínica (anatomo-quirúrgicas y anátomo-imagenológicas) a través de un EVEA en 309 alumnos del ciclo 2011. Se dividieron las actividades por áreas de la materia y aplicaron parámetros estadísticos (descriptivos e inferenciales) a los resultados. El trabajo cumplió con las normativas ético-legales vigentes. La mayoría ingresaba al EVEA desde espacios públicos con conexión y con computadores móviles. Las 3 áreas presentaron un promedio de 4/5 ingresos por semana, diferenciándose en que durante esplacnología los usuarios no ingresaban el mismo día del trabajo práctico cadavérico y con el mayor tiempo de permanencia. Las actividades con casos clínico-quirúrgicos presentaron mayores intentos de realización con peores resultados. Las horas laborales fueron correlativas con parámetros de uso (cantidad y tiempo de logueo). La adhesión al espacio virtual presentó especificidades según las áreas de la materia que estuvieron relacionadas con las características laborales de los usuarios e incidieron en el rendimiento obtenido en las actividades acorde con la estrategia pedagógica de las mismas.

Preliminary studies and qualitative and quantitative benefits ratified the use of virtual environments for teaching and learning (VLE) in both anatomy and cognitive performance and socio-pedagogical aspects. The objective of the present study was to assess adherence, content management and use of undergraduate students as a EVEA areas that make up matter and user characteristics. An observational, retrospective and cross-sectional study on usage characteristics and content management (administrative and academic) activities of clinical anatomy (anatomical-surgical and anatomical-imaging) through a VLE in 309 of the 2011 students. Activities were divided by subject areas and applied statistical parameters (descriptive and inferential) results. The work complied with the ethical and legal regulations. The majority entered EVEA from public spaces with free and mobile computers. The 3 areas had an average of 4/5 weekly earnings, the difference being that during splanchnology users were not admitted on the day of cadaveric practical work and the longer residence time activities with clinical and surgical cases had higher completion attempts with worse outcomes. The working hours were correlated with parameters of use (quantity and time of logging). In conclusion adherence to the virtual space provided according to specific subject areas that were related to labor characteristics of users and affected the yield obtained in the activities according to the teaching strategy of them.

Rendimiento en casos clínico-imagenológicos a través del espacio virtual / Performance in clinical cases with images made through virtual spaces

Introducción: En estudios preliminares pudimos determinar la alta adherencia subjetiva y utilidad pedagógica de los espacios virtuales de enseñanza y aprendizaje (EVEA) en la enseñanza de la Anatomía. Objetivo: El objetivo del presente trabajo es evaluar el rendimiento en los casos clínicos con imágenes realizados en un EVEA en la rotación de Locomotor. Material y métodos: estudio observacional de tipo transversal mediante la utilización de un EVEA diseñado con el programa Moodle como recurso complementario a los trabajos prácticos de la rotación de locomotor en 313 alumnos de 3 comisiones del año 2011 de la asignatura Anatomía de la Facultad de Medicina-UBA. Valoramos parámetros de uso del espacio virtual y de rendimiento con el EVEA en las distintas actividades con especificación de la estrategia pedagógica utilizada. Aplicamos pruebas de estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Resultados: En las actividades con imagenología la cantidad de ingresos y tiempo de logueo eran mayores. Determinamos un mejor resultado en las actividades que incluyeron imágenes con reconstrucciones en 3D, e imágenes estructurales en 2D. Las actividades correspondientes a la anatomía topográfica del miembro inferior obtuvieron el rendimiento más bajo. Los alumnos manifestaron la importancia del conocimiento anatómico para el estudio de las imágenes y la utilidad de éstas para el estudio del preparado anatómico de los TP. El rendimiento en los casos de imagenología presentó una tendencia proporcional al resultado en el examen parcial (r=0.71; R2=0.62)...

Introduction: In preliminary studies we determined the high subjective adhesion and the pedagogical usefulness of teaching and learning virtual spaces for anatomic schooling. Objective: The objective of this work is to assess the performance of students in clinical cases with images made through virtual spaces in locomotor rotation. Application site: School of Medicine - UBA. Design: Cross observational study Population: 313 students of three commissions of the Anatomy class, in 2011 at the School of Medicine, UBA. Methods: Using a teaching and learning virtual space designed with Moodle ® program as an additional resource to the practical work on locomotor rotation of 313 students in 3 commissions in 2011 at the Anatomy class, at Faculty of Medicine, UBA. We value virtual space usage and performance in various activities with specification of the teaching strategy used, applying descriptive and inferential statistics Tests.Results: At the imaging activities the amount of revenues and logging time were higher. We found the best results in activities that included images with 3D reconstructions, and structural 2D images. Performance activities of the topographic anatomic lower limb were the lowest. Students expressed the importance of anatomical knowledge to the study of images and their usefulness for the study of the body at practical work. Performance in imaging cases showed proportional results comparing to partial examination (r = 0.71, R2 = 0.62)...

Interacción docente-alumno mediante la utilización de sistema virtual / Teacher-student interaction through the use of a virtual system

Introducción: Las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TICs) son un recurso didáctico como objeto de estudio, como elemento para la comunicación y la expresión, como instrumento para la organización, gestión y administración educativa, y/o como instrumento para la investigación, son un conjunto de procesos y productos derivados de las nuevas herramientas (hardware y software), soportes de la información y canales de comunicación, relacionada con el almacenamiento, procesamiento y transmisión digitalizados de la información de forma rápida y en grandes cantidades. Transforman las formas y tiempos de interacción entre docentes y estudiantes, favorecen el aprendizaje cooperativo al facilitar la organización de actividades grupales y motivan a los alumnos captando su atención, esencial para un buen aprendizaje3. Moodle es un tipo de TIC fundamentado en el constructivismo social, consiste en una plataforma especializada en contenido de aprendizaje que incluye desde el dictado de cursos hasta el trabajo en grupo mediante el uso de foros interactivos entre alumno-alumno y docente-alumno; el individuo aprende a medida que interactúa con el entorno y los otros. Promueve en el alumno el crecimiento personal y enfatiza la facilitación del aprendizaje antes que la transmisión de información.OBJETIVO: Demostrar que los EVEAs, con especificación de Moodle, constituyen una herramienta pedagógica que favorece la interacción docente-alumno, actuando como orientador en el aprendizaje. MATERIALES Y METODOS: Se implementó un EVEA realizado en Moodle® a los alumnos de una comisión de la materia Anatomía, integrantes del foro interactivo correspondiente a su turno. Los alumnos debieron responder un cuestionario elaborado por una compañera relacionado con un tema anatómico que no comprendía y que consideraba dificultoso también para sus otros compañeros de cursada...

Entorno virtual de enseñanza y aprendizaje aplicado como recurso instruccional complementario en la enseñanza de neuroanatomía: aspectos poblacionales, didácticos y psicopedagógicos / Virtual teaching and learning applied as supplementary instructional resources in teaching neuroanatomy: population, educational and psychopedagogic aspects

Las nuevas tecnologías de la información y la comunicación están cambiando la sociedad e influyen fuertemente en la educación, creando escenarios nuevos y valiosos tanto para la enseñanza como el aprendizaje. Estos entornos virtuales de enseñanza y aprendizaje (EVEA) son plataformas informáticas pensadas para facilitar la comunicación pedagógica entre los participantes en un marco de proceso educativo. El objetivo es presentar resultados de adherencia, rendimiento y utilidad didáctica del EVEA, especificando características, cuestiones poblacionales y psicopedagógicas subyacentes, al aplicarlo en Neuroanatomía. Diseñamos un EVEA mediante la utilización de Moodle® con actividades de consulta, tarea, foros de aprendizaje, wiki, hipertexto y cuestionario. Se implementó en 3 comisiones de la cursada 2010 de forma 1 obligatoria y 2 no obligatoria y se evaluaron parámetros para conocer la eficacia del recurso pedagógico implementado como complementario con contenidos curriculares de los trabajos prácticos. Los resultados fueron evaluados con herramientas de estadística descriptiva. El 75 por ciento de los alumnos utilizó el EVEA, la frecuencia de acceso mayor fue noche (20-24 hs). Detectamos dificultad en el uso diario de esta herramienta pese a su fácil acceso. La mitad ingresó 2 veces/semana, sin prevalencia en cuanto al día, mayormente 1 vez/día, desde el hogar, y permaneció logueado en el sitio entre 30 y 70 minutos (60 por ciento). Determinamos correlación entre resultados del parcial insatisfactorio y menor uso del recurso (R2>0,78). Objetivamos beneficios en el empleo de EVEA en la rotación Neuroanatomía. Dicho recurso genera la construcción del proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje mediante la reelaboración del contenido mediada por la estructura cognitiva subjetiva del alumno.

New technologies of information and communication are changing society and strongly influence education, creating new scenarios valuable to the teaching and learning. These virtual teaching and learning (VLEs) are software platforms thought to facilitate pedagogical communication among participants in a context of educational process. The aim was to present results of adhesion, performance and educational value of the VLE, specifying underlying population concerns and educational psychology, when applied in neuroanatomy. We designed a VLE using Moodle® with consultation activities, homework, learning forums, wiki, hypertext and questionnaire. Implemented in 3 committees that submitted 2010 for 1 (obligatory) and 2 (not obligatory) and parameters were evaluated to know the effectiveness of the resource implemented as complementary educational curricula for practical work. The results were evaluated using descriptive statistical tools. 75 percent of students used the VLE, the frequency of increased access was at night (20-24 hours). We detected difficulties in the daily use of this tool despite its easy access. Half entered 2 times per week, without prevalence of that day, mostly one time per day from home and logged into the site, remaining between 30 and 70 minutes (60 percent). We determined the correlation between unsatisfactory midterm exam performance and lower resource use (R2> 0.78). We objectified benefit in the use of VLEs in the Neuroanatomy rotation. That resource generated the construction of teaching and learning by reworking the content mediated by the student subjective cognitive structure.