Pesticides residues in tobacco smoke: risk assessment study.

Pesticides are not only used on food but also on non-food crops, such as tobacco, to control a range of unwanted animal, plant, and microbial, fungal pests. The residue levels in tobacco leaves are expected to decline up to harvest, during drying, and when the leaves are further processed. Additional pesticides may also be applied to the finished product and residue levels may remain present even when the tobacco is burned. Human exposure to pesticide residues on tobacco occurs when residues remaining in cigarette smoke are inhaled. Based on this assumption, the objectives of this research were (i) to determine the level of pesticides residues in harvested tobacco leaves and (ii) to assess the risk of human exposure to these residues in tobacco smoke. Pesticide residues were detected in all analysed tobacco samples. These detected residues represent ten different active ingredients (AI), three of these AIs (thiodicarb, alachlor, and endosulfan) are no longer allowed in Europe. A 54.7% of these residues were quantifiable. Furthermore, it was found that with the use of solid-phase extraction sorbent (SPE) as adsorbent and n-hexane as solvent, higher recoveries of the pesticide residues in the tobacco smoke from the amount spiked can be obtained. It was also found that cigarette filters help to reduce the intake of residues of pesticides that may be present in cigarettes. Finally, the study concluded that both active smoking and passive smoking populations are exposed to pesticide residues in the tobacco smoke.

Energetic, economic and environmental assessment for the anaerobic digestion of pretreated and codigested press mud.

This study investigates the feasibility of anaerobic digestion (AD) of press mud previously pretreated, using two methods: Liquid Hot Water (LHW) and Thermo-Alkaline (TA), from an economic, energetic and environmental point of view. Two scenarios, a sugar mill with and without distillery were studied, considering monodigestion and vinasse codigestion. The results have shown that the LHW and TA pretreatments are self-sufficient in terms of thermal requirements since they can recover heat from the biogas engine, but the maximum electric and thermal net energy (64 MWh d-1 and 95 MWh d-1, respectively) was obtained during co-digestion with vinasse. The results of the environmental Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) show that the alternatives improve the environmental profiles, in both scenarios. The endpoint impact category "Human health" had the highest contribution because of both: the burning of fossil fuel at refinery to supply the required electricity; and the production of Ca(OH)2 when vinasse was fed. The AD of pretreated press mud by LHW in CSTR reactors was the most viable for the scenario of a sugar mill without distillery, while the alternative co-digestion with the vinasse of the press mud without pretreatment was the most viable for the scenario of a sugar mill with distillery. This research shows that both the environmental and energetic profiles and the profitability of methane production can improve when the pretreatment and co-digestion of these wastes from the sugar - alcohol production process are considered.

Anaerobic co-digestion of sugarcane press mud with vinasse on methane yield.

The conversion efficiency of high solids waste digestion as sugarcane press mud (P) may be limited due to hydrolysis step. The option of co-digestion with vinasse, main liquid waste generated from ethanol production, was investigated under batch regime at mesophilic conditions (37.5±1°C) and the best mixture was evaluated under semicontinuous regime in stirred-tank reactors. The maximum values for methane yield in batch tests were for V75/P25 and V50/P50 mixtures (on basis of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) percentage added in the mixture), with an average value of 246NmL CH4g-1 CODfed, which was 13% higher than that of press mud alone. A highest methane production rate of 69.6NmL CH4g-1 CODfed-1d-1 was obtained for the mixtureV75/P25. During the experiment carried out in CSTR reactors, the organic loading rate (OLR) was increased from 0.5 up to 2.2gVSL-1d-1. Methane yields of 365L CH4 kg-1VS and biogas productivities of 1.6LL-1 were obtained in co-digestion, which was 64% higher in comparison to mono-digestion. The performance of the process in mono-digestion was less stable than in co-digestion, with a significant fall of methane yield to 1.8kgVSm-3d-1, and a partial inhibition of the methanogenic archaeas when the OLR was increased up to 2.2kgVSm-3d-1. The co-digestion of vinasse with press mud is a good option for the treatment of streams at the alcohol-sugar industry.

Prokaryote community dynamics in anaerobic co-digestion of swine manure, rice straw and industrial clay residuals.

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the addition of rice straw and clay residuals on the prokaryote methane-producing community structure in a semi-continuously stirred tank reactor fed with swine manure. Molecular techniques, including terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and a comparative nucleotide sequence analyses of the prokaryotic 16S rRNA genes, were performed. The results showed a positive effect of clay addition on methane yield during the co-digestion of swine manure and rice straw. At the digestion of swine manure, the bacterial phylum Firmicutes and the archaeal family Methanosarcinaceae, particularly Methanosarcina species, were predominant. During the co-digestion of swine manure and rice straw the microbial community changed, and with the addition of clay residual, the phylum Bacteroidetes predominated. The new nutritional conditions resulted in a shift in the archaeal family Methanosarcinaceae community as acetoclastic Methanosaeta species became dominant.

Auditoría de información como instrumento de gestión en la biblioteca de la Universidad de Sancti Spíritus / Information audit as a management tool at the library in the University of Sancti Spiritus

Objetivo: mostrar los resultados de una auditoría informacional como instrumento de gestión de la Biblioteca de la Universidad de Sancti Spíritus José Martí Pérez, que permite evaluar sus servicios. Métodos: el estudio relacionó el método cualitativo y cuantitativo, así como el uso de técnicas necesarias para identificar los aspectos determinantes en la evaluación de los servicios analizados. Se seleccionó el modelo integral para auditar organizaciones de información en Cuba, propuesto por María del Carmen Villardefrancos, el que favorece el desarrollo de una auditoría de información con revisiones limitadas, realizada en el primer trimestre del año 2014 a seis servicios de información seleccionados de la biblioteca universitaria en estudio. Resultados: se determinaron las principales limitaciones de los servicios de información y la gestión de sus procesos sustantivos, lo cual conllevó establecer el plan de acción a partir de las principales causas detectadas que impiden el buen funcionamiento de la biblioteca universitaria. Conclusiones: se constatan debilidades en los procesos de selección, búsqueda, recuperación, uso, manejo y evaluación de la información, tanto por el personal bibliotecario como por la comunidad usuaria; se requiere trabajar en un sistema de gestión de información más eficaz, un programa de alfabetización informacional, el mejoramiento de la infraestructura y el incremento en el uso de las potencialidades digitales de la biblioteca. Para esto se estableció un plan de acciones que contribuye al perfeccionamiento de los servicios de la biblioteca a corto plazo(AU)

Objective: present the results of an information audit as a management tool at the library in José Martí Pérez University of Sancti Spiritus which allows to evaluate the services offered. Methods: the study was based on both qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as the techniques required to identify determining aspects in the evaluation of the services examined. Analyses followed the comprehensive model proposed by María del Carmen Villardefrancos for the auditing of information organizations in Cuba, which was applied as a limited-revision audit in the first quarter of 2014 at six selected information services offered by the university library under study. Results: determination was made of the main limitations of information services and the management of their fundamental processes, and an action plan was developed based on the main factors hampering the efficient operation of the university library. Conclusions: weaknesses were found in the process of selection, search, retrieval, use, management and evaluation of information by both library staff and users. It is required to apply a more effective information management system and information literacy program, improve the infrastructure, and expand the use of the digital potential of the library. To this end, an action plan was set up aimed at the short-term improvement of the services offered by the library(AU)

Programa de alfabetización informacional para el personal bibliotecario de la Universidad de Sancti Spíritus / Information literacy program for the library staff at the University of Sancti Spiritus

Objetivo: exponer las experiencias de un programa de alfabetización informacional para el personal bibliotecario de la Universidad de Sancti Spíritus José Martí Pérez. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo a los 12 recursos humanos con que cuenta la biblioteca. Se aplicaron dos encuestas, antes y después de impartido el programa, en el período comprendido entre enero y abril de 2014. Se siguió el modelo formulado por Eisenberg y Berkowitz, denominado Big 6, para el diseño del programa de alfabetización informacional. Resultados: el 80 por ciento del personal bibliotecario manifestó satisfacción con el programa recibido y el 89 por ciento estuvo de acuerdo con los contenidos dispuestos en los cursos dentro del programa de alfabetización informacional. El 92 por ciento de los encuestados reconoció las destrezas desarrolladas a partir del programa implementado. El 25 por ciento del total de participantes elaboró dos artículos que fueron enviados a revistas indexadas en SCOPUS; 17 por ciento a revistas indexadas en LATINDEX y 33 por ceinto a revistas certificadas por el CITMA en Cuba. Conclusiones: los docentes manifestaron haber constatado el avance logrado por los cursistas durante el programa, y reconocieron el aporte de este para el desarrollo de sus competencias y funciones en la biblioteca(AU)

Objective: present the results of an information literacy program for the library staff at "José Martí Pérez" University of Sancti Spiritus. Methods: a descriptive study was conducted with the 12 library staff. Two surveys were applied, one before and one after the program, from January to April 2014. Design of the information literacy program was based on the model proposed by Eisenberg and Berkowitz, known as the Big Six. Results: 80 percent of the library staff expressed satisfaction with the program received, and 89 percent agreed with the contents included in the information literacy program. 92 percent of the respondents acknowledged the development of skills through the program implemented. 25 percent of the total participants wrote two papers and had them submitted to journals indexed in Scopus, 17 percent to journals indexed in Latindex and 33 percent to journals certified by CITMA in Cuba. Conclusions: teachers stated the progress achieved by participants in the courses, and recognized the usefulness of the program for the development of library competencies and functions(AU)

Auditoría de información como instrumento de gestión en la biblioteca de la Universidad de Sancti Spíritus / Information audit as a management tool at the library in the University of Sancti Spiritus

Mostrar los resultados de una auditoría informacional como instrumento de gestión de la Biblioteca de la Universidad de Sancti Spíritus José Martí Pérez, que permite evaluar sus servicios. Métodos: el estudio relacionó el método cualitativo y cuantitativo, así como el uso de técnicas necesarias para identificar los aspectos determinantes en la evaluación de los servicios analizados. Se seleccionó el modelo integral para auditar organizaciones de información en Cuba, propuesto por María del Carmen Villardefrancos, el que favorece el desarrollo de una auditoría de información con revisiones limitadas, realizada en el primer trimestre del año 2014 a seis servicios de información seleccionados de la biblioteca universitaria en estudio. Resultados: se determinaron las principales limitaciones de los servicios de información y la gestión de sus procesos sustantivos, lo cual conllevó establecer el plan de acción a partir de las principales causas detectadas que impiden el buen funcionamiento de la biblioteca universitaria. Conclusiones: se constatan debilidades en los procesos de selección, búsqueda, recuperación, uso, manejo y evaluación de la información, tanto por el personal bibliotecario como por la comunidad usuaria; se requiere trabajar en un sistema de gestión de información más eficaz, un programa de alfabetización informacional, el mejoramiento de la infraestructura y el incremento en el uso de las potencialidades digitales de la biblioteca. Para esto se estableció un plan de acciones que contribuye al perfeccionamiento de los servicios de la biblioteca a corto plazo...

Present the results of an information audit as a management tool at the library in José Martí Pérez University of Sancti Spiritus which allows to evaluate the services offered. Methods: the study was based on both qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as the techniques required to identify determining aspects in the evaluation of the services examined. Analyses followed the comprehensive model proposed by María del Carmen Villardefrancos for the auditing of information organizations in Cuba, which was applied as a limited-revision audit in the first quarter of 2014 at six selected information services offered by the university library under study. Results: determination was made of the main limitations of information services and the management of their fundamental processes, and an action plan was developed based on the main factors hampering the efficient operation of the university library. Conclusions: weaknesses were found in the process of selection, search, retrieval, use, management and evaluation of information by both library staff and users. It is required to apply a more effective information management system and information literacy program, improve the infrastructure, and expand the use of the digital potential of the library. To this end, an action plan was set up aimed at the short-term improvement of the services offered by the library...

Programa de alfabetización informacional para el personal bibliotecario de la Universidad de Sancti Spíritus / Information literacy program for the library staff at the University of Sancti Spiritus

Exponer las experiencias de un programa de alfabetización informacional para el personal bibliotecario de la Universidad de Sancti Spíritus José Martí Pérez. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo a los 12 recursos humanos con que cuenta la biblioteca. Se aplicaron dos encuestas, antes y después de impartido el programa, en el período comprendido entre enero y abril de 2014. Se siguió el modelo formulado por Eisenberg y Berkowitz, denominado Big 6, para el diseño del programa de alfabetización informacional. Resultados: el 80 por ciento del personal bibliotecario manifestó satisfacción con el programa recibido y el 89 por ciento estuvo de acuerdo con los contenidos dispuestos en los cursos dentro del programa de alfabetización informacional. El 92 por ciento de los encuestados reconoció las destrezas desarrolladas a partir del programa implementado. El 25 por ciento del total de participantes elaboró dos artículos que fueron enviados a revistas indexadas en SCOPUS; 17 por ciento a revistas indexadas en LATINDEX y 33 por ceinto a revistas certificadas por el CITMA en Cuba. Conclusiones: los docentes manifestaron haber constatado el avance logrado por los cursistas durante el programa, y reconocieron el aporte de este para el desarrollo de sus competencias y funciones en la biblioteca...

Present the results of an information literacy program for the library staff at "José Martí Pérez" University of Sancti Spiritus. Methods: a descriptive study was conducted with the 12 library staff. Two surveys were applied, one before and one after the program, from January to April 2014. Design of the information literacy program was based on the model proposed by Eisenberg and Berkowitz, known as the Big Six. Results: 80 percent of the library staff expressed satisfaction with the program received, and 89 percent agreed with the contents included in the information literacy program. 92 percent of the respondents acknowledged the development of skills through the program implemented. 25 percent of the total participants wrote two papers and had them submitted to journals indexed in Scopus, 17 percent to journals indexed in Latindex and 33 percent to journals certified by CITMA in Cuba. Conclusions: teachers stated the progress achieved by participants in the courses, and recognized the usefulness of the program for the development of library competencies and functions...

Thermo-chemical pre-treatment to solubilize and improve anaerobic biodegradability of press mud.

Different pre-treatment severities by thermo-alkaline conditions (100°C, Ca(OH)2) on press mud were evaluated for different pre-treatment time and lime loading. COD solubilization and the methane yield enhancement were assessed. The biochemical methane potential was determined in batch assays under mesophilic conditions (37±1°C). The best pre-treatment resulted in a surplus of 72% of methane yield, adding 10g Ca(OH)2 100g(-1)TS(-1) for 1h. Pre-treatment also increased the COD solubilization, but the optimal severity for COD solubilization as determined by response surface methodology did not ensure the highest methane production. Inhibitory effects on anaerobic digestion were noticed when the severity was increased. These results demonstrate the relevance of thermo-alkaline pre-treatment severity in terms of both lime loading and pre-treatment time to obtain optimal anaerobic biodegradability of lignocellulosic biomass from press mud.