Central University of Ecuador

About: Central University of Ecuador is a education organization based out in Quito, Ecuador. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 2220 authors who have published 1910 publications receiving 15052 citations.

Low-cost syngas shifting for remote gasifiers: Combination of CO2 adsorption and catalyst addition in a novel and simplified packed structure

Abstract: This paper presents the technical validation of a novel, low-complexity alternative based on the inclusion of a patented (IEPI-MU-2016-185) packed bed for improving the performance of remote, small-scale gasification facilities. This study was carried out in an updraft, atmospheric-pressure gasifier, outfitted with a syngas reflux line, air and oxygen feed, and an upper packed-bed coupled to the gasification unit to improve the syngas quality by catalytic treatment and CO2 adsorption. The experimental facility is located in the rural community San Pedro del Laurel, Ecuador. Gasification experiments, with and without packed material in the upper chamber, were performed to assess its effect on the syngas quality. The assessment revealed that the packed material increases the carbon monoxide (CO) content in the syngas outlet stream while carbon dioxide (CO2) was reduced. This option appears to be a suitable and low-complexity alternative for enhancing the content of energy vectors of syngas in gasification at atmospheric pressure since CO/CO2 ratios of 5.18 and 3.27 were achieved against reported values of 2.46 and 0.94 for operations which did not include the addition of packed material. It is concluded that the upper packed-bed is an active element able to modify syngas characteristics since CO2 content was reduced.

Los siete pecados capitales: una aproximación neuroética al estudio de la conducta humana

Abstract: El pecado en su forma original constituye una desviacion de la conducta humana. La doctrina cristiana incorpora en la tradicion judeocristiana a los pecados capitales que todos conocemos (y a sus demonios), asi como a las virtudes que supuestamente los pueden derrotar o al menos neutralizar: 1) soberbia/humildad, 2) avaricia/generosidad, 3) lujuria/castidad, 4) ira/paciencia, 5) gula/templanza, 6) envidia/caridad y 7) pereza/diligencia. En esta misma linea de pensamiento, pecar seria abusar de la libertad de Dios. Segun John Bossy, los siete pecados capitales serian la expresion de una etica social y comunitaria con la cual la Iglesia catolica trato en su momento de contener la violencia y sanar la conflictiva sociedad medieval. Los pecados y su penitencia fueron en un principio una saludable advertencia de como administrar la propia conducta individual y social (Savater, 2013). Aquello que la sociedad Moderna permite como licito o no, ha “superado” la conducta y el republicanismo moral de nuestros dias (1). La moralidad es una de las caracteristicas mas sofisticadas del juzgamiento humano, de la conducta y de la mente. Un individuo que se aparta de la moralidad violenta las reglas y los derechos civiles, afectando inclusive las libertades individuales de otros, en ocasiones de manera hasta agresiva. Un acercamiento cientifico a los origenes de la maldad nos remite al analisis suscitador de los determinantes moleculares, epigeneticos, filogeneticos y celulares de la neurobiologia del pecado. Esta formidable aventura del pensamiento constituye un armonioso camino recorrido por la filosofia moral y las neurociencias de ese largo tramo que dista entre el error de Prometeo y el error de Descartes.

Evaluación del estrés laboral y su influencia en el género de los trabajadores de planta central del Ministerio de Justicia, Derechos Humanos y Cultos

Abstract: Este estudio investiga la influencia y protagonismo que poseen los factores estresantes laborales y el porcentaje de afectacion de cada estresor en el genero femenino y masculino, se utilizo el cuestionario sobre estres laboral de la OIT-OMS, el cual toma en consideracion los siguientes estresores laborales: Mejora de las condiciones ambientales de trabajo, Factores intrinsecos del puesto y temporales del mismo, Estilos de direccion y liderazgo, Gestion de recursos humanos, Nuevas Tecnologias, Estructura Organizacional y Clima Organizacional.

Quantifying the effect of construction site factors on concrete compressive strength using designed experiments

Abstract: Both structured and unstructured factors affect concrete compressive strength. Structured factors, e.g., raw materials, affect concrete production. Unstructured factors, e.g., local conditions, affect concrete quality during the construction phase. The effects of structured factors on concrete metrics are well understood, while there is limited understanding on the effects of unstructured factors. A full 25 factorial design was conducted to quantify the effect of five construction site factors including crew experience, compaction method, mixing time, curing humidity and curing temperature. A linear regression model was developed considering significant affecting factors. Model adequacy was evaluated through residual plots. The results indicate that compaction method, mixing time, curing humidity and curing temperature affect concrete compressive strength significantly, with curing temperature having the highest percent contribution (50.0%). The final regression model was used to create a decision-support tool that enables construction workers to find operating conditions and take corrective actions to preserve concrete quality.

A Low-Cost SARS-CoV-2 rRBD ELISA to Detect Serostatus in Ecuadorian Population with COVID-19.

Abstract: Laboratory diagnosis of the COVID-19 relies on RT-PCR to amplify specific fragments of SARS-CoV-2 genome. However, serological tests are required to determine the immune response elicited after infection. Here, we analyzed convalescent sera collected from positive individuals by RT-PCR to SARS-CoV-2 (n = 78), Zika (n = 20), dengue (n = 20), chikungunya (n = 54), intestinal parasites (n = 11), and HIV (n = 1), from different areas of Ecuador, with an in-house ELISA using a SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain recombinant (rRBD) antigen to detect IgG antibodies elicited by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of the 78 samples positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR, 73 showed high absorbance value compared with the cutoff and five were negative. All tested sera from other infections showed no reactivity. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 93.6%, 100%, 100%, and 95.4%, respectively. This in-house anti-IgG rRBD ELISA offers an economic and simple alternative to determine IgG immune responses after SARS-CoV-2 infection.