Rovira i Virgili University

About: Rovira i Virgili University is a education organization based out in Tarragona, Spain. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Catalysis. The organization has 4247 authors who have published 9141 publications receiving 236256 citations.

Emergence of assortative mixing between clusters of cultured neurons.

Abstract: The analysis of the activity of neuronal cultures is considered to be a good proxy of the functional connectivity of in vivo neuronal tissues. Thus, the functional complex network inferred from activity patterns is a promising way to unravel the interplay between structure and functionality of neuronal systems. Here, we monitor the spontaneous self-sustained dynamics in neuronal cultures formed by interconnected aggregates of neurons (clusters). Dynamics is characterized by the fast activation of groups of clusters in sequences termed bursts. The analysis of the time delays between clusters' activations within the bursts allows the reconstruction of the directed functional connectivity of the network. We propose a method to statistically infer this connectivity and analyze the resulting properties of the associated complex networks. Surprisingly enough, in contrast to what has been reported for many biological networks, the clustered neuronal cultures present assortative mixing connectivity values, meaning that there is a preference for clusters to link to other clusters that share similar functional connectivity, as well as a rich-club core, which shapes a ‘connectivity backbone’ in the network. These results point out that the grouping of neurons and the assortative connectivity between clusters are intrinsic survival mechanisms of the culture.

The environmental impact of the construction phase: An application to composite walls from a life cycle perspective

Abstract: Life Cycle Assessment methodology has been applied to a typical block of flats located in Barcelona, Spain to evaluate environmental impacts during the construction phase. The aim of this paper is to develop and apply several criteria for the building sector that help decision making at the design and construction stages, thereby allowing the selection of sustainable building materials, reducing the environmental impact of the materials used, minimizing the amount of waste generated, and increasing the percentage of this waste that is recycled. From a life cycle perspective during the construction phase, results showed that regarding to environmental impact of global warming potential, there was a total emission of 1.19E + 01 kg CO2 equiv. m−2 y−1 (referred to m2 of horizontal constructed area) of which about 85% was during the fabrication, while the rest was due to the energy consumed (8%), transport (6%) and waste management (1%). When analysing the whole building, the total waste obtained in the construction phase was 4.56E + 01 kg m−2 of which rest of materials account for 84% (internal and external walls 30%, architectural finishing 23% and foundations and basement 19%) and packaging waste represents 16% (roofing 31%, structural frame 22%, architectural finishing 15% and internal and external walls 10% of the total waste). Finally, in this paper we compare the different combinations of real construction scenarios for external and internal walls while taking into account the environmental and economic aspects and also three different systems of waste management: landfill, incineration and recycling have been evaluated.

Stir-bar-sorptive extraction and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for simultaneous analysis of UV filters and antimicrobial agents in water samples

Abstract: Stir-bar-sorptive extraction (SBSE) with liquid desorption (LD) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–(ESI)MS–MS) were used for analysis of six personal care products in environmental water: four UV filters (2,2-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, benzophenone-3, octocrylene, and octyldimethyl-p-aminobenzoic acid) and two antimicrobial agents (triclocarban and triclosan). Experimental conditions that affect SBSE-LD sorption efficiency (extraction time and temperature, sample pH, and ionic strength) and desorption efficiency (solvent, temperature, and time) were optimized. The method proved to be sensitive—a 50-mL sample was used to determine these compounds in environmental waters at trace levels. The detection limits of the analytical method were 2.5 ng L−1 for river water and 5–10 ng L−1 for effluent and influent sewage water. In river waters, benzophenone-3 was found at levels from 6 ng L−1 to 28 ng L−1 and triclosan at levels