University of Extremadura

About: University of Extremadura is a education organization based out in Badajoz, Spain. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Hyperspectral imaging. The organization has 7856 authors who have published 18299 publications receiving 396126 citations. The organization is also known as: Universidad de Extremadura.

Oxidation of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Water. 3. UV Radiation Combined with Hydrogen Peroxide

Abstract: Oxidation in water of three polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), fluorene, phenanthrene, and acenaphthene, with UV radiation combined with hydrogen peroxide has been studied. The effect of hydrogen peroxide concentration, pH, and bicarbonate ion has been investigated. Disappearance rates of PAHs are substantially increased with respect to those from UV radiation alone if proper conditions of hydrogen peroxide concentration and pH are established. Direct photolysis contribution decreases with the increasing hydrogen peroxide concentration and is the main way of degradation at acid pH (76% at pH 2 with 10-3 M hydrogen peroxide concentration, for fluorene oxidation). Rate constants of reactions between the hydroxyl radical and PAHs were found to be 9.9 × 109, 8.8 × 109, and 13.4 × 109 M-1 s-1, for fluorene, acenaphthene, and phenanthrene, respectively. Both UV radiation and UV/H2O2 oxidation of PAHs yield numerous intermediate compounds. Most of these compounds disappear as oxidation time is increased.

Dynamic interaction of hTRPC6 with the Orai1/STIM1 complex or hTRPC3 mediates its role in capacitative or non-capacitative Ca2+ entry pathways

Abstract: TRPC (canonical transient receptor potential) channel subunits have been shown to assemble into homo- or hetero-meric channel complexes, including different Ca 2+ -handling proteins, required for the activation of CCE (capacitative Ca 2+ entry) or NCCE (non-CCE) pathways. In the present study we found evidence for the dynamic interaction between endogenously expressed hTRPC6 (human TRPC6) with either both Orai1 and STIM1 (stromal interaction molecule 1) or hTRPC3 to participate in CCE or NCCE. Electrotransjection of cells with an anti-hTRPC6 antibody, directed towards the C-terminal region, reduces CCE induced by TPEN [ N , N , N ′, N ′-tetrakis-(2-pyridylmethyl)-ethylenediamine], which reduces the intraluminal free Ca 2+ concentration. Cell stimulation with thrombin or extensive Ca 2+ -store depletion by TG (thapsigargin)+ionomycin enhanced the interaction between hTRPC6 and the CCE proteins Orai1 and STIM1. In contrast, stimulation with the diacylglycerol analogue OAG (1-oleoyl-2-acetyl- sn -glycerol) displaces hTRPC6 from Orai1 and STIM1 and enhances the association between hTRPC6 and hTRPC3. The interaction between hTRPC6 and hTRPC3 was abolished by dimethyl-BAPTA [1,2-bis-( o -aminophenoxy)ethane- N , N , N ′, N ′-tetra-acetic acid] loading, which indicates that this phenomenon is Ca 2+ -dependent. These findings support the hypothesis that hTRPC6 participates both in CCE and NCCE through its interaction with the Orai1–STIM1 complex or hTRPC3 respectively.

Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Emergency on Health Professionals: Burnout Incidence at the Most Critical Period in Spain.

Abstract: Background: The health profession is a burnout producer due to the continuous contact with pain and suffering. In addition, excessive workloads can generate stress and psychological distress. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the degree of burnout and its main triggers in health professionals in Spain at the most critical period of the COVID-19 emergency. Method: A quantitative research was developed through a simple random sampling in different Spanish hospitals through the period of greatest impact of the pandemic (N = 157). Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire from Maslach burnout inventory (MBI) containing 22 items, which measures three subscales: emotional burnout, depersonalization, and self-fulfillment. Results: depersonalization values reached 38.9%. A total of 90.4% of the health professionals considered that psychological care should be provided from the work centers. Furthermore, 43.3% of the health professionals estimated that they might need psychological treatment in the future. Finally, 85.4% stated that the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) generated an increase in stress and anxiety. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the need to consider specific mental health care services and training in crises to avoid possible psychological disorders. The information obtained is also valuable for the development of future prevention protocols and training of health personnel to face pandemics of these characteristics or emergency scenarios. Having the necessary physical means for their protection, as well to updated regular and accurate information, is essential to avoid feelings of fear and uncertainty. This would promote the health of these professionals.

Comparison of Impedance-Source Networks for Two and Multilevel Buck–Boost Inverter Applications

Abstract: Impedance-source networks are an increasingly popular solution in power converter applications, especially in single-stage buck–boost power conversion to avoid additional front-end dc–dc power converters. In the survey papers published, no analytical comparisons of different topologies have been described, which makes it difficult to choose the best option. Thus, the aim of this paper is to present a comprehensive analytical comparison of the impedance-source-based buck–boost inverters in terms of passive component count and semiconductor stress. Based on the waveform of the input current, i.e., with or without a transformer, and with or without inductor coupling, the impedance-source converters are classified. The main criterion in our comprehensive comparison is the energy stored in the passive elements, which is considered both under constant and predefined high frequency current ripple in the inductors and the voltage ripple across the capacitors. Two-level and multilevel solutions are described. The conclusions provide a “one-stop” information source and a selection guide of impedance-source-based buck–boost inverters for different applications.