Safety and immunogenicity of SCB-2019, an adjuvanted, recombinant SARS-CoV-2 trimeric S-protein subunit COVID-19 vaccine in healthy 12-17 year-old adolescents.

We previously demonstrated the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine candidate, SCB-2019, in adults in the SPECTRA phase 2/3 efficacy study. We extended the study to include 1278 healthy 12-17-year-old adolescents in Belgium, Colombia, and the Philippines who received either two doses of SCB-2019 or placebo 21 days apart, to assess immunogenicity as neutralizing antibodies against prototype SARS-CoV-2 and variants of concern, and safety and reactogenicity as solicited and unsolicited adverse events with a comparator group of young adults (18-25 years). In participants with no evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection SCB-2019 immunogenicity in adolescents was non-inferior to that in young adults; respective geometric mean neutralizing titers (GMT) against prototype SARS-CoV-2 14 days after the second vaccination were 271 IU/mL (95% CI: 211-348) and 144 IU/mL (116-178). Most adolescents (1077, 84.3%) had serologic evidence of prior SAR-CoV-2 exposure at baseline; in these seropositive adolescents neutralizing GMTs increased from 173 IU/mL (135-122) to 982 IU/mL (881-1094) after the second dose. Neutralizing titers against Delta and Omicron BA SARS-CoV-2 variants were also increased, most notably in those with prior exposure. SCB-2019 vaccine was well tolerated with generally mild or moderate, transient solicited and unsolicited adverse events that were comparable in adolescent vaccine and placebo groups except for injection site pain - reported after 20% of SCB-2019 and 7.3% of placebo injections. SCB-2019 vaccine was highly immunogenic against SARS-CoV-2 prototype and variants in adolescents, especially in those with evidence of prior exposure, with comparable immunogenicity to young adults. Clinical trial registration: EudraCT 2020-004272-17; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04672395.

Efficacy of the adjuvanted subunit protein COVID-19 vaccine, SCB-2019: a phase 2 and 3 multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: A range of safe and effective vaccines against SARS CoV 2 are needed to address the COVID 19 pandemic. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine SCB-2019. METHODS: This ongoing phase 2 and 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was done in adults aged 18 years and older who were in good health or with a stable chronic health condition, at 31 sites in five countries (Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Philippines, and South Africa). The participants were randomly assigned 1:1 using a centralised internet randomisation system to receive two 0·5 mL intramuscular doses of SCB-2019 (30 µg, adjuvanted with 1·50 mg CpG-1018 and 0·75 mg alum) or placebo (0·9% sodium chloride for injection supplied in 10 mL ampoules) 21 days apart. All study staff and participants were masked, but vaccine administrators were not. Primary endpoints were vaccine efficacy, measured by RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 of any severity with onset from 14 days after the second dose in baseline SARS-CoV-2 seronegative participants (the per-protocol population), and the safety and solicited local and systemic adverse events in the phase 2 subset. This study is registered on EudraCT (2020-004272-17) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04672395). FINDINGS: 30 174 participants were enrolled from March 24, 2021, until the cutoff date of Aug 10, 2021, of whom 30 128 received their first assigned vaccine (n=15 064) or a placebo injection (n=15 064). The per-protocol population consisted of 12 355 baseline SARS-CoV-2-naive participants (6251 vaccinees and 6104 placebo recipients). Most exclusions (13 389 [44·4%]) were because of seropositivity at baseline. There were 207 confirmed per-protocol cases of COVID-19 at 14 days after the second dose, 52 vaccinees versus 155 placebo recipients, and an overall vaccine efficacy against any severity COVID-19 of 67·2% (95·72% CI 54·3-76·8), 83·7% (97·86% CI 55·9-95·4) against moderate-to-severe COVID-19, and 100% (97·86% CI 25·3-100·0) against severe COVID-19. All COVID-19 cases were due to virus variants; vaccine efficacy against any severity COVID-19 due to the three predominant variants was 78·7% (95% CI 57·3-90·4) for delta, 91·8% (44·9-99·8) for gamma, and 58·6% (13·3-81·5) for mu. No safety issues emerged in the follow-up period for the efficacy analysis (median of 82 days [IQR 63-103]). The vaccine elicited higher rates of mainly mild-to-moderate injection site pain than the placebo after the first (35·7% [287 of 803] vs 10·3% [81 of 786]) and second (26·9% [189 of 702] vs 7·4% [52 of 699]) doses, but the rates of other solicited local and systemic adverse events were similar between the groups. INTERPRETATION: Two doses of SCB-2019 vaccine plus CpG and alum provides notable protection against the entire severity spectrum of COVID-19 caused by circulating SAR-CoV-2 viruses, including the predominating delta variant. FUNDING: Clover Biopharmaceuticals and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.

Efficacy of a Dengue Vaccine Candidate (TAK-003) in Healthy Children and Adolescents 2 Years after Vaccination.

BACKGROUND: Takeda's dengue vaccine is under evaluation in an ongoing phase 3 efficacy study; we present a 2-year update. METHODS: Children (20 099, 4-16 years old) were randomized to receive 2 doses of TAK-003 or placebo 3 months apart and are under surveillance to detect dengue by serotype-specific RT-PCR. RESULTS: Cumulative efficacy against dengue approximately 27 months since first dose was 72.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 67.1%-77.3%), including 67.0% (95% CI, 53.6%-76.5%) in dengue-naive and 89.2% (95% CI, 82.4%-93.3%) against hospitalized dengue. In the second year, decline in efficacy was observed (56.2%; 95% CI, 42.3%-66.8%) with the largest decline in 4-5 year olds (24.5%; 95% CI, -34.2% to 57.5%); efficacy was 60.6% (95% CI, 43.8%-72.4%) in 6-11 year and 71.2% (95% CI, 41.0%-85.9%) in 12-16 year age groups. As TAK-003 efficacy varies by serotype, changes in serotype dominance partially contributed to efficacy differences in year-by-year analysis. No related serious adverse events occurred during the second year. CONCLUSIONS: TAK-003 demonstrated continued benefit independent of baseline serostatus in reducing dengue with some decline in efficacy during the second year. Three-year data will be important to see if efficacy stabilizes or declines further.Clinical Trials Registration. NCT02747927.Takeda's tetravalent dengue vaccine (TAK-003) continued to demonstrate benefit in reducing dengue independent of baseline serostatus up to 2 years after completing vaccination with some decline in efficacy during the second year in 4-16 year olds in dengue-endemic countries.

Microencapsulation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 7469 by spray drying using maltodextrin, whey protein concentrate and trehalose.

This study aimed to microencapsulate Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) ATCC 7469 with whey protein concentrate (WPC), maltodextrin and trehalose by spray drying and to assess the impact of microencapsulation on cell viability and the properties of the dried powders. Spray-drying conditions, including inlet air temperature, air flow rate and feed pump, were fixed as independent variables, while probiotic survival, moisture content, water activity and effective yield were established as dependent variables. The survival of encapsulated L. rhamnosus by spray drying was optimized with response surface methodology, and the stability of the powder was assessed. The optimum spray-drying conditions were an inlet air temperature, air flow rate and feed pump rate of 169 °C, 33 m3/h and 16 mL/h, respectively, survival of 70%, air aspiration of 84% and outlet air temperature of 52 °C, achieving an overall desirability of 0.96. The physicochemical and structural characteristics of the produced powder were acceptable for application with regard to residual water content, hygroscopicity, water activity, and particle size. The results indicated that a protein-trehalose-maltodextrin mixture is a good wall material to encapsulate L. rhamnosus, showing important thermal protection during the drying process and increasing survival. However, a decrease in this capacity is observed at an air outlet temperature of approximately 101 °C. The possible effects of the wall materials and the drying conditions on survival are also discussed.

The Impact of Current Opioid Agonist Therapy on Hepatitis C Virus Treatment Initiation Among People Who Use Drugs From the Direct-acting Antiviral (DAA) Era: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence that opioid agonist therapy (OAT) is associated with increased odds of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment initiation among people who use drugs (PWUD) is emerging. The objective of this study was to determine the association between current OAT and HCV treatment initiation among PWUD in a population-level linked administrative dataset. METHODS: The British Columbia Hepatitis Testers Cohort was used for this study, which includes all people tested for or diagnosed with HCV in British Columbia, linked to medical visits, hospitalizations, laboratory, prescription drug, and mortality data from 1992 until 2019. PWUD with injecting drug use or opioid use disorder and chronic HCV infection were identified for inclusion in this study. HCV treatment initiation was the main outcome, and subdistribution proportional hazards modeling was used to assess the relationship with current OAT. RESULTS: In total, 13 803 PWUD with chronic HCV were included in this study. Among those currently on OAT at the end of the study period, 47% (2704/5770) had started HCV treatment, whereas 22% (1778/8033) of those not currently on OAT had started HCV treatment. Among PWUD with chronic HCV infection, current OAT was associated with higher likelihood of HCV treatment initiation in time to event analysis (adjusted hazard ratio 1.84 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.50, 2.26]). CONCLUSIONS: Current OAT was associated with a higher likelihood of HCV treatment initiation. However, many PWUD with HCV currently receiving OAT have yet to receive HCV treatment. Enhanced integration between substance use care and HCV treatment is needed to improve the overall health of PWUD.

Violencia sexual en niños y adolescentes varones en el mundo: una revisión integrativa / Sexual violence in male children and adolescents worldwide: An integrative review / Violência sexual em crianças e adolescentes do sexo masculino no mundo: uma revisão integrativa

Objetivo: recopilar, resumir y analizar la producción científica actual sobre la violencia sexual infantil (VSI) en niños y adolescentes varones en el mundo entre el 2014 y el 2019. Método: se realizó una revisión integrativa de literatura mediante una búsqueda sistemática de estudios publicados entre el 2014 y el 2019 en PubMed, LILACS e IBECS. Resultados: se identificaron 990 referencias, de las cuales se seleccionaron 31 artículos para la revisión. La mayoría se realizaron en EE. UU. (n = 18) y otros países desarrollados; solo cinco provienen de países en desarrollo (Brasil, China, India, Jamaica y Suráfrica). Dieciocho estudios usaron metodologías cuantitativas; quince, de tipo transversal. Dos trabajos abordaron menores de 16 años como su población objetivo. Respecto a los objetivos y hallazgos principales, se identificaron cuatro temas recurrentes: caracterización de la VSI, efectos en salud de la VSI (salud mental, salud sexual, comportamientos de riesgo y violencia), revelación de la VSI y análisis de intervenciones terapéuticas. Entre los hallazgos más sobresalientes se refirió que la divulgación del evento constituye un factor protector en el fortalecimiento de la resiliencia frente al abuso. Conclusiones: la VSI genera un impacto negativo en diferentes dimensiones de la salud de la víctima, que trascienden a lo largo de su vida y se profundizan en la medida en que se prolonga el momento de la revelación de los hechos. Más investigaciones son necesarias, principalmente en regiones y países en vías de desarrollo.

Objective: Collect, summarize, and analyze current scientific publications on Child Sexual Violence (CSV) in male children and adolescents worldwide between 2014 and 2019. Method: An integrative review was conducted using a systematic search of studies published between 2014 and 2019 in PubMed, LILACS, and IBECS. Results: Nine hundred and ninety references were identified, from which thirty-one articles were selected for the review. Most of the studies were conducted in the USA (n=18) and other developed countries; only five were conducted in developing countries (Brazil, China, India, Jamaica, and South Africa). Eighteen studies used quantitative methodologies; fifteen were cross-sectional. In two articles, children under 16 years were chosen as the target population. Regarding the main objectives and findings, four recurrent themes were identified: CSV characteristics, effects of CSV on health (mental health, sexual health, risk behaviors, and violence), CSV disclosure, and analysis of therapeutic interventions. Among the findings, the most outstanding was that the disclosure of the event is a protective factor for strengthening resilience against abuse. Conclusions: CSV has a negative impact on different dimensions of the victim's health that transcends throughout his life, and it deepens as the moment of disclosure is delayed. Further research is needed, especially in regions of developing countries.

Objetivo: coletar, resumir e analisar a produção científica atual sobre violência sexual infantil (VSI) em crianças e adolescentes do sexo masculino no mundo entre 2014 e 2019. Método: foi realizada uma revisão integrativa da literatura por meio de uma busca sistemática de estudos publicados entre 2014 e 2019 no PubMed, LILACS e IBECS. Resultados: foram identificadas 990 referências, das quais 31 artigos foram selecionados para a revisão. A maioria foi conduzida nos Estados Unidos (n = 18) e em outros países desenvolvidos; apenas cinco provém de países em desenvolvimento (Brasil, China, Índia, Jamaica e África do Sul). Dezoito estudos utilizaram metodologias quantitativas; quinze, tipo transversal. Dois estudos abordaram crianças menores de 16 anos como população-alvo. Em relação aos objetivos e principais achados foram identificados quatro temas recorrentes: caracterização da VSI, efeitos da VSI na saúde (saúde mental, saúde sexual, comportamentos de risco e violência), revelação da VSI e análise das intervenções terapêuticas. Entre os achados mais destacados, foi colocado que a divulgação do evento constitui um fator de proteção no fortalecimento da resiliência contra o abuso. Conclusões: a VSI gera impacto negativo em diferentes dimensões da saúde da vítima, que transcendem ao longo de sua vida e se aprofundam à medida que se prolonga o momento da revelação dos fatos. Mais pesquisas são necessárias, principalmente em países e regiões em desenvolvimento

Efficacy of a tetravalent dengue vaccine in healthy children aged 4-16 years: a randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: A substantial unmet need remains for safe and effective vaccines against dengue virus disease, particularly for individuals who are dengue-naive and those younger than 9 years. We aimed to assess the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of a live attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine (TAK-003) in healthy children aged 4-16 years. METHODS: We present data up to 18 months post-vaccination from an ongoing phase 3, randomised, double-blind trial of TAK-003 in endemic regions of Asia and Latin America (26 medical and research centres across Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Panama, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand). Healthy children aged 4-16 years were randomly assigned 2:1 (stratified by age and region) to receive two doses of TAK-003 or two doses of placebo, 3 months apart. Investigators, participants and their parents or guardians, and sponsor representatives advising on trial conduct were masked to trial group assignments. Participants presenting with febrile illness were tested for virologically confirmed dengue (VCD) by serotype-specific RT-PCR. In timeframes beginning 30 days post-second dose, the primary endpoint (overall vaccine efficacy) was assessed in the first 11 months, and the secondary endpoints (efficacy by baseline serostatus, serotype, hospitalised dengue, and severe dengue) in the first 17 months. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02747927. FINDINGS: 20 099 participants were randomly assigned and vaccinated between Sept 7, 2016, and Aug 18, 2017; 19 021 (94·6%) were included in the per protocol analysis, and 20 071 (99·9%) in the safety set. The primary endpoint was achieved with an overall vaccine efficacy of 80·2% (95% CI 73·3 to 85·3; 61 cases of VCD in the TAK-003 group vs 149 cases of VCD in the placebo group). In the secondary endpoint assessment timeframe, an overall vaccine efficacy of 73·3% (95% CI 66·5 to 78·8) was observed. Analysis of secondary endpoints showed efficacies of 76·1% (95% CI 68·5 to 81·9) in individuals who were seropositive at baseline, 66·2% (49·1 to 77·5) in individuals who were seronegative at baseline, 90·4% (82·6 to 94·7) against hospitalised dengue, and 85·9% (31·9 to 97·1) against dengue haemorrhagic fever. Efficacy varied by individual serotypes (DENV 1, 69·8% [95% CI 54·8 to 79·9]; DENV 2, 95·1% [89·9 to 97·6]; DENV 3, 48·9% [27·2 to 64·1]; DENV 4, 51·0% [-69·4 to 85·8]). Cumulative rates of serious adverse events were similar in TAK-003 (4·0%) and placebo (4·8%) recipients, and were consistent with expected medical disorders in the study population. Infection was the most frequent reason leading to serious adverse events. 20 participants (<0·1% of the safety set) were withdrawn from the trial due to 21 adverse events by the end of part two; 14 of these participants received TAK-003 and six received placebo. INTERPRETATION: TAK-003 was well tolerated and efficacious against symptomatic dengue in children regardless of serostatus before immunisation. Vaccine efficacy varied by serotype, warranting continued follow-up to assess longer-term vaccine performance. FUNDING: Takeda Vaccines.

Aprovechamiento de los subproductos del mango, como fuente de compuestos bioactivos, para la elaboración de rollos comestibles / Use of the mango by-products, as source of bioactive compounds, for the preparation of edible rolls

RESUMEN El mango es una fruta con alto valor nutricional, posee gran cantidad de vitaminas, fibra, antioxidantes y otros micronutrientes. La cáscara y la semilla del mango son consideradas residuos, pero estudios demuestran que son fuente de compuestos bioactivos. Por lo anterior, el objetivo de esta investigación fue desarrollar un producto alimentario a base de pulpa de mango Mangifera indica L., con la adición de componentes bioactivos (polifenoles y vitamina C), presentes en la cáscara. Se evaluó la extracción por fluidos supercríticos de polifenoles, posterior al secado al vacío (40ºC, 33mbar, durante 7,5horas) y molienda criogénica de la cáscara de mango. Los resultados indicaron un rendimiento del proceso de extracción de 56,67%, por lo que se estableció adicionar directamente la cáscara de mango deshidratada y molida al producto alimentario. Posteriormente, se determinó la formulación para elaborar un rollo comestible a partir de pulpa de mango, mediante un diseño factorial, variando la adición de ácido ascórbico (0,3-0,5%p/p) y cáscara de mango deshidratada (1-3%p/p), teniendo como variables de respuesta propiedades fisicoquímicas y sensoriales. Se estableció como formulación adecuada: 0,5% ácido ascórbico y 1% cáscara de mango, así como la adición de ácido cítrico 0,5%, azúcar 3,5%, maltodextrina 10%, CMC 1% y pulpa 83,5%; los rollos fueron obtenidos por secado convectivo hasta humedad de 24% b.h. Lo anterior permitió obtener un producto con calidad apropiada (pH 4,39, aw 0,8275, humedad 23,47% b.h, parámetros de color L* 46,9, a* 2,86, b* 37,89 y calidad sensorial alta), además de contener sustancias bioactivas: vitamina C (48,38mg/100g) y polifenoles (capacidad antioxidante 63,63%).

ABSTRACT Mango is a fruit with high nutritional value, it has a large amount of vitamins, fiber, antioxidants and other micronutrients. The mango peel and seed are considered waste, but studies show that they are a source of bioactive compounds. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a food product (edible rolls) based on mango pulp (Mangifera indica L.) with the addition of bioactive components (polyphenols and Vitamin C) present in the mango peel. The extraction of polyphenols was done by supercritical fluids, after vacuum drying (40ºC, 33mbar, for 7.5 hours) and cryogenic grinding of the mango peel. The yield of the extraction process was 56.67%, so it was established to add the dehydrated and ground mango husk directly to the food product. Subsequently, the formulation to produce an edible roll from mango pulp was determined, by means of a factorial design, varying the addition of ascorbic acid (0.3-0.5% w/w) and dehydrated mango peel (1- 3% w/w), having as response variables physicochemical and sensory properties. It was established as a suitable formulation: 0.5% ascorbic acid and 1% mango peel, as well as the addition of citric acid 0.5%, sugar 3.5%, maltodextrin 10%, CMC 1% and pulp 83.5%; the rolls were obtained by convective drying until to reach a moisture content less than 24% w.b. This allowed obtaining a product with appropriate quality (pH 4.39, aw 0.8275, moisture content 23.47% w.b, color parameters L * 46.9, a * 2.86, b * 37.89 and high sensory quality), besides to containing bioactive substances: vitamin C (48.38mg / 100g) and polyphenols (antioxidant capacity 63.63%).

Hidrocoloides como estabilizantes en bebidas de maíz dulce (Zea mays var. saccharata) y gel de aloe vera ( Aloe barbadensis Miller) / Hydrocolloids as stabilizers in beverages from sweet corn (Zea mays var. Saccharata) and aloe vera gel (Aloe barbadensis Miller)

RESUMEN La sedimentación de partículas es un fenómeno común en dispersiones alimentarias, que está asociado con una calidad deficiente y se puede controlar usando diferentes aditivos, dentro de los cuales, se destacan el uso de hidrocoloides. Se evaluó el efecto de la concentración de goma xantano (0,025-0,075%), carboximetilcelulosa sódica (0,025-0,075%) y gel de aloe vera (0,5-1,5%), en las propiedades fisicoquímicas, sensoriales y estabilidad a la sedimentación, en bebidas elaboradas a partir de maíz dulce. No se observó variación significativa en el contenido de sólidos solubles totales, pH, densidad, acidez titulable, potencial ζ, tamaño de partículas, velocidad de sedimentación y parámetros de color con las concentraciones empleadas de hidrocoloides y de aloe vera. El potencial ζ indicó estabilidad ligera en las bebidas (>-30mV) y la floculación de la emulsión, lo que se evidencia en la distribución del tamaño de partícula (1-600μm). La viscosidad y la estabilidad a la sedimentación aumentaron con concentraciones >0,05% de GX y CMC, reflejándose en una mayor valoración sensorial de la apariencia. El aumento en la concentración de aloe vera no mostró efecto en la estabilidad de las bebidas.

ABSTRACT Particle sedimentation is a common phenomenon in food dispersions, which is associated with poor quality and can be controlled using different additives within which the use of hydrocolloids stands out. The effect of the concentration of xanthan gum (0.025-0.075%), sodium carboxymethylcellulose (0.025-0.075%) and aloe vera gel (0.5-1.5%), on physicochemical, sensory properties and sedimentation in beverages made from sweet corn, were evaluated. No significant variation was observed in the content of total soluble solids, pH, density, titratable acidity, ζ potential, particle size, sedimentation index and color parameters with the concentrations of hydrocolloids and aloe vera. The potential ζ indicated slight stability in beverages (> -30mV) and emulsion flocculation, which is evidenced in the particle size distribution (1-600μm). The viscosity and sedimentation stability increased with concentrations >0.05% of GX and CMC, reflected in a higher sensory assessment of appearance. The increase in aloe vera concentration showed no effect on the stability of the beverages.

Rheological and thermal study of structured oils: avocado (Persea americana) and sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) systems.

Rheological and thermal characterization was performed in emulsions formulated from avocado oil and sacha inchi oil structured with soy lecithin, glyceryl monostearate and shortening (palm oil). For oleogel formulations, a completely randomized factorial design was considered to study the effect of the type of emulsifier and the proportions of avocado and sacha inchi oils. The rheological results indicated pseudoplastic behavior with semisolid characteristics. Additionally, the phase change studies showed two endothermic events corresponding to melting points from - 20.15 to - 18.94 °C and from 40.25 to 61.04 °C. The formulation with a ratio of avocado oil to sacha inchi oil of 80/20 and prepared using glyceryl monostearate as an emulsifier was evaluated as the best treatment and had an increased consistency coefficient and an increased loss tangent (δ < 0.5).

EFECTO DEL SECADO Y PRESECADO MECÁNICO PREVIO AL ALMACENAMIENTO EN LA CALIDAD DEL GRANO DE CAFÉ (Coffea arabica L.) / EFFECT OF DRYING AND MECHANICAL PRE-DRYING PREVIOUS TO STORAGE IN THE QUALITY OF COFFEE GRAIN (Coffea arabica L.)

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de las condiciones de secado y presecado en muestras de café pergamino, almacenadas durante 6 meses, en condiciones controladas de humedad relativa, 70% y temperatura, 25°C, determinando la Conductividad Eléctrica (CE), Lixiviación de Potasio (LK) y Acidez Grasa (AG), de granos secos de café. El proceso de secado consistió en procesos combinados a temperaturas 50 y 60°C, dos periodos de 4 y 8 horas en el presecado mecánico y, posteriormente, llevado a humedad comercial en patio solar y dos tratamientos testigos, conformados por el secado mecánico completo y el secado solar completo. Los resultados mostraron los siguientes valores: 6,35 - 16,34µSm cm-1/ g MS, para CE; 2,0 - 4,45ppm/gMS, para LK y 0,76 - 1,57mL KOH/ 100g MS, para AG, donde los análisis estadísticos mostraron que no hubo efecto del tipo de secado sobre las variables estudiadas; sin embargo, los mayores promedios acumulados en el tiempo de almacenamiento fueron observados para el secado mecánico completo. Los valores encontrados no indicaron daños de la estructura celular atribuidos según, el marco referencial, a secados con alta temperatura o prolongado almacenamiento. Las pruebas de Conductividad Eléctrica (CE) y Acidez Grasa (AG) mostraron sensibilidad al tiempo de almacenamiento, mientras que la prueba de Lixiviación de Potasio (LK), no se constituyó en un indicador del deterioro del grano, atribuible al estrés termomecánico o al tiempo de almacenamiento.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of drying and pre-drying conditions of samples of parchment coffee stored during 6 months under controlled conditions of relative humidity of 70% and temperature of 25°C quantifying the Electrical Conductivity (EC), Potassium Leaching (KL) and Fatty Acidity (FA) of the grain. The coffee drying consisted on combined processes using air temperatures of 50°C and 60°C and two periods of 4 and 8 hours in the mechanical pre-drying and subsequently taken to commercial moisture content under patio drying, and two control treatments consisting of complete mechanical drying and complete solar drying. The results of the tests showed the following values: 6.35 - 16.34 µSm cm-1 / g DM (EC), 2.0 - 4.45ppm / g DM (KL) and 0.76 - 1.57mL KOH / 100g MS (FA), where the statistical analysis shows that there is no effect of the drying type on the studied variables. However, the highest accumulated averages in the storage time were observed for the complete mechanical drying. The values did not show deterioration of the cellular structure attributed to the frame of reference of drying with high temperature or prolonged storage. The tests of Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Fatty Acidity (FA) shows sensitivity to the storage time while the Potassium Leaching (KL) test did not constitute an indicator of grain deterioration attributable to thermomechanical stress or storage time.

Emergy Analysis for the Sustainable Utilization of Biosolids Generated in a Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant.

This contribution describes the application of an emergy-based methodology for comparing two management alternatives of biosolids produced in a wastewater treatment plant. The current management practice of using biosolids as soil fertilizers was evaluated and compared to another alternative, the recovery of energy from the biosolid gasification process. This emergy assessment and comparison approach identifies more sustainable processes which achieve economic and social benefits with a minimal environmental impact. In addition, emergy-based sustainability indicators and the GREENSCOPE methodology were used to compare the two biosolid management alternatives. According to the sustainability assessment results, the energy production from biosolid gasification is energetically profitable, economically viable, and environmentally suitable. Furthermore, it was found that the current use of biosolids as soil fertilizer does not generate any considerable environmental stress, has the potential to achieve more economic benefits, and a post-processing of biosolids prior to its use as soil fertilizer improves its sustainability performance. In conclusion, this emergy analysis provides a sustainability assessment of both alternatives of biosolid management and helps decision-makers to identify opportunities for improvement during the current process of biosolid management.

The adsorption thermodynamics of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L. ) powder obtained by spray drying technology / Termodinámica de adsorción de polvo de caña de azúcar (Saccharum officinarum L. ) obtenido mediante la tecnología de secado por aspersión

Background: Sugarcane is one of the world's largest crop. It grows in the tropical and subtropical regions, and its harvest provides 80% of the world's sugar. In Latin America unrefined cane sugar is widely available and much less expensive than refined sugar. Sugarcane is a crop of great interest in Colombia due to the economic impact on the rural population and its application as sweetener agent. The powder of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is widely used as a raw material in a wide range of industries such as foods, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and chemical. Objectives: The aim of the research work was the evaluation of the adsorption thermodynamics of sugarcane powder obtained by spray drying technology. Methods: The adsorption isotherms of sugarcane powder were evaluated at temperatures of 4 ± 0.1, 20 ± 0.2 and 30 ± 0.3 °C and its thermodynamic properties such as Gibbs free energy (G), differential heat of adsorption (∆H) and differential entropy (∆S) were calculated as a function of moisture content. Experimental data of adsorption isotherms were fitted to the GAB (Guggenheim ­ Andersen - de Boer), BET (Brunauer ­ Emmett - Teller), Henderson, Caurie, Smith, Hasley, Peleg, and Oswin models. Results: The results showed a type-II sigmoidal behavior, with temperature having a statistically significant effect. The GAB equation showed a better fit to the experimental data modeling (0.11≤aw≤0.87) although all models showed validity and goodness of fit to the experimental data. The net isosteric heat increased to a maximum value (57 kJ mol-1) and then decreased with the increase in moisture content. Conclusions: The sugarcane powder with maltodextrin, obtained by spray drying got low adsorption thermodynamic stability, as it required very low energy to occur this phenomenon, being obtained the maximum net isosteric heat when moisture content of 4.7% (d.b). This value is within the range of the monolayer moisture content found in the GAB and BET models.

Biocombustibles: búsqueda de alternativas / Biofuel: the search for alternatives / Biocombustíveis: a busca de alternativas

Hoy, el mundo busca diferentes alternativas para lograr resolver las crecientes dificultades que plantean sudesarrollo, la alimentación de su población y en particular la alimentación de los países en vía de desarrollo. Deigual manera la creciente demanda energética vaticina a corto y mediano plazo el agotamiento de las reservasde hidrocarburos y complementariamente un notorio deterioro de los recursos naturales, en especial el agua, que está siendo contaminada y el suelo, erosionado. Con el objetivo de prevenir cambios irreversibles y reducirel impacto de los gases invernadero sobre el clima del planeta, muchos países han decidido apostar a estrategias de diversificación de la producción de energía, utilizando fuentes renovables. La sustitución de combustibles derivados del petróleo por biocombustibles, permite una reducción en las emisiones de CO2, generada porfuentes móviles, lo cual indica que los biocombustibles pueden significar una opción, no sin interrogantes.La nueva industria agroenergética, a diferencia de la industria petrolera, implica una cadena productiva queimpacta en forma más directa a los diferentes sectores de la economía, especialmente en lo referente a lageneración de empleo, desarrollo agrícola y agroindustrial. La adición de los biocombustibles en las mezclas,mitiga parcialmente las necesidades de importación de hidrocarburos, lo que sustenta la política nacional debiocombustibles frente a la balanza comercial energética y, en algún grado define parámetros de seguridad anivel de oferta. Valorar ese escenario de procesos de sustitución de la actual matriz energética por alternativasderivadas de productos vegetales es el propósito de este documento.

Today, the world is looking for different alternatives in order to solve the increasing difficulties that face itsdevelopment, the feeding of its population and, in particular the feeding of developing nations. At the same time,the growing energy demand foreshadows the exhaustion of hydrocarbon reserves in the short and medium term and likewise a significant deterioration of natural resources, especially the contamination of water and the erosion of soil. In order to prevent irreversible changes and reduce the impact of greenhouse gases on the planet´s climate,many countries have chosen to gamble on different strategies for the diversification of energy production utilizing renewable energy sources. The replacement of petroleum derived fuel with biofuels provides a reduction in CO2 emissions generated by vehicles. This appears to indicate that the biofuels could potentially be an option, but one not without questions. The new agro-energy industry, unlike that of the oil industry, involves a production chain that impacts more directly the different sectors of the economy, especially the generation of employment, agriculturaldevelopment and the agro-industry. The addition of biofuels to fuel mixtures can partially mitigate the need for theimportation of hydrocarbons, which furthers the national biofuel policy versus energy trade balance, and to a certain extent defines the parameters for security at the supply level. The goal of this paper is to assess the possible scenario of replacement of the current energy matrix with vegetable derived alternative products.

O mundo busca hoje diferentes alternativas para enfrentar as crescentes dificuldades que o seu desenvolvimento representa, os quais a alimentação de sua população e em particular a alimentação das nações em desenvolvimento. Da mesma forma, a crescente demanda por energia antecipa o esgotamento das reservas de hidrocarbonetos no curto e médio prazo e também uma significativa deterioração dos recursos naturais, especialmente a contaminação da água e a erosão do solo. A fim de se evitar alterações irreversíveis e reduzir o impacto de gases de efeito estufa sobre o clima do planeta, muitos países optaram por apostar em estratégias diferentes para a diversificação da produção de energia utilizando fontes de energia renováveis. A substituição de combustíveis derivados de petróleo por biocombustíveis proporciona uma redução nas emissões de CO2 geradas pelos veículos o que indica que os biocombustíveis podem ser uma opção, mas não sem inquires. A nova indústria agro energética, ao contrário da indústria petrolífera, envolve uma cadeia de produção que impacta mais diretamente nos diferentes setores da economia, especialmente no que se refere à geração de emprego, o desenvolvimento agrícola e agroindustrial. A adição de biocombustíveis em misturas de combustíveís atenua parcialmente anecessidade da importação de hidrocarbonetos, o que apóia a política nacional de biocombustíveis frente àbalança comercial energética, e em certo grau define os parâmetros de segurança dos níveis de abastecimento.O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar o possível cenário de substituição da matriz energética atual com vegetaisprovenientes produtos alternativos.

Asesoria en gestión de deshechos sólidos: Informe final / sss

En términos generales la asesoria consistió en : 1. Tarifas de aseo urbano, metodología, estructura tarifaria y aspectos comerciales. 2. Aspectos institucionales; modelo de unidad administrativa para la prestación del servicio de aseo; estructura organizacional, manual de funciones, control fiscal y de gestión; contratación con particulares; fortalecimiento institucional del programa "GARZU". 3. Planificación en organización y participación Seminario - Taller llevado a cabo en Santa Cruz de la Sierra sobre "Políticas de Administración, Operación, y Aplicación Tarifaria para Sistemas de Aseo Urbano"

Guía para la administración de empresas de aseo; manual de instrucción

Guía para administrar una empresa de aseo con autonomía administrativa y financiera. Enfatiza los requerimientos necesarios para llevar a cabo una buena gestión de los sistemas operativos, administrativos y del área financiera. Define el organigrama de funciones para cada una de las áreas: operativa, administrativa y financiera