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Clam Shells (Megapitaria Squalida) For The Manufacture Of Mineral Additives In Concrete Mixes
No full textThis research analyzes the feasibility of using chocolate clam shells (Megapitaria squalida) as a mineral additive in concrete mixtures to reduce the environmental impact of marine waste and the high consumption of Portland cement. A quantitative methodological approach was applied, including the collection, cleaning, crushing, calcination, and grinding of the biomaterial, followed by compressive strength and durability tests on concrete specimens with 10% partial cement replacement. The results showed that shells calcined at 800°C and 1000°C exhibit suitable pozzolanic properties and improve the mechanical strength of concrete, exceeding the values obtained in reference mixtures. Likewise, electrical resistivity tests indicated a very low chloride penetration, demonstrating high durability and good protection against steel reinforcement corrosion. The findings confirm that Megapitaria squalida shells, due to their high calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) content, represent a sustainable and economically viable alternative for producing eco-friendly concrete. Their incorporation contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions associated with cement manufacturing, promoting practices aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Design and Fabrication of Concrete Mixtures Using Metakaolin Calcined at Different Temperatures
No full textThe present research is aimed at exploring formulations of concrete mixes that incorporate metakaolin (MK), derived from kaolin calcined at different temperatures (700°C and 800°C). The metakaolin was generated in a laboratory setting from pure kaolin extracted in the Magistral de Copala development area, Concordia, Sinaloa. The experimental design encompasses five variants of concrete mixes, including a reference standard and options with 15% and 20% cement replacement with metakaolin at 700°C, as well as mixes with the same substitution percentage using metakaolin at 800°C. The collected results indicate that fluctuations in the calcination temperature do not exert a substantial impact on the mechanical and deterioration resistance characteristics of concrete, as both temperatures promote the formation of metakaolins with high pozzolanic activity. The formulation highlighted for its superior performance in terms of mechanical strength (compression) and durability (microstructural parameters, electrical resistivity, chloride migration) is the one using MK calcined at 800°C, replacing 15% of the weight of the cement. These findings underscore the possibility of obtaining environmentally friendly mineral additions by substituting significant amounts of cement, thus contributing to reducing the carbon footprint associated with its manufacturing
Smart iot-based cpr training platform chest compression optimization and remote performance monitoring
No full textThis paper presents the development of a smart Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training kit based on Internet of Things (IoT) principles. The system, designed to optimize chest compression techniques, integrates force and distance sensors, local processing through an ESP32 microcontroller, and MQTT wireless communication for remote monitoring and data analysis. Experimental validation with 20 novice participants showed improvements of 35% in compression depth and 28% in frequency within the recommended range (100–120 CPM) compared to standard commercial mannequins. Results showed an average feedback latency of 150ms and 94% accuracy in depth measurement, establishing the feasibility of this IoT solution to improve CPR training quality, especially in resource-limited environment
Design and implementation of a control system in an autoclave as an educational tool for biomedical engineering students
No full textThis study focused on the design and implementation of an automated control system for a Pelton & Crane model MC autoclave, with the aim of transforming it into a modern and didactic tool for Biomedical Engineering students. The equipment was structurally redesigned, and sensors, actuators, and a graphical user interface were integrated to illustrate the internal operation of the sterilizer in real time. The educational strategy was structured into four sequential stages: (1) identification of components and maintenance practices, (2) animated visualization of the sterilization cycle, (3) demonstration of the water treatment system, and (4) diagnosis of common faults. To validate the academic impact, knowledge surveys were applied before and after the practical experience. The results showed a significant improvement in students’ understanding of sterilization principles and autoclave maintenance. The modified device achieved standard sterilization conditions (121 °C, 205 kPa), and its educational use led to a 94% increase in average student performance on evaluations. Overall, the educational autoclave proved to be an effective tool for reinforcing hands-on learning and enhancing the training of future biomedical engineers
Bibliometric analysis of bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils in Ecuador 2019-2025
No full textIntroduction: biotechnology has developed techniques such as bioremediation, which seeks to restore contaminated soils through the use of microorganisms, plants, or organic amendments, reducing the concentration of contaminants without generating toxic secondary waste. It is necessary to compile, organize, and analyze research on bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils in Ecuador.Objective: to analyze the current state of scientific production on bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils in Ecuador during the period 2019-2025, through a bibliometric study.Method: scientific studies from the Scopus database were compiled and processed with the help of Biblioshiny (RDtudio) and Google Colab for analysis and visualization of key indicators: techniques, organisms, bioremediation strategies, publications by year, most cited studies, national affiliations, international collaborations, co-authorship networks, and journal quartiles.Results: they show sustained growth in scientific production, with a significant peak in 2022 and 2023. The most commonly used bioremediation techniques were bioaugmentation, phytoremediation, and the use of native microorganisms, with the genus Pseudomonas predominating, reflecting a preference for sustainable methodologies adapted to local conditions. The main national affiliations are public universities such as the University of the Armed Forces, the National University of Chimborazo, and the Technical University of Manabí. International collaborations, although few, are found in countries such as Mexico, Spain, Italy, Brazil, and Venezuela. Despite the progress, most research is published in low-quartile journals, which limits its international visibility.Conclusions: it is important to strengthen national and international collaboration networks and expand bibliometric analysis to include non-indexed documentary sources to achieve a more comprehensive view of scientific development in this area in the Ecuadorian context
Bibliographic update on cell and protein engineering
No full textIntroduction: bioprocessing is undergoing a revolution driven by innovations such as single-use systems and continuous bioprocessing. The direct approach to cell engineering is to introduce to or omit from the cell a gene or genes by genetic engineering methods to endow a particular phenotype in order to improve the cellular processes. Over three-quarters of therapeutic proteins are produced using Chinese hamster ovary cells, that raises as the most common cell line used. The aim was to characterize cell and protein engineering. Methods: a literature review was conducted, where 18 articles in English and Spanish were selected, published in the last five years on the subject, in databases such as: Scopus, PubMed, Springer.Results: deleting nonessential genes may increase the productivity by directing cellular resources toward product biosynthesis. Cell culture system provide controlled environments to study cellular process, mammalian cell cultures are valuable for virology, vaccine production, tissue regeneration, genetic engineering. The use of these modified cells is essential for producing recombinant proteins, antibodies and vaccines. Conclusions: cell and protein engineering raised as alternative tools for the development of specific therapies in cancer and immunologic diseases in the last few years. Recombinant protein production lay on areas as cell culture, mammalian cells for specific antibody expression, cell culture technologies and bioreactors as the corner stone for bioprocess
Unveiling the soil\u27s potential: a greenhouse case study at AgroBolívar C.A
No full textAgriculture is fundamental for economic and social development, with Bolívar state in Venezuela being an important agricultural producer. This research focused on characterizing the agricultural soil in a greenhouse of AgroBolívar C.A. in Ciudad Bolívar, with the objective of understanding its physical and chemical properties and its productive potential. A composite sampling was carried out in Greenhouse #3. The methodology included analyses of bulk density, particle density, porosity, pH, and exchangeable acidity. The results revealed high bulk density (Plot 1: 1.890 g·cm-3; Plot 2: 1.813 g·cm-3; Plot 3: 1.885 g·cm-3), a particle density suggesting a high organic matter content, and low porosity (Plot 1: 17.42%; Plot 2: 23.28%; Plot 3: 14.47%). The pH varied from neutral (Plot 1) to moderately alkaline (Plots 2 and 3). Exchangeable acidity does not represent a limiting factor for the soils. It is concluded that the soil exhibits compaction with variability in pH, which should be considered to optimize management and crop selection
Design and Development of a Podiatric Station Prototype for the Diagnosis of Diabetic Foot
No full textDiabetic foot is one of the most frequent complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus, characterized by the development of ulcers, infections, and a high risk of amputation. In Bolivia, approximately 6.5% of the adult population lives with this condition, and progressive foot injuries are common. In response to this problem, a functional prototype of a podiatric station—named PODIATECH—was designed and developed to support early diagnosis through structural and thermal foot analysis. The system comprises two main modules: a structural module that uses a flatbed scanner to capture the plantar footprint and applies the Hernández-Corvo index; and a thermal module that uses infrared imaging to detect temperature differences associated with circulatory alterations. The entire system is managed through a web-based platform that enables patient registration, clinical record consultation, and automated report generation. During preliminary validation, ten participants were evaluated, five of whom had a confirmed diagnosis of diabetes. In four of these cases, temperature differences greater than 2 °C were detected, corresponding to clinically relevant risk zones. No significant alterations were found in healthy participants. These results suggest that the system may serve as an effective tool for early diabetic foot screening. Further clinical trials with a larger sample size are recommended to assess the system’s performance and reliability in real-world settings
Biosafety in the work performance of workers exposed to biological risks
No full textIntroduction: Occupational biological risk is the probability that workers will suffer health damage from contact or exposure to biological agents. To prevent occupational diseases, workers need biosafety knowledge that enables them to develop appropriate attitudes and practices in their work. Objective: To determine the level of biosafety knowledge, attitudes, and practices of workers exposed to biological risks at the National Center for Minimally Access Surgery. Methods: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted. The study population consisted of 198 workers exposed to biological risks at the institution. Using simple random sampling, the sample consisted of 98 workers. A performance observation guide was applied, allowing for the assessment of variables using the designed qualitative scale, considering the positive value for each variable studied. Results: 71.9% of the respondents rated their level of knowledge as insufficient, while 65.3% rated their attitudes and appropriate practices regarding biosafety as insufficient, and 59.7% rated their attitudes and appropriate practices regarding biosafety as insufficient. The most affected variables were insufficient knowledge for identifying risks in the workplace and managing hospital waste, as well as inadequate response to accidents involving biological agents. Conclusions: Workers exposed to biological risks at the National Center for Minimally Access Surgery (CMS) have insufficient knowledge, attitudes, and appropriate practices in biosafety to prevent occupational accidents and diseases while on the job
Utility of immunoinformatics in epitope mapping for vaccine and therapeutic design
No full textEpitope identification is largely the basis for the development of new vaccine candidates and immunotherapies. However, traditional methods for epitope identification present certain limitations in terms of time and high costs, hence experimentation in this field is targeted and rationalized. The development of omics, as well as the introduction of bioinformatics techniques and tools in biomedical specialties, has allowed the development of immunoinformatics, which has the capacity to speed up the discovery process. The present communication aims to describe the potential of immunoinformatics in epitope mapping for the design of vaccines and therapies