Abstract Background Reliable devices that quantitatively monitor the level of neuromuscular blockade after neuromuscular blocking agents’ administration are crucial. Electromyography and acceleromyography are two monitoring modalities commonly used in clinical practice. The primary outcome of this study is to compare the onset of neuromuscular blockade, defined as a Train-Of-Four Count (TOFC) equal to 0, as measured by an electromyography-based device (TetraGraph) and an acceleromyography-based device (TOFscan). The secondary outcome was to compare intubating conditions when one of these two devices reached a TOFC equal to 0. Methods One hundred adult patients scheduled for elective surgery requiring neuromuscular blockade were enrolled. Prior to induction of anesthesia, TetraGraph electrodes were placed over the forearm of patients’ dominant/non-dominant hand based on randomization and TOFscan electrodes placed on the contralateral forearm. Intraoperative neuromuscular blocking agent dose was standardized to 0.5 mg.kg−1 of rocuronium. After baseline values were obtained, objective measurements were recorded every 20 seconds and intubation was performed using video laryngoscopy once either device displayed a TOFC = 0. The anesthesia provider was then surveyed about intubating conditions. Results Baseline TetraGraph train-of-four ratios were higher than those obtained with TOFscan (Median: 1.02 [0.88, 1.20] vs. 1.00 [0.64, 1.01], respectively, p < 0.001). The time to reach a TOFC = 0 was significantly longer when measured with TetraGraph compared to TOFscan (Median: 160 [40, 900] vs. 120 [60, 300] seconds, respectively, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in intubating conditions when either device was used to determine the timing of endotracheal intubation. Conclusions The onset of neuromuscular blockade was longer when measured with TetraGraph than TOFscan, and a train-of-four count of zero in either device was a useful indicator for adequate intubating conditions. Clinical trial number and registry URL NCT05120999, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05120999.

Abstract The cosmetic industry has turned its attention to using vegetable products; the number of different vegetable oils used in the cosmetic industry has risen in the last years. Therefore, there are opportunities for development and innovation for the cosmetic sector keeping in mind the growing concern for personal well-being. Being necessary to develop new, and more accurate measurement methods not only to assure the product quality, also to understand the effect of the molecular interactions in order to develop new products. In this work, the so-called photopyroelectric techniques are used for studying the thermal effusivity and diffusivity of wheat germ, mamey seed, walnut, coconut, and linseed oils. The thermal conductivity was calculated using a mathematical relationship, and density was measured. Therefore, full thermal characterization is achieved. The obtained values for the studied oils are closed to other vegetable oils already reported. This similarity is partially a consequence of the similar chemical structure presented in this type of materials.

Abstract Electric arc is a complex phenomenon that associates high current densities and temperatures; therefore, this must be extinguished rapidly to avoid future damage in low voltage devices. An early extinction of electric arc in low voltage switching devices leads to safety in industrial processes and protects electronic devices as well as their operators. Since the formation and propagation time is small (micro-seconds), the decision-making through experimentation for the design of new switch models is costly and often ineffective for not being capable of quantifying specific variables of the electric arc. To obtain and propose improvements in the design of low voltage switches, modeling is an excellent tool to analyze the most influential parameters in the current interruption. This option allows systems optimization by a magnetohydrodynamic model without building and testing a lot of expensive prototypes.

Resumen El arco eléctrico es un fenómeno complejo que asocia altas temperaturas y densidades de corriente, por lo cual debe ser erradicado de manera casi inmediata para evitar posibles daños en la red eléctrica de las edificaciones y sistemas de potencia. Una pronta extinción de arco eléctrico en interruptores de bajo voltaje conlleva a la seguridad y protección de dispositivos electrónicos como de sus operadores. Dado que los tiempos de formación y propagación del arco eléctrico son del orden de microsegundos, la toma de decisiones mediante experimentación para el diseño de nuevos interruptores resulta extremadamente costosa y, en muchas ocasiones, poco práctica al no poder cuantificar variables específicas del arco eléctrico. Debido a lo anterior, el modelado es una excelente herramienta para analizar los parámetros más influyentes en la interrupción de corriente. Esta opción permite la optimización de sistemas sin la necesidad de construir y probar una gran cantidad de prototipos con elevados costos. De esta manera se puede profundizar en el análisis y conocimiento de estos dispositivos mediante la propuesta de un modelo magnetohidrodinámico, y así cuantificar variables que experimentalmente resultaría imposible obtener.

Abstract Several mesoporous SBA-15 type supports were synthesized; some of them were modified with an auxiliary organic molecule (SBA-15/TMB). The catalysts were obtained by in-situ addition of Pd (0.5- 3.0 %wt) during supports synthesis. The materials were characterized by Nitrogen physisorption, XRD, SAXS, TPR and SEM. The catalytic activity was tested in the deoxygenation of stearic acid (SA) at 300°C and 20 bar, feeding 0.25 ml/min of SA (4 %wt) in dodecane, and 50 ml/min of H2 (10%volume) in N2. The synthesized solids showed characteristic properties of mesoporous materials, and the organic molecule had an effect of expansion and disordering of the structure of the material, generating increments of the textural properties, while Pd addition did not cause significant changes in the structural properties of these materials. The catalysts showed high initial conversions of SA (40-75%), decreasing to 20-40% after 6 h reaction. Higher content of Pd produced higher conversion of SA and lower catalyst deactivation. Catalysts with TMB were less active. Selectivity to non-oxygenated products was 100% with n-heptadecane as the main product.

Resumen Se sintetizaron diferentes soportes mesoporosos tipo SBA-15, algunos fueron modificados con una molécula orgánica auxiliar (SBA-15/TMB). Los catalizadores se obtuvieron por adición in-situ de Pd (0.5-3.0% peso) durante la síntesis de los soportes. Los materiales se caracterizaron por Fisisorción de N2, DRX, SAXS, TPR y MEB. La actividad catalítica se evaluó en la desoxigenación de ácido esteárico (AE) a 300°C y 20 bar, alimentando 0.25 ml/min de AE (4%peso) en dodecano y 50 ml/min de H2 (10%volumen) en N2. Los sólidos presentaron propiedades características de materiales mesoporosos, y la molécula orgánica tuvo un efecto de ampliación y desordenamiento de la estructura del material, generando incrementos en las propiedades texturales, mientras que la adición de Pd no provocó cambios considerables en la estructura de estos materiales. Los catalizadores mostraron altas conversiones iniciales de AE (40-75%), disminuyendo la conversión a 20-40% después de 6 h de reacción. A mayor contenido de Pd se obtuvo mayor conversión de AE y menor grado de desactivación de los catalizadores. Los catalizadores con TMB fueron menos activos. La selectividad hacia productos no oxigenados fue del 100%, con n-heptadecano como producto principal.