ABSTRACT This review article provides a concise view of the transformative role played by silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors in the electric power industry, along with a description of their emerging applications in electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy systems, aeronautics, and space. It highlights SiC chips’ ability to operate at high temperatures and frequencies, surpassing the limitations of traditional silicon chips and resulting in enhanced efficiency. Additionally, it also presents the capabilities of SiC devices to manage elevated power levels within reduced size and weight parameters, emphasizing their impact on augmenting power density in EVs and enhancing reliability and efficiency in renewable energy, aeronautics, and space applications. Finally, the review concludes by providing an overview of the prevailing trends, existing challenges, and the future trajectory of SiC semiconductors within these important sectors. (SiC industry EVs, , (EVs) systems aeronautics frequencies Additionally parameters Finally trends challenges sectors (EVs

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the application of Siliceous Rocks Powder as a source of K (phonolite and verdete) in natura and calcined at temperatures of 300, 600, 800 and 1000° C, pure and in consortium with dolomitic limestone and coffee husk to corn crop (Zea mays L.). The analyses of the phenological variables, stem diameter, number of shoots, leaves, plants height, weight of dry biomass of the aerial part and the contents of N, P and K, accumulated in the aerial part of the plants were performed. The range of calcination temperature between 300 °C and 600 °C, being the treatments that become K more available to the plants. The treatment that produced the highest biomass was the rocks in mixture (m/m) with coffee husk. The calcination temperatures influenced the biomass production and the content of macronutrients accumulated in the dry biomass of the aerial part. The least efficient treatment in the production of biomass was associated with the rocks in mixture with dolomitic limestone. phonolite verdete 80 1000 C Zea L.. L L. . L.) variables diameter shoots leaves height N performed 30 60 m/m mm m (m/m 8 100 3 6 10 1

Resumen El derecho a la desconexión del trabajo, que surgió como un nuevo derecho laboral para hacer frente a los cambios en la sociedad del trabajo, tan afectada por la tecnología de la información, y que trae consecuencias nefastas para la vida y la salud de los trabajadores, fue positivado en Chile por la ley 21.220 de 2020. No obstante, dejó muchas lagunas sobre su configuración y sobre la forma como se puede vulnerar este derecho laboral. Este trabajo pretende argumentar sobre estas líneas jurídicas, de forma de ofrecer contribuciones a la aplicación práctica del derecho a la desconexión digital del trabajo en las empresas y por la jurisprudencia, para los casos de conflictos entre las partes de la relación laboral.

Abstract The right to disconnection from work, which emerged as a new labor law that aims to face changes in the labor society, so affected by information technology, and that it has dire consequences for the life and health of workers is consecrated in Chile, Law No. 21,220 of 2020. However, it has left many gaps on its configuration and on how this labor right can be violated. This work aims to argue about these legal lines, in order to offer contributions to the practical application of the Right to Digital Disconnection from Work in companies and by jurisprudence, for cases of conflicts between the parties to the employment relationship.

Résumé Le droit à la déconnexion au travail, nouveau droit professionnel répondant aux modifications de la société du travail si bouleversée par les technologies de l’information néfastes pour la vie et la santé des salariés, a fait l’objet, en 2020, d’une loi au Chili, celle qui porte le numéro 21.220. Mais son imprécision même met à jour de nombreuses lacunes juridiques et permet la mise à mal de ce droit professionnel. Le présent travail examine le texte de cette loi afin de contribuer à l’application pratique du droit à la déconnexion numérique au travail dans les entreprises et entend également faire évoluer la jurisprudence dans le cas de conflits entre employeurs et employés.

In this study, the hybrid corona-dielectric barrier discharge plasma treatment was employed to modify the physical, chemical and morphological characteristics of a half-knitted fabric composed of 92% polyamide 6.6 and 8% elastane (PA). These properties of the fabric were evaluated by the water contact angle, x-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy techniques. In addition, the dyeing and washing processes were also investigated. A significant reduction of the contact angle was observed for plasma-treated PA. Infrared spectroscopy analyses indicated that C-H, N-H, and N-O groups in PA increased after plasma treatment, explaining the improved coloring strength for the plasma-treated samples when dyed with reactive and acid dyes. A better fixation of dye was also observed after the atmospheric plasma treatment. Furthermore, dyeing with a basic and acid dye caused the dyeability increases for the plasma-treated sample compared with the untreated sample.

Abstract Rabies is a fatal zoonotic infection of the central nervous system of mammals and has been known to humans for millennia. The etiological agent, is a neurotropic RNA virus in the order Mononegavirales, family Rhabdoviridae, genus Lyssavirus. There are currently accepted to be two cycles for rabies transmission: the urban cycle and the sylvatic cycle. The fact that both cycles originated from a common RABV or lyssavirus ancestor and the adaptive divergence that occurred since then as this ancestor virus adapted to a wide range of fitness landscapes represented by reservoir species in the orders Carnivora and Chiroptera led to the emergence of the diverse RABV lineages currently found in the sylvatic and urban cycles. Here we study full genome phylogenies and the time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) of the RABVs in the sylvatic and urban cycles. Results show that there were differences between the nucleotide substitution rates per site per year for the same RABV genes maintained independently in the urban and sylvatic cycles. The results identify the most suitable gene for phylogenetic analysis, heterotachy among RABV genes and the TMRCA for the two cycles.

Abstract: In our labor doctrine, there is a discussion regarding the applicability of the cause need of the entrepreneurship as justification for the termination of the work contract-Article 161 of the Specific Code-in fixed-term contracts and contracts for work or service. This interpretative struggle, although minor, does not analyze in a broad way the consequences of the adoption of this causal in the aforementioned atypical contracts. This article aims to argue about this topic and propose practical solutions that, according to Labor Law and Civil Law, can illuminate the doctrine towards the use of the Theory of the Imprevision in cases of compensation for early termination of atypical contracts and analyze its legal consequences.

Resumen: En nuestra doctrina laboral, existe una discusión con respecto a la aplicabilidad de la causal necesidad de la empresa como justificación para el término del contrato de trabajo -artículo 161 del Código Específico- en los contratos a plazo fijo y los contratos por obra o servicio. Esta pugna interpretativa, aunque menor, no analiza de forma amplia las consecuencias de la adopción de esta causal en los contratos atípicos citados. El presente artículo pretende argumentar sobre esta temática y proponer soluciones prácticas que, acorde al Derecho del Trabajo y al Derecho Civil, puedan iluminar la doctrina hacia el uso de la Teoría de la Imprevisión en los casos de indemnización por término anticipado de los contratos atípicos y analizar sus consecuencias jurídicas.

Resume Le débat sur l’efficacité des systèmes de sécurité sociale est présent et met en évidence des facteurs tels que le vieillissement de la population, l’augmentation de l’espérance de vie, les crises économiques internationales, inquiétants. Dans ce processus, les pensions faibles de certains systèmes sont perçues, qui ne sont pas en mesure d’assurer la vie digne de leur assuré. Cet article étudie le cas du système de capitalisation individuelle chilien, en comparaison avec l’interprétation constitutionnelle moderne qui assure à tous un minimum vital pour une existence digne, fondée sur la protection de la vie, de la dignité, de la liberté, de l’égalité et solidarité.

Abstract The debate on the efficiency of social security systems is present, and points out factors such as the aging of the population, the increase in life expectancy, the international economic crises, as being worrisome. In this process, the low pensions of some systems are perceived, which are not able to ensure the dignified life of their insured. This article studies the case of the Chilean individual capitalization system, in comparison with the modern constitutional interpretation that assures all people a vital minimum for a dignified existence, based on the protection of life, dignity, freedom, equality and solidarity.

Resumen El debate sobre la eficiencia de los sistemas de seguridad social es presente, y se apunta factores como el envejecimiento de la población, el aumento de la esperanza de vida, las crisis económicas internacionales, como siendo preocupantes. En este proceso, se perciben las bajas pensiones de algunos sistemas, que no son capaces de asegurar la vida digna de sus asegurados. Este artículo estudia el caso del sistema de capitalización individual chileno, en cotejo con la interpretación constitucional moderna, que asegura a todas las personas un mínimo vital para la existencia digna, fundamentado en la protección de la vida, la dignidad, la libertad, la igualdad y la solidaridad.

Resumo Introdução: O uso de fio guia de segurança (FGS) costuma ser recomendado para a realização de ureteroscopia para prevenir e solucionar complicações durante o procedimento. Seu uso, porém, aumenta a força necessária para manipular o aparelho endoscópico dentro da luz ureteral e, atualmente, existe uma carência de dados consistentes que indiquem o uso do FGS em todos os procedimentos. Método: Uma revisão da literatura foi realizada em abril de 2017 utilizando as ferramentas PubMed, Ovid e The Cochrane Library para identificar estudos relevantes. O desfecho primário da análise foi reportar taxas de resolução dos cálculos, viabilidade, contraindicações e complicações relacionadas ao não uso do FGS. Resultados: Seis estudos foram incluídos na análise, totalizando 1.886 pacientes, nos quais foi realizada ureteroscopia semirrígida ou flexível sem o uso do FGS no tratamento de cálculos renais ou ureterais. Somente um estudo relatou taxa livre de cálculos com ou sem FGS, sendo 77,1 e 85,9%, respectivamente (p=0.001). Todos os estudos mostraram não haver aumento da taxa de complicação na ausência do FGS e um deles relatou aumento de estenose ureteral pós-endoscopia no grupo que utilizou o FGS. Todos os estudos recomendam o uso do FGS em casos complicados, como cálculos ureterais associados a edema de mucosa, estenose ureteral, anomalias anatômicas ou dificuldade de visualização do cálculo. Conclusão: Nossa revisão mostrou que faltam dados relevantes para justificar o uso do FGS durante a ureteroscopia.

Summary Introduction: It is generally advised to have a safety guidewire (SGW) present during ureteroscopy (URS) to manage possible complications. However, it increases the strenght needed to insert and retract the endoscope during the procedure, and, currently, there is a lack of solid data supporting the need for SGW in all procedures. We reviewed the literature about SGW utilization during URS. Method: A review of the literature was conducted through April 2017 using PubMed, Ovid, and The Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant studies. The primary outcome was to report stone-free rates, feasibility, contraindications to and complications of performing intrarenal retrograde flexible and semi-rigid URS without the use of a SGW. Results: Six studies were identified and selected for this review, and overall they included 1,886 patients where either semi-rigid or flexible URS was performed without the use of a SGW for the treatment of urinary calculi disease. Only one study reported stone-free rates with or without SGW at 77.1 and 85.9%, respectively (p=0.001). None of the studies showed increased rates of complications in the absence of SGW and one of them showed more post-endoscopic ureteral stenosis whenever SGW was routinely used. All studies recommended utilization of SGW in complicated cases, such as ureteral stones associated with significant edema, ureteral stricture, abnormal anatomy or difficult visualization. Conclusion: Our review showed a lack of relevant data supporting the use of SGW during retrograde URS. A well-designed prospective randomized trial is in order.

Abstract Introduction Ozonization is an alternative sterilization process for heat-sensitive medical devices. However, the side effects of this process on packaging materials should be verified. Methods Four types of commercial disposable packaging for medical devices were evaluated after undergoing ozone sterilization: crepe paper sheet, non-woven fabric sheet (SMS), medical grade paper-plastic pouch and Tyvec©-plastic pouch. For each material, the gas penetration through the microbiological barrier was measured. Other packaging properties, such as chemical composition, color, tactile and mechanical resistance, were also evaluated after sterilization, by using characterization techniques, namely microbiological indicators, infrared spectroscopy, tensile test and optical microscopy. Results All commercial disposable packaging showed good ozone penetration. Crepe paper and SMS were chemically and mechanically modified by ozone, while Tyvec© only suffered mechanical modification. Paper-plastic pouch was the packaging material which just experienced an acceptable reduction in tensile resistance, showing no variations on chemical or visual properties. Conclusion The results suggest that medical grade paper-plastic pouch is the most appropriate disposable medical device packaging to be sterilized by ozone when compared to other materials.

The thermal decomposition of silicon carbide (SiC), with the subsequent formation of graphene, can be achieved by heating treatment. Several heating processes have been applied for this purpose by using SiC, either in form of powder particles or monocrystalline substrate. In this work, instead of using an expensive commercially available SiC wafer, a polycrystalline SiC substrate was obtained, based on powder metallurgy process, in order to explore the synthesis of graphene layers on its surface by using a CO2 laser beam as heating source. Different levels of energy density (fluence) were applied and Raman spectroscopy analyses demonstrated that graphene layers were formed on the polycrystalline SiC surface. The ratio of the integrated intensity of the D and G bands, and the crystallite size were calculated. The FWHM of the 2D band peaks are in excellent agreement with the range of values found in the literature. The samples irradiated with energy density of 138.4 J/cm2 presented lower concentration of defects and higher crystallite size, while the lowest FWHM was obtained for energy density of 188 J/cm2. The process occurred at room conditions and no gas flow was used. The results reveal a simple and cost-effective alternative for synthesis of graphene-based structures on SiC.

Abstract Introduction Various works have shown that diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings are able to improve the cells adhesion on prosthesis material and also cause protection against the physical wear. On the other hand there are reports about the effect of substrate polishing, in evidence of that roughness can enhance cell adhesion. In order to compare and quantify the joint effects of both factors, i.e, polishing and DLC coating, a commonly prosthesis material, the Ti-6Al-4V alloy, was used as raw material for substrates in our studies of macrophage cell adhesion rate on rough and polished samples, coated and uncoated with DLC. Methods The films were produced by PECVD technique on Ti-6Al-4V substrates and characterized by optical profilometry, scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The amount of cells was measured by particle analysis in IMAGE J software. Cytotoxicity tests were also carried out to infer the biocompatibility of the samples. Results The results showed that higher the surface roughness of the alloy, higher are the cells fixing on the samples surface, moreover group of samples with DLC favored the cell adhesion more than their respective uncoated groups. The cytotoxity tests confirmed that all samples were biocompatible independently of being polished or coated with DLC. Conclusion From the observed results, it was found that the rougher substrate coated with DLC showed a higher cell adhesion than the polished samples, either coated or uncoated with the film. It is concluded that the roughness of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy and the DLC coating act complementary to enhance cell adhesion.

Introduction:Candida species are responsible for about 80% of hospital fungal infections. Non-thermal plasmas operated at atmospheric pressure are increasingly used as an alternative to existing antimicrobial strategy. This work investigates the action of post-discharge region of a non-thermal atmospheric plasma jet, generated by a gliding arc reactor, on biofilms of standard strain of Candida albicans grown on polyurethane substrate. Methods Samples were divided into three groups: (i) non-treated; (ii) treated with argon plasma, and (iii) treated with argon plus air plasma. Subsequently to plasma treatment, counting of colony-forming units (CFU/ml) and cell viability tests were performed. In addition, the surface morphology of the samples was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical profilometry (OP). Results Reduction in CFU/ml of 85% and 88.1% were observed in groups ii and iii, respectively. Cell viability after treatment also showed reduction of 33% in group ii and 8% in group iii, in comparison with group i (100%). The SEM images allow observation of the effect of plasma chemistry on biofilm structure, and OP images showed a reduction of its surface roughness, which suggests a possible loss of biofilm mass. Conclusion The treatment in post-discharge region and the chemistries of plasma jet tested in this work were effective in controlling Candida albicans biofilm contamination. Finally, it was evidenced that argon plus air plasma was the most efficient to reduce cell viability.

RESUMO O Brasil importa mais de 90% de todo o potássio que consome na agricultura, todavia, essa importação pode ser minimizada com a utilização de fontes alternativas de potássio disponíveis no país. Nesse contexto, conduziu-se um experimento com o objetivo de avaliar a solubilidade das rochas sienito nefelínico e glauconita em função do emprego de três diferentes matrizes orgânicas: ácidos húmico, ácido cítrico e casca de café. O experimento foi realizado em laboratório, sendo adotado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Cada rocha foi misturada com cinco doses diferentes de cada matriz orgânica e as avaliações dos teores de K solubilizado foram realizadas, periodicamente, durante 180 dias. O teor de potássio solúvel foi determinado em função do emprego de solução de ácido cítrico a 2% e água, na fase de extração. Independentemente da matriz orgânica e de sua dose, o sienito nefelínico libera mais K que a glauconita. O K solubilizado aumenta com o acréscimo do tempo de incubação e sua liberação é maior, à medida que se eleva a dose da matriz orgânica. Há maior solubilização de K quando a palha de café é misturada às rochas potássicas em relação aos ácidos húmico e cítrico.

ABSTRACT Brazil imports most of the potassium that it consumes in agriculture, however, such huge external dependence can be minimized with the use of alternative local K bearing rocks. This experiment was conducted with the objective of evaluating the solubility of nepheline syenite and glauconite as a function of three organic matrices, humic acid, citric acid and coffee husk. Incubation of low grade K rocks and organic matrices were done in laboratory conditions, in a completely randomized design. Each rock was mixed with five different doses of each organic matrix and the potassium solubilized was measured periodically, during 180 days. Regardless of the organic matrix and its dose investigated, nepheline syenite samples released more K than the modified glauconite. Soluble K increased as the incubation time increased and its release was greater as the organic matrix dose increased. There was more soluble K when the coffee husk was mixed with the potassic rocks, in relation to the humic and citric acids.

In this work thin films of silicon carbide (SiC) were deposited on silicon wafers by High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HiPIMS) technique varying the average power of the discharge on a stoichiometric SiC target. X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and profilometry were used to analyze the films. It was observed that high values of the average electric power favors the formation of C-C bonds, while low values of the power promote the formation of Si-C bonds. At high power, we have also observed higher deposition rates, but the samples present surface imperfections, causing increase in the roughness and decrease in the film uniformity.