Abstract: A patient simulator including one or more simulated limbs or limb portions and a simulated torso. The simulated torso includes an upper torso bracket, a lower torso bracket, and an articulation joint via which the upper and lower torso brackets are pivotably connected. Each of the one or more simulated limbs or limb portions is connected, at least indirectly, to the upper torso bracket or the lower torso bracket. The patient simulator may further include a simulated head or head portion connected, at least indirectly, to the upper torso bracket. The one or more simulated limbs or limb portions may include one or more simulated arms or arm portions connected, at least indirectly, to the upper torso bracket. Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more simulated limbs or limb portions may include one or more simulated legs or leg portions connected, at least indirectly, to the lower torso bracket.

Abstract: Secure and auditable consolidation of results of an electoral process, in which local electoral authorities participate to validate local electoral results by generating a validation proof, which is communicated to a consolidation module that verifies that the validation proof has been generated by the appropriate electoral authorities and then generates a receiving proof, which contains the result of the validation, which could be the acceptance or non-acceptance of the validation proof. The receiving proof is finally sent to the electoral authorities. There are different ways of generating the validation and receiving proofs so as to be able to robustly verify the identity of the local electoral authorities who have participated in the validation of the electoral results and to verify if the validated local electoral results are the same that are going to be consolidated and to preserve integrity of the official records of the local electoral results.

Abstract: An improved barbell having horizontal spring-loaded resistance for increased muscular activity in an individual is provided. Spring action created by the horizontal spring-loaded resistance in the improved barbell provides the individual with additional muscle activation as compared to a traditional barbell. The improved barbell may include a spring that can be compressed and uncompressed using a tubular steel shaft, which is maintained in place by a self-lubricating linear bearing to reduce binding. The design provides a smooth action consistent with muscle-building execution exercises. The spring and bearing may be encased in a barrel with precision. The barrel may be welded to a 1-inch diameter steel tubular shaft. A separate 1-inch diameter steel tubular shaft may be installed in the barrel. The pair of tubular shafts may hold a desired weight.

Abstract: An improved barbell having horizontal spring-loaded resistance for increased muscular activity in an individual is provided. The spring action created by the horizontal spring-loaded resistance in the improved barbell provides an individual with additional muscle activation as compared to a traditional barbell. The improved barbell may include a spring that can be compressed and uncompressed using a tubular steel shaft, which is maintained in place by a self-lubricating linear bearing to reduce binding, for example. The design provides a smooth action consistent with muscle-building execution exercises. The spring and bearing may be incased in a barrel with precision. The barrel may be welded to a 1-inch diameter steel tubular shaft. A separate 1-inch diameter steel tubular shaft may be installed in the barrel. The pair of tubular shafts may hold the desired weight plates. The plates may be secured with standard clips.

Abstract: The invention relates to a CO2 y SO2 capture method comprising the following steps consisting in: a) introducing an aqueous stream of a hydroxide of an alkali or alkaline-earth metal and another gas stream of CO2 into a bubble column purifier/reactor, in order to form a carbonate of the alkali or alkaline-earth metal; b) introducing the carbonate of the alkali or alkaline-earth metal into a bubble column purifier/reactor, into which a stream of a gas mixture of CO2 and SO2 is introduced in order to form sulphite of an alkali or alkaline-earth metal and carbon dioxide; c) transforming the sulphite from step (b) into sulphate of said metal by means of oxidation with air; and d) re-circulating the unreacted CO2 produced during step (b) by reacting the slurry with the SO2, in the reactor from step (a).

Abstract: The invention relates to a CO2 y SO2 capture method comprising the following steps consisting in: a) introducing an aqueous stream of a hydroxide of an alkali or alkaline-earth metal and another gas stream of CO2 into a bubble column purifier/reactor, in order to form a carbonate of the alkali or alkaline-earth metal; b) introducing the carbonate of the alkali or alkaline-earth metal into a bubble column purifier/reactor, into which a stream of a gas mixture of CO2 and SO2 is introduced in order to form sulphite of an alkali or alkaline-earth metal and carbon dioxide; c) transforming the sulphite from step (b) into sulphate of said metal by means of oxidation with air; and d) re-circulating the unreacted CO2 produced during step (b) by reacting the slurry with the SO2, in the reactor from step (a).

Abstract: A method and system for the secure and auditable consolidation of the results of an electoral process, in which local electoral authorities (101) participate to validate, by generating a validation test (106), local electoral results. This validation test is communicated to a consolidation module (103), which will verify that the validation test (106) has been generated by the appropriate electoral authorities. It will then generate a receiving test (107), which will contain the result of the validation, which could be the acceptance or non-acceptance of the validation test. The receiving test (107) is finally sent to the electoral authorities for information of the validation.

Abstract: A method of providing a reproducible and clinically relevant disease activity measurement for a group of immunologic disorders that share features of a T “helper” 1 (Th1) immune activation phenotype is disclosed. Th1 responses are characterized by the release of a set of pro-inflammatory substances by white blood cells (WBC) By evaluating the ex vivo activation response of whole blood in terms of the extent of release of Th1 produced pro-inflammatory substances in blood (i.e., WBC activity) following activation with a Th1-associated stimulant, the level of, e.g., disease activity or immunosuppression in a specific individual can be determined. The method of the invention provides a disease activity marker for a wide variety of Th1 inflammatory responses, including Crohn's Disease, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), multiple sclerosis and solid organ transplant rejection.