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We conducted a 16S rRNA nested PCR for the genus Ehrlichia and Ehrlichia spp. with blood samples from 30 ill dogs in Chile. Phylogenetic analysis was performed by using groESL gene amplification. We identified Anaplasma platys as 1 of the etiologic agents of canine ehrlichiosis.

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This paper presents the comparison of four control strategies for the A 2 /O WWTP configuration for simultaneous C, N and P removal. The control strategies: i) external COD-P control; ii) external recycle flow-P control; iii) nitrate control in the last anoxic reactor; iv) ammonia control in the last aerobic reactor, were combined with other common control loops to build different control structures and were simulated in Matlab/Simulink under different influent conditions. A systematic approach was conducted with all the strategies to assess their potential effectiveness, according to the following steps: theoretical design, setpoint optimization and, finally, a detailed comparison of the control results against a reference operation and an optimized reference scenario. The optimization of the reference operation presented a 7 % reduction of the total operational cost. The simulation results showed that some control strategies further reduced 3-7.5% the WWTP operational costs while the effluent quality is greatly improved.

One of the biggest problems with distribution systems correspond to the load unbalance created by power demand of customers. This becomes a difficult task to solve with conventional methods. Therefore, this paper uses integer linear programming and Branch and Bound algorithm to balance the loads in the three phases of the distribution system, employing stored data of power demand. Results show that the method helps to decrease the unbalance factor in more than 10%, by selecting the phase where a load should be connected. The solution may be used as a planning tool in distribution systems applied to installations with systems for measuring power consumption in different time intervals. Furthermore, in conjunction with communications and processing technologies, the solution could be useful to implement with a smart grid.