The effect of heat treatment on hardness and drye wear properties of a semisolid processed aluminium alloy

Semisolid AlSiMg casting alloys are attractive alternatives for automotive and aeronautical applications. In this work the effects of heat treatments on hardness and tribological properties of A356 aluminium alloy obtained by Sub-Liquidus Casting (SLC) were studied. The optimum heat treatment conditions, in which the material presents the maximum hardening and wear resistance values, were determined. Heat treatment conditions investigated included: A356 SLC as cast, T5 and T6. Furthermore, AC-46500 and A6061/T6 were analyzed for comparison. The tribological properties of the samples were investigated by pin-on-disc tests at 5 N and 0.05 and 0.1 m·s-1 in dry conditions. The samples were studied by SEM-EDX techniques in order to determine the wear mechanisms and the determination of the products produced during the tests. The maximum hardness and the lowest dry wear rate were obtained through T6 thermal treatment condition.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Workshop on new strategies and tools for the eHealth library organized by the Andalusian eHealth Library

The Andalusian eHealth Library (Biblioteca Virtual del Sistema Sanitario Publico de Andalucia, BV-SSPA), was created in June 2006. The 42 librarians who already worked for the Health System were integrated within this new system. The annual library meeting has been held every year since then, and in 2013 the EAHIL workshop held in Stockholm was the model to follow

Child Head Circumference and Placental MFSD2a Expression Are Associated to the Level of MFSD2a in Maternal Blood During Pregnancy

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a world-wide health challenge, which prevalence is expected to increase in parallel to the epidemic of obesity. Children born from GDM mothers have lower levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in cord blood, which might influence their neurodevelopment. Recently, the membrane transporter Major Family Super Domain 2a (MFSD2a) was associated with the selective transportation of DHA as lysophospholipids. The expression of the DHA membrane transporter MFSD2a is lower in GDM placentas, which could affect materno-fetal DHA transport. Humans with homozygous inactivating mutations in the MFSD2a gene present severe microcephaly and intellectual impairments. Herein, we intended to identify early blood biomarkers that may be of use during pregnancy to monitor the offspring development and the adequate nutritional interventions, such as nutritional supplementation, that may be selected to improve it. We evaluated MFSD2a expression in maternal blood at the third trimester of pregnancy, and its potential relationship with the expression of placental MFSD2a at delivery and child outcomes. Three groups of pregnant women were recruited: 25 controls, 23 GDM with dietary treatment, and 20 GDM with insulin treatment. Maternal and neonatal anthropometric and biochemical parameters were evaluated. MFSD2a was analyzed in placenta, blood and serum. MFSD2a protein expression in maternal blood was significantly lower in GDM groups and correlated with placental MFSD2a and Z-score neonatal head circumference during the first 6 months of life. The cord/maternal serum ratio of DHA, a solid indicator of materno-fetal DHA transport, was reduced in GDM groups and correlated with MFSD2a in maternal blood at the third trimester and in placenta at delivery. This indicates that altered MFSD2a levels in maternal blood during pregnancy might influence placental nutrient transport and fetal neurodevelopment. Furthermore, MFSD2a levels in maternal blood on the third trimester were inversely correlated to DHA in maternal serum lyso-PL. Thus, the level of MFSD2a in maternal blood could be used as a potential biomarker for the early detection of disturbances of MFSD2a expression during pregnancy and the subsequent consequences for the neurodevelopment of the child, as well as it may help to choose the optimal treatment approach for the affected subjects

Surface finish effect on the anodizing behaviour of Al-Si components obtained by sub-liquidus casting process.

The aim of this study was to investigate the hard decorative anodizing components of A357 aluminium alloy, obtained in semisolid state by Sub Liquidus Casting® process, to improve its tribological properties and corrosion resistance. Components were heat treated in order to modify the shape and distribution of the eutectic silicon phase. The influence of shot peening pre-treatment on anodizing process was evaluated. Surface modifications were investigated as they might have beneficial effects on the wear and corrosion behaviour. Furthermore, the influence of surface condition on the anodization colouring behaviour of aluminium was studied. The microstructure and the surface finish influence on the anodic oxide film growth were studied by optical and scanning electron microscopy. Experiments using a tribometer (ball on disc configuration) were performed in order to evaluate the tribological properties of the material. Salt spray corrosion tests were used to study the corrosion properties before and after the anodizing process.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

La “nueva normalidad”: ¿qué opinan nuestros pacientes?

Aim: To assess the perceived satisfaction with the implemented Telepharmacy and home drug delivery program, as well as the preferences of patients and / or caregivers for the healthcare model of pharmaceutical care and dispensing when the “new normality” is reached.Method: An anonymous electronic survey was designed using the Microsoft Forms application. The target population were the patients, or caregivers, treated in the Outpatient Unit using the Telepharmacy model who received the prescribed medication in their homes between April 30 to May 18, 2020.Results: 327 questionnaires were sent, obtaining a response rate of 45.0%. 95.9% indicated that they received the medication correctly at home, adjusting to the estimated delivery time and in perfect condition. 99.3% reported being satisfied with the Telepharmacy and home delivery service. 76.2% prefer, once the alarm state is over, Telepharmacy and home drug delivery of the medication. The only sociodemographic variable that was significantly associated with patient preferences for the Telepharmacy and home drug delivery model was the distance to the patient’s home.Conclusions: The healthcare models should be modified, and the telematic pharmaceutical care model should be incorporated into daily practice together with the home delivery of medication. It is considered a valid model, based on the feasibility of home delivery, the maintenance of pharmaceutical care and patient satisfaction and preferences. Fortunately, the first steps are taken, and the process is irreversible.Objetivo: Valorar la satisfacción percibida con el programa de Telefarmacia y envío a domicilio implantado, así como las preferencias de los pacientes y /o cuidadores por el modelo asistencial de atención farmacéutica y dispensación cuando se alcance la “nueva normalidad”.Método: Se diseñó una encuesta electrónica anónima mediante la aplicación Microsoft Forms. La población diana fueron los pacientes, o cuidadores, atendidos en la Unidad de Atención Farmacéutica a Pacientes Externos mediante el modelo de Telefarmacia y envío de medicación a su domicilio entre el 30 de abril al 18 de mayo de 2020.Resultados: Se enviaron 327 cuestionarios, obteniendo una tasa de respuesta del 45,0%. El 95,9% indicó que recibió la medicación correctamente en su domicilio, ajustándose al tiempo estimado de entrega y en perfecto estado. El 99,3% refirió estar satisfecho con el servicio de Telefarmacia y envío a domicilio. El 76,2% prefieren, una vez finalizado el estado de alarma, la Telefarmacia y envío a domicilio de la medicación. La única variable sociodemográfica que se asoció de manera significativa con las preferencias de los pacientes por el modelo de Telefarmacia y envío a domicilio fue la distancia al domicilio del paciente.Conclusiones: Se considera necesario adecuar los modelos asistenciales, debiendo incorporar a la práctica diaria el modelo de atención farmacéutica telemática, junto con el envío domiciliario de medicación, modelo válido, sustentado en la factibilidad de los envíos domiciliarios, el mantenimiento de la atención farmacéutica y la satisfacción y preferencias de los pacientes. Afortunadamente, los primeros pasos están dados y el proceso es irreversible

Revisión y Control del Plan de Vigilancia Ambiental de las obras de dragado del Puerto de Maó

Se integra información hidrográfica, geomorfológica, sedimentológica y biológica, para la caracterización de los ecosistemas marinos en el punto de vertido y área adyacente previa al inicio de las obras de dragado del Puerto de Maó.RESUMEN: En este documento se presentan los trabajos científicos realizados por el Instituto Español de Oceanografía, dentro del Plan de Vigilancia Ambiental del dragado del Puerto de Maó (Menorca, Islas Baleares), para la caracterización de los ecosistema marino en el punto de vertido y área adyacente, previa al inicio de las obras. Se incluyen los resultados y las conclusiones de los estudios realizados por diversos grupos de investigación, principalmente en Enero-Marzo 2014, en relación al fondo marino, la hidrodinámica, las praderas de Posidonia oceanica y el molusco bivalvo Pinna nobilis, el macro-bentos de los fondos circalitorales blandos y los contaminantes en agua, sedimentos y biota, así como en especies de interés comercial para el consumo humano. Este informe se contempla en el contrato entre la Autoridad Portuaria de Baleares y el Instituto Español de Oceanografía, suscrito el 5 Febrero 2014, para los trabajos de asistencia técnica para la revisión y control del Plan de Vigilancia Ambiental del dragado del Puerto de Maó.RESUM: En aquest document es presenten els treballs científics realitzats per l’Instituto Español de Oceanografía, dins del Pla de Vigilància Ambiental del dragat del Port de Maó (Menorca, Illes Balears), per a la caracterització dels ecosistemes marins en el punt de vessament i àrea adjacent, prèvia a l’inici de les obres. S’inclouen els resultats i les conclusions del estudis realitzats per diversos grups de recerca, principalment durant Gener-Març 2014, en relació al fons marí, la hidrodinàmica, les praderies de Posidonia oceanica i el mol•lusc bivalve Pinna nobilis, el macro-bentos dels fons circalitorals tous i els contaminants en aigua, sediments i biota, així com en espècies d’interès comercial pel consum humà. Aquest informe es contempla en el contracte entre l’Autoritat Portuària de Balears i el Instituto Español de Oceanografía, subscrit el 5 Febrer 2014, pels treballs d’assistència tècnica per a la revisió i control del Pla de Vigilància Ambiental del dragat de Port de Maó.ABSTRACT: This document presents the scientific actions developed by the Instituto Español de Oceanografía within the Environmental Monitoring Plan of the works of dredging the Port of Maó (Minorca, Balearic Islands), for the characterization of the marine ecosystems in the point of discharge of dredged material and adjacent area, before the beginning of the dredging. The results and conclusions of the studies developed by several research groups, mainly in January-March 2014, in relation to the bottom, hydrodynamics, Posidonia oceanica meadows, and the bivalve mollusc Pinna nobilis, the macro-benthos of the circalittoral soft bottoms and the contaminants in water, sediments and biota, as well as in commercial species for human consumption, are included. This report is contemplated within the contract between the Autoridad Portuaria de Baleares and the Instituto Español de Oceanografía, signed on 5 February 2014, for the technical assistance activities to review and control the Environmental Monitoring Plan of the works of dredging the Port of Maó.Autoridad Portuaria de Baleare

Effectiveness of an intervention for improving drug prescription in primary care patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy:Study protocol of a cluster randomized clinical trial (Multi-PAP project)

This study was funded by the Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias ISCIII (Grant Numbers PI15/00276, PI15/00572, PI15/00996), REDISSEC (Project Numbers RD12/0001/0012, RD16/0001/0005), and the European Regional Development Fund ("A way to build Europe").Background: Multimorbidity is associated with negative effects both on people's health and on healthcare systems. A key problem linked to multimorbidity is polypharmacy, which in turn is associated with increased risk of partly preventable adverse effects, including mortality. The Ariadne principles describe a model of care based on a thorough assessment of diseases, treatments (and potential interactions), clinical status, context and preferences of patients with multimorbidity, with the aim of prioritizing and sharing realistic treatment goals that guide an individualized management. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a complex intervention that implements the Ariadne principles in a population of young-old patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy. The intervention seeks to improve the appropriateness of prescribing in primary care (PC), as measured by the medication appropriateness index (MAI) score at 6 and 12months, as compared with usual care. Methods/Design: Design:pragmatic cluster randomized clinical trial. Unit of randomization: family physician (FP). Unit of analysis: patient. Scope: PC health centres in three autonomous communities: Aragon, Madrid, and Andalusia (Spain). Population: patients aged 65-74years with multimorbidity (≥3 chronic diseases) and polypharmacy (≥5 drugs prescribed in ≥3months). Sample size: n=400 (200 per study arm). Intervention: complex intervention based on the implementation of the Ariadne principles with two components: (1) FP training and (2) FP-patient interview. Outcomes: MAI score, health services use, quality of life (Euroqol 5D-5L), pharmacotherapy and adherence to treatment (Morisky-Green, Haynes-Sackett), and clinical and socio-demographic variables. Statistical analysis: primary outcome is the difference in MAI score between T0 and T1 and corresponding 95% confidence interval. Adjustment for confounding factors will be performed by multilevel analysis. All analyses will be carried out in accordance with the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: It is essential to provide evidence concerning interventions on PC patients with polypharmacy and multimorbidity, conducted in the context of routine clinical practice, and involving young-old patients with significant potential for preventing negative health outcomes. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02866799Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Revisión y Control del Plan de Vigilancia Ambiental de las obras de dragado del Puerto de Maó

Se integra información hidrográfica, geomorfológica, sedimentológica y biológica, para la caracterización de los ecosistemas marinos en el punto de vertido y área adyacente previa al inicio de las obras de dragado del Puerto de Maó.RESUMEN: En este documento se presentan los trabajos científicos realizados por el Instituto Español de Oceanografía, dentro del Plan de Vigilancia Ambiental del dragado del Puerto de Maó (Menorca, Islas Baleares), para la caracterización de los ecosistema marino en el punto de vertido y área adyacente, previa al inicio de las obras. Se incluyen los resultados y las conclusiones de los estudios realizados por diversos grupos de investigación, principalmente en Enero-Marzo 2014, en relación al fondo marino, la hidrodinámica, las praderas de Posidonia oceanica y el molusco bivalvo Pinna nobilis, el macro-bentos de los fondos circalitorales blandos y los contaminantes en agua, sedimentos y biota, así como en especies de interés comercial para el consumo humano. Este informe se contempla en el contrato entre la Autoridad Portuaria de Baleares y el Instituto Español de Oceanografía, suscrito el 5 Febrero 2014, para los trabajos de asistencia técnica para la revisión y control del Plan de Vigilancia Ambiental del dragado del Puerto de Maó.RESUM: En aquest document es presenten els treballs científics realitzats per l’Instituto Español de Oceanografía, dins del Pla de Vigilància Ambiental del dragat del Port de Maó (Menorca, Illes Balears), per a la caracterització dels ecosistemes marins en el punt de vessament i àrea adjacent, prèvia a l’inici de les obres. S’inclouen els resultats i les conclusions del estudis realitzats per diversos grups de recerca, principalment durant Gener-Març 2014, en relació al fons marí, la hidrodinàmica, les praderies de Posidonia oceanica i el mol•lusc bivalve Pinna nobilis, el macro-bentos dels fons circalitorals tous i els contaminants en aigua, sediments i biota, així com en espècies d’interès comercial pel consum humà. Aquest informe es contempla en el contracte entre l’Autoritat Portuària de Balears i el Instituto Español de Oceanografía, subscrit el 5 Febrer 2014, pels treballs d’assistència tècnica per a la revisió i control del Pla de Vigilància Ambiental del dragat de Port de Maó.ABSTRACT: This document presents the scientific actions developed by the Instituto Español de Oceanografía within the Environmental Monitoring Plan of the works of dredging the Port of Maó (Minorca, Balearic Islands), for the characterization of the marine ecosystems in the point of discharge of dredged material and adjacent area, before the beginning of the dredging. The results and conclusions of the studies developed by several research groups, mainly in January-March 2014, in relation to the bottom, hydrodynamics, Posidonia oceanica meadows, and the bivalve mollusc Pinna nobilis, the macro-benthos of the circalittoral soft bottoms and the contaminants in water, sediments and biota, as well as in commercial species for human consumption, are included. This report is contemplated within the contract between the Autoridad Portuaria de Baleares and the Instituto Español de Oceanografía, signed on 5 February 2014, for the technical assistance activities to review and control the Environmental Monitoring Plan of the works of dredging the Port of Maó.Autoridad Portuaria de Baleare

The Andalusian eHealth Library, ten years of leadership

The Andalusian eHealth Library (BV-SSPA) was set up in 2006 under the scope of strategy number IV, Knowledge Management, of the II Quality Plan for the Andalusian Health System (2005-2008)1, which established the key process: To guarantee the knowledge exchange within the Health System, with the following specific aims: -To define and develop a scientific information strategy for the Health System. -To establish the Andalusian eHealth Library. -To coordinate the Andalusian Health documentary centres. -To establish strategic agreements with similar organizations. During its ten years of operation, the BV-SSPA has focused on providing Health System Professionals with the best scientific information available, in a timely manner, for clinical decision purposes, as well as research and training; in other words, the knowledge manager which integrates and coordinates the hospital libraries.Ye

Aplicación de tratamientos T5 y T6 a la aleación de aluminio L-2630 conformada por SSR.

En este trabajo se muestran los resultados obtenidos al aplicar tratamientos térmicos T5 y T6, a componentes de aluminio L-2630, conformados por Semi-Solid Rheocasting (SSR). El estudio de los efectos de la temperatura y el tiempo de puesta en solución, y de las condiciones de temple y envejecimiento artificial, ha permitido optimizar las propiedades mecánicas del componente. La experimentación se ha realizado mediante ensayos de dureza Brinell, ensayos de tracción y microscopía óptica y electrónica. Las propiedades mecánicas de los componentes producidos por SRR alcanzan valores análogos a los obtenidos por colada en coquilla y sometidos a los mismos tratamientos térmicos.Ponencia presentada en el XI Congreso Tratermat (Marzo 2008). [Ponencia presentada en el XI Congreso Tratermat.]Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version