Data Validation and reconstruction for performance enhancement and maintenance of water networks

In a real water network, a telecontrol system must periodically acquire, store and validate data gathered by sensor measurements in order to achieve accurate monitoring of the whole network in real time. For each sensor measurement, data are usually represented by one-dimensional time series. These values, known as raw data, need to be validated before further use to assure the reliability of the results obtained when using them. In real operation, problems affecting the communication system, lack of reliability of sensors, or other inherent errors often arise, generating missing or false data during certain periods of time. These wrong data must be detected and replaced by estimated data. Thus, it is important to provide the data system with procedures that can detect such problems and assist the user in monitoring and processing the incoming data. Data validation is an essential step to improve data reliability. The validated data represent measurements of the variables in the required form where unnecessary information from raw data has been removed. In this paper, a methodology for data validation and reconstruction of sensor data in a water network is used to analyze the performance of the sectors of a water network. Finally, from this analysis several indicators of the components (sensors, actuators and pipes) and of the sectors themselves can be derived in order to organize useful plans for performance enhancement and maintenance. Nice practices have been developed during a large period in the water network of the company ATLL Concessionària de la Generalitat de Catalunya, S.A.Postprint (author's final draft

An improved tool of water data analytics for flowmeters data

This paper presents an improved tool for data validation and reconstruction of flowmeters. These sensors are installed in the Catalonia regional water network from Barcelona (Spain). Here a new time series model with exogenous variable is proposed with excellent results for data validation. It is postulated that the integration of the electronics alarms, along with other tests about the daily data accumulated and a later analysis of the data reconstruction allow to improve the results of the existing tools. This is accomplished by decreasing the false alarms and missing alarms of more than 6000 hourly data retrieved from more than 200 flowmeters each day. This new tool provides reliable information daily reliable information of the state of the water network. This information could potentially contribute to optimally control and manage this large and complex water network.Postprint (published version

Estrés académico y autoeficacia académica en estudiantes de 1ero y 8vo semestre de la Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, 2019

El presente estudio tuvo el objetivo de determinar la relación entre estrés académico y autoeficacia académica en estudiantes de Fisioterapia de 1ero y 8vo semestre de la Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, 2019. Esta investigación fue de enfoque cuantitativo, de tipo correlacional, de diseño no experimental, de corte transversal. La selección de participantes se realizó mediante el muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia y estuvo conformada por 105 estudiantes, se consideraron aquellos que reportaron momentos de preocupación y nerviosismo, obteniéndose una muestra de 98 estudiantes. En cuanto a los instrumentos utilizados para la recolección de datos, se empleó el Inventario SISCO del Estrés Académico y la Escala de Autoeficacia en Conductas Académicas (EACA), debido a que las propiedades psicométricas de estas pruebas no fueron demostradas en el Ecuador, se decidió llevar a cabo una prueba piloto con 343 estudiantes, finalmente se realizó el análisis factorial exploratorio verificando la validez de constructo así como la confiabilidad de ambos instrumentos. Los resultados de las correlaciones mostraron que no hay una relación significativa entre estrés académico y autoeficacia académica (r= -.180; p> .05). Por otro lado, se encontró que existe relación negativa y significativa entre atención y estímulos estresores (r= -.234; p .05), fueron estímulos estresores y comunicación, estímulos estresores y excelencia, estímulos estresores y autoeficacia académica, síntomas y comunicación, síntomas y excelencia, estrategias de afrontamiento y comunicación, estrategias de afrontamiento y atención, estrés académico y comunicación, estrés académico y excelencia.LIMAEscuela de PosgradoTeorías, métodos, organización y planificación de la educació

Metodología de análisis y reconstrucción de datos para caudalimetros

ATLL opera una red de distribución incluida dentro de los Sistemas de Infraestructuras Críticas. Estos sistemas son complejos de gran escala, distribuidos geográficamente y descentralizados con una estructura jerárquica, que requieren sistemas de control en tiempo real altamente sofisticados que garanticen un alto rendimiento y mantenimiento cuando las condiciones no son favorables debido, por ejemplo, a mal funcionamiento de los sensores (averías, problemas de baterías, problemas de comunicación, etc.). La fiabilidad de la información es la base para tomar decisiones que optimicen el gasto de energía y reduzcan las pérdidas de agua al tiempo que garanticen un suministro adecuado a los consumidores en cantidad y calidad a pesar de las demandas cambiantes. El objetivo principal de esta metodología es validar los datos brutos de los sensores (en este caso caudalímetros) y, si los datos no son consistentes, intente estimarlos para reconstruirlos manteniendo un sistema de base de datos fiable, segura y completa. Este procedimiento permite tratar, filtrar, depurar y completar todos los datos brutos recibidos y transformarlos en información útil; primero, como diagnóstico de anomalías y, finalmente, para controlar y gestionar de manera óptima el sistema de distribución de agua.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Evaluacion De Dos Instrumentos De Medicion En La Determinación Del Área Basal En Pinus Radiata

This study compares the diameter of data obtained from utilizing two measuring instruments (the caliper and diameter tape). This instrument is the two most commonly used instruments for measuring tree diameters in forest inventory procedures. The measurement of diameter has a high implication in the estimation of the basal area and stand volume. It is therefore imperative to ensure accurate measurement of the diameter of trees in a stand. This work evaluated data taken with these two diameter measuring instruments. In order to evaluate the performance of the measuring instruments, parallel measurement of the diameter at breast height (DBH) of a sample of Pinus radiata trees in a plantation were measured. Also, the basal area of the stand was determined for both instruments. It was concluded through the analysis of variance (ANOVA) that there is no significant (p =0.958) difference between the averages of the calculated basal areas from the diameter measurements obtained by the diameter tape and the caliper. The estimated value from the diameter tape was 0,04190829, while the caliper was 0,04145599. Thus, the use of the two measurement tools led to similar results in the calculation of the cross-sectional areas of pine trees measured at breast height

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

NADPH oxidases: key modulators in aging and age-related cardiovascular diseases?

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress have long been linked to aging and diseases prominent in the elderly such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes and atrial fibrillation (AF). NADPH oxidases (Nox) are a major source of ROS in the vasculature and are key players in mediating redox signalling under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. In this review, we focus on the Nox-mediated ROS signalling pathways involved in the regulation of 'longevity genes' and recapitulate their role in age-associated vascular changes and in the development of age-related cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This review is predicated on burgeoning knowledge that Nox-derived ROS propagate tightly regulated yet varied signalling pathways, which, at the cellular level, may lead to diminished repair, the aging process and predisposition to CVDs. In addition, we briefly describe emerging Nox therapies and their potential in improving the health of the elderly population

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Elective cancer surgery in COVID-19-free surgical pathways during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: An international, multicenter, comparative cohort study

PURPOSE As cancer surgery restarts after the first COVID-19 wave, health care providers urgently require data to determine where elective surgery is best performed. This study aimed to determine whether COVID-19–free surgical pathways were associated with lower postoperative pulmonary complication rates compared with hospitals with no defined pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS This international, multicenter cohort study included patients who underwent elective surgery for 10 solid cancer types without preoperative suspicion of SARS-CoV-2. Participating hospitals included patients from local emergence of SARS-CoV-2 until April 19, 2020. At the time of surgery, hospitals were defined as having a COVID-19–free surgical pathway (complete segregation of the operating theater, critical care, and inpatient ward areas) or no defined pathway (incomplete or no segregation, areas shared with patients with COVID-19). The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications (pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, unexpected ventilation). RESULTS Of 9,171 patients from 447 hospitals in 55 countries, 2,481 were operated on in COVID-19–free surgical pathways. Patients who underwent surgery within COVID-19–free surgical pathways were younger with fewer comorbidities than those in hospitals with no defined pathway but with similar proportions of major surgery. After adjustment, pulmonary complication rates were lower with COVID-19–free surgical pathways (2.2% v 4.9%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.86). This was consistent in sensitivity analyses for low-risk patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 1/2), propensity score–matched models, and patients with negative SARS-CoV-2 preoperative tests. The postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was also lower in COVID-19–free surgical pathways (2.1% v 3.6%; aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.76). CONCLUSION Within available resources, dedicated COVID-19–free surgical pathways should be established to provide safe elective cancer surgery during current and before future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks