Rampant Arch and Its Optimum Geometrical Generation

Gothic art was developed in western Europe from the second half of the 12th century to the end of the 15th century. The most characteristic Gothic building is the cathedral. Gothic architecture uses well-carved stone ashlars, and its essential elements include the arch. The thrust is transferred by means of external arches (flying buttresses) to external buttresses that end in pinnacles, which accentuates the verticality. The evolution of the flying buttresses should not only be considered as an aesthetic consideration, but also from a constructive point of view as an element of transmission of forces or loads. Thus, one evolves from a beam-type buttress to a simple arch, and finally to a rampant arch. In this work, we study the geometry of the rampant arch to determine which is the optimum from the constructive point of view. The optimum rampant arch obtained is the one with the common tangent to the two arches parallel to the slope line. A computer program was created to determine this optimal rampant arch by means of a numerical or graphical input. It was applied to several well-known and representative cases of Gothic art in France (church of Saint Urbain de Troyes) and Spain (Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca), establishing if they were designs of optimal rampant arches or not

Intestinal microbiota and colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer may be influenced by changes in the intestinal microbiota that affect the mucosa and cause an immune response capable of producing inflammatory effects. Although there are still few studies in this regard, it is necessary to emphasize the need to expand the studies on this topic and to state the usefulness of the new technologies based on metagenomics.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Case study of the intestinal microbiota using the XGN-MBI metagenomic assay

The microbiota of the colon and rectum is the most abundant and diverse of the human body, with a density of up to 1-2 kg of weight and a diversity that exceeds a thousand species. Metagenomics can be defined as the application of modern genomic techniques for the direct study of communities of microorganisms in their natural environment The aim of this study is to prove the usefulness of new technologies based on metagenomics, such as the XGN-MBI assay to realize gut microbiota studies.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Two different approaches to Organizational Behavior from the perspective of Digital Humanism in the search of Sustainable Development Goal number 8 “Decent work and economic growth”

[EN] Digital Humanism is one of the most relevant trends within the Digital Transformation processes in companies that carry out their activity based on the motivation and empowerment of the group's potentialities over individualities. This trend of humanistic management in an increasingly technical business environment is directly linked to the management theories of Organizational Behavior. Taking advantage of the potential for the development of practical activities within the university subject "Organizational Behavior and Change Management", a contrast plan has been designed and executed for two management models of personal assets, both real and operational in two real companies, and both companies of the same sector and size and with comparable commercial targets (potential clients) (with similar characteristics) but in very different geographical locations. The objective is to detect which are the pillars on which both companies, both in the technology sector (Information and Communication Technology consulting) and therefore highly technical and experienced in digital transformation processes, build their mechanisms for loyalty of their employees and of taking advantage of their capacities within the corresponding work teams. Both companies have the care and attention of their employees among their highest priorities. This activity is linked to the implementation of initiatives aimed at achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 8, defined as "Decent work and economic growth" and which aims to stimulate sustainable economic growth by increasing the levels of productivity and technological innovation, seeking to dignify the work of men and women. The conclusions show that, despite the fact that both approaches (of success contrasted by the low turnover rate of its employees) are different, there is a nexus of union and convergence through certain common elements, among which are: Communication, Participation, Motivation and trust.Guerola-Navarro, V.; Oltra Badenes, RF.; Gil-Gomez, H. (2022). Two different approaches to Organizational Behavior from the perspective of Digital Humanism in the search of Sustainable Development Goal number 8 “Decent work and economic growth”. En Proceedings INNODOCT/21. International Conference on Innovation, Documentation and Education. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 29-39. https://doi.org/10.4995/INN2021.2021.13311293

The Influence of Tractor-Seat Height above the Ground on Lateral Vibrations

Farmers experience whole-body vibrations when they drive tractors. Among the various factors that influence the vibrations to which the driver is exposed are terrain roughness, tractor speed, tire type and pressure, rear axle width, and tractor seat height above the ground. In this paper the influence of tractor seat height above the ground on the lateral vibrations to which the tractor driver is exposed is studied by means of a geometrical and an experimental analysis. Both analyses show that: (i) lateral vibrations experienced by a tractor driver increase linearly with tractor-seat height above the ground; (ii) lateral vibrations to which the tractor driver is exposed can equal or exceed vertical vibrations; (iii) in medium-size tractors, a feasible 30 cm reduction in the height of the tractor seat, which represents only 15% of its current height, will reduce the lateral vibrations by around 20%; and (iv) vertical vibrations are scarcely influenced by tractor-seat height above the ground. The results suggest that manufacturers could increase the comfort of tractors by lowering tractor-seat height above the ground, which will reduce lateral vibrations

Brief ACT protocol in at-risk adolescents with conduct disorder and impulsivity

The aim of this preliminary research is to explore the effect of a brief protocol based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) applied to five adolescents (15-17 years old) with conduct disorder and impulsivity, who had received treatment for the last few years without positive results. Problematic behaviors were aggressive, impulsive, and oppositional reactions at school, home, and neighborhood (e.g., drugs or alcohol consumption, legal violations, oppositionist and defiant reactions, etc.). A brief ACT protocol was designed to functionally suit the presence of impulsivity and the absence of self-control repertory of these adolescents as well as the resistance to psychological treatment. The brief protocol was focused on four aspects: (a) to set a context between the therapist and the adolescents to promote the sense of personal responsibility, (b) to confront the adolescents with the effect of their behavior regulation (pros and cons) and the experience of creative hopelessness, (c) to clarify personally important valued directions, and (d) to promote defusion skills so that the adolescents could take charge of their private experiences and choose actions according to their values. Four 90-min, individual sessions were implemented over two weeks. Participants and teachersâ reports obtained before, during, and after the treatment implementation showed a high positive change. In addition, 1-year follow-up information showed an important change in a wide range of areas such as family, social relationships, school achievement, and occupational status. These results suggest that brief ACT protocols can have a great impact on at-risk population. Limitations were discussed

Feasibility of a Simple Small Wind Turbine with Variable-Speed Regulation Made of Commercial Components

The aim of this study was to propose and evaluate a very small wind turbine (VSWT) that competes with commercial grid-connected VSWTs in terms of simplicity, robustness and price. Its main components are a squirrel-cage induction generator (SCIG) driven by a frequency converter. The system has a direct-drive shaft, and may be constructed with commercial equipment. Simulation of the wind turbine effect is done with a motor. A control program regulates the variable-speed of rotation through three operational modes: (i) to drive the turbine to its optimum operation point; (ii) to limit its maximum rotational speed; and (iii) to limit the maximum power it generates. Two tests were performed, in order to evaluate the dynamic response of this system under variable wind speeds. The tests demonstrate that the system operates at the optimum operational point of the turbine, and within the set limits of maximum rotational speed and maximum generated power. The drop in performance in relation to its nominal value is about 75%, when operating at 50% of the nominal power. In summary, this VSWT with its proposed control program is feasible and reliable for operating direct-shaft grid-connected VSWTs

A Kalman Filter Implementation for Precision Improvement in Low-Cost GPS Positioning of Tractors

Low-cost GPS receivers provide geodetic positioning information using the NMEA protocol, usually with eight digits for latitude and nine digits for longitude. When these geodetic coordinates are converted into Cartesian coordinates, the positions fit in a quantization grid of some decimeters in size, the dimensions of which vary depending on the point of the terrestrial surface. The aim of this study is to reduce the quantization errors of some low-cost GPS receivers by using a Kalman filter. Kinematic tractor model equations were employed to particularize the filter, which was tuned by applying Monte Carlo techniques to eighteen straight trajectories, to select the covariance matrices that produced the lowest Root Mean Square Error in these trajectories. Filter performance was tested by using straight tractor paths, which were either simulated or real trajectories acquired by a GPS receiver. The results show that the filter can reduce the quantization error in distance by around 43%. Moreover, it reduces the standard deviation of the heading by 75%. Data suggest that the proposed filter can satisfactorily preprocess the low-cost GPS receiver data when used in an assistance guidance GPS system for tractors. It could also be useful to smooth tractor GPS trajectories that are sharpened when the tractor moves over rough terrain

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts survival in European patients with hepatocellular carcinoma administered sorafenib

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is considered a prognostic factor in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our aim is to investigate the prognostic significance of NLR in patients with HCC treated with sorafenib. Results Median follow-up time was 7 months. Patients were mostly in the intermediate (27.3%) or advanced (72.7%) BCLC stages, 38.6% had vascular invasion and 27.5% extrahepatic disease. A large proportion (38.9%) had been previously treated with TACE. Liver function was preserved: 65.8% were classed as Child A. Median overall survival was 7.7 months (95% CI: 5.8–9.6). In univariate analysis, vascular invasion (P = 0.004), ECOG-PS = 1 (P < 0.001), high bilirubin (P < 0.001), clinical ascites (P = 0.036), BCLC stage (P = 0.004), no previous TACE (P = 0.041) and NRL = 2.3 (P = 0.005) were predictors of poor survival. Skin toxicity (P = 0.039) or hypertension (P = 0.033) during treatment were related to better survival. In multivariate analysis NLR = 2.3 [HR 1.72 (95% CI: 1.03–2.71)], hyperbilirubinemia [HR 3.42 (95% CI: 1.87–6.25)] and ECOG-PS = 1 [HR 1.97 (95% CI: 1.19–3.26)] were found as independent indicators of poor overall survival. Dermatologic adverse effects were an indicator of good overall survival [HR 0.59 (95% CI: 0.38–0.92)]. Material and Methods One hundred and fifty-four consecutive HCC patients treated with sorafenib in four different Spanish hospitals between August 2005 and October 2013 were analysed. Clinical, laboratory, and tumour features were obtained. Survival was calculated from the moment sorafenib treatment was initiated. Log-rank and Cox regression were used to analyse the ability of NLR to predict survival. Conclusions NLR is an independent prognostic indicator for overall survival in HCC patients treated with sorafenib

Conditioning Factors for High Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Cushing's Syndrome

Objective: To characterize the alterations in carbohydrate and lipoprotein metabolism, to evaluate markers of lipoprotein functionality, and to identify the presence of novel atherogenic risk factors in patients with Cushing syndrome (CS) in comparison with sex- and age-matched controls. Methods: In an open, cross-sectional study, 32 nontreated patients with active CS were consecutively recruited from the Endocrinology Service at “José de San Martín” Clinical Hospital, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, between April 11, 2010 and December 11, 2012. The patients were compared with sex- and age-matched controls. Results: Versus controls, patients with CS presented with excess weight, central obesity, and hypercortisolism. They also exhibited an insulin-resistant state, with high resistin levels (median [interquartile range], 16 [10 to 22] ng/mL versus 6 [5 to 9] ng/mL; P<.0001), a more atherogenic lipoprotein profile, high oxidized low-density lipoprotein levels (oxLDL; mean ± SD, 100 ± 31 U/L versus 75 ± 32 U/L; P<.05) and high sensitive C-reactive protein levels (median [interquartile range], 1.2 [0.6 to 3.1] mg/L versus 0.6 [0.3 to 1.1] mg/L; P<.05), and increased leukocyte count (mean ± SD, 9.5 ± 2.6 × 103 cells/μL versus 6.5 ± 1.4 × 103 cells/μL; P<.0001). Multivariate analyses showed that the increase in waist circumference was associated with both the diagnosis of CS and the degree of insulin resistance. Resistin concentration was related to a greater extent to the diagnosis of CS than to homeostasis model assessment–insulin resistance. Triglyceride and oxLDL levels were only significantly associated with the diagnosis of CS. Conclusion: Hypercortisolism is related to the increase observed in triglycerides and oxLDL levels, and, in combination with insulin resistance, acts to increase waist circumference and amplify the inflammatory process, key factors for the development of cardiovascular disease.Fil: Boero, Laura. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; ArgentinaFil: Manavela, Marcos. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Hospital de Clínicas General San Martín; ArgentinaFil: Botta, Eliana Elizabeth. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Mallea Gil, Maria Susana. Ministerio de Defensa. Ejército Argentino. Hospital Militar Central Cirujano Mayor ; ArgentinaFil: Katz, Débora. Fundación para la Lucha contra las Enfermedades Neurológicas de la Infancia; ArgentinaFil: Meroño, Tomás. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Tetzlaff, Walter Francisco. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; ArgentinaFil: Martin, Maximiliano Emanuel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; ArgentinaFil: Gomez Rosso, Leonardo Adrián. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; ArgentinaFil: Danilowicz, Karina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Hospital de Clínicas General San Martín; ArgentinaFil: Brites, Fernando Daniel. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin