Aspects on Effective Theories and the QCD transition

We review recent advances in the understanding of the Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) transition and its nature, paying special attention to the analysis of chiral symmetry restoration within different approaches based on effective theories. After presenting some of the main aspects of the current knowledge of the phase diagram from the theoretical, experimental and lattice sides, we discuss some recent problems where approaches relying on effective theories have been particularly useful. In particular, the combination of ideas such as Chiral Perturbation Theory, unitarity and Ward Identities allows us to describe successfully several observables of interest. This is particularly relevant for quantities expected to be dominated by the light meson components of the hadron gas such as the scalar and topological susceptibilities. In addition, ward identities and effective Lagrangians provide systematic results regarding chiral and $U(1)_A$ partner degeneration properties which are of great importance for the interplay between those two transitions and the nature of chiral symmetry restoration. Special attention is paid to the connection of this theoretical framework with lattice simulations.Comment: Invited review paper submitted to Symmetry Journal, special issue "Effective Field Theories - Chiral Perturbation Theory and Non-relativistic QFT". 28 pages, 15 figures. Version accepted for publication. Various comments and one reference adde

Equivariant complex bundles, fixed points and equivariant unitary bordism

We study the fixed points of the universal G-equivariant n-dimensional complex vector bundle and obtain a decomposition formula in terms of twisted equivariant universal complex vector bundles of smaller dimension. We use this decomposition to describe the fixed points of the complex equivariant K-theory spectrum and the equivariant unitary bordism groups for adjacent families of subgroups.Comment: Corrected version. To appear in AG&T. 27 page

Efficiency in the management of urban water services. What have we learned after four decades of research?

The analysis of efficiency in the management of urban water services offers valuable information both for the managers of this service and for public bodies in order to introduce improvements in business practices and in the design of public policies. Since the pioneering study carried out by Ford and Wardford (1969), there have been many attempts to follow this line of research. Due to the importance of the subject and the volume of publications in this field, we believe it is necessary to provide a balance of the work carried out over the last four decades. In this overview, we look at the main questions which have arisen over this period, we provide a synthesis of the results obtained and, finally, we point out some challenges for future research.Water utilities; Efficiency; Firm behaviour; Water

Light quarks at finite temperature: chiral restoration and the fate of the U(1)AU(1)_A symmetry

We review recent results on the role of light quark states within the QCD phase diagram. In particular, we will discuss how the combined use of theoretical techniques such as Effective Theories, Unitarization and Ward Identities helps to shed light on several important issues regarding chiral symmetry restoration, building bridges with recent lattice analyses. Special attention will be paid to the role of chiral and $U(1)_A$ partners in the interplay between those symmetries, which is crucial to properly understand the transition pattern. Light scalar mesons at finite temperature will be shown to be responsible for the description of susceptibilities encoding chiral and $U(1)_A$ restoration properties.Comment: Invited review paper submitted to European Physical Journal Special Topics. 18 pages, 11 figures. Version accepted for publicatio

Evaluation of the mechanical properties of self compacting concrete using current estimating models. Estimating the modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, and modulus of rupture of self compacting concrete

This study includes an analysis of the applicability of current models used for estimating the mechanical properties of conventional concrete to self-compacting concrete. The mechanical properties evaluated are: modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, and modulus of rupture. An extensive database which included the dosifications and the mechanical properties of 627 mixtures from 138 different references, was used. The models considered are: ACI, EC-2, NZS 3101:2006 (New Zealand code) and the CSA A23.3-04 (Canadian code). The precision in estimating the modulus of elasticity and tensile strength is acceptable for all models; however, all models are less precise in estimating the modulus of rupture

Fundamentos clínicos y bases fisioterapeúticas físicas de la camptocormia: a propósito de un caso

La camptocormia (CC) o síndrome de la columna doblada es una afectación con etiología muy heterogénea que en la mayoría de los casos está relacionada con la Enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) y, por tanto con la alteración del sistema extrapiramidal. Clínicamente se aprecia en el plano sagital y consiste en una flexión tóraco-lumbar de unos 45º que se manifiesta al mantener una bipedestación prolongada y durante la marcha pero que se reduce completamente en sedestación y en decúbito supino. Afecta más frecuentemente a las mujeres (4:1) mayores de 50 años y diagnosticadas de EP de larga evolución. Su prevalencia varía de 3% a 12’9%. En cuanto a la patogenia, es característica la afectación de la musculatura de la zona del core, concretamente los músculos multifidos lumbares, el transverso del abdomen y los músculos oblicuos internos, siendo los que más relevancia tienen los primeros ya que juegan un papel importante en el mantenimiento de la estabilidad lumbar pues conecta cada uno de los segmentos de la columna vertebral. La eficacia del tratamiento farmacológico es pobre e insatisfactoria, por contra, el fisioterápico sí tiene eficacia cuando se trabaja con ejercicios para estabilizar y estirar la columna mediante la activación y potenciación de los multifidos. Por ello resulta imprescindible la realización de ejercicio para tonificar la musculatura paravertebral. A pesar de esto hay gran incertidumbre respecto al tratamiento a realizar ya que son pocos los estudios realizados desde el punto de vista puramente fisioterapéutico, y los que hay tienen una duración inferior a 3 meses. Debido a esto se tratará de proponer un posible tratamiento con ejercicios centrados en la propiocepción, enderezamiento de columna y equilibrio mediante la activación de esta musculatura. Para ello se ha realizado una revisión bibliográfica a propósito de un caso y para ello se han utilizado los siguientes fuentes; la Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina de EEUU con la utilidad PubMed, PEDro y Clinical Key, además de libros y actualizados y de prestigio reconocido en Neurología y Medicina Interna. Así como citas bibliográficas de los artículos seleccionados que cumplían los criterios de selección establecidos.Grado en Fisioterapi