Morphological and geometrical study of the Puente del Mar bridge of Valencia throught its graphical representations

[EN] There are a number of architectural elements in the Turia riverbed which have been developed over the centuries: bridges, embankments, ornamental elements, etc...Their capital importance for the historical and artistic heritage of the city of Valencia along with the little attention they have received so far, raised the need to pursue their study and cataloging. This paper analyzes one of the most emblematic elements integrating the Turia riverbed from a morphological and geometrical perspective, that is, the Puente del Mar bridge. The backbone of the present research focuses on deepening the potential of graphical representation tools for recovery, preservation and enhancement of the architectural heritage, coupled with the consideration that the drawing itself has, i.e. be the generator of architectural production.[ES] Son múltiples los elementos arquitectónicos que en el cauce del río Turia se han desarrollado a lo largo de los siglos: puentes, pretiles, elementos ornamentales, etc. La importancia capital que para el patrimonio histórico-artístico de la ciudad de Valencia revisten, unidos a la escasa atención que hasta el momento han despertado, suscitaron la necesidad de su estudio y catalogación. La presente investigación analiza, desde un punto de vista morfológico y geométrico, uno de los elementos más emblemáticos del conjunto que integra el cauce del Turia como es el puente del Mar. El eje vertebrador del proceso investigador se centra en la profundización del potencial de los instrumentos de la representación gráfica al servicio del conocimiento para la recuperación, conservación y puesta en valor del patrimonio arquitectónico, unido a la consideración que el propio dibujo tiene, es decir, ser el generador en la producción de la arquitectura.Lillo Giner, S.; Rodrigo Molina, A.; Giner García, MI. (2013). Estudio geométrico y morfológico del Puente del Mar de Valencia a través de sus representaciones gráficas. EGA. Revista de Expresión Gráfica Arquitectónica. 18(22):164-173. doi:10.4995/ega.2013.1682SWORD1641731822– LLOP, J. (1676) De la Institvcio, Govern Politich y Ivridich, Costvms y observancias de la Fabrica Vella, dita de Murs e Valls; y Nova, dita del Riu. 2001, Ayuntamiento de Valencia.– TEIXIDOR F.J. (2001) Antigüedades de Valencia. Observaciones críticas Escribiólas en 1767. Tomo I. Edición Paris-Valencia. Valencia

Implementating new strategies for autonomous learning in first-year students

[EN] University training is more than the academic development of the student. The acquisition of certain competences, the know-how in specific situations applying knowledge, as well as skills and attitudes are also essential in the learning process. The paper shows the educational strategy implemented involving first-year students. The goal is that the students learn skills and resources destined to organise and to plan themselves facing the autonomous work. In addition, they improve their academic performance. Due mainly to the inexperience of these students, their difficulties for a project where they must work in an autonomous way and that it requires a planning in time have been evident. The proposed strategies set out a certain number of support guidelines for autonomous learning, which allow to improve the results. To this end, a work planning is carried out, and assessed tutorials are scheduled, where in each one of them the items marked in the calendar must be presented. Tools are used to analyse both the functioning and usefulness of the procedure, and the improvement in learning results.[ES] La formación universitaria es algo más que el desarrollo académico del alumno. La adquisición de ciertas competencias, el saber hacer ante situaciones concretas aplicando conocimientos, así como las habilidades y actitudes, son también esenciales en el proceso de aprendizaje. El trabajo que se expone muestra la estrategia educativa puesta en marcha con alumnos de primer curso. El objetivo es que aprendan habilidades y recursos destinados a organizarse y planificarse ante el trabajo autónomo, mejorando así su rendimiento académico. Debido principalmente a la inexperiencia de estos alumnos, se han evidenciado sus dificultades ante un proyecto donde deban trabajar de forma autónoma y que requiera una planificación en el tiempo. Las estrategias planteadas marcan una serie de pautas de apoyo para el aprendizaje autónomo, y permiten mejorar los resultados. Para ello se realiza una planificación del trabajo y se programan unas tutorías evaluables, donde en cada una de ellas se deben presentar los ítems marcados en calendario. Se utilizan herramientas de análisis tanto del funcionamiento y utilidad del procedimiento, como de la mejora en los resultados aprendizaje.Giner-García, M.; Rodrigo-Molina, Á. (2021). Introducción de nuevas estrategias para el aprendizaje autónomo en alumnos de primer curso. En EDIFICATE. I Congreso de Escuelas de Edificación y Arquitectura Técnica de España. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 73-82. https://doi.org/10.4995/EDIFICATE2021.2021.13585OCS738

El Castillo de Cullera. Adecuaciones del castillo islámico

[EN] The strategic location of most of the fortifications has led to the use throughout history of many settlements, carrying out numerous renovations to adapt them to the defense needs of each period. The privileged location of the Cullera Castle, from which a vast territory south to the Júcar river including coastal and river areas can be controlled, has justified that from its origins in the tenth century to the mid-eighteenth century it would be used as a fortified enclosure. Due to its long history, this defensive enclave boasts numerous examples of architectural elements from different ages. Therefore, it constitutes, a wealth of great historical interest, highlighting structures dating from Islamic Period, from which numerous remains have been preserved. Meanwhile, subsequent renovations following the Christian reconquest, call attention to the last structures built during the Carlist Wars. Since its desertion after the last armed conflicts, the Castle and its enclosures entered a stage of almost total abandonment, reaching modern times in an advanced state of ruin. In the last decade there have been a series of interventions following a sequence of stages included in a Master Plan which has resulted in the consolidation and restoration of the different structures of the ensemble, including the necessary archaeological research to pursue each of them. Buildings’ reuse as a guarantor of its maintenance and conservation was one of the intervention approaches, so that different socio-cultural uses compatible with the nature of the monument were proposed, contributing at the same time to its dissemination.Climent Simón, JM.; Giner García, MI.; Rodrigo Molina, A. (2015). El Castillo de Cullera. Adecuaciones del castillo islámico. En Defensive architecture of the mediterranean: XV to XVIII centuries. Vol. II. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 71-78. https://doi.org/10.4995/FORTMED2015.2015.1724OCS717

Photovoice: Integrating participatory photography into different teaching contexts

[EN] This paper presents different methodological proposals whose common axis is the application of photovoice adapted in different university teaching contexts are and developed within the framework of the Innovation Project "Photovoice: using participatory photography for the development of transversal competences". This first phase of implementation has consisted of the methodological adaptation of the photovoice to a wide variety of degrees and subjects in order to design teaching-learning activities that provide a suitable context that improves motivation, in which the active participation of students is promoted, as well as the development of skills such as effective communication and critical thinking. Likewise, an evaluation strategy has been designed to collect evidence to determine the degree of achievement of the learning objectives set, the improvement of student participation and their level of satisfaction with the methodology. The preliminary results of its implementation reveal optimum student participation and a high level of satisfaction, as well as a greater integration of aspects dealt with in the different subjects.[ES] En este trabajo se exponen diferentes propuestas metodológicas que presentan como eje común la aplicación del fotovoz adaptada en diversos contextos docentes universitarios y desarrolladas en el marco del Proyecto de Innovación “Fotovoz: usando la fotografía participativa para el desarrollo de competencias transversales”. Esta primera fase de la implementación ha consistido en la adaptación metodológica del fotovoz a una amplia variedad de titulaciones y asignaturas con el fin de diseñar actividades de enseñanza-aprendizaje que proporcionen un contexto adecuado que mejore la motivación, en el que se promueva la participación activa del alumnado, así como el desarrollo de competencias como la comunicación efectiva, o el pensamiento crítico. Asimismo, se ha diseñado una estrategia de evaluación que permita la obtención de recopilación de evidencias para determinar el grado de consecución de los objetivos de aprendizaje planteados, la mejora de la participación del alumnado y su nivel de satisfacción sobre la metodología. Los resultados preliminares de su implementación revelan una óptima participación del alumnado y un grado de satisfacción elevado, así como una mayor integración de aspectos tratados en las diferentes asignaturas.Agradecemos al Instituto de Ciencias de la Educación de la Universitat Politécnica de València la financiación del Programa de Innovación y Mejora Educativa A+D 2022 para el proyecto “Fotovoz: usando la fotografía participativa para el desarrollo de competencias transversales”Ortega-Reig, M.; Abarca, JM.; Aragón, P.; Aznar, E.; Bayón, A.; Caballos, I.; Escribano, S.... (2023). Fotovoz: Integrando la fotografía participativa en diferentes contextos docentes. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 1152-1165. https://doi.org/10.4995/INRED2023.2023.166871152116

Palaeolithic – Epipalaeolithic Seapeople of the Southern Iberian coast (Spain): an overview

The significance of coastal areas to human survival and expansion on the planet is undeniable. Their ecological diversity and their use as communication routes are some of their most distinctive qualities. However, the evidence of exploitation of these resources has had an uneven preservation, which is limited to certain regions and more recent events, mainly sites with deposits from the Upper Pleistocene and Holocene. This paper analyses the data available on the use of marine resources between MIS 6 and MIS 1 (c. 150 – 9 ka BP) in Southern Iberia, one of the first regions in Europe where marine faunal remains were discovered, in archaeological deposits from Middle and Upper Palaeolithic. Therefore their presence here has not been a criterion of separation between Neanderthals and Modern humans, but it may be relevant to analyze changes in the use of small preys or assess the economic diversification in regions where this came at an early date. One of the aims of this study was to evaluate the diachronic trends of the different palaeobiological marine remains recovered from coastal and inland archaeological sites. This preliminary extract indicates that the analysis of marine resource exploitation cannot be classed as a mere listing of palaeobiological remains. This information may be relevant in the initial stages, but it is insufficient in the evaluation of techno-economic and sociocultural transformations that can be linked to the use of marine resources. The distribution of palaeobiological marine remains differs over time and also according to the location of the sites with respect to the changing coastline throughout the period analysed. The known sites that preserve evidence of the use of marine resources as a food source are located mainly on the present coastline, or in a range of less than 10 km. Invertebrate remains have been identified in most, whereas fish, bird and mammal bones only in certain sites. Molluscs used as ornaments or pendants and containers are more widely distributed than other species used for food. Because these data must be contextualized, bone and stone tools linked to the exploitation of the marine environment have been added to the palaeobiological information, drawing inferences based on the analogy between both ethnologically and archaeologically documented tools. Symbolic expressions have also been studied, given the significant number of painted and engraved marine fauna depictions, specifically pisciforms and mammals, found in southern Iberia. Lastly, available molecular data has also been evaluated, from the results of isotope analysis on human remains. This combination of palaeobiological, techno-economic, graphic-symbolic and molecular data, allows a first assessment of the use of marine resources in the region

Prognostic Value of D-dimer to Lymphocyte Ratio (DLR) in Hospitalized Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Patients: A Validation Study in a National Cohort

Background: This study aimed to validate the role of the D-dimer to lymphocyte ratio (DLR) for mortality prediction in a large national cohort of hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Methods: A retrospective, multicenter, observational study that included hospitalized patients due to SARS-CoV-2 infection in Spain was conducted from March 2020 to March 2022. All biomarkers and laboratory indices analyzed were measured once at admission. Results: A total of 10,575 COVID-19 patients were included in this study. The mean age of participants was 66.9 (+/- 16) years, and 58.6% (6202 patients) of them were male. The overall mortality rate was 16.3% (n = 1726 patients). Intensive care unit admission was needed in 10.5% (n = 1106 patients), non-invasive mechanical ventilation was required in 8.8% (n = 923 patients), and orotracheal intubation was required in 7.5% (789 patients). DLR presented a c-statistic of 0.69 (95% CI, 0.68-0.71) for in-hospital mortality with an optimal cut-off above 1. Multivariate analysis showed an independent association for in-hospital mortality for DLR > 1 (adjusted OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.09-4.04; p = 0.03); in the same way, survival analysis showed a higher mortality risk for DLR > 1 (HR 2.24; 95% CI 2.03-2.47; p < 0.01). Further, no other laboratory indices showed an independent association for mortality in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: This study confirmed the usefulness of DLR as a prognostic biomarker for mortality associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, being an accessible, cost-effective, and easy-to-use biomarker in daily clinical practice

Predictive Power of the "Trigger Tool" for the detection of adverse events in general surgery: a multicenter observational validation study

Background In spite of the global implementation of standardized surgical safety checklists and evidence-based practices, general surgery remains associated with a high residual risk of preventable perioperative complications and adverse events. This study was designed to validate the hypothesis that a new “Trigger Tool” represents a sensitive predictor of adverse events in general surgery. Methods An observational multicenter validation study was performed among 31 hospitals in Spain. The previously described “Trigger Tool” based on 40 specific triggers was applied to validate the predictive power of predicting adverse events in the perioperative care of surgical patients. A prediction model was used by means of a binary logistic regression analysis. Results The prevalence of adverse events among a total of 1,132 surgical cases included in this study was 31.53%. The “Trigger Tool” had a sensitivity and specificity of 86.27% and 79.55% respectively for predicting these adverse events. A total of 12 selected triggers of overall 40 triggers were identified for optimizing the predictive power of the “Trigger Tool”. Conclusions The “Trigger Tool” has a high predictive capacity for predicting adverse events in surgical procedures. We recommend a revision of the original 40 triggers to 12 selected triggers to optimize the predictive power of this tool, which will have to be validated in future studies

Effectiveness of Fosfomycin for the Treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Bacteremic Urinary Tract Infections

IMPORTANCE The consumption of broad-spectrum drugs has increased as a consequence of the spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli. Finding alternatives for these infections is critical, for which some neglected drugs may be an option. OBJECTIVE To determine whether fosfomycin is noninferior to ceftriaxone or meropenem in the targeted treatment of bacteremic urinary tract infections (bUTIs) due to MDR E coli. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This multicenter, randomized, pragmatic, open clinical trial was conducted at 22 Spanish hospitals from June 2014 to December 2018. Eligible participants were adult patients with bacteremic urinary tract infections due to MDR E coli; 161 of 1578 screened patients were randomized and followed up for 60 days. Data were analyzed in May 2021. INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomized 1 to 1 to receive intravenous fosfomycin disodium at 4 g every 6 hours (70 participants) or a comparator (ceftriaxone or meropenem if resistant; 73 participants) with the option to switch to oral fosfomycin trometamol for the fosfomycin group or an active oral drug or pa renteral ertapenem for the comparator group after 4 days. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was clinical and microbiological cure (CMC) 5 to 7 days after finalization of treatment; a noninferiority margin of 7% was considered. RESULTS Among 143 patients in the modified intention-to-treat population (median [IQR] age, 72 [62-81] years; 73 [51.0%] women), 48 of 70 patients (68.6%) treated with fosfomycin and 57 of 73 patients (78.1%) treated with comparators reached CMC (risk difference, -9.4 percentage points; 1-sided 95% CI, -21.5 to infinity percentage points; P = .10). While clinical or microbiological failure occurred among 10 patients (14.3%) treated with fosfomycin and 14 patients (19.7%) treated with comparators (risk difference, -5.4 percentage points; 1-sided 95% CI. -infinity to 4.9; percentage points; P = .19), an increased rate of adverse event-related discontinuations occurred with fosfomycin vs comparators (6 discontinuations [8.5%] vs 0 discontinuations; P = .006). In an exploratory analysis among a subset of 38 patients who underwent rectal colonization studies, patients treated with fosfomycin acquired a new ceftriaxone-resistant or meropenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria at a decreased rate compared with patients treated with comparators (0 of 21 patients vs 4 of 17 patients [23.5%]; 1-sided P = .01). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study found that fosfomycin did not demonstrate noninferiority to comparators as targeted treatment of bUTI from MDR E coli; this was due to an increased rate of adverse event-related discontinuations. This finding suggests that fosfomycin may be considered for selected patients with these infections

Role of age and comorbidities in mortality of patients with infective endocarditis

[Purpose]: The aim of this study was to analyse the characteristics of patients with IE in three groups of age and to assess the ability of age and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) to predict mortality. [Methods]: Prospective cohort study of all patients with IE included in the GAMES Spanish database between 2008 and 2015.Patients were stratified into three age groups:<65 years,65 to 80 years,and ≥ 80 years.The area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was calculated to quantify the diagnostic accuracy of the CCI to predict mortality risk. [Results]: A total of 3120 patients with IE (1327 < 65 years;1291 65-80 years;502 ≥ 80 years) were enrolled.Fever and heart failure were the most common presentations of IE, with no differences among age groups.Patients ≥80 years who underwent surgery were significantly lower compared with other age groups (14.3%,65 years; 20.5%,65-79 years; 31.3%,≥80 years). In-hospital mortality was lower in the <65-year group (20.3%,<65 years;30.1%,65-79 years;34.7%,≥80 years;p < 0.001) as well as 1-year mortality (3.2%, <65 years; 5.5%, 65-80 years;7.6%,≥80 years; p = 0.003).Independent predictors of mortality were age ≥ 80 years (hazard ratio [HR]:2.78;95% confidence interval [CI]:2.32–3.34), CCI ≥ 3 (HR:1.62; 95% CI:1.39–1.88),and non-performed surgery (HR:1.64;95% CI:11.16–1.58).When the three age groups were compared,the AUROC curve for CCI was significantly larger for patients aged <65 years(p < 0.001) for both in-hospital and 1-year mortality. [Conclusion]: There were no differences in the clinical presentation of IE between the groups. Age ≥ 80 years, high comorbidity (measured by CCI),and non-performance of surgery were independent predictors of mortality in patients with IE.CCI could help to identify those patients with IE and surgical indication who present a lower risk of in-hospital and 1-year mortality after surgery, especially in the <65-year group

Analyzing factors that influence the folk use and phytonomy of 18 medicinal plants in Navarra

BACKGROUND: This article analyzes whether the distribution or area of use of 18 medicinal plants is influenced by ecological and cultural factors which might account for their traditional use and/or phytonymy in Navarra. This discussion may be helpful for comparative studies, touching as it does on other ethnopharmacological issues: a) which cultural and ecological factors affect the selection of medicinal plants; b) substitutions of medicinal plants in popular medicine; c) the relation between local nomenclature and uses. To analyze these questions, this paper presents an example of a species used for digestive disorders (tea and camomile: Jasonia glutinosa, J. tuberosa, Sideritis hyssopifolia, Bidens aurea, Chamaemelum nobile, Santolina chamaecyparissus...), high blood pressure (Rhamnus alaternus, Olea europaea...) or skin diseases (Hylotelephium maximum, H. telephium, Anagallis arvensis, A. foemina). METHODS: Fieldwork began on January 2004 and continued until December 2006. During that time we interviewed 505 informants in 218 locations in Navarra. Information was collected using semi-structured ethnobotanical interviews, and we subsequently made maps using Arc-View 8.0 program to determine the area of use of each taxon. Each map was then compared with the bioclimatic and linguistic map of Navarra, using the soil and ethnographic data for the region, and with other ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological studies carried out in Europe. RESULTS: The results clearly show that ecological and cultural factors influence the selection of medicinal plants in this region. Climate and substrate are the most important ecological factors that influence the distribution and abundance of plants, which are the biological factors that affect medicinal plant selection. CONCLUSION: The study of edaphological and climatological factors, on the one hand, and culture, on the other, can help us to understand why a plant is replaced by another one for the same purposes, either in the same or in a different area. In many cases, the cultural factor means that the use of a species is more widespread than its ecological distribution. This may also explain the presence of synonyms and polysemies which are useful for discussing ethnopharmacological data