Deterministic and Probabilistic Earthquake Scenarios for the Seismic Risk Analysis of URM Buildings

Barcelona, as well as a large number of cities in the Mediterranean basin, has a housing stock composed of a large number of unreinforced brick masonry buildings. Motivated by different factors, the enlargement of the city (Eixample in Catalan) was held from the second half of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th, a period in which a large number of buildings of this type were built, many of which are still used as dwellings. Although the buildings were built individually, some of them are linked to adjacent buildings by the side walls. This feature leads to the analysis of the buildings as isolated structures and also as an aggregate. Barcelona is located in a seismic region of low to moderate hazard, with macroseismic intensity between the grades VI and VII of the European macroseismic scale EMS'98. Based on the deterministic and probabilistic response spectra for the different types of soils present in Barcelona obtained in the work of Irizarry (2004), the seismic risk of four individual buildings and an aggregate is evaluated. The buildings are modeled and analyzed using the TREMURI program and MATLAB routines under the guidance of RISK-UE project

Chronic disease in physical education

Se realizó un estudio epidemiológico de carácter descriptivo-observacional de las enfermedades crónicas en las clases de Educación Física de Educación Secundaria y Bachillerato. Se realizó en 36 Centros Educativos de la Comunidad de Madrid (España), en 4.527 alumnos, durante el periodo 2003-2009. Se utilizó un cuestionario como técnicas de recogida de datos. Se obtuvo que un elevado número de alumnos presentaron al menos una enfermedad crónica (53,19%), siendo alta la cantidad de alumnos que tienen varias (21,06%). Destacan por su prevalencia las alteraciones visuales y enfermedades del ojo (44,37%), las alergias (16,37%), las malposiciones dentales (8,61%), el asma (8,49%) y la escoliosis y cifoescoliosis (6,29%). Las patologías crónicas más importantes muestran un “patrón de prevalencia” que incluyen las enfermedades citadas. Las enfermedades más frecuentes en la cronología estudiada son compatibles con la realización de la clase de Educación Física, pero pueden ser importantes en el desarrollo de ésta si se ignoran.An observational and descriptive study of the epidemiology of chronic diseases in Physical Education classes in secondary education was carried out. It was conducted in 36 educational centers of the Autonomous Community of Madrid (Spain), in 4527 students, from 2003 to 2009. A questionnaire was used as data collection techniques. It revealed that a large number of students showed at least one chronic disease (53.19%) with a large amount of those suffering from multiple medical conditions (21.06%). The most prevalent illnesses include visual disturbances and eye diseases (44.37%), allergies (16.37%), misaligned teeth (8.61%), asthma (8.49%), scoliosis and kyphoscoliosis (6.29%). The most important chronic pathologies show a "prevalence pattern" which includes the previously mentioned diseases. The most common diseases in the analyzed chronology are compatible with the performance of the Physical Education lesson, but they may undermine its development if ignored

Absorption efficiency of gold nanorods determined by quantum dot fluorescence thermometry

In this work quantum dot fluorescence thermometry, in combination with double-beam confocal microscopy, has been applied to determine the thermal loading of gold nanorods when subjected to an optical excitation at the longitudinal surface plasmon resonance. The absorbing/heating efficiency of low (≈3) aspect ratio gold nanorods has been experimentally determined to be close to 100%, in excellent agreement with theoretical simulations of the extinction, absorption, and scattering spectra based on the discrete dipole approximation

La predicción del calibre del corcho al final del turno y su aplicación al muestreo de la producción

105 cork samples (20 cm x 20 cm) have been extracted from seven sites selected as representatives of the main cork oak production areas in Spain. Age, thickness and annual growth of cork have been measured on the transversal section of each piece. Thickness of cork one, two and three years before stripping has been calculated. Lineal regression analysis has been performed to obtain predicting equations for thickness at debarking time, where independent variables were thickness one, two or three years before stripping and growth rate at each moment. A set of equations was obtained, and regression coefficients varied between 0.9918 (the year before stripping) and 0.9182 (three years before stripping). Due to the sampling method, it is considered that these equations can be applied all over the cork oak distribution area in Spain. Best results can be obtained using the following equation: EF = 0.70021 + 1.05232 * Et–1 (EF: final cork thickness; Et–1: cork thickness one year before stripping) The results allow some changes in the current sampling methods, designed for owners assessment, as sampling in the field can be done the year before stripping. Due to the role of thickness in grading of cork planks, more 75 % of the production is not affected by these estimations, when thickness one year before stripping is used.Se ha tomado una muestra de 105 piezas de corcho en plancha de 20 por 20 cm de tamaño, procedentes de siete puntos de muestreo localizados en montes que se consideran representativos de las principales zonas españolas de producción de corcho. Sobre la sección transversal de cada pieza se ha determinado la edad, y se han medido el espesor, o calibre, y los crecimientos anuales para cada uno de los años del turno, calculándose para cada pieza el espesor y crecimiento medio anual que presentaban uno, dos y tres años antes del descorche. Se realiza un análisis de regresión lineal paso a paso para ajustar las ecuaciones predictivas del espesor del corcho al final del turno, en función del espesor y el crecimiento medio anual uno, dos y tres años antes del descorche. Como resultado se obtiene una serie de ecuaciones en las que los coeficientes de determinación oscilan entre 0,9918 (un año antes del descorche) y 0,9182 (tres años antes del descorche). Debido a la amplitud del muestreo realizado y a la calidad de los ajustes, se considera que estas ecuaciones pueden ser aplicadas en cualquier punto del área española de producción de alcornocal. Los mejores resultados se obtienen con la ecuación: EF = 0,70021 + 1,05232 * Et–1 (EF: espesor final del corcho; Et–1: espesor el año anterior al descorche) Las ecuaciones obtenidas permiten modificar los actuales métodos de muestreo para asesoramiento de los propietarios, al posibilitar la toma de muestras uno, dos o tres años antes de la saca del corcho. Debido al papel que el espesor, tiene en el proceso de clasificación, se estima que un 75 % de la producción no estaría afectada por los errores que se puedan cometer en la estimación si se utilizan las ecuaciones basadas en el espesor el año antes del descorche

In Vivo Confirmation of the Role of Statins in Reducing Nitric Oxide and C-Reactive Protein Levels in Peripheral Arterial Disease

AbstractObjectivesInflammatory and other processes mediating impairment of endothelial function, where there are increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and plasma nitrites, have a part to play in the early stages of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Our objective was to analyse the effect of statins on the plasma nitrite and CRP levels in PAD.Material and methodsA prospective study of 30 patients with PAD Fontaine stage II, with no prior treatment with statins, determined high sensitivity (hs)-CRP and lipid profile in the patients. Plasma nitrite levels were determined by colourimetric assay based on the Griess reaction, at baseline and after 1 month of treatment with atorvastatin 40mgday−1.ResultsA significant reduction in plasma nitrite levels was detected after the treatment with statins (11.88±7.8μM vs. 5.7±1.8μM, p=0.0001). There was also a significant reduction in hs-CRP levels (13.58±24.00 vs. 3.93±3.19, p=0.02).When the patients were stratified according to claudication stage, a significant reduction in nitrite levels was obtained, both in patients with PAD Fontaine stage IIA (9.5±3.3μM vs. 5.3±1.7μM, p=0.0001) and in stage IIB (16.6±11.6μM vs. 6.7±1.8μM, p=0.032).ConclusionsTreatment with statins lowers plasma nitrite and CRP levels in patients with PAD. Our data support the effects of statins in vivo that have been demonstrated on the endothelium ex vivo, suggesting a beneficial effect by acting on the initial processes that trigger the disease, reducing oxidative stress (increase in the bioavailability of nitric oxide as peroxynitrite levels decrease) and curtailing the inflammatory processes which perpetuate the disease

The knee prosthesis constraint dilemma: Biomechanical comparison between varus-valgus constrained implants and rotating hinge prosthesis. A cadaver study

The real degree of constriction of rotating hinge knee (RHK) and condylar constrained prostheses (CCK) is a matter of discussion in revision knee arthroplasty. The objectives of this study are to compare the tibial rotation of both implants and validate the use of inertial sensors with optical tracking system as movement measurement tools. A total of 16 cadaver knees were used. Eight knees were replaced using a RHK (Endomodel LINK), and the remaining eight received a CCK prosthesis (LCCK, Zimmer). Tibial rotation range of motion was measured in full extension and at 30°, 60°, and 90° of flexion, with four continuous waveforms for each measurement. Measurements were made using two inertial sensors with specific software and compared with measurements obtained using the gold standard technique - the motion capture camera. The comparison of the accuracy of both measurement methods showed no statistically significant differences between inertial sensors and motion capture cameras, with p > .1; the mean error for tibial rotation was 0.21°. Tibial rotation in the RHK was significantly greater than in the CCK (5.25° vs. 2.28°, respectively), p < .05. We have shown that RHK permit greater tibial rotation, being closer to physiological values than CCKs. Inertial sensors have been validated as an effective and accurate method of measuring knee movement. The clinical significance: RHK appears to represent a lower constriction degree than CCK systems.This study wassupported by Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Instituto de Salud Carlos III and European Regional Development Fund "Una manera de hacer Europa" (grant number PI18/01625

Effect of Grazing Management on Herbage Accumulation of Lucerne-Orchard Grass Sward

Throughout most of México, lucerne (Medicago sativa) is the primary forage legume used in the dairy industry. Unfortunately, lucerne does not grow in late autumn and winter due to adverse weather. Recent studies with lucerne have suggested that the inclusion of a companion grass will invariably increase the seasonal distribution and total annual yield of swards (Laidlaw & Teuber, 2001). However the management of mixed swards containing lucerne is difficult as a grazing frequency or intensity which suits one species may be detrimental to the other. Changes in balance between grass and legume, especially in grazed swards, have been observed. In México mixtures of lucerne-orchard grass have a good persistence and productivity. However the explanation for this is unclear. This study examined the effects of different grazing management practices on lucerne-orchard grass production and seasonal distribution

The Use of Virtual Reality Facilitates Dialectical Behavior Therapy® “Observing Sounds and Visuals” Mindfulness Skills Training Exercises for a Latino Patient with Severe Burns: A Case Study

Sustaining a burn injury increases an individual’s risk of developing psychological problems such as generalized anxiety, negative emotions, depression, acute stress disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite the growing use of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy® (DBT®) by clinical psychologists, to date, there are no published studies using standard DBT® or DBT® skills learning for severe burn patients. The current study explored the feasibility and clinical potential of using Immersive Virtual Reality (VR) enhanced DBT® mindfulness skills training to reduce negative emotions and increase positive emotions of a patient with severe burn injuries. The participant was a hospitalized (in house) 21-year-old Spanish speaking Latino male patient being treated for a large (>35% TBSA) severe flame burn injury. Methods: The patient looked into a pair of Oculus Rift DK2 virtual reality goggles to perceive the computer-generated virtual reality illusion of floating down a river, with rocks, boulders, trees, mountains, and clouds, while listening to DBT® mindfulness training audios during 4 VR sessions over a 1 month period. Study measures were administered before and after each VR session. Results: As predicted, the patient reported increased positive emotions and decreased negative emotions. The patient also accepted the VR mindfulness treatment technique. He reported the sessions helped him become more comfortable with his emotions and he wanted to keep using mindfulness after returning home. Conclusions: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is an empirically validated treatment approach that has proved effective with non-burn patient populations for treating many of the psychological problems experienced by severe burn patients. The current case study explored for the first time, the use of immersive virtual reality enhanced DBT® mindfulness skills training with a burn patient. The patient reported reductions in negative emotions and increases in positive emotions, after VR DBT® mindfulness skills training. Immersive Virtual Reality is becoming widely available to mainstream consumers, and thus has the potential to make this treatment available to a much wider number of patient populations, including severe burn patients. Additional development, and controlled studies are needed

Catalytic conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) over Pd-Ru/FAU zeolite catalysts.

We present this study on FAU-type zeolites were prepared varying the Si/Al ratio (4, 5 and 6) and crystallization time (4, 6 and 8 h) to produce a highly pure and homogeneous material with enhanced surface area values. Bimetallic Pd-Ru and Pt-Ru (0.5 wt.% of each metal) were impregnated onto the zeolites matrix by the incipient wetness impregnation method. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen physisorption, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scattering Electronic Microscopy (SEM), Scattering and Transmission Microscopy (STEM), temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), temperature-programmed desorption (TPR) and Inductively Couples Plasma- Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). Results indicated that using lower Si/Al ratios favored the catalytic activity. Also, the longest crystallization time had a positive effect on surface area, homogeneous particle size distribution and crystallinity. The catalytic performance in the esterification of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) to produce 5-acetoxymethylfurfural (AcMF) was investigated. The maximum 5-HMF conversion of 87.28 % was achieved using pure zeolite with relation Si/Al = 5, and 8 h of crystallization. Pd-Ru supported onto same zeolite showed a conversion of 84.22 %. The highest selectivity towards AcMF of 71.29 % with pure zeolite Si/Al = 5 and 8 h of crystallization was achieved, followed by Pd-Ru/FAU with Si/Al = 5 and 8 h of crystallization, achieving 60.42 %. Finally, results shown that the interaction between the properties of zeolitic support and the metallic species, specifically Pd, had a positive effect in the catalytic process the pristine zeolite showed improved catalytic characteristics related to its acid strength