Quality of Life in Urban Neighborhoods in Costa Rica

This paper considers valuation of amenities in urban neighborhoods and satisfaction with both those neighborhoods and life in general. First, rents are used to estimate neighborhood amenities price in San Jose, which explain 39 percent of the standardized variation of rents. Some districts rank very high in housing characteristics but poorly in neighborhood amenities, while others rank poorly in housing characteristics but high in neighborhood amenities, suggesting that indirect policy measures might reduce inequality in urban areas through improving neighborhood amenities. Second, the paper explores differences in the valuation of amenities by calculating prices in different urban areas. In more sparsely populated urban areas, distance to national parks becomes less important, but distance to primary roads becomes more important. Finally, housing and safety satisfaction represent the key components of life satisfaction.

Incidental chronic LV thrombus; a dreaded complication of anterior MI

Background: Left ventricular thrombus may develop after acute myocardial infarction and occurs most often with a large STEMI. The use of reperfusion therapy and fibrinolytics has dramatically reduced the incidence. Epidemiologic data suggest the incidence of LV thrombus is as high as 25% in patients with anterior MI. Risk of embolization has been reported up to 15% in patients without anticoagulation. Case presentation: 70 y/o man with history of coronary artery disease with remote LAD stent placed over 17 years ago presents to the office as a new patient for evaluation of exertional shortness of breath and chest pain. Upon review of patient’s history an echocardiogram and nuclear stress test where ordered. 2D echocardiogram showed impaired systolic dysfunction with EF of 35%, hypokinetic left anterior wall, and akinesis of apical anterior wall. A 2 x 3 cm regular with echodense borders left apical thrombus was identified with no protrusion nor mobility. Stress test showed nonreversible apical ischemia. Left heart catheterization was performed showing patent LAD stent with only mild CAD present. Due to chronicity without complications and echocardiographic characteristics along with patient discussion the decision was made not to initiate anticoagulation at this point. Conclusion: LV thrombus is a complication of anterior and apical MI that increases the risk for MACE and stroke. Guidelines recommend oral anticoagulation of at least 3 months upon diagnosis but there is no clear recommendation for chronic stable cases. Echocardiographic characteristics can help guide the decision for anticoagulation initiation until further protocols are developed

Ecosystemic Services Linked to Water and Plant diversity of the San José de Chazo-Santa Fe de Galán Region

In the higher part of the Santa Fe de Galán parish, intensive agricultural activities are carried out that cause problems of erosion, disappearance of species of fauna and flora, decrease in water and deterioration of páramo areas due to the advance of the agricultural frontier. These activities present a threat to the sustainability of the San José de Chazo-Santa Fe de Galán region, due to the degradation of its natural resources that directly affect the vital development of 1200 families belonging to this region. The present investigation aims to study ecosystem services linked to water, as well as floristic diversity, for which data was collected and systematized from the Ciénega páramo in the San José de Chazo-Santa Fe de Galán region. According to the data collected on floristic diversity, 29 samples of terrestrial vascular plants were registered, corresponding to 18 families, 26 genera and 29 species; moss and lichen of unidentified family, genus and species were also collected. The highest index of importance value by species and family was presented by the moss with 20.39% and 18.17%, respectively. The average monthly flow during the February–May period observed through the volumetric method was 6.34 L/s. Keywords: capacity, flow, diversity, paramo, ecosystem services, sustainability. Resumen En la parte alta de la Parroquia Santa Fe de Galán se desarrollan actividades agropecuarias intensivas que provocan problemas de erosión, desaparición de especies de fauna y flora, disminución del agua y deterioro de áreas de páramo por el avance de la frontera agrícola. Estas actividades representan una amenaza para la sostenibilidad de la Regional San José de Chazo– Santa Fe de Galán, debido a la degradación de sus recursos naturales que inciden directamente en el desarrollo vital de 1200 familias pertenecientes a esta Regional. La presente investigación tiene como objetivo estudiar los servicios ecosistémicos ligados al agua y diversidad florística, cuyos datos fueron recolectados y sistematizados del páramo de la Ciénega en la Regional San José de Chazo–Santa Fe de Galán. De acuerdo con los resultados de diversidad florística se registró 29 muestras de plantas vasculares terrestres, correspondiente a 18 familias, 26 géneros y 29 especies, también se recolectó musgo y liquen de familia, género y especie no identificados. El mayor índice de valor de importancia por especie y familia lo presentó el musgo con 20,39% y 18,17%, respectivamente. El caudal promedio mensual durante el período febrero – mayo a través del método volumétrico fue de 6,34 L/s. Palabras clave: aforo, caudal, diversidad, páramo, servicios ecosistémicos, sostenibilidad

Determination of Physical and Mechanical Properties of Three-layer Boards of Teak (Tectona grandis), Seike (Cedrelinga catenaeformis) and Mascarey (Hieronima alchorneoides), Company PISMADE S.A., Riobamba Canton, Chimborazo Province

The present investigation aims to determine the physical and mechanical properties in three-layer boards of Teak (Tectona grandis), Seike (Cedrelinga catenaeformis) and Mascarey (Hieronima alchorneoides), from the PISMADE S.A. Company, Canton Riobamba, province of Chimborazo. The three specimens used for each of the species in each of the tests performed were worked on using the ASTM D143-94 standard for the tests of parallel compression, perpendicular compression and flexion, and the DIN-52182 standard, with the main variation in thickness measurements caused by the commercial use established by the company. Mechanical tests showed that Seike had the best results, being superior in two tests: perpendicular compression and flexion. Teak tests gave us results that were superior in the perpendicular compression test. Mascarey, unlike the two species mentioned above, had complications during the trials due to problems with the glue between layers. Keywords: physical and mechanical properties of wood, three-layer boards. Resumen La presente investigación pretende: Determinar las propiedades físicas y mecánicas en tableros tricapa de Teca, Seike (Cedrelinga catenaeformis) y Mascarey (Hyeronima alchorneoides), Empresa PISMADE S.A., cantón Riobamba, provincia de Chimborazo; para lo cual se utilizaron 3 probetas por cada una de las especies en cada uno de los ensayos realizados, las mismas fueron trabajadas con base a la Norma ASTM D143-94 para las pruebas de compresión paralela, compresión perpendicular y flexión y la Norma DIN-52182, teniendo como principal variación en las medidas de espesor debido al uso comercial establecido por la empresa. Las pruebas mecánicas mostraron que Seike tuvo los mejores resultados al ser superior en dos ensayos: Compresión perpendicular y flexión. Los ensayos con Teca nos dieron como resultados que es superior en el ensayo de compresión perpendicular. Mascarey a diferencia de las dos especies mencionadas anteriormente tuvo complicaciones con los ensayos debido a problemas con el pegamento entre capas. Palabras clave: propiedades físicas y mecánicas de la madera, tableros tricapa

Structural and Electronic Properties of Graphene Oxide for Different Degree of Oxidation1

In the last year, the investigation of two-dimensional materials as graphene oxide is a fundamental goal to produce innovative devices with wide range of applications in many areas. In the present work, we report a systematic study of structural and electronic properties of graphene oxide for different oxidations levels (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) using density functional calculations for electronic ground state and a statistical approach on carbon-carbon bond length obtained after the geometric optimization of graphene covered with epoxide and hydroxyl functional groups. The theoretical models proposed and studied here are accord with the well-known experimental data. Our statistical results of the carbon-carbon bond length shown that hydroxyl groups disturbs the structure of graphene more than epoxide groups, however, both hydroxyl and epoxide groups are responsible of the change of hybridization sp2 to sp3, while the degree of oxidation increase. In addition, our electronic structure calculations confirm that with low degree of oxidation, the graphene oxide is semiconductor, and with full degree of oxidation graphene oxide is an insulating material. The minimum of total energy is found when the graphene oxide has full coverage. This work can contribute to understand the plasticity and ductility properties of graphene oxide recently reported

Manejo De Residuos Sólidos Hospitalarios En La Unidad Oncológica Solca-Chimborazo

It was determined that the handling of the solid waste generated by the SOLCA – Chimborazo cancer hospital was not appropriate, both internally and externally. Because of that, the classification, transport, storage, deactivation, and intermediate disposition are inconvenient. Thus, it was realized that it is important to have the requirements and documents to follow and comply the objectives that are specified within the management, focusing on feedback and continuous improvement. To learn about the nature of the generated residuals, they were characterized in the hospital. Common, infectious, radioactive, organic and sharp residuals were found during the months of September, November and December. The common waste is comprised of cardboard, paper and plastic. The per-capita production of residuals was 0.76 kg/patient/day. The environmental impact caused by the generation of hospital solid waste was 56% severe impacts and 44% moderate impacts, which could elicit health problems in the population surrounding the hospital. For this reason, the appropriate management of solid waste allowed to obtain large environmental benefits and reduce the pollution generated by the hospital solid waste. It is recommended to SOLCA-Chimborazo and other health institutions the implementation of an adequate solid waste management, which will allow them to comply with all the requirements enforced by the environmental regulations

Non-Pharmacological interventions designed to reduce health risks due to unhealthy eating behaviour and linked risky or excessive drinking in adults aged 18-25 years:A systematic review protocol

BACKGROUND: Excess body weight and heavy alcohol consumption are two of the greatest contributors to global disease. Alcohol use peaks in early adulthood. Alcohol consumption can also exacerbate weight gain. A high body mass index and heavy drinking are independently associated with liver disease but, in combination, they produce an intensified risk of damage, with individuals from lower socio-economic status groups disproportionately affected. METHODS: We will conduct searches in MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO, ERIC, ASSIA, Web of Knowledge (WoK), Scopus, CINAHL via EBSCO, LILACS, CENTRAL and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses for studies that assess targeted preventative interventions of any length of time or duration of follow-up that are focused on reducing unhealthy eating behaviour and linked risky alcohol use in 18-25-year-olds. Primary outcomes will be reported changes in: (1) dietary, nutritional or energy intake and (2) alcohol consumption. We will include all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) including cluster RCTs; randomised trials; non-randomised controlled trials; interrupted time series; quasi-experimental; cohort involving concurrent or historical controls and controlled before and after studies. Database searches will be supplemented with searches of Google Scholar, hand searches of key journals and backward and forward citation searches of reference lists of identified papers. Search records will be independently screened by two researchers, with full-text copies of potentially relevant papers retrieved for in-depth review against the inclusion criteria. Methodological quality of RCTs will be evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Other study designs will be evaluated using the Cochrane Public Health Review Group's recommended Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Studies will be pooled by meta-analysis and/or narrative synthesis as appropriate for the nature of the data retrieved. DISCUSSION: It is anticipated that exploration of intervention effectiveness and characteristics (including theory base, behaviour change technique; modality, delivery agent(s) and training of intervention deliverers, including their professional status; and frequency/duration of exposure) will aid subsequent co-design and piloting of a future intervention to help reduce health risk and social inequalities due to excess weight gain and alcohol consumption. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42016040128

A study of oil-paper insulation voltage dependency during frequency response analysis

People often believe that power factor/dissipation factor testing at power frequency (50/60 Hz) usually exhibits a flat response as a function of test voltage if the insulation is in good condition. Dielectric Frequency Response, DFR is the extension of power factor testing except that the measurement is performed from 1 kHz down to typically 1 mHz. It is a very useful tool for evaluating the moisture content in solid insulation of HV and EHV components such as power transformers, bushings, instrument transformers and PILC cables. The voltage dependent phenomenon also called “the Garton effect”, caused by paper absorbing electric charges in oil is investigated. The application of DFR in HV and EHV substations required a conceptual analysis of the phenomenon to better interpret the condition of the insulation system while increasing the signal to noise ratio to minimize the effect of surrounding interference. As a result of this work, authors provide practical recommendations regarding test voltages and frequency ranges to be used under high interference environments. The wide application of the method is supported with experimental field data.Instituto de Investigaciones Tecnológicas para Redes y Equipos Eléctrico

Roads & SDGs, tradeoffs and synergies: learning from Brazil's Amazon in distinguishing frontiers

To inform the search for SDG synergies in infrastructure provision, and to reduce SDG tradeoffs, the authors show that road impacts on Brazilian Amazon forests have varied significantly across settings. Forest loss varied predictably with prior development – both prior roads and prior deforestation – and in a spatial pattern suggesting a synergy between forests and urban growth in such frontiers. Examining multiple roads investments, the authors estimate impact for settings of high, medium and low prior roads and deforestation. Census-tract observations are numerous for each setting and reveal a pattern, not consistent with endogeneity, that confirms our predictions for this kind of frontier. Impacts are: low after relatively high prior development; larger for medium prior development, at the forest margin; then low again for low prior development. For the latter setting, the authors note that in such isolated areas, interactions with conservation policies influence forest impacts over time. These Amazonian results suggest 'SDG strategic' locations of infrastructure, an idea they suggest for other frontiers while highlighting differences in those frontiers and their SDG opportunities

Marine Genomics: A clearing-house for genomic and transcriptomic data of marine organisms

BACKGROUND: The Marine Genomics project is a functional genomics initiative developed to provide a pipeline for the curation of Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) and gene expression microarray data for marine organisms. It provides a unique clearing-house for marine specific EST and microarray data and is currently available at . DESCRIPTION: The Marine Genomics pipeline automates the processing, maintenance, storage and analysis of EST and microarray data for an increasing number of marine species. It currently contains 19 species databases (over 46,000 EST sequences) that are maintained by registered users from local and remote locations in Europe and South America in addition to the USA. A collection of analysis tools are implemented. These include a pipeline upload tool for EST FASTA file, sequence trace file and microarray data, an annotative text search, automated sequence trimming, sequence quality control (QA/QC) editing, sequence BLAST capabilities and a tool for interactive submission to GenBank. Another feature of this resource is the integration with a scientific computing analysis environment implemented by MATLAB. CONCLUSION: The conglomeration of multiple marine organisms with integrated analysis tools enables users to focus on the comprehensive descriptions of transcriptomic responses to typical marine stresses. This cross species data comparison and integration enables users to contain their research within a marine-oriented data management and analysis environment