Optimización de la gestión de rodales de Pinus nigra Arn. bajo riesgo endógeno de incendio en Cataluña

The present study considers the risk of fire as an endogenous component in a stand management optimisation problem for even-aged Pinus nigra Arn. stands in Catalonia (North-east Spain). A simulation-optimisation system, RODAL, was used to determine the optimal stand management when maximal soil expectation value (SEV) was the objective. This system was modified to include fire occurrence and post-fire tree survival models. The fire occurrence and post-fire survival models used in the study have been developed for forest planning purposes using explanatory variables that relate the probability of fire occurrence and the expected loss to such stand variables which can be affected by management actions. Non-linear stochastic optimisation was used to find the optimal stand management schedule. The rotation length as well as the timing and intensity of thinnings were optimised. The inclusion of the risk of fire had a clear effect on the optimal stand management schedule, especially on the regime of thinnings which tended to include early thinnings as means of reducing the risk and expected loss. The regeneration cuts tended to be earlierwith increasing fire risk.El presente estudio, presenta como optimizar la gestión selvícola de masas regulares de Pinus nigra Arn. en Cataluña cuando se incluye el riesgo endógeno de incendios. Para ello, se utilizó el sistema de simulación-optimización RODAL con el fin de determinar la gestión óptima del rodal, considerando como objetivo de gestión el valor esperado del suelo. El sistema RODAL actualmente incluye modelos para predecir la probabilidad de ocurrencia de un incendio en una masa determinada y la probabilidad de supervivencia de los árboles afectados en caso de producirse el incendio en dicha masa. Estos modelos fueron desarrollados para ser utilizados en la planificación forestal, por lo tanto utilizan variables independientes regularmente utilizadas y obtenidas en el proceso decisorio de la planificación de la gestión forestal. Con el fin de encontrar el plan de gestión óptimo a nivel de masa se utilizó un proceso de optimización estocástica no linear. El plan de gestión óptimo queda definido por la combinación óptima del turno de corta y el momento e intensidad de las claras. La inclusión del riesgo de incendios tiene un claro efecto sobre la gestión óptima del rodal; las claras tienden a ser más tempranas para reducir el riesgo de incendios y el turno de corta también tiende a acortarse para reducir las perdidas esperadas

Size-Controlled Water-Soluble Ag Nanoparticles

Ag nanoparticles of two different sizes (1 and 4 nm) were prepared within an apoferritin cavity by using an Ag+-loaded apoferritin as a nanoconfined environment for their construction. The initial amount of Ag' ions injected in the apoferritin cavity dictates the size of the final Ag particles. The protein shell prevents bulk aggregation of the metal particles, which renders them water soluble and extremely stable

Computer-based tools for supporting forest management. The experience and the expertise world-wide

Report of Cost Action FP 0804 Forest Management Decision Support Systems (FORSYS)Computer-based tools for supporting forest management. The experience and the expertise world-wide answers a call from both the research and the professional communities for a synthesis of current knowledge about the use of computerized tools in forest management planning. According to the aims of the Forest Management Decision Support Systems (FORSYS) (http://fp0804.emu.ee/) this synthesis is a critical success factor to develop a comprehensive quality reference for forest management decision support systems. The emphasis of the book is on identifying and assessing the support provided by computerized tools to enhance forest management planning in real-world contexts. The book thus identifies the management planning problems that prevail world-wide to discuss the architecture and the components of the tools used to address them. Of importance is the report of architecture approaches, models and methods, knowledge management and participatory planning techniques used to address specific management planning problems. We think that this synthesis may provide effective support to research and outreach activities that focus on the development of forest management decision support systems. It may contribute further to support forest managers when defining the requirements for a tool that best meets their needs. The first chapter of the book provides an introduction to the use of decision support systems in the forest sector and lays out the FORSYS framework for reporting the experience and expertise acquired in each country. Emphasis is on the FORSYS ontology to facilitate the sharing of experiences needed to characterize and evaluate the use of computerized tools when addressing forest management planning problems. The twenty six country reports share a structure designed to underline a problem-centric focus. Specifically, they all start with the identification of the management planning problems that are prevalent in the country and they move on to the characterization and assessment of the computerized tools used to address them. The reports were led by researchers with background and expertise in areas that range from ecological modeling to forest modeling, management planning and information and communication technology development. They benefited from the input provided by forest practitioners and by organizations that are responsible for developing and implementing forest management plans. A conclusions chapter highlights the success of bringing together such a wide range of disciplines and perspectives. This book benefited from voluntary contributions by 94 authors and from the involvement of several forest stakeholders from twenty six countries in Europe, North and South America, Africa and Asia over a three-year period. We, the chair of FORSYS and the editorial committee of the publication, acknowledge and thank for the valuable contributions from all authors, editors, stakeholders and FORSYS actors involved in this project

Electron spectroscopy of carbon materials: Experiment and theory

We present a comparative spectroscopic study of carbon as graphite, diamond and C60 using C1s K-edge electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS), X-ray emission spectroscopy, and theoretical modelling. The first principles calculations of these spectra are obtained in the local density approximation using a self-consistent Gaussian basis pseudo-potential method. Calculated spectra show excellent agreement with experiment and are able to discriminate not only between various carbon hybridisations but also local variation in environment. Core-hole effects on the calculated spectra are also investigated. For the first time, the EEL spectrum of carbyne is calculated

¿Es mayor la mortalidad en los pacientes que han sufrido una fractura de cadera?

Introducción y objetivos El objetivo de este estudio es valorar si los pacientes que han sufrido una fractura de cadera tienen una mortalidad más alta de la esperada. Material y métodos Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, observacional donde se toma como muestra los pacientes con fractura de cadera a lo largo de un año, cuya cifra fue de 284 y el seguimiento mínimo fue de 2 años. La edad media de estos pacientes fue de 84, 26 años, siendo el 21, 48% (61/284) varones y el 78, 5% (223/284) mujeres. La supervivencia y las enfermedades previas que afectan a la mortalidad como factores de riesgo se recogieron y se analizaron mediante el método de Kaplan-Meier y mediante la regresión de Cox. Se comparó la mortalidad real con la esperada según el Índice de Comorbilidad de Charlson, ajustado por la edad. Resultados La patología previa fue el principal factor de mortalidad, siendo la cardiopatía la más significativa (HR: 1, 817; IC95%: 1, 048; 3, 149). La mortalidad real al año de la muestra fue del 22, 5%, mientras que la mortalidad anual estimada según el Índice de Comorbilidad de Charlson era de un 29, 68% (IC95%: 44, 36-15). Conclusiones La fractura de cadera no provoca un aumento de mortalidad según la estimación del Índice de Comorbilidad de Charlson. Background and objective The aim of this study is to value whether patients who have suffered a hip fracture have a higher mortality than expected. Material and methods A prospective, observational study was carried out where patients with hip fracture were collected as a sample over a year. The study included 284 patients and a minimum follow-up was 2 years. The mean age of these patients was 84.26 years, with 21.48% (61/284) males and 78.5% (223/284) females. Survival and previous diseases that affect mortality, as risk factors, were collected and analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox regression model. Actual mortality was compared with that expected according to the Charlson Comorbidity Index, adjusted for age. Results Previous pathology was the main mortality factor, with heart disease being the most significant (OR 1.817, CI95%: 1.048; 3.149). The real mortality at one year of the sample was 22.5%, while the estimated annual mortality according to the Charlson Comorbidity Index was 29.68% (CI95%:44, 36-15). Conclusions Hip fracture does not cause an increase in mortality according to the Charlson Comorbidity Index estimate

Estudio comparativo clínico y biomecánico de distintos tipos de osteosíntesis en el tratamiento de fracturas distales de fémur

Introducción y objetivos: Las fracturas de fémur distal representan un problema por su elevado número de complicaciones. El objetivo fue comparar los resultados, las complicaciones y la estabilidad conseguidos con el enclavado intramedular retrógrado y la placa de estabilidad angular en el tratamiento de las fracturas diafisarias distales de fémur. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio clínico y experimental biomecánico mediante elementos finitos. Los resultados de las simulaciones permitieron obtener los principales resultados relacionados con la estabilidad de la osteosíntesis. En el seguimiento clínico se utilizaron frecuencias en variables cualitativas, y la prueba exacta de Fisher y la prueba 2para evaluar la significación de los diferentes factores, con la condición p < 0,05. Resultados: En el estudio biomecánico, los clavos intramedulares retrógrados demostraron superioridad, obteniendo valores inferiores en cuanto a desplazamiento global, tensión máxima, resistencia a la torsión y resistencia a la flexión. En el estudio clínico, la tasa de consolidación de las placas fue inferior a la de los clavos (77% vs 96%, p = 0,02). El factor que más influyó en la consolidación de las fracturas tratadas con placa fue el grosor cortical central (p = 0,019). El factor que más influyó en la consolidación de las fracturas tratadas con clavo fue la diferencia entre el diámetro del canal medular y el del clavo. Conclusiones: Nuestro estudio biomecánico demuestra que ambas osteosíntesis proporcionan suficiente estabilidad, pero biomecánicamente se comportan de forma diferente. Los clavos proporcionan mayor estabilidad global, siendo preferible el uso de clavos largos y ajustados al diámetro del canal. Las placas forman osteosíntesis menos rígidas, con poca resistencia a la flexión

Chemically active substitutional nitrogen impurity in carbon nanotubes

We investigate the nitrogen substitutional impurity in semiconducting zigzag and metallic armchair single-wall carbon nanotubes using ab initio density functional theory. At low concentrations (less than 1 atomic %), the defect state in a semiconducting tube becomes spatially localized and develops a flat energy level in the band gap. Such a localized state makes the impurity site chemically and electronically active. We find that if two neighboring tubes have their impurities facing one another, an intertube covalent bond forms. This finding opens an intriguing possibility for tunnel junctions, as well as the functionalization of suitably doped carbon nanotubes by selectively forming chemical bonds with ligands at the impurity site. If the intertube bond density is high enough, a highly packed bundle of interlinked single-wall nanotubes can form.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures; major changes to the tex

Atomic Configuration of Nitrogen Doped Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Having access to the chemical environment at the atomic level of a dopant in a nanostructure is crucial for the understanding of its properties. We have performed atomically-resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy to detect individual nitrogen dopants in single-walled carbon nanotubes and compared with first principles calculations. We demonstrate that nitrogen doping occurs as single atoms in different bonding configurations: graphitic-like and pyrrolic-like substitutional nitrogen neighbouring local lattice distortion such as Stone-Thrower-Wales defects. The stability under the electron beam of these nanotubes has been studied in two extreme cases of nitrogen incorporation content and configuration. These findings provide key information for the applications of these nanostructures.Comment: 25 pages, 13 figure

Factores de riesgo en fractura periprotésica femoral tras artroplastia sustitutiva primaria de rodilla

Introducción y objetivos Las fracturas periprotésicas tras artroplastia primaria de rodilla cobran gran importancia en nuestro medio debido tanto al aumento de su incidencia, como al reto que suponen para el cirujano. Múltiples factores se han asociado a su producción. El objetivo del estudio fue identificar los factores de riesgo que podían influir en la aparición de estas fracturas, cuáles de todos ellos son modificables y generar un modelo de predicción de probabilidad de las mismas en función de dichos factores. Material y método Estudio analítico, observacional, retrospectivo, no pareado, de 38 casos de fracturas periprotésicas femorales de rodilla y 80 controles con prótesis de rodilla. En total, fueron incluidos en el estudio 118 pacientes, 83 mujeres y 35 hombres con una edad media de 72, 49 años. Se recogieron datos sociodemográficos, antecedentes médicos y consumo de fármacos, así como los relativos a la cirugía. Se realizó un análisis uni- y bivariante de los factores determinantes de fractura, usando un modelo de regresión logística para evitar el sesgo de confusión. Resultados De todos los factores estudiados según el modelo de regresión logística, se obtuvo que el sexo femenino (OR = 7, 6), la demencia (OR = 5), la alteración motora/párkinson (OR = 19, 3) y el sobrecorte femoral anterior (OR = 8, 6) eran factores asociados al incremento de riesgo de este tipo de fracturas. Conclusiones Este trabajo permite concluir que hay factores de riesgo, como son el sexo femenino, la demencia y el párkinson, que aumentan la probabilidad de fractura periprotésica, que son inherentes al paciente y no son modificables. Sin embargo, existe algún otro totalmente modificable que puede evitarse siendo exigente y exhaustivo en la técnica quirúrgica, como es el sobrecorte femoral anterior. Introduction and objectives: Periprosthetic fractures after primary knee arthroplasty has great importance in our environment due to the increase in their incidence and to the challenge they pose to the surgeon. Multiple factors have been associated with its production. The objective of the study was to identify the risk factors that could influence the appearance of these fractures, which of them are all modifiable and generate a probability prediction model based on these factors. Material and methods: Analytical, observational, retrospective, unpaired study of 38 cases of periprosthetic femoral knee fractures and 80 controls with knee prostheses. In total, 118 patients, 83 women and 35 men with a mean age of 72.49 years were included in the study. Sociodemographic data, medical history and drug consumption were collected, as well as those related to surgery. A univariate and bivariate analysis of the fracture determining factors was performed, using a logistic regression model to avoid confusion bias. Results: Of all the factors studied according to the logistic regression model, it was obtained that female sex (OR = 7.6), dementia (OR = 5), motor/parkinson''s alteration (OR = 19.3) and femoral overcut Previous (OR = 8.6) were factors associated with the increased risk of this type of fractures. Conclusions: This work allows us to conclude that there are risk factors such as female sex, dementia and parkinson''s that increase the probability of periprosthetic fracture that are inherent to the patient and are not modifiable. However, there is any other totally modifiable that can be avoided by being demanding and thorough in the surgical technique, such as the anterior femoral overcut

BN domains included into carbon nanotubes: role of interface

We present a density functional theory study on the shape and arrangement of small BN domains embedded into single-walled carbon nanotubes. We show a strong tendency for the BN hexagons formation at the simultaneous inclusion of B and N atoms within the walls of carbon nanotubes. The work emphasizes the importance of a correct description of the BN-C frontier. We suggest that BN-C interface will be formed preferentially with the participation of N-C bonds. Thus, we propose a new way of stabilizing the small BN inclusions through the formation of nitrogen terminated borders. The comparison between the obtained results and the available experimental data on formation of BN plackets within the single walled carbon nanotubes is presented. The mirror situation of inclusion of carbon plackets within single walled BN nanotubes is considered within the proposed formalism. Finally, we show that the inclusion of small BN plackets inside the CNTs strongly affects the electronic character of the initial systems, opening a band gap. The nitrogen excess in the BN plackets introduces donor states in the band gap and it might thus result in a promising way for n-doping single walled carbon nanotubes