GEANT4 application for the simulation of the head of a siemens primus linac

The Monte Carlo simulation of the head of a Siemens Primus Linac used at Virgen Macarena Hospital (Sevilla, Spain) has been performed using the code GEANT4 [1-2], version 9.2. In this work, the main features of the application built by our group are presented. They are mainly focused in the optimization of the performance of the simulation. The geometry, including the water phantom, has been entirely wrapped by a shielding volume which discards all the particles escaping far away through its walls. With this, a factor of four in the time spent by the simulation can be saved. An interface to read and write phase-space files in IAEA format has been also developed to save CPU time in our simulations [3-4]. Finally, some calculations of the dose absorption in the water phantom have been done and compared with the results given by EGSnrc [5] and with experimental data obtained for the calibration of the machine

Aportación al conocimiento de la flora bentónica de las costas mediterráneas africanas occidentales.

. NAVARRO. M. J. & GALLARDO. T 1989. Contribution to the knowlegment of the Benhie Marine Flora of the western Mediterranean Mrican coast. BOL Complutensic 15: 203-214 (in Spanish). Benrhic marine algae taxa, identilied from several samples. that were taken Irom sorne western Mediterranean African eoast Iocations, are eompiled. me localities are placed between Punta Aimina and Islas Chafarinas. The records appeard in tite literature are added too. The number of taxa seheduled is 136 (32 ChIorophyceae, 31 Phaeophyceae and 73 Rhodophyceae). The number of new records [br those coasts is Sí.. NAVARRO, M. J. & GALLARDO, T. 1989. Aportación al conocimiento de la llora bentónica marina de las costas mediterráneas africanas occidentales. BoL Complu¡(`USe 15: 21)3--2)4. Se recogen en este catálogo los taxones de algas bentónicas marinas identificados en nuestras recolectas en varias localidades de la costa mediterránea africana comprendida entre Punta Almina y las Islas Chafarinas. Además se añaden las citas conocidas en la literatura. El número de taxones inventariado es de 136 dc los cuales 32 corresponden a Clorofíceas, 31 a las Feoficeas y 73 a las Rodofíceas; el número total de nuevas citas para dichas costas es de 51

Influence of Concept Cartoons in the academic performance and motivation of Primary School students: The Planet Earth. A Study Case in Albacete (South-eastern Spain).

La enseñanza de las ciencias debe ser abordada con estrategias variadas para conseguir acercarla a más niños y obtener un aprendizaje más profundo. Entre estas estrategias encontramos los Concept Cartoons, escasamente usado en escuelas españolas. Esta investigación comprueba su influencia en la motivación y en los conocimientos conceptuales de niños de tercer curso de Educación Primaria de un colegio público de Albacete, comparada con el método tradicional basado en el libro de texto. Los niños (43), han sido divididos en dos grupos (experimental y control), y han rellenado dos cuestionarios (motivación y conocimientos) antes y después de la experiencia. Los resultados muestran que no hay diferencias en la motivación de ninguno de los grupos, sin embargo, y aunque ambos grupos puntúan mejor en el cuestionario de conocimientos tras las clases, hay diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las puntuaciones obtenidas, en favor de los que aprendieron mediante Concept Cartoons.Science teaching should be approached using a variety of strategies to get closer to more children and achieve deeper learning. Among these strategies are Concept Cartoons, which are sparsely used in Spanish schools. This research evaluates its influence on motivation and conceptual learning of children in the third year of primary education, in a public school in Albacete (South-Eastern Spain), compared with the traditional method based on the textbook. Children (43) have been divided into two groups (experimental and control). Both filled in two questionnaires (motivation and knowledge) before and after the experience. Results show that motivation records are not modified by the teaching style in this study case. Nevertheless, although both groups improved performance after lessons, there are statistically significant differences in scores, in favor of those learning with Concept Cartoons

Oral lichenoid lesions related to contact with dental materials: A literature review

Oral lichenoid lesions related to contact are defined as oral-cavity eruptions with an identifiable etiology, and are clinically and histologically similar to oral lichen planus. Within this group are found oral lichenoid lesions related to contact with dental materials (OLLC), the most common being those related to silver amalgam. Currently, it remains difficult to diagnose these lesions due to the clinical and histopathological similarity with oral lichen planus and other oral mucosa lesions of lichenoid characteristics. In the present paper, we carry out an updated review of the tests for, and the different characteristics of OLLC, which may aid the diagnosis. For this review, we made searches in the Pubmed® and Cochrane® databases. Among the literature we found several published papers, from which we have used review papers, case papers, cohort studies, case and control studies, and a meta-analysis study. After carrying out this review, we can conclude that the diagnosis of these lesions is still difficult and controversial. However, there are different aspects in the clinical presentation, pathological study and results obtained when replacing suspect materials, which, when taken together, may be useful when establishing the final diagnosis of OLLC

Beathic marine algae distribution maps, IV. Lan/nana ochro¡euca Pylaie, L. hyperborca (Gunner). Foslie y L. saceharina (L.> Laniour (Laminariales, Fucophyta)

IZQUIERDO iL.. NAVARRO, Mi. & GALLARDO T. 1993. Mapas de distribución de algas marinas de la Península Ibérica, IV. Laminaría hyperborca (Gunner.) Foslie. L. cu.h,o/euca Pylaie. y L. saucharina (Li Lamour. Bat. Cúníplutensis 18: 291-304 Se publican los mapas de distribución en la Península Ibérica de tres especies de algas bentónicas marinas pertenecientes al Orden Laminariales: Laminaría hyperhcn-ea <Gunner.) Foslie, 1~ cúbroleuca Pylaic. y L. sac.cha,ina (L.) Lamour.. aportándose nuevos datos sobre su distribución en las costas de la Península.IZQUIERDO iL.. NAVARRO, Mi. & GALLARDO T. 1993. Mapas de distribución de algas marinas de la Península Ibérica, IV. Laminaría hyperborca (Gunner.) Foslie. L. cu.h,o/euca Pylaie. y L. saucharina (Li Lamour. Bat. Cúníplutensis 18: 291-304 Se publican los mapas de distribución en la Península Ibérica de tres especies de algas bentónicas marinas pertenecientes al Orden Laminariales: Laminaría hyperhcn-ea <Gunner.) Foslie, 1~ cúbroleuca Pylaic. y L. sac.cha,ina (L.) Lamour.. aportándose nuevos datos sobre su distribución en las costas de la Península

Actividad biológica de esteroides de síntesis química frente a infecciones causadas por virus de importancia en la salud humana

More than 90% of all human diseases are caused by viral infections for most of which no prophylactic vaccines exist. There are no specific antivirals for Adenoviruses (AdV), which produce acute respiratory infections and keratoconjunctivitis, among others, and ribavirin is used only in specific clinical situations. Another virus of clinical importance is Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1), which causes oral-facial infections, stromal keratitis and encephalitis. Although the treatment of choice against HSV-1 is acyclovir, it presents the therapeutic limitation of the appearance of mutant strains resistant to this antiviral. Azasteroids are steroid analogues for which interesting biological properties have been described, such as anticancer, antifungal and antibacterial. Some azasteroid analogs evaluated in our laboratory have broad spectrum antiviral activity. The aim of this work is to evaluate the antiviral activity of new azasteroids against AdV and HSV-1, to investigate the stage of the viral multiplication cycle in which the active compounds act and to analyze their immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory activity.\nU-20 series azasteroids showed antiviral activity against AdV and HSV-1. Such inhibitory activity is not due to a virucidal action. The compounds do not affect the adsorption or internalization of the viral particles, but they would be inhibiting early and late stages of viral multiplication, including protein synthesis. Also, compound U20-1 is able to modulate the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines.\nIn conclusion, the synthetic azasteroids analyzed have a dual activity as antivirals and immunomodulators, which make them ideal candidates for treating immunopathologies of viral origin such as adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis and herpetic stromal keratitis.Fil: Gallardo, María José. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Buenos Aires, ArgentinaMás del 90% de todas las enfermedades humanas son causadas por infecciones virales para la mayoría de las cuales no existen vacunas profilácticas. Para los Adenovirus (AdV), que producen infecciones agudas respiratorias y queratoconjuntivitis, entre otras, no existen antivirales específicos y la ribavirina se utiliza sólo en situaciones clínicas específicas. Otro virus de importancia clínica es el Herpes simplex tipo 1 (HSV-1), causante de infecciones oro-faciales, queratitis estromal y encefalitis. Si bien el tratamiento de elección para el HSV-1 es el aciclovir, presenta la limitación terapéutica de la aparición de cepas mutantes resistentes a dicho antiviral. Los azasteroides son análogos de esteroides para los que se han descripto interesantes propiedades biológicas, como anticancerígena, antifúngica y antibacteriana. Algunos análogos azasteroides evaluados en nuestro laboratorio presentan actividad antiviral de amplio espectro. Los objetivos del presente trabajo son evaluar la actividad antiviral de nuevos azasteroides frente a AdV y HSV-1, investigar la etapa del ciclo de multiplicación viral en la que actúan los compuestos activos y analizar su actividad inmunomoduladora/antiinflamatoria.\nLos azasteroides de la serie U-20 mostraron actividad antiviral frente a AdV y HSV-1. Dicha actividad inhibitoria no se debe a una acción virucida. Los compuestos no afectan la adsorción ni la internalización de las partículas virales, sino que estarían inhibiendo etapas tempranas y tardías de la multiplicación viral, incluyendo la síntesis de proteínas. Asimismo, el compuesto U20-1 es capaz de modular la secreción de citoquinas proinflamatorias.\nEn conclusión, los nuevos azasteroides sintéticos analizados presentan una doble actividad como antivirales e inmunomoduladores, lo cual los hace candidatos ideales para tratar inmunopatologías de origen viral como la queartoconjuntivitis adenoviral y la queratitis estromal herpética

A multidimensional model of healthy ageing: proposal and evaluation of determinants based on a population survey in Ecuador

Healthy ageing is a complex construct which involves multiple dimensions. Previous studies of healthy ageing have focused only on measuring the intrinsic capacity of the older person. The objectives of this study were to design a multidimensional model of healthy ageing and to identify its determinants from national data in Ecuador.; A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out from the National Survey of Health and Well-being of the Older Adult, 2010. Sample was 1797 adults aged 65 years or more. A multidimensional model was designed based on the World Health Organization's concept of healthy ageing. For the analysis, two groups were created: a healthy ageing and a less healthy ageing group. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to analyze the probability of belonging to the healthy group according to sex, age, area of ​​residence, level of education, perceived health status, perceived life satisfaction, and poverty by income level.; The 53.15% of the sample was classified in the healthy ageing group. Women and the poorest older adults were less likely to be in the healthy ageing group (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.464-0.737; OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.343-0.564). Older adults with secondary education or higher, who considered their health as excellent and who were satisfied with their life, had a greater probability of being in healthy ageing group (OR 2.61; 95% CI 1.586-4.309; OR 28.49; 95% CI 3.623-224.02; OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.165-0.341).; This study contributes with a multidimensional approach to healthy ageing. It proposes to evaluate the intrinsic capacity of the individual, the social and political environment and the interaction with it, through indicators that discriminate who are ageing in a healthy way and who are not. By using this model, it was identified that gender and economic situation seem to play an important role on heathy ageing of the Ecuadorian population. Public policies are necessary to promote healthy ageing, especially focused on improving socioeconomic conditions and gender equity

Computing “Small” 1–Homological Models for Commutative Differential Graded Algebras

We use homological perturbation machinery specific for the algebra category [13] to give an algorithm for computing the differential structure of a small 1– homological model for commutative differential graded algebras (briefly, CDGAs). The complexity of the procedure is studied and a computer package in Mathematica is described for determining such models.Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia PB98–1621–C02–02Junta de Andalucía FQM–014

Analysis of the waste selective collection at drop-off systems: Case study including the income level and the seasonal variation

There are several factors which have an influence in the selective collection of the municipal waste. To define a selective collection system, the waste generation pattern should be firstly determined and these factors should be analyzed in depth. This paper tries to analyze the economic income level and the seasonal variation on the collection and the purity of light-packaging waste to determine actions to improve the waste management plan of a town. In the first stage of the work, waste samples of the light-packaging containers were collected in two zones of the town with different economic characteristics in different seasons during one year. In the second stage, the samples were characterized to analyze the composition and purity of the waste. They were firstly separated into four fractions: metals; plastic; beverage cartons; and misplaced materials. The misplaced fraction was in its turn separated into cardboard, rubber and leather, inert waste, organic matter, paper, hazardous waste, clothes and shoes, glass and others. The plastic fraction was separated into five types of plastics and the metal fraction into three. In the third stage, the data have been analyzed and conclusions have been extracted. The main result is that the quality of the light-packaging fraction collected in these zones during both seasons were similar. This methodology can be extrapolated to towns with similar characteristics. It will be useful when implementing a system to collect the waste selectively and to develop actions to achieve a good participation in the selective collection of the waste

Didáctica de las tecnologías ubicuas para su “uso responsable”

Hoy los jóvenes en edad escolar usan los dispositivos tecnológicos móviles casi indistintamente en sus hogares, en sus respectivos entornos de ocio e incluso en los centros escolares. El uso es intensivo y extensivo, con lo que se contribuye a borrar un poco más los límites entre los diferentes ámbitos institucionales. Ahora bien, estos dispositivos en manos de los jóvenes son sometidos a una variedad de usos. El espectro va desde el uso solidario, de ocio, de acceso a ciertos servicios, incluidos los de carácter lúdico, de comunicación y reivindicación política como estamos viendo en estos momentos, hasta los que tienen un carácter más transgresor, en unos casos por la creatividad puesta de manifiesto y en otras por infringir alguna disposición normativa. Al margen de la casuística de la que a diario se hacen eco los medios de comunicación, cabe plantearse si desde el currículo escolar cabe hacer algo, si es posible ofrecerles a los estudiantes una formación sobre el “uso responsable” de los medios. Planteamiento que ha de trascender los planteamientos punitivos o de censura, entre otras razones porque ofertas de este tipo ya hay muchas