Fracture test of a Gothic ribbed vault

A Gothic ribbed vault has been built at the School of Architecture of Madrid in order to investigate the construction complexities of this kind of vaults. The ribbed vault is described in the manuscript of Alonso de Vandelvira, and its shape was reconstructed making using the drawings this architect from the 16th century. The fracture test was carried on by loading the central keystone of the vault until its collapse took place. The experiment was filmed and by doing so, it was possible to observe the failure mechanism of the vault. At the same time, it was interesting to compare this collapse experience with the results obtained using two different me-thods. First, a stability calculation was carried out through graphic statics, and secondly a calcu-lation was performed using the rigid-block analysis method. The focus of this paper is to show and analyze the results of both studies

A Markov chain model to investigate the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals

This paper proposes a Markov chain model to describe the spread of a single bacterial species in a hospital ward where patients may be free of bacteria or may carry bacterial strains that are either sensitive or resistant to antimicrobial agents. The aim is to determine the probability law of the exact reproduction number Rexact,0 which is here defined as the random number of secondary infections generated by those patients who are accommodated in a predetermined bed before a patient who is free of bacteria is accommodated in this bed for the first time. Specifically, we decompose the exact reproduction number Rexact,0 into two contributions allowing us to distinguish between infections due to the sensitive and the resistant bacterial strains. Our methodology is mainly based on structured Markov chains and the use of related matrix-analytic methods.Depto. de Estadística e Investigación OperativaFac. de Ciencias MatemáticasFALSEMinisterio de Ciencia e InnovaciónFundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (Portugal)unpu

A Markov chain model to investigate the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals

Ordinary differential equation (ODE) models used in mathematical epidemiology assume explicitly or implicitly large populations. For the study of infections in a hospital this is an extremely restrictive assumption as typically a hospital ward has a few dozen, or even fewer, patients. This work reframes a well-known model used in the study of the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals, to consider the pathogen transmission dynamics in small populations. In this vein, this paper proposes a Markov chain model to describe the spread of a single bacterial species in a hospital ward where patients may be free of bacteria or may carry bacterial strains that are either sensitive or resistant to antimicrobial agents. We determine the probability law of the \emph{exact} reproduction number ${\cal R}_{exact,0}$, which is here defined as the random number of secondary infections generated by those patients who are accommodated in a predetermined bed before a patient who is free of bacteria is accommodated in this bed for the first time. Specifically, we decompose the exact reproduction number ${\cal R}_{exact,0}$ into two contributions allowing us to distinguish between infections due to the sensitive and the resistant bacterial strains. Our methodology is mainly based on structured Markov chains and the use of related matrix-analytic methods. This guarantees the compatibility of the new, finite-population model, with large population models present in the literature and takes full advantage, in its mathematical analysis, of the intrinsic stochasticity.Comment: 30 pages, 9 figure

Design and Validation of t-MOOC for the Development of the Digital Competence of Non-University Teachers

MOOCs are configured as one of the technologies that have been gaining ground in the educational field as a new approach in virtual education. In the past few years, its presence in educational institutions has increased. In addition, the level of research and publications that revolve around these technological developments is increasing. In this sense, this research focuses on the design and validation of the structure, content and tasks of a t-MOOC for the development of the Digital Competence of non-university teachers based on the DigCompEdu Framework of the European Union. For this, a Delphi-type validation design is established using an expert coefficient that has the participation of 191 people. The results demonstrate the validity of the training proposal, as well as the uniformity of criteria of the experts. In this sense, the application and benefits of t-MOOCs as tools for competence development are discussed

Identification of Red Grapevine Cultivars (Vitis vinifera L.) Preserved in Ancient Vineyards in Axarquia (Andalusia, Spain)

A prospecting work at the Axarquia region (Malaga, Spain) was carried out in order to identify local red grapevine cultivars preserved in ancient vineyards. A total of 11 accessions were collected in seven different plots from four municipalities and analyzed using 25 microsatellite loci for cultivar identification. The accessions analyzed were identified as eight different genotypes, seven of them corresponding to known cultivars as 'Cabernet Sauvignon', 'Jaen Tinto', 'Molinera', 'Monastrell', 'Muscat of Alexandria', 'Parrel', and 'Rome'. In addition, one of them is referred to as the new genotype for 'Cabriel' cultivar. Additionally, an ampelographic characterization was carried out with 30 International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) descriptors for two consecutive years for the eight accessions identified as local cultivars. This allowed the identification of a somatic variant of the 'Muscat of Alexandria' cultivar that affects the color of the berry and another of 'Rome' regarding bunch compactness

Depression and health related quality of life among HIV-infected people

Producción CientíficaLittle is known about the impact of comorbid psychiatric symptoms in health related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with HIV infection. The aim of this investigation was to describe depressive symptoms and the impact in HRQL in HIV infected people. A cross-sectional study over 150 HIV-outpatients in a tertiary hospital was designed. Depression data were obtained using the Beck Depression Inventory, Second Edition (BDI-II) inventory. HRQL data were collected by disease-specific questionnaire MOS-HIV. Researchers' team designed a specific template to get rest of the data. Almost three-quarters of the population were men. After adjusting for gender and age, HIV-related symptoms and presence of depression were found to be negatively associated with all the Medical Outcomes Study HIV Health Survey (MOS-HIV) general domains and in the Physical Health Summary score and Mental Health Summary score. Optimization of HRQL is particularly important now that HIV is a chronic disease with the prospect of long-term survival. Quality of life and depression should be monitored in follow-up of HIV infected patients. Comorbid psychiatric conditions may serve as markers for impaired functioning and well-being in persons with HIV

Do we play or gamify? Evaluation of gamification training experience to improve the digital competence of university teaching staf

En las últimas décadas se han realizado estudios en el ámbito de lo educativo que avalan los beneficios que la gamificación ofrece tanto para docentes como al alumnado. En esta línea se trabaja desde la universidad, con la finalidad de conseguir desarrollar habilidades óptimas que beneficien al alumnado, tanto personal como profesionalmente. En consecuencia, esta formación diseñada y seleccionada para docentes es esencial para conseguir una experiencia gamificada exitosa. El objetivo principal de esta investigación es exponer una experiencia formativa llevada a cabo en una universidad de América Latina y comprobar la percepción de esta estrategia metodológica por parte de la institución educativa. Es decir, la finalidad consistiría en demostrar si la gamificación es percibida como útil por parte del profesorado universitario. Para ello, se han empleado dos diseños: descriptivo y la validación mediante ecuaciones estructurales (PLS), de forma que se pudiese evaluar el grado de aceptación que tiene la gamificación como metodología activa en base con el modelo de Aceptación de la Tecnología (TAM). Los resultados expuestos demuestran que la propuesta es adecuada para la docencia universitaria. Todos los participantes, 114, percibieron esta estrategia como adecuada, detallando las dimensiones relacionadas con la facilidad de uso en el aula, su integración, la transformación del interés en el aprendizaje, y la capacidad de mostrar una actitud positiva en su uso. Simultáneamente, el nivel de aceptación respecto a la validación del TAM es alto. Por último, detallar la valoración a la hora de replicar el modelo en investigaciones futuras y similares, o a través de las llamadas tecnologías emergentes.Over the last few decades, studies have been carried out in the field of education that endorse the benefits that gamification offers both for teachers and students. The university is working along these lines, with the aim of developing optimal skills that benefit students, both personally and professionally. Consequently, this training designed and selected for teachers is essential to achieve a successful gamified experience. The main purpose of this research is to present a training experience carried out in a university in Latin America and to verify the perception of this methodological strategy by this educational institution. In other words, the aim is to demonstrate whether gamification is perceived as useful by university teaching staff. To this end, two designs were used: descriptive and validation by means of structural equations (PLS), in order to evaluate the degree of acceptance of gamification as an active methodology based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The results show that the proposal is suitable for university teaching. All the participants, 114, perceived this strategy as adequate, detailing the dimensions related to the ease of use in the classroom, its integration, the transformation of interest in learning, and the ability to show a positive attitude in its use. At the same time, the level of acceptance regarding the validation of the TAM is high. Finally, the assessment of the replicability of the model in future and similar research, or through so-called emerging technologies, is detailed

Seven Ulmus minor clones tolerant to Ophiostoma novo-ulmi registered as forest reproductive material in Spain

El programa español sobre el olmo comenzó en 1986 en respuesta a los efectos devastadores de la enfermedad holandesa del olmo en los olmedos naturales y los olmos en espacios urbanos. Sus principales objetivos eran conservar los recursos genéticos restante y seleccionar y criar genotipos tolerantes en olmos nativos. Después de 27 años de trabajo en la realización de ensayos de susceptibilidad en miles de genotipos de olmos, los primeros siete árboles tolerantes a Ulmus minor están siendo ahora registrados por la administración española del Medio Ambiente. Este trabajo presenta los resultados de las pruebas de susceptibilidad de estos clones y sus características genéticas, morfológicas y fenológicas distintivos. En todos los ensayos de susceptibilidad se utilizó como control el clon comercial "Sapporo Autumn Gold", que es altamente tolerante a O. novo-ulmi. Los clones registrados fueron nombrados "Ademuz", "Dehesa de la Villa", "Majadahonda", "Toledo", "Dehesa de Amaniel", "Retiro" y "Fuente Umbría". El clon más tolerante era "Dehesa de Amaniel", ya que sus valores de marchitamiento fueron inferiores al 5% durante los dos ensayos consecutivos de inoculación realizados en Madrid. "Fuente Umbría", probado más de cuatro años consecutivos en Guadalajara y Palencia, era el clon español con el nivel de tolerancia más confiable de O. novo-ulmi. Los "Ademuz" y clones "Majadahonda" tenían las puntuaciones ornamentales más altas y son árboles prometedores para su uso en entornos urbanos por su genética forestal para la calidad ornamental. Estos dos genotipos mostraron una tardía fenología de desborre frente a los otros clones U. minor, lo que demuestra su idoneidad para zonas con heladas tardías. El programa español tiene como objetivo aumentar sustancialmente la gama de olmos nativos, tolerantes a través de nuevas selecciones y cruces, para obtener una mejor comprensión de la base genética de la resistencia.The Spanish elm programme began in 1986 in response to the devastating impact of Dutch elm disease on natural elm stands and urban trees. Its main objectives were to conserve remaining genetic resources and select and breed tolerant native elm genotypes. After 27 years of work conducting susceptibility trials on thousands of elm genotypes, the first seven tolerant Ulmus minor trees are now being registered by the Spanish Environmental Administration. This paper presents the results of the susceptibility tests on these clones and their distinctive genetic, morphological and phenological features. In all susceptibility trials the commercial “Sapporo Autumn Gold” clone, which is highly tolerant to O. novo-ulmi, was used as a control. The registered clones were named “Ademuz”, “Dehesa de la Villa”, “Majadahonda”, “Toledo”, “Dehesa de Amaniel”, “Retiro” and “Fuente Umbría”. The most tolerant clone was “Dehesa de Amaniel”, as its wilting values were below 5% during the two consecutive inoculation trials performed in Madrid. “Fuente Umbría”, tested over four consecutive years in Guadalajara and Palencia, was the Spanish clone with the most reliable tolerance level to O. novo-ulmi. The “Ademuz” and “Majadahonda” clones had the highest ornamental scores and are promising trees for use in urban environments and tree breeding for ornamental quality. These two genotypes showed a later bud burst phenology than the other U. minor clones, demonstrating suitability to areas with late frost events. The Spanish programme aims to substantially increase the range of tolerant native elms through new selections and crossings to gain a better understanding of the genetic basis of resistance.Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente. Dirección General de Desarrollo Rural y Política Forestal. Financiación de European Forest Resources Programme Unión Europea. Proyecto RESGEN CT96-78peerReviewe

NRF2-dependent gene expression promotes ciliogenesis and Hedgehog signaling

The transcription factor NRF2 is a master regulator of cellular antioxidant and detoxification responses, but it also regulates other processes such as autophagy and pluripotency. In human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), NRF2 antagonizes neuroectoderm differentiation, which only occurs after NRF2 is repressed via a Primary Cilia-Autophagy-NRF2 (PAN) axis. However, the functional connections between NRF2 and primary cilia, microtubule-based plasma membrane protrusions that function as cellular antennae, remain poorly understood. For instance, nothing is known about whether NRF2 affects cilia, or whether cilia regulation of NRF2 extends beyond hESCs. Here, we show that NRF2 and primary cilia reciprocally regulate each other. First, we demonstrate that fibroblasts lacking primary cilia have higher NRF2 activity, which is rescued by autophagy-activating mTOR inhibitors, indicating that the PAN axis also operates in differentiated cells. Furthermore, NRF2 controls cilia formation and function. NRF2-null cells grow fewer and shorter cilia and display impaired Hedgehog signaling, a cilia-dependent pathway. These defects are not due to increased oxidative stress or ciliophagy, but rather to NRF2 promoting expression of multiple ciliogenic and Hedgehog pathway genes. Among these, we focused on GLI2 and GLI3, the transcription factors controlling Hh pathway output. Both their mRNA and protein levels are reduced in NRF2-null cells, consistent with their gene promoters containing consensus ARE sequences predicted to bind NRF2. Moreover, GLI2 and GLI3 fail to accumulate at the ciliary tip of NRF2-null cells upon Hh pathway activation. Given the importance of NRF2 and ciliary signaling in human disease, our data may have important biomedical implicationsThis work was supported by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)-cofunded grants from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) to FRGG (SAF2015-66568-R and RYC2013-14887) and to A.C. and I.L.B. (SAF2016-76520-R

How to train the pre-infant education teacher in digital competences? Development of training proposals according to DIGCOMPEDU

La Competencia Digital Docente se ha instaurado como una de las habilidades básicas y está ganando terreno en el campo educativo dentro de un nuevo enfoque en la educación virtual. En los últimos años, se ha incrementado su presencia en las organizaciones educativas. En este sentido, esta investigación se centra en el diseño y validación de la estructura, contenido y tareas de un itinerario formativo para el desarrollo de la Competencia Digital de docentes no universitarios en base al Marco DigCompEdu de la Unión Europea. Esta investigación se enmarca en una mayor y, como paso previo a un estudio más amplio, se establece un diseño de validación tipo Delphi mediante coeficiente experto que cuenta con la participación de 50 personas. Los resultados demuestran la validez de la propuesta formativa, así como la uniformidad de criterio de los expertos. En este sentido, se debate la aplicación y beneficios de esta acción formativa para el desarrollo competencial.Digital Teaching Competence has been established as one of the basic skills and is gaining ground in the educational field within a new approach to virtual education. In recent years, its presence in educational organizations has increased. In this sense, this research focuses on the design and validation of the structure, content and tasks of a training itinerary for the development of the Digital Competence of non-university teachers based on the DigCompEdu Framework of the European Union. This research is part of a larger one and, as a preliminary step to a broader study, a Delphi-type validation design is established using an expert coefficient with the participation of 50 people. The results demonstrate the validity of the training proposal, as well as the uniformity of criteria of the experts. In this sense, the application and benefits of this training action for competence development are discussed