Carbon embodied optimization for buttressed earth-retaining walls: Implications for low-carbon conceptual designs

[EN] This paper shows the differences between the design of a reinforced concrete structure considering two objectives to minimize; economic cost and CO2 emissions. Both objectives depend on the amount of two high carbon intensive materials: cement in the concrete and steel; therefore, these objectives are related. As the balance between steel and cement per m3 of concrete depends on several factors such as the type of structure, this study focuses on buttressed earth-retaining walls. Another factor that determines the balance between steel and concrete is the height of the wall. Thus, the methodology considers a parametric study for optimal designs of buttressed earth-retaining walls, where one of the parameters is the wall height. One of the objectives is to show the variation in cost when CO2 is minimized, respectful of minimizing the economic cost. The findings show that wall elements under bending-compressive strains (i.e. the stem of the buttressed retaining wall) perform differently depending on the target function. On one hand, the study reveals an upward trend of steel per unit volume of concrete in emission-optimized earth-retaining buttressed walls, compared to the cost-optimized. On the other hand, it is checked that unlike the cost-optimized walls, emission-optimized walls opt for a higher concrete class than the minimum class available. These findings indicate that emission-optimized walls penalize not only concrete volume, but also the cement content, to the extent that a higher concrete class outperforms in reduced emissions. Additionally, the paper outlines how and to what extent the design of this typology varies for the two analyzed objectives in terms of geometry and amount of materials. Some relevant differences influencing the geometry of design strategies are found.This research was funded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology under grant agreement no 20140262 Low Carbon Strategy in the Construction Industry (PGA_A-PED0094_2014-2.1-278_P066-10) and the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness along with FEDER funding (Project BIA2014-56574-R). The authors are grateful for the through revision of the manuscript by Tatiana Garcia-Segura.Molina Moreno, F.; Martí Albiñana, JV.; Yepes Piqueras, V. (2017). Carbon embodied optimization for buttressed earth-retaining walls: Implications for low-carbon conceptual designs. JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION. 164:872-884. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.06.246S87288416

Life cycle assessment of cost-optimized buttress earth-retaining walls: A parametric study

In this paper life cycle assessments are carried out on 30 optimized earth-retaining walls of various heights (4e13 m) and involving different permissible soil stresses (0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 MPa) in Spain. Firstly, the environmental impacts considered in the assessment method developed by the Leiden University (CML 2001) are analyzed for each case, demonstrating the influence of the wall height and permissible soil stress. Secondly, this paper evaluates the contribution range of each element to each impact. The elements considered are: concrete, landfill, machinery, formwork, steel, and transport. Moreover, the influence of the wall height on the contribution of each element over the total impact is studied. This paper then provides the impact factors per unit of concrete, steel, and formwork. These values enable designers to quickly evaluate impacts from available measurements. Finally, the influence of steel recycling on the environmental impacts is highlighted. Findings indicate that concrete is the biggest contributor to all impact categories, especially the global warming potential. However, the steel doubles its contribution when the wall heights increase from 4 m to 13 m. Results show that recycling rates affect impacts differently.The authors acknowledge the financial support of the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, along with the FEDER funding (BRIDLIFE Project: BIA2014-56574-R) and from the European Institute of Innovation and Technology under grant agreement no 20140262 Low Carbon Strategy in the Construction Industry (PGA_APED0094_2014-2.1-278_P066-10). Additionally, authors acknowledge the contributions of Nadia Ata and Vicent Penades in the overall review process.Zastrow, P.; Molina Moreno, F.; García-Segura, T.; Martí Albiñana, JV.; Yepes, V. (2017). Life cycle assessment of cost-optimized buttress earth-retaining walls: A parametric study. Journal of Cleaner Production. 140(3):1037-1048. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.10.085S10371048140

Estudio del pensamiento funcional de estudiantes de educación primaria

El objetivo de esta investigación es identificar evidencias de pensamiento funcional en estudiantes de 3º curso de Primaria, en el marco de la propuesta de innovación curricular y línea de investigación conocida como Early-Algebra (Molina, 2009). Previo a la toma de datos se realizó un análisis de los antecedentes en el tema del álgebra en relación con el pensamiento funcional, concluyendo que este tipo de pensamiento incluye la relación entre cantidades que pueden expresarse en palabras, símbolos, tablas o gráficos, y el razonamiento con estas diversas representaciones para analizar el comportamiento de la función. El pensamiento funcional se trabaja, habitualmente, en etapas posteriores a la educación primaria, por lo que actualmente no existen suficientes estudios realizados sobre su introducción en cursos tempranos

Physico-chemical and biological characterization of a new bovine bone mineral matrix available for human usage

The authors are partially supported by funding from Research Groups #CTS-138 and #CTS-1028 (Junta de Andalucía, Spain). Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Granada / CBUA.Background: Anorganic bovine bone has been deeply studied for bone regeneration in the oral cavity. Different manufacturing processes can modify the final composition of the biomaterial and the responses that induce. Aim: To evaluate the physico-chemical characteristics of a bovine bone mineral matrix and the clinical, radiographical, histological, and mRNA results after using it for maxillary sinus floor augmentation in humans. Materials and Methods: First, the physical–chemical characteristics of the biomaterial were evaluated by X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, and electron microscopy. A frequently used biomaterial with the same animal origin was used as comparator. Then, a clinical study was designed for evaluating clinical, radiographical, histological, and mRNA outcomes. Patients in need of two-stage maxillary sinus floor augmentation were included in the study. Six months after the grafting procedure, a bone biopsy was collected for evaluation. Results: In terms of physico-chemical characteristics, no differences were found between both biomaterials. Clinically, 10 patients were included in the study. After 6 months, clinical and radiographical data showed adequate outcomes for allowing implant placement. Histological, immunohistochemical and mRNA analyses showed that the biomaterial in use provides biological support to induce responses similar to those of other commonly used biomaterials. Conclusion: Bovine bone mineral matrix (Creos™ Xenogain) used as a single material for maxillary sinus floor augmentation shows adequate biological, clinical, and radiological outcomes. In fact, the results from this study are similar to those reported in the literature for another bovine bone-derived biomaterial with whom it shares composition and micro- and nanoscale characteristics.Junta de Andalucía #CTS-138, #CTS-1028Universidad de Granada / CBU

Desarrollo de recursos digitales interactivos dirigidos a motivar al alumnado en su aprendizaje presencial o virtual en el fomento de la docencia práctica coordinada entre materias

El objetivo principal de este Proyecto de Innovación ha sido incentivar al alumnado a trabajar en un entorno virtual a través de la creación de recursos digitales interactivos dirigidos a motivar al alumnado en su aprendizaje práctico coordinado entre materias. Contribuyendo en la preparación del alumnado para su incorporación al mercado laboral actual donde las herramientas digitales son imprescindibles para el desempeño de las actividades empresariales

Intraoperative metabolic changes associated with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

Background: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) causes considerable hemodynamic, respiratory, and metabolic changes during the perioperative period. Objectives: To evaluate metabolic changes associated with this procedure. Understanding perioperative factors and their association with morbidity may improve the perioperative management of patients undergoing this treatment. Methods: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed. All consecutive unselected patients who underwent CRS plus HIPEC between January 2018 and December 2020 (n = 219) were included. Results: The mean age was 58 ± 11.7 years and 167 (76.3%) were female. The most frequent histology diagnosis was serous ovarian carcinoma 49.3% (n = 108) and colon carcinoma 36.1% (n = 79). Mean peritoneal cancer index was 14.07 ± 10.47. There were significant variations in pH, lactic acid, sodium, potassium, glycemia, bicarbonate, excess bases, and temperature (p < 0.05) between the pre-HIPEC and post-HIPEC periods. The closed HIPEC technique resulted in higher levels of temperature than the open technique (p < 0.05). Age, potassium level post-HIPEC potassium level, and pre-HIPEC glycemia were identified as prognostic factors for morbidity in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: The administration of HIPEC after CRS causes significant changes in internal homeostasis. Although the closed technique causes a greater increase in temperature, it is not related to higher morbidity rates. The patient’s age, post-HIPEC potassium level, and pre-HIPEC glycemia are predictive factors for morbidity

Nutrición en cuidados paliativos: resumen de recomendaciones del Grupo de Trabajo de Ética de la SENPE

Los cuidados paliativos proporcionan una atención integral que tiene en cuenta los aspectos físicos, emocionales, sociales y espirituales del paciente con enfermedad terminal y su entorno familiar. El tratamiento nutricional debe formar parte activa de los equipos de cuidados paliativos. La necesidad de iniciar o no un tratamiento nutricional sigue siendo, desde hace décadas, uno de los principales problemas éticos a los que se enfrentan los profesionales dedicados a la nutrición clínica. El origen de tal controversia radica, fundamentalmente, en cómo se consideran la nutrición y la hidratación: cuidado/soporte o tratamiento médico. Los objetivos fundamentales del tratamiento nutricional en los pacientes en cuidados paliativos deben ser otros: la mejoría de la calidad de vida, de la supervivencia o de ambas. La decisión de indicar o no el tratamiento nutricional en cuidados paliativos debe tomarse tras considerar el pronóstico, la calidad de vida y la relación “riesgo/beneficio”. En relación a la alimentación por vía oral (con o sin suplementos orales), prevalece la idea de la “alimentación de confort”, que se basa en intentos de alimentación oral hasta que se produzcan la incomodidad y/o el rechazo del paciente. No existen evidencias que justifiquen el uso de nutrientes específicos, aunque desde hace años se señala la posibilidad de lograr beneficios cuando se utilizan ácidos grasos omega-3 en los pacientes con cáncer. En cuanto al tratamiento nutricional (enteral o parenteral), en ausencia de evidencia, las decisiones sobre si iniciar una nutrición artificial en un paciente paliativo deben tomarse teniendo en cuenta los deseos y creencias del paciente y sus familiares, y basarse en el consenso del equipo interdisciplinar sobre los objetivos que se persiguen al iniciarla

Breaking the Mucin Barrier: A New Affinity Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Approach to Unveil Potential Cell Markers and Pathways Altered in Pseudomyxoma Peritonei

Background Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis with largely unknown underlying molecular mechanisms. Cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is the only therapeutic option; however, despite its use, recurrence with a fatal outcome is common. The lack of molecular characterisation of PMP and other mucinous tumours is mainly due to the physicochemical properties of mucin. Results This manuscript describes the first protocol capable of breaking the mucin barrier and isolating proteins from mucinous tumours. Briefly, mucinous tumour samples were homogenised and subjected to liquid chromatography using two specific columns to reduce mainly glycoproteins, albumins and immunoglobulin G. The protein fractions were then subjected to mass spectrometry analysis and the proteomic profile obtained was analysed using various bioinformatic tools. Thus, we present here the first proteome analysed in PMP and identified a distinct mucin isoform profile in soft compared to hard mucin tumour tissues as well as key biological processes/pathways altered in mucinous tumours. Importantly, this protocol also allowed us to identify MUC13 as a potential tumour cell marker in PMP. Conclusions In sum, our results demonstrate that this protein isolation protocol from mucin will have a high impact, allowing the oncology research community to more rapidly advance in the knowledge of PMP and other mucinous neoplasms, as well as develop new and effective therapeutic strategies