Canting heliostats with computer vision and theoretical imaging

Solar Power Tower technology requires accurate techniques to ensure the optical performance of the heliostats both in commissioning and operation phases. This paper presents a technique based on target reflection to detect and correct canting errors in heliostat facets. A camera mounted on the back of a target heliostat sees an object heliostat and the target facets in reflection. The pixels difference between detected and theoretical borders determines the canting errors. Experiments in a lab scale testbed show that canting errors can be corrected up to an average value of around as low as 0.15 mrad. Experiments were also performed on a real heliostat at Plataforma Solar de Almería. As a result, canting errors (up to 5 mrad) have been reduced below 0.75 mrad. Mirror slope errors, which can be noticeable in large facets, becomes the largest source of inaccuracy in the presented method.This work has been supported by the Madrid Government (Comunidad de Madrid) under the Multiannual Agreement with UC3M in the line of "Fostering Young Doctors Research" (VISHELIO-CM-UC3M), and in the context of the V PRICIT (Regional Programme of Research and Technological Innovation). The authors appreciate the help provided by the technical staff at PSA during the experimental campaign. Funding for APC: Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (Read & Publish Agreement CRUE-CSIC 2022)

Effects of Physical Exercise on Executive Function in Adults with Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol

Physical exercise is a low-cost and easy-to-implement therapeutic option proposed to reduce the negative effect of depression on the executive function cognitive dimension, including working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility. Although a considerable amount of scientific literature on the topic is currently available, the effects of physical exercise interventions on the executive functions in adults with depression remain unclear. The aim of this review protocol is to synthesize the effects of physical exercise interventions on executive functions in adults with depression. Databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO will be searched for studies by combining keywords and different medical subject headings to identify and evaluate the relevant studies from inception up to September 2022. This study will consider longitudinal studies (duration, ≥3 weeks) with a minimum of one experimental group and pre- and post-intervention measurements involving adults with depression aged 18–65 years. Studies will be included if these reported ≥1 measures of executive function, including dimensions of working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale will be used to assess the methodological quality of studies. The DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model will be used for meta-analyses, with effect size (ES, i.e., Hedges’ g) values reported with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), and p ≤ 0.05 will indicate statistical significance. The ES values will be calculated for working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility in the experimental and control groups before and after the intervention program. (...)Partial funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málag

Criterios de Implementaciòn ISO 14001: 2015, Caso de Estudio Sector Construcción Vial Empresa CONSORCIO P&P CALDAS

La empresa CONSORCIO P&P CALDAS, encargada de la construcción y pavimentación del tramo vial Bonafont-Riosucio Caldas tiene consigo el debido cumplimiento del plan de manejo ambiental de la obra y a partir de este se llevara a cabo el análisis del cumplimiento del SGA, logrando identicar diferentes aspectos ambientales, los cuales ayudaran a mitigar los impactos negativos de las actividades cotidianas de esta empresa, la cual es dedicada a la construcción de obras viales, de igual manera  se aplicaran los requisitos plasmados en la norma,  con la cual se busca una aproximación a la manera correcta de implementación de un PGA basados en la Norma ISO 14001:2015.   Al momento de ejecutarse el proyecto de pavimentación de la vía Bonafont-Riosucio  es necesario analizar y diagnosticar la situación ambiental de este proyecto, ya que se debe reconocer la debida  importancia que tiene un Plan de Gestión Ambiental además se debe tener en cuenta que debe ser implementado en su totalidad. Con el PGA se da cumplimiento a los requisitos necesarios  para un desarrollo sostenible de la empresa constructora del proyecto , igualmente se debe tener un compromiso por parte de la empresa con el n de  prevenir o mitigar los problemas que este puede causar al medio ambiente, además es de suma  importancia que el tema de impacto ambiental sea convertido en un valor agregado y no solo sea visto como un trámite obligatorio para la ejecución del proyecto sin importar las  consecuencias que este traiga, solo con el hecho de entenderse como sostenibilidad ambiental las autoridades ambientales encargadas de otorgar tales licencias deben hacer saber  que los benecios que traen consigo tenido en cuenta que no solo se dan  en el momento que se ejecute el proyecto  si no, que a  futuro pueden  seguir conservándolos.The company CONSORCIO P&P CALDAS, in charge of the construction and paving of the Bonafont-Riosucio Caldas road section, has due compliance with the environmental management plan of the work and from this the analysis of the compliance with the EMS will be carried out, managing to identify different environmental aspects, which will help to mitigate the negative impacts of the daily activities of this company, which is dedicated to the construction of road works, in the same way the requirements set forth in the standard will be applied, with which an approach to the correct way to implement a PGA based on ISO 14001: 2015. When executing the paving project of the Bonafont-Riosucio road, it is necessary to analyze and diagnose the environmental situation of this project, since the due importance of an Environmental Management Plan must be recognized, and it must also be taken into account that it must be fully implemented. With the PGA, the necessary requirements for a sustainable development of the construction company of the project are fulfilled. Likewise, the company must have a commitment to prevent or mitigate the problems that it may cause to the environment, in addition It is of utmost importance that the issue of environmental impact be converted into an added value and not only be seen as a compulsory procedure for the execution of the project, regardless of the consequences that this brings, only with the fact that environmental authorities understand themselves as environmental sustainability. Those in charge of granting such licenses must make it known that the benefits they bring with them have taken into account that they are not only given at the time the project is carried out, but that they can continue to preserve them in the future

Exploring long COVID condition in Latin America: Its impact on patients’ activities and associated healthcare use

"Background: Studies exploring long COVID condition (LCC) in low- and middle-income countries are scarce. Further characterization of LCC patients experiencing activity limitations and their associated healthcare use is needed. This study aimed to describe LCC patients’ characteristics, its impact on activities, and associated healthcare use in Latin America (LATAM). Participants: Individuals who (cared for someone or) had COVID-19 and could read, write, and comprehend Spanish and lived in a LATAM country were invited to complete a virtual survey. Sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19 and LCC symptoms, activity limitations, and healthcare use. Results: Data from 2,466 people from 16 countries in LATAM were analyzed (females = 65.9%; mean age of 39.5 ± 53.3 years). 1,178 (48%) of the respondents had LCC symptoms (≥3 months). These were more likely to have COVID-19 earlier in the pandemic, were older, had no COVID vaccines, had more comorbidities, needed supplementary oxygen, and reported significantly more COVID-19 symptoms during the infectious period. 33% of the respondents visited a primary care provider, 13% went to the emergency department, 5% were hospitalized, 21% visited a specialist, and 32% consulted ≥1 therapist for LCC symptoms mainly extreme fatigue, sleep difficulties, headaches, muscle or joint pain, and shortness of breath with activity. The most consulted therapists were respiratory therapists (15%) and psychologists (14%), followed by physical therapists (13%), occupational therapists (3%), and speech pathologists (1%). One-third of LCC respondents decreased their regular activities (e.g., work, school) and 8% needed help with activities of daily living (ADLs). LCC respondents who reduced their activities reported more difficulty sleeping, chest pain with activity, depression, and problems with concentration, thinking, and memory, while those who needed help with ADLs were more likely to have difficulty walking, and shortness of breath at rest. Approximately 60% of respondents who experienced activity limitations sought a specialist and 50% consulted therapists. Conclusions and relevance: Results supported previous findings in terms of the LCC demographics, and provided insight into LCC impact on patients’ activities and healthcare services used in LATAM. This information is valuable to inform service planning and resource allocation in alignment with the needs of this population.

Propuesta Estratégica de Mejora en la Implementación de los Estándares Mínimos del Sistema de Gestión de la Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo (SG-SST) en la empresa PET del Caribe para el primer semestre del 2019.

Mejorar la gestión de los temas sobre la (SG-SST) en la empresa Pet del Caribe, desarrollando un plan de mejoramiento que genere insumos y orientación en la implementación de un plan de acción que a fecha 15 de junio de 2019 pueda y/o subsanar los riesgos identificados en la empresa de estudio.Improve the management of the issues on the (SG-SST) in the company Pet of the Caribbean, developing an improvement plan that generates inputs and guidance in the implementation of an action plan that as of June 15, 2019 can and / or correct the risks identified in the study company

Influence of Technological Assets on Organizational Performance through Absorptive Capacity, Organizational Innovation and Internal Labour Flexibility

Organizational innovation is increasingly mandatory for firms to overcome their competitors. Organizational innovation is especially relevant in today’s dynamic and turbulent environments, where other internal variables—such as technological assets, employee training, coordination of new management capabilities, and new flexible human resources and more adaptable organizational designs—must be encouraged to create value and competitive advantage. The purpose of our research is to analyse whether technological assets influence absorptive capacity (potential and realized absorptive capacity) and how absorptive capacity influences internal labour flexibility, organizational innovation and performance. We achieve these goals by analysing the interrelations among internal labour flexibility, organizational innovation and performance, using the theory of resources and capabilities. A quantitative study was carried out with data gathered by personal interview using a structured questionnaire. Relationships proposed in the theoretical model were estimated through a structural equation model, using a sample of 160 European technology companies. The results show that support for technology and improvement of technological skills and technological distinctive competencies promote improvement in organizational performance through their positive influence on the processes of potential and realized absorption capacity. Potential absorptive capacity influences realized absorptive capacity, which impacts not only internal labour flexibility but also organizational innovation and organizational performance. Further, internal labour flexibility influences organizational performance through organizational innovation. This issue is of particular interest when considering the dynamic nature of turbulent technological environments in which the organization operates. Technological assets thus identify new sources of flexibility and organizational innovation based on deeper contextual knowledge and tools that aid knowledge capacity in the company.The authors would like to acknowledge the support given by Andalusian Regional Government (Research Project P11.SEJ.7988) and the program of the Faculty of Economic and Business Sciences of the University of Granada for the revision of scientific texts

Biological Activity and Implications of the Metalloproteinases in Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Inadequate metabolic control predisposes diabetic patient to a series of complications on account of diabetes mellitus (DM). Among the most common complications of DM is neuropathy, which causes microvascular damage by hyperglycemia in the lower extremities which arrives characterized by a delayed closing. The global prevalence of diabetic neuropathy (DN) was 66% of people with diabetes in 2015, representing the principal cause of total or partial lower extremities amputation, with 22.6% of the patients with DN. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in healing. The function that these mainly play is the degradation during inflammation that has as consequence the elimination of the extracellular matrix (ECM), the disintegration of the capillary membrane to give way to angiogenesis and cellular migration for the remodeling of damaged tissue. The imbalance in MMPs may increase the chronicity of a wound, what leads to chronic foot ulcers and amputation. This chapter focuses on the role of MMPs in diabetic wound healing

Exploring long COVID condition in Latin America: Its impact on patients’ activities and associated healthcare use

BackgroundStudies exploring long COVID condition (LCC) in low- and middle-income countries are scarce. Further characterization of LCC patients experiencing activity limitations and their associated healthcare use is needed. This study aimed to describe LCC patients’ characteristics, its impact on activities, and associated healthcare use in Latin America (LATAM).ParticipantsIndividuals who (cared for someone or) had COVID-19 and could read, write, and comprehend Spanish and lived in a LATAM country were invited to complete a virtual survey. Sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19 and LCC symptoms, activity limitations, and healthcare use.ResultsData from 2,466 people from 16 countries in LATAM were analyzed (females = 65.9%; mean age of 39.5 ± 53.3 years). 1,178 (48%) of the respondents had LCC symptoms (≥3 months). These were more likely to have COVID-19 earlier in the pandemic, were older, had no COVID vaccines, had more comorbidities, needed supplementary oxygen, and reported significantly more COVID-19 symptoms during the infectious period. 33% of the respondents visited a primary care provider, 13% went to the emergency department, 5% were hospitalized, 21% visited a specialist, and 32% consulted ≥1 therapist for LCC symptoms mainly extreme fatigue, sleep difficulties, headaches, muscle or joint pain, and shortness of breath with activity. The most consulted therapists were respiratory therapists (15%) and psychologists (14%), followed by physical therapists (13%), occupational therapists (3%), and speech pathologists (1%). One-third of LCC respondents decreased their regular activities (e.g., work, school) and 8% needed help with activities of daily living (ADLs). LCC respondents who reduced their activities reported more difficulty sleeping, chest pain with activity, depression, and problems with concentration, thinking, and memory, while those who needed help with ADLs were more likely to have difficulty walking, and shortness of breath at rest. Approximately 60% of respondents who experienced activity limitations sought a specialist and 50% consulted therapists.Conclusions and relevanceResults supported previous findings in terms of the LCC demographics, and provided insight into LCC impact on patients’ activities and healthcare services used in LATAM. This information is valuable to inform service planning and resource allocation in alignment with the needs of this population

Colloidal processing of fully stabilized zirconia laminates comprising graphene oxide-enriched layers

Multilayer materials have demonstrated to provide an efficient mechanism for toughening by deflection of a propagating crack by weak interlayers. Therefore, the aim of this work is to study the colloidal processing of 8 mol% yttria stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) based laminates by intercalating thin layers of graphene enriched with 8YSZ, and to evaluate the advantages of such multilayered structure in the propagation of cracks induced by indentation. Green tapes of 8YSZ and graphene-oxide with YSZ were obtained by aqueous tape casting and sintered in one-step by spark plasma sintering at 1400 degrees C. Microindentation results showed that the indentation cracks propagate within the horizontal direction within the ceramic layer, but in the cross-sectional direction the presence of the GO-rich layers stops the cracks without deflection or bifurcation. The hardness and elastic modulus values were higher than 17.6 GPa and 230 GPa, respectively, and similar for all layers.This work has been supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (project MAT2015-67586-C3-R) and the Generalitat Valenciana by the financial support for the GV/2014/009 project. M.D. Salvador thanks to CAPES-Programa Ciencias sem Fronteiras (Brazil) for the concession of a PVE project No. A086/2013. A. Borrell, acknowledges the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness for her Juan de la Cierva-Incorporacion contract (IJCI-2014-19839).Rincón, A.; Moreno, R.; Gutierrez González, FC.; Sainz, R.; Salvador Moya, MD.; Borrell Tomás, MA. (2016). Colloidal processing of fully stabilized zirconia laminates comprising graphene oxide-enriched layers. Journal of the European Ceramic Society. 36(7):1797-1804. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2016.01.035S1797180436

Correlates of overall and central obesity in adults from seven European countries: findings from the Food4Me Study

To identify predictors of obesity in adults and investigate to what extent these predictors are independent of other major confounding factors. Data collected at baseline from 1441 participants from the Food4Me study conducted in seven European countries were included in this study. A food frequency questionnaire was used to measure dietary intake. Accelerometers were used to assess physical activity levels (PA), whereas participants self-reported their body weight, height and waist circumference via the internet. The main factors associated (p < 0.05) with higher BMI per 1-SD increase in the exposure were age (β:1.11 kg/m2), intakes of processed meat (β:1.04 kg/m2), red meat (β:1.02 kg/m2), saturated fat (β:0.84 kg/m2), monounsaturated fat (β:0.80 kg/m2), protein (β:0.74 kg/m2), total energy intake (β:0.50 kg/m2), olive oil (β:0.36 kg/m2), sugar sweetened carbonated drinks (β:0.33 kg/m2) and sedentary time (β:0.73 kg/m2). In contrast, the main factors associated with lower BMI per 1-SD increase in the exposure were PA (β:-1.36 kg/m2), intakes of wholegrains (β:-1.05 kg/m2), fibre (β:-1.02 kg/m2), fruits and vegetables (β:-0.52 kg/m2), nuts (β:-0.52 kg/m2), polyunsaturated fat (β:-0.50 kg/m2), Healthy Eating Index (β:-0.42 kg/m2), Mediterranean diet score (β:-0.40 kg/m2), oily fish (β:-0.31 kg/m2), dairy (β:-0.31 kg/m2) and fruit juice (β:-0.25 kg/m2). These findings are important for public health and suggest that promotion of increased PA, reducing sedentary behaviours and improving the overall quality of dietary patterns are important strategies for addressing the existing obesity epidemic and associated disease burden