El hormigón como soporte biológico natural y su aplicación en fachadas

El presente artículo está basado en la investigación de un nuevo material “verde” que respeta el medio ambiente y cumple una triple función: estructural, funcional y estética. Este material se concibe como un nuevo tipo de hormigón que podemos definir como “hormigón biológico” y que sirve de aplicación para determinadas partes de la envolvente del edificio, en este caso las fachadas. Este material, ha sido desarrollado por el Grupo de Tecnología de Estructuras de la Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña (UPC), encabezado por Antonio Aguado y formado por los investigadores Ignacio Segura y Sandra Manso. También han colaborado Antonio Gómez-Bolea, profesor del departamento de biología vegetal de la Universidad de Barcelona (UB), y Mari Pau Ginebra, catedrática del departamento de ciencias de los materiales e ingeniería metalúrgica de la UPC, junto con su equipo. Hoy en día, dirigen la campaña correspondiente a la fase experimental de crecimiento biológico entre la UPC y la Universidad de Gante (Bélgica). Este nuevo material es capaz de proporcionar importantes beneficios medio-ambientales, actúa como aislante térmico-acústico y juega un papel importante en la estética del edificio

Implantación en Mallorca de un programa de Tratamiento multimodal de la Carcinomatosis Peritoneal mediante Quimioterapia Sistémica, Cirugía Citorreductora y Quimioterapia Intraperitoneal Hipertérmica (HIPEC)

Introducción: Las investigaciones de Sugarbaker et al demostraron desde principios de los 90 que muchos tumores de origen colorrectal y apendicular con extensión peritoneal pueden permanecer limitados al abdomen durante períodos relativamente largos antes de desarrollar metástasis a distancia. Con ello, la carcinomatosis peritoneal pasó de considerarse desde una perspectiva sistémica y prácticamente terminal a concebirse como una enfermedad loco-regional, susceptible de rescate quirúrgico y oncológico, con un aumento de la supervivencia. Los estudios experimentales de la cirugía citorreductora radical asociada a la quimioterapia intraperitoneal hipertérmica ofrecen mejores resultados en términos de supervivencia a largo plazo y de calidad de vida que los tratamientos convencionales. El tratamiento actual de la carcinomatosis peritoneal es multimodal, con tres líneas de acción: 1. Quimioterapia intravenosa preoperatoria de inducción; 2. Cirugía citorreductora y peritonectomía, y 3. Quimioterapia intraperitoneal hipertérmica. Su base científica se fundamenta en el sinergismo entre la hipertermia y varios quimioterápicos (Mitomicina-C, Cisplatino, Oxaliplatino, etc), en la citotoxicidad directa del calor sobre las células tumorales y en las ventajas farmacocinéticas de la quimioterapia administrada por vía intraperitoneal. Metodología: Objetivos del Programa: 1. Desarrollo del Protocolo de tratamiento multimodal oncológico y quirúrgico. 2. Formación continuada del grupo de trabajo multidisciplinario. 3. Formación continuada en el manejo de la técnica de perfusión de quimioterapia intraperitoneal hipertérmica. 4. Aplicación de un protocolo de seguridad laboral. 5. Definición de indicadores de resultados. 6. Diseño de base de datos informatizada para explotación de resultados. 7. Seguimiento y registro de morbilidad y mortalidad. 8. Seguimiento y análisis de supervivencia a medio y largo plazo. Evaluación clínica preoperatoria y estudio de extensión tumoral. 1. Indicaciones clínicas. Tipos de tumores. 2. Selección de pacientes. Criterios de inclusión y de exclusión. 3. Evaluación oncológica preoperatoria. 4. Evaluación radiológica preoperatoria. 5. Algoritmo de actuación. 6. Seguimiento de pacientes. 7. Seguridad laboral. Resultados: Hace cinco años se puso en marcha en el Hospital Son Llàtzer el programa completo de cirugía citorreductora con quimioterapia intraperitoneal hipertérmica para el tratamiento de la carcinomatosis peritoneal. Se han intervenido 46 pacientes (40 mujeres y 6 hombres), con una edad media de 58.3 años (47-73 años). De los 46 pacientes, 30 lo eran con cáncer de ovario, y en ellos se realizó cirugía citorreductora seguida de quimioterapia sistémica sin aplicación de quimioterapia intraperitoneal. El programa de cirugía citorreductora y quimioterapia intraperitoneal se compone de 17 pacientes en los que se realizaron un total de 20 procedimientos. El origen del tumor fue colorrectal en 11 casos, apendicular en 4 casos, gástrico en un caso y un mesotelioma peritoneal multiquísitico difuso. En 9 casos se realizó quimioterapia intraperitoneal normotérmica y en 11 casos quimioterapia intraperitoneal hipertérmica (HIPEC). La mortaliad perioperatoria fue de un 4.3% (tres pacientes). El índice de resecabildad tumoral fue de un 90.9%. En 17 casos (85%), se pudo conseguir una resección completa (CC-0). La morbilidad global fue de un 40%, siendo la complicación más frecuente la infección de catéter central. Fueron reintervenidos tres pacientes (hemorragia, fístula duodenal e isquemia mesentérica segmentaria). La duración media de la intervención fue de 6.5 horas y la estancia media de 18.2 días. La supervivencia media de los pacientes con diseminación peritoneal de origen colorrectal y apendicular ha sido de 27 y 31 meses respectivamente. La supervivencia global de los pacientes con carcinomatosis peritoneal de origen colorrectal al año, dos y tres años fue del 71%, 60% y 50% respectivamente. Conclusiones: a) La aplicación de un tratamiento multidisciplinar y multimodal puede mejorar de forma significativa la supervivencia en un grupo específico de pacientes con carcinomatosis peritoneal; b) Este tratamiento es costoso y complejo y supone una importante carga de trabajo para los profesionales y las instituciones, por lo que es esencial aplicar criterios rigurosos de selección de pacientes, fundamentados en la experiencia y en la evaluación por equipos multidisciplinares. Es esencial el diagnóstico precoz, el tratamiento de las complicaciones, el seguimiento de los pacientes y la evaluación continua de los resultados de morbilidad y supervivencia. c) los estudios randomizados en curso aportarán previsiblementeIntroduction: Research promoted since the early nineties by Sugarbaker et al in Washington, have demonstrated that many tumors of colorectal and appendiceal origen with peritoneal extension, may remain limited to the abdomen during relatively long periods before developing distant metastases. These findings have radically altered the consideration of peritoneal carcinomatosis from a systemic and almost terminal state, to a locoregional disease, with possibility of surgical and oncological rescue, and thus, increasing the survival. The results of experimental studies of radical cytoreductive surgery associated with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, have demonstrated better results in terms of long-term survival and quality of life than conventional treatments. The rationale for the current treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis is organized around a multimodal treatment with three courses of action: 1. Preoperative intravenous induction chemotherapy, 2. Cytoreductive surgery and peritonectomy, and 3. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). The scientific basis of this multimodal treatment is based on the synergism between the hyperthermia and several cytostatic agents (mitomycin-C, cisplatin, oxaliplatin, etc.), the direct heat cytotoxicity on tumor cells, and the pharmacokinetic advantages of chemotherapy administered intraperitoneally. Methodology: Program Objectives were the following: 1. Development of Multimodal surgical and oncologic treatment protocol; 2. Continuing education of the multidisciplinary group; 3. Ongoing training in the hyperthermic intraperitoneal perfusion chemotherapy; 4. Application of a Work Safety Protocol; 5. Definition of indicators; 6. Design of database for exploitation of results; 7. Monitoring of morbidity and mortality, and 8. Monitoring and analysis of survival. Clinical evaluation and preoperative tumor extension study. 1. Clinical Indications. Types of tumors; 2. Patient selection. Inclusion and exclusion criteria; 3. Preoperative Evaluation Oncology; 4. Preoperative radiological evaluation; 5. Clinical pathway algorithm; 6. Patients follow-up, and 7. Laboral safety. Results: Five years ago, we started cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis in the Hospital Son Llàtzer. 46 patients were operated (40 women and 6 men) with a mean age of 58.3 years (47-73 years). Of these 46 patients, 30 were patients with ovarian cancer, and underwent cytoreductive surgery followed by chemotherapy without applying systemic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The program consisted of 17 patients who underwent a total of 20 procedures. The origin of the tumor was colorectal in 11 cases, appendiceal in 4 cases, gastric in 1 case, and one case with a diffuse multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma. The intraperitoneally chemotherapy administered was normothermic in 9 patients, and hyperthermic (HIPEC) in 11 cases. The perioperative mortality was 4.3% (three patients). The resectability index was 90.9%. In 17 cases (85%) it was possible to get a complete resection (CC-0). Overall morbidity was 40%. The most frequent complication was central catheter infection. Three patients required reoperation (postoperative bleeding, duodenal fistula, and segmental mesenteric ischemia). The mean operative duration was 6.5 hours. The average stay was 18.2 days. The median survival of patients with peritoneal dissemination of appendiceal and colorectal origin was 27 and 31 months respectively. Overall survival of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal origin was at one, two, and three years 71%, 60% and 50% respectively. Conclusions: a) The application of a multidisciplinary and multimodal treatment can significantly improve survival in a specific group of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. b) This treatment is expensive, complex and represents a significant workload for professionals and institutions, so it is essential to apply strict criteria for patient selection, based on experience and the evaluation by multidisciplinary teams. Similarly, it is essential to achieve an early diagnosis, treatment of complications, patient monitoring, and continuous evaluation of morbidity outcomes and survival. c) Randomized studies currently underway will provide more evidence on the expected benefit of this treatment, and establish lines to improve results

Orientatio ad sidera: Astronomy and landscape in Qart Hadašt/Carthago Nova

[ES] Las investigaciones arqueológicas en Cartagena –la antigua Qart Hadašt púnica, posterior Carthago Nova romana– evidencian la existencia de elementos topográficos, urbanísticos y rituales, susceptibles de ser analizados desde la perspectiva de la Astronomía Cultural. Por ello, en octubre de 2013 un equipo interdisciplinar de astrofísicos y arqueólogos realizó una campaña de mediciones de los principales hitos topográficos y arqueológicos de la ciudad púnica y romana. Metodológicamente, para cada ítem se estableció el criterio básico de orientación y se tomó su azimut utilizando tres tándems de brújula de precisión más clinómetro. Los datos obtenidos demuestran la relevancia en la ciudad antigua de una serie de orientaciones hacia la salida y la puesta del sol en el solsticio de verano, cuya significación se integra plenamente en el contexto del ritual fenicio-púnico. Dicho sentido pudo incorporarse y reinterpretarse en el contexto de las posteriores refundaciones romanas y de sus sucesivos programas urbanísticos y arquitectónicos, en particular el del período augústeo, cuando determinadas orientaciones astronómicas pudieron servir para afianzar la imagen de Roma y el princeps como restauradores de la paz y garantes de un nuevo orden fundado en elementos cosmológicos.[EN] Archaeological investigations in Cartagena -the ancient Punic Qart Hadašt, Roman Carthago Nova- have manifested the existence of ritual, urban and topographical elements that could be analyzed from the perspective of Cultural Astronomy. Therefore, in October 2013, an interdisciplinary team of astronomers and archaeologists conducted a field campaign of the main topographic and archaeological landmarks of the Punic and Roman periods of the city. Methodologically, a basic guide criterion was established for each particular element, measuring its corresponding azimuth(s). Three tandems, including precision compasses and clinometers, were used to take the measurements. The data obtained have demonstrated the relevance, within the ancient city, of a series of orientations towards sunrise and sunset at the summer solstice, whose significance could be fully integrated within the context of the Punic ritual. This skyscaping was merged and reinterpreted in the framework of the subsequent Roman appropriation of the city landscape, including their successive urban and architectural programs, in particular that of the period of Emperor Augustus, when certain astronomical orientations could serve to strengthen the image of Rome and the 'Princeps' as restorers of peace and guarantees of a new order based in cosmological elements.Peer Reviewe

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Patients with Cancer: Retrospective and Transversal Studies in Spanish Population

[EN] Background: Studies of patients with cancer affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are needed to assess the impact of the disease in this sensitive population, and the influence of different cancer treatments on the COVID-19 infection and seroconversion. Material and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients hospitalized with RT-PCR positive for COVID-19 in our region to assess the prevalence of cancer patients and describe their characteristics and evolution (Cohort 1). Concurrently, a transversal study was carried out in patients on active systemic cancer treatment for symptomatology and seroprevalence (IgG/IgM by ELISA-method) against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Cohort 2). Results: A total of 215 patients (Cohort 1) were admitted to hospital with a confirmed COVID-19 infection between February 28 and April 30, 2020, and 17 died (7.9%). A medical record of cancer was noted in 43 cases (20%), 6 of them required Intensive care unit ICU attention (14%), and 7 died (16%). There were thirty-six patients (83%) who tested IgG/IgM positive for SARS-CoV-2. Patients on immunosuppressive therapies presented a lower ratio of seroconversion (40% vs. 8%; p = 0.02). In Cohort 2, 166 patients were included in a symptoms-survey and tested for SARS-CoV-2. Any type of potential COVID-19-related symptom was referred up to 67.4% of patients (85.9% vs. 48.2% vs. 73.9%, for patients on chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies respectively, p < 0.05). The seroprevalence ratio was 1.8% for the whole cohort with no significant differences by patient or treatment characteristics. Conclusion: Patients with cancer present higher risks for hospital needs for COVID-19 infection. The lack of SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion may be a concern for patients on immunosuppressive therapies. Patients receiving systematic therapies relayed a high rate of potentially COVID-19-related symptoms, particularly those receiving chemotherapy. However, the seroconversion rate remains low and in the range of general population.We thank all the patients who consented to this study, and the frontline healthcare professionals who are involved in patients' care during this pandemic. We also thank the technical assistants: M. Portero Hernandez, A. Real Perez, and M. Ocasar Garcia. VGB's research work is partially supported by the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion of Spain under grant No. PID2019-110442GB-I00.Garde-Noguera, J.; Fernández-Murga, ML.; Giner-Bosch, V.; Domínguez-Márquez, V.; García Sánchez, J.; Soler-Cataluña, JJ.; López Chuliá, F.... (2020). Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Patients with Cancer: Retrospective and Transversal Studies in Spanish Population. Cancers. 12(12):1-11. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers12123513S1111212Munster, V. 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The Lancet, 395(10241), 1907-1918. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(20)31187-9Zhang, L., Zhu, F., Xie, L., Wang, C., Wang, J., Chen, R., … Zhou, M. (2020). Clinical characteristics of COVID-19-infected cancer patients: a retrospective case study in three hospitals within Wuhan, China. Annals of Oncology, 31(7), 894-901. doi:10.1016/j.annonc.2020.03.296Winter, A. K., & Hegde, S. T. (2020). The important role of serology for COVID-19 control. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 20(7), 758-759. doi:10.1016/s1473-3099(20)30322-4Venkatesulu, B. P., Thoguluva Chandrasekar, V., Giridhar, P., Advani, P., Sharma, A., Hsieh, C. E., … Krishnan, S. (2020). A systematic review and meta-analysis of cancer patients affected by a novel coronavirus. doi:10.1101/2020.05.27.20115303Van Assen, S., Holvast, A., Benne, C. A., Posthumus, M. D., van Leeuwen, M. A., Voskuyl, A. E., … Bijl, M. (2010). Humoral responses after influenza vaccination are severely reduced in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with rituximab. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 62(1), 75-81. doi:10.1002/art.25033Rousseau, B., Loulergue, P., Mir, O., Krivine, A., Kotti, S., Viel, E., … Tournigand, C. (2012). Immunogenicity and safety of the influenza A H1N1v 2009 vaccine in cancer patients treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy and/or targeted therapy: the VACANCE study. Annals of Oncology, 23(2), 450-457. doi:10.1093/annonc/mdr141Di Cosimo, S., Malfettone, A., Pérez-García, J. M., Llombart-Cussac, A., Miceli, R., Curigliano, G., & Cortés, J. (2020). Immune checkpoint inhibitors: a physiology-driven approach to the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019. European Journal of Cancer, 135, 62-65. doi:10.1016/j.ejca.2020.05.026Bersanelli, M., Scala, S., Affanni, P., Veronesi, L., Colucci, M. E., Banna, G. L., … Liotta, F. (2020). Immunological insights on influenza infection and vaccination during immune checkpoint blockade in cancer patients. Immunotherapy, 12(2), 105-110. doi:10.2217/imt-2019-0200Pollán, M., Pérez-Gómez, B., Pastor-Barriuso, R., Oteo, J., Hernán, M. A., Pérez-Olmeda, M., … Fernández de Larrea, N. (2020). Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Spain (ENE-COVID): a nationwide, population-based seroepidemiological study. The Lancet, 396(10250), 535-544. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(20)31483-5Choe, P. G., Perera, R. A. P. M., Park, W. B., Song, K.-H., Bang, J. H., Kim, E. S., … Oh, M. (2017). MERS-CoV Antibody Responses 1 Year after Symptom Onset, South Korea, 2015. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 23(7), 1079-1084. doi:10.3201/eid2307.170310Cao, W.-C., Liu, W., Zhang, P.-H., Zhang, F., & Richardus, J. H. (2007). Disappearance of Antibodies to SARS-Associated Coronavirus after Recovery. New England Journal of Medicine, 357(11), 1162-1163. doi:10.1056/nejmc070348Wu, L.-P., Wang, N.-C., Chang, Y.-H., Tian, X.-Y., Na, D.-Y., Zhang, L.-Y., … Liang, G.-D. (2007). Duration of Antibody Responses after Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 13(10), 1562-1564. doi:10.3201/eid1310.070576Kissler, S. M., Tedijanto, C., Goldstein, E., Grad, Y. H., & Lipsitch, M. (2020). Projecting the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 through the postpandemic period. Science, 368(6493), 860-868. doi:10.1126/science.abb579

TELMA: Entorno de formación personalizada online en Cirugía de Mínima Invasión

TELMA es un entorno de formación y aprendizaje online basado en edición de vídeo laparoscópico, la gestión del conocimiento y el trabajo colaborativo con el fin de mejorar la efectividad y eficacia de los procesos de formación (inicial y continuada) de los cirujanos de Cirugía de Mínima Invasión (CMI). TELMA explota el uso del vídeo laparoscópico como el núcleo de los contenidos didácticos y hace uso de tecnologías de formación online y gestión de contenidos digitales multimedia, para mejorar la adaptación, calidad y eficiencia del servicio ofrecido al usuario. TELMA persigue acortar las curvas de aprendizaje, proporcionando a los cirujanos un acceso ubicuo a contenidos educativos y metodologías didácticas, dotando al aprendizaje de mayor interactividad y proporcionando a los alumnos un papel más activo, una mejor adquisición de los conocimientos y habilidades y un mayor uso de las fuentes de información disponibles

Criteria for HydroSOS Quality Index. Application to Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Processed Table Olives

Water, especially in arid and semiarid regions, is increasingly a disputed commodity among different productive sectors; the pressure for a more sustainable use of water in agriculture will grow. The main strategy to cope with water scarcity is the use of improved, innovative, and precise deficit irrigation management practices which are able to minimize the impact on fruit yield and quality. The aim of this paper was to develop a certification index or hydroSOS quality index for extra virgin olive oil and processed table olives. The hydrosSOS fruits and vegetables are those cultivated under regulated deficit irrigation (RDI). Different indicators in three quality areas ((i) fatty acids, (ii) phenolic compounds, and (iii) sensory attributes) were identified as showing characteristic or typical responses under RDI conditions. Marks or scores were assigned to each one of these indicators to calculate the proposed index. It can be concluded that an extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) or processed table olives are hydroSOStainable foods, if they meet 2 conditions: (i) fulfill the conditions established in the hydroSOS “irrigation” index, and (ii) fulfill the requirements of the hydroSOS “quality” index. HydroSOS quality index will be specific to each crop and variety and will depend on functional and sensory factors

Effectiveness and safety of integrase strand transfer inhibitors in Spain: a prospective real-world study

IntroductionSecond-generation integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) are preferred treatment options worldwide, and dolutegravir (DTG) is the treatment of choice in resource-limited settings. Nevertheless, in some resource-limited settings, these drugs are not always available. An analysis of the experience with the use of INSTIs in unselected adults living with HIV may be of help to make therapeutic decisions when second-generation INSTIs are not available. This study aimed to evaluate the real-life effectiveness and safety of dolutegravir (DTG), elvitegravir/cobicistat (EVG/c), and raltegravir (RAL) in a large Spanish cohort of HIV-1-infected patients. MethodsReal-world study of adults living with HIV who initiated integrase INSTIs DTG, EVG/c, and RAL-based regimens in three settings (ART-naive patients, ART-switching, and ART-salvage patients). The primary endpoint was the median time to treatment discontinuation after INSTI-based regimen initiation. Proportion of patients experiencing virological failure (VF) (defined as two consecutive viral loads (VL) & GE;200 copies/mL at 24 weeks or as a single determination of VL & GE;1,000 copies/mL while receiving DTG, EVG/c or RAL, and at least 3 months after INSTI initiation) and time to VF were also evaluated. ResultsVirological effectiveness of EVG/c- and RAL-based regimens was similar to that of DTG when given as first-line and salvage therapy. Treatment switching for reasons other than virological failure was more frequent in subjects receiving EVG/c and, in particular, RAL. Naive patients with CD4+ nadir <100 cells/& mu;L were more likely to develop VF, particularly if they initiated RAL or EVG/c. In the ART switching population, initiation of RAL and EVG/c was associated with both VF and INSTI discontinuation. There were no differences in the time to VF and INSTI discontinuation between DTG, EVG/c and RAL. Immunological parameters improved in the three groups and for the three drugs assessed. Safety and tolerability were consistent with expected safety profiles. DiscussionWhereas second-generation INSTIs are preferred treatment options worldwide, and DTG is one of the treatment of choices in resource-limited settings, first-generation INSTIs may still provide high virological and immunological effectiveness when DTG is not available

Análisis multidisciplinar de la aplicación de técnicas de evaluación continua formativa

El presente trabajo presenta las actividades realizas para la mejora del proceso de aprendizaje en sesiones de prácticas mediante distintas estrategias de evaluación continua formativa por parte de un grupo de innovación educativa de la Universidad Politécnica de Valencia. Se ha estudiado el uso de cuestionarios temporizados realizados antes y al finalizar la práctica mediante el uso de una plataforma de e-learning así como el uso de rúbricas para la valoración del trabajo del alumno y las memorias de prácticas. La eficacia de las distintas estrategias ha sido establecida a partir de datos cualitativos y cuantitativos recogidos mediante observación durante su aplicación, calificaciones obtenidas y realizando un sondeo de opinión. La aplicación de estas metodologías ha sido llevada a cabo en 10 asignaturas de diferentes áreas de conocimiento (Teoría de la Señal y Comunicaciones, Química, Ingeniería Química y Economía) impartidas en diferentes carreras técnicas, por lo que se obtiene una visión multidisciplinar del efecto de las innovaciones

Students' perception on learning methods in engineering disciplines

This article is (c) Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here (please insert the web address here). Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited.[EN] Purpose - This study explores the preferences for learning methods among the students of seven engineering disciplines in a Spanish technical university. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the students' views and from them contribute to the knowledge of the effectiveness of learning methodologies. Design/methodology/approach - An online anonymous questionnaire survey was adopted to collect students' perceptions. Seven learning methods were compared in seven engineering degrees. The authors sampled 1660 students, and 426 completed responses were analysed. In addition to a descriptive analysis of the results, a multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was performed using R data processing software. Findings - It was found that project-based learning and problem-based learning were perceived as the more effective ones. MCA identified response patterns between the preference and the efficiency of learning methods showing that students can be classified into two groups according to their preferred level of activeness in learning. Research limitations/implications - The study focusses on a single technical university and not all engineering degrees could be sampled. However, five different engineering fields were studied and no significant differences among them were found. Practical implications - The results add up to the known literature showing that students have different learning needs and consequently they perceive some methods as more effective. Instructors can use this information to strengthen their learning activities. Results also suggest that students can be classified into two groups in relation to their level of activeness in learning. This can also help to enhance general student motivation if two paths with different levels of activeness are planned. Originality/value - No previous studies have compared several learning methods in different engineering fields. Thus, this study contributes to fill this gap and contributes to the body of evidence around learning methodologies from the perspective of students.Vidal Rodriguez, B.; Fenollosa Ribera, ML.; Ribal, J.; Sanchis Kilders, P.; García-Rupérez, J.; Bes-Piá, M.; Blasco-Tamarit, E.... (2022). Students' perception on learning methods in engineering disciplines. Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education. 14(3):946-957. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-01-2021-0041S94695714

A Mathematical Model for COVID-19 with Variable Transmissibility and Hospitalizations: A Case Study in Paraguay.

Forecasting the dynamics of the number of cases with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a given population is a challenging task due to behavioural changes which occur over short periods. Planning of hospital resources and containment measures in the near term require a scenario analysis and the use of predictive models to gain insight into possible outcomes for each scenario. In this paper, we present the SEIR-H epidemiological model for the spread dynamics in a given population and the impact of COVID-19 in the local health system. It was developed as an extension of the classic SEIR model to account for required hospital resources and behavioural changes of the population in response to containment measures. Time-varying parameters such as transmissibility are estimated using Bayesian methods, based on the database of reported cases with a moving time window strategy. The assessment of the model offers reasonable results with estimated parameters and simulations, reflecting the observed dynamics in Paraguay. The proposed model can be used to simulate future scenarios and possible effects of containment strategies, to guide the public institution response based on the available resources in the local health system.CONACYT - Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y TecnologíaPROCIENCI