Equation of state of hard oblate ellipsoids by replica exchange Monte Carlo

We implemented the replica exchange Monte Carlo technique to produce the equation of state of hard 1:5 aspect-ratio oblate ellipsoids for a wide density range. For this purpose, we considered the analytical approximation of the overlap distance given by Bern and Pechukas and the exact numerical solution given by Perram and Wertheim. For both cases we capture the expected isotropic-nematic transition at low densities and a nematic-crystal transition at larger densities. For the exact case, these transitions occur at the volume fraction 0.341, and in the interval $0.584-0.605$, respectively.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure

Análisis de contenido de los cibermedios generalistas españoles. Características y adscripción temática de las noticias principales de portada

El objetivo de este artículo es describir la agenda temática de una serie de cibermedios españoles generalistas. Así, por medio de un análisis de contenido cuantitativo, se estudia qué temas son los más relevantes dentro de las principales noticias de portada de los medios analizados, en función de determinados aspectos: la autoría, el ámbito geográfico, las fuentes informativas o el desarrollo de las informaciones en la portada. Además, este trabajo permite establecer las características básicas de las noticias principales de portada. El artículo se enmarca dentro del proyecto del Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación: “Evolución de los cibermedios españoles en el marco de la convergencia: análisis del mensaje” (CSO2009-13713-C05-04 –subprograma SOCI–)

Design and performance of ropes for climbing and sailing

Ropes are an important part of the equipment used by climbers, mountaineers, and sailors. On first inspection, most modern polymer ropes appear similar, and it might be assumed that their designs, construction, and properties are governed by the same requirements. In reality, the properties required of climbing ropes are dominated by the requirement that they effectively absorb and dissipate the energy of the falling climber, in a manner that it does not transmit more than a critical amount of force to his body. This requirement is met by the use of ropes with relatively low longitudinal stiffness. In contrast, most sailing ropes require high stiffness values to maximize their effectiveness and enable sailors to control sails and equipment precisely. These conflicting requirements led to the use of different classes of materials and different construction methods for the two sports. This paper reviews in detail the use of ropes, the properties required, manufacturing techniques and materials utilized, and the effect of service conditions on the performance of ropes. A survey of research that has been carried out in the field reveals what progress has been made in the development of these essential components and identifies where further work may yield benefits in the future

Una comparación longitudinal de los modelos de los trastornos de ansiedad de la terapia metacognitiva y la terapia de aceptación y compromiso

Metacognitive therapy (MCT) suggests that anxiety disorders are caused by the cognitive attentional syndrome (CAS), which is supported by dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) emphasizes the role of cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance in the development of these disorders. In this study, it was hypothesized that the ACT concepts of cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance would mediate the relationship between dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs and anxiety/stress symptoms. A longitudinal design was employed. One hundred and six nonclinical participants responded twice to an online survey with a lapse of nine months. Cognitive fusion at Time 2 mediated the effect of negative metacognitive beliefs at Time 1 on anxiety symptoms at T2, whereas both cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance mediated the effect on stress symptoms. Cognitive fusion mediated the effect of positive metacognitive beliefs only on stress symptoms. These results warrant further comparison of the MCT and ACT models.La terapia metacognitiva (MCT) sugiere que los trastornos de ansiedad son causados por el síndrome atencional cognitivo (CAS), que es apoyado por creencias metacognitivas disfuncionales. La terapia de aceptación y compromiso (ACT) enfatiza el rol de la fusión cognitiva y la evitación experiencial en el desarrollo de estos trastornos. En este estudio se hipotetizó que los conceptos de fusión cognitiva y evitación experiencial mediarían la relación entre las creencias metacognitivas disfuncionales y los síntomas de ansiedad/estrés. Se utilizó un diseño longitudinal. Ciento seis participantes respondieron en dos ocasiones a una encuesta online en el lapos de nueve meses. La fusión cognitiva en el Tiempo 2 medió el efecto de las creencias metacognitivas en el Tiempo 1 en los síntomas de ansiedad en el Tiempo 2, mientras que la fusión cognitiva y la evitación experiencial mediaron el efecto en los síntomas de estrés. La fusión cognitiva medió el efecto de las creencias metacognitivas positivas sólo en los síntomas de estrés. Los resultados justifican comparaciones adicionales de los modelos de MCT y ACT

Current psychological therapeutic approaches for gambling disorder with psychiatric comorbidities: a narrative review

Background. Although the presence of a gambling disorder (GD) together with another mental disorder poses special treatment challenges, such as relapses, severe outcomes for patients and families, and increased number of hospitalizations, there are only a few critical reviews in the literature. Objective. To review empirical evidence of psychological approaches to cope specifically with these dual disorders. Method. A narrative review of the relevant bibliography on this topic was carried out. A systematic search of original articles (2010-October 2017) was conducted in MEDLINE and PsycInfo. Key terms were: 1. gambling/gamblers, 2. treatment/intervention/therapy/therapeutics, and 3. dual diagnosis/comorbidity. Results. Current treatment for GD involves a number of different options, including inpatient treatments, intensive outpatient therapy, individual and group cognitive-behavioral options (CBT), self-help groups, and pharmacotherapy. Inpatient care is generally limited to patients with severe acute crises, treatment failures, and severe comorbid disorders, particularly depression and attempted suicide. Treatment for GD with other mental disorder needs more research. CBT, motivational enhancement therapy and self-help groups have some empirical support when GD is comorbid with other addiction, mood disorder, or schizophrenia. Programs that combine pharmacotherapy and psychosocial treatments for GD into a single comprehensive package are most likely to have good treatment outcomes, at least with regard to treatment retention. Discussion and conclusion. Interventions should be tailored to the needs of the patients. Future research should be concerned about the statistical power of the studies, implement motivational strategies for patients with poor medication adherence, and design measures to study treatment fidelity in the CBT groups

Hard ellipsoids: analytically approaching the exact overlap distance

Following previous work (JCP 134, 201103 (2011)), the replica exchange Monte Carlo technique is used to produce the equation of state of hard 1:5 aspect-ratio oblate ellipsoids for a wide density range. Here, in addition to the analytical approximation of the overlap distance given by Berne and Pechukas (BP) and the exact numerical solution of Perram and Wertheim, we tested a simple modification of the original BP approximation (MBP) which corrects the known T-shape mismatch of BP for all aspect-ratios. We found that the MBP equation of state shows a very good quantitative agreement with the exact solution. The MBP analytical expression allowed us to study size effects on the previously reported results. For the thermodynamic limit, we estimated the exact 1:5 hard ellipsoid isotropic-nematic transition at the volume fraction 0.343(3), and the nematic-solid transition in the volume fraction interval 0.592(6)-0.634(8).Comment: 10 pages, 6 figure

Stability of Ca-montmorillonite hydrates: A computer simulation study

Classic simulations are used to study interlayer structure, swelling curves, and stability of Ca-montmorillonite hydrates. For this purpose, NPzzT$ and MuPzzT ensembles are sampled for ground level and given burial conditions. For ground level conditions, a double layer hydrate having 15.0 A of basal spacing is the predominant state for relative vapor pressures (p/po) ranging in 0.6-1.0. A triple hydrate counting on 17.9 A of interlaminar distance was also found stable for p/po=1.0. For low vapor pressures, the system may produce a less hydrated but still double layer state with 13.5 A or even a single layer hydrate with 12.2 A of interlaminar distance. This depends on the established initial conditions. On the other hand, the effect of burial conditions is two sided. It was found that it enhances dehydration for all vapor pressures except for saturation, where swelling is promoted.Comment: 8 pages, 9 figure

Residencia Sanitaria de la Seguridad Social La Paz

The full details of this project will be described in a later issue of this magazine. It includes the following: sanitary residence, maternity home, children's hospital, and outpatient's department. At present the first and last buildings are completed and in use. The sanitary residence is described below. This building incorporates the experience gained from other similar projects carried out by the State Health Insurance. This is perhaps a unique example in the western world of many health buildings, planned jointly, and built within a short space of time. The design has been inspired by three fundamental ideas, namely, airiness, flexibility and compactness in the space and volume distribution. The planform is a cross of unequal arms, where the central nucleus provides for the vertical circulation system. The organisation and distribution is most modern, and includes all recent advances that can be wished for in this type of building. The total built area, including galleries, boiler rooms, and tower, is 30.878 m² The number of beds is 855, which gives 36.11 m² per bed.<br><br>El complejo total, de próxima inauguración, que será publicado en un futuro número de INFORMES, comprenderá los siguientes cuerpos: Residencia Sanitaria, Maternidad, Traumatología, Hospital infantil y Ambulatorio. En la actualidad se hallan completamente terminados y en uso el primero y el último. Describimos a continuación la Residencia Sanitaria: En este edificio se han resumido las experiencias del conjunto de edificaciones realizadas por el Seguro de Enfermedad. Son un ejemplo, quizás único en Occidente, de construcciones hospitalarias ejecutadas bajo un mismo plan, en un lapso corto de tiempo, y dedicado al mismo fin. En la redacción del proyecto han presidido tres ideas fundamentales: claridad, flexibilidad y concentración, no sólo de espacio, sino también de volúmenes. La planta básica es una cruz de brazos desiguales con un núcleo central de circulaciones verticales. El organigrama, completísimo y con toda suerte de adelantos técnicos e instalaciones complementarias y auxiliares, abarca las máximas exigencias apetecibles en este tipo de edificios. La superficie total construida, incluidas galería, salas de calderas, plantas y torreón, es de 30.878,04 metros cuadrados, y el número real de camas, 855, lo que arroja una superficie por cama de 36,11 metros cuadrados