Second-language instruction at the Ph. D. level. The doctoral program in architecture and building technology at UPCT

[SPA]La comunicación analiza una serie de razones que aconsejan emplear una segunda lengua en la formación de los estudiantes de doctorado, que se pueden resumir en dos ideas: los alumnos de este nivel deben poseer competencias que les permitan acceder a la información y presentar los resultados de su investigación en una segunda lengua, en especial el inglés. A continuación, los autores tratan la aplicación de estas ideas en el programa de doctorado en Arquitectura y Tecnología de la Edificación de la Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena (UPCT), exponiendo cómo los alumnos interesados puedan desarrollar competencias linguísticas aplicadas a la investigación, mediante seminarios y otras actividades: comprender presentaciones orales en inglés, leer trabajos en otros idiomas europeos, exponer oralmente sus resultados en inglés y escribir en inglés desde los rótulos de una presentación hasta un trabajo de investigación. [ENG]The paper analyses a number of reasons for implementing second-language instruction at the doctoral level, stressing that Ph. D. students should be able to acquire information and present the results of their research not only in their mother tongue, but also in English. Next, the authors discuss the application of such ideas on the Ph. D. programme in Architecture and Building Technology at Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena (UPCT), explaining how seminars and other activities will enable interested students to develop linguistic skills such as understanding oral presentations in English, reading literature and sources in a number of European languages, presenting the results of their research in English in front of a specialised audience and writing presentations captions and full academic papers in English.Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, Universidad de Murcia, Región de Murci

Recycled Plastic and Cork Waste for Structural Lightweight Concrete Production

The use of waste materials as lightweight aggregates in concrete is highly recommended in seismic risk areas and environmentally recommended. However, reaching the strength needed for the concrete to be used structurally may be challenging. In this study four dosages were assayed: the first two-specimen had high cement content (550 and 700 kg/m(3) respectively), Nanosilica, fly ash and superplasticizer. These samples were high performance, reaching a strength of 100 MPa at 90 days. The other two mixtures were identical but replaced 48% of the aggregates with recycled lightweight aggregates (30% polypropylene, 18.5% cork). To estimate its strength and durability the mixtures were subjected to several tests. Compression strength, elasticity modulus, mercury intrusion porosimetry, carbonation, attack by chlorides, and penetration of water under pressure were analyzed. The compression strength and density of the lightweight mixtures were reduced 68% and 19% respectively; nonetheless, both retained valid levels for structural use (over 30 MPa at 90 days). Results, such as the total porosity between 9.83% and 17.75% or the chloride ion penetration between 8.6 and 5.9 mm, suggest that the durability of these concretes, including the lightweight ones, is bound to be very high thanks to a very low porosity and high resistance to chemical attacks.This research was funded by the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad, through the Spanish Centre for Industrial Technological Development (CDTI), grant number IDI-20141102 granted to Cementos La Cruz S.L. The authors of this paper wish to express their gratitude to Cementos La Cruz, S.L. for their interest and support. Special thanks to Gabriel A. Ros, laboratory technician of the Technical University of Cartagena, Spain, for his invaluable assistance in carrying out the assays

Metodología del aprendizaje: ¿una asignatura necesaria?

[SPA]Esta comunicación presenta una iniciativa docente de la Escuela de Arquitectura e Ingeniería de Edificación. Una iniciativa a gran escala, pues, más allá de seminarios docentes o talleres específicos, se plantea en el primer curso de Ingeniería de Edificación una asignatura obligatoria de 3 créditos ECTS cuyo objetivo declarado es el alumno1 competente. Se parte de la idea de que, en general, el alumno viene del bachiller sin conocer el proceso de Bolonia y con ciertos hábitos de estudio basados, fundamentalmente, en la memoria. Por ello, esta asignatura ofrece la oportunidad de explicitar los que el alumno suele sobrellevar en solitario: su estilo de aprendizaje y su enfoque superficial o profundo al afrontar el estudio. Para que el alumno aplique, una vez conocido, cada aspecto de un aprendizaje significativo la asignatura se articula en torno a dos ciclos. Un ciclo corto donde la teoría se presenta, desarrolla y resume trufada de ejercicios y un ciclo largo en el que se utiliza un caso de contenido suficientemente complejo y de interés profesional para que sirva de laboratorio del estudio ajustado al estilo del alumno, significativo y profundo. Se aplica, también una estructura explicita de alineamiento entre objetivos y evaluación. [ENG]This paper presents an educational initiative of the School of Architecture and Building Engineering. A major initiative is therefore beyond specific training seminars or workshops, is raised in the first year of Building Engineering a compulsory course of 3 ECTS whose stated goal is the competent student. It starts from the idea that, in general, students coming from high school without knowing the Bologna process and study habits based primarily on memory. Therefore, this course offers the opportunity to show what students cope by yourself: your learning style and approach in dealing with superficial or deep study. For students to apply, once known, every aspect of meaningful learning the subject is structured around two cycles: A short course where the theory is presented, developed and resume riddled with exercises. And a long cycle in which case you use a sufficiently complex content and professional interest to serve as a laboratory study. It applies, also an explicit structure alignment between objectives and assessment.Metodología del AprendizajeEscuela de Arquitectura e Ingeniería de Edificació

Hidratación del Al, Si, Mg y Ca en las mejoras de la interfaz árido-pasta en morteros con adicciones

[ESP] El objetivo del trabajo experimental es estudiar las mejoras de la interfaz árido-pasta en morteros con adicciones por la hidratación del Al, Si y Ca anhidro de la escoria. Al utilizar escoria como material cementante se recicla un residuo y se reduce el consumo de recursos naturales. Los resultados muestran que a la edad de 365 días, los morteros fabricados con sustitución del 50% de cemento por EGAH molida alcanzan una resistencia a compresión similar a la del mortero fabricado con el 100% del cemento. El consumo de hidróxido cálcico durante la hidratación de la escoria y la formación de gel mejoran las propiedades mecánicas de la interfaz escoria-pasta. [ENG] The aim of the experimental work is to study improvements in aggregate - paste interface mortars addictions hydration of Al, Si and Ca anhydrous slag. By using slag as a cementitious material is recycled waste and consumption of natural resources is reduced. The results show that at the age of 365 days, mortars made with replacement of 50% of cement by EGAH resistance reach similar to mortar made with 100% cement. Consumption of calcium hydroxide during the hydration of the EGAH and CSH improve the mechanical properties of the slag - paste interface.Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería de Telecomunicación (ETSIT), Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica (ETSIA), Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Industrial (ETSII), Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura y Edificación (ETSAE), Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería de Caminos, Canales y Puertos y de Ingeniería de Minas (ETSICCPIM), Facultad de Ciencias de la Empresa (FCCE), Parque Tecnológico de Fuente Álamo (PTFA), Vicerrectorado de Estudiantes y Extensión de la UPCT, Vicerrectorado de Investigación e Innovación de la UPCT, y Vicerrectorado de Internacionalización y Cooperación al Desarrollo de la UPCT

Diseño de un hormigón con áridos ligeros reciclados. Análisis de su resistencia a compresión frente a la densidad

[SPA] Hormigones ligeros son aquellos que tienen una densidad por debajo de los 2000 Kg/m3, y pueden llegar a tener, con resistencias superiores a los 20 MPa, densidades por debajo de los 1500 Kg/m3, esto supone reducciones 40% en la densidad. En la actualidad hay diferentes técnicas para conseguir dicha reducción, (áridos ligeros, curado en autoclave, agentes inclusores de aire, etc.) El método más común es el uso de áridos ligeros, en la actualidad existe una amplia variedad pero no todos consiguen resistencias suficientes para dotar al hormigón de un uso estructural. El objeto del proyecto es, con materiales reciclados, conseguir hormigón estructural ligero, los materiales utilizados fueron; corcho y plásticos reciclados.[ENG] Lightweight concretes are those who have a density below 2000 Kg/m3. At present there are lightweight concretes below 1500 Kg/m3 with compressive strengths higher than 20 MPa which means a 40% density reduction in relation with conventional concretes. Currently there are different techniques to achieve such reduction (lightweight aggregates, aerated autoclaved concrete, air entraining agents, etc.) The most common method for reducing the density is the use of lightweight aggregates. At present there is a wide variety of such aggregates, but not all are capable to get concrete with enough strength for being structural. The materials used at the experiment were: cork and recycled plastics.Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería de Telecomunicación (ETSIT), Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica (ETSIA), Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Industrial (ETSII), Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura y Edificación (ETSAE), Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería de Caminos, Canales y Puertos y de Ingeniería de Minas (ETSICCPIM), Facultad de Ciencias de la Empresa (FCCE), Parque Tecnológico de Fuente Álamo (PTFA), Vicerrectorado de Estudiantes y Extensión de la UPCT, Vicerrectorado de Investigación e Innovación de la UPCT, y Vicerrectorado de Internacionalización y Cooperación al Desarrollo de la UPCT

Una propuesta de estructura de coordinación docente horizontal y vertical para la Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena (UPCT)

[ESP] La UPCT no disponía de una estructura generalizada de coordinación docente hasta el presente curso 2012 -2013. Un equipo docente ha trabajado en el diseño de un modelo completo de coordinación, revisando numerosas publicaciones, incorporando actuaciones que ya funcionan de manera puntual en la UPCT y ensayando nuevos mecanismos de coordinación. El modelo establece órganos de coordinación, metodologías concretas y un nuevo listado reducido de competencias genéricas. La propuesta contempla todos los aspectos relevantes de la coordinación docente y puede adaptarse a las características de cada centro. [ENG] During the course 2012-2013, a team of expe1is from the Technical University of Cartagena (UPCT) has designed and developed a model for vertical and horizontal teaching coordination. The work included compiling and analyzing models from other Universities, selecting some already-working methodologies, and developing new ones. The designed model includes a new list of generic skills and coordination structures and too Is that fít the coordination needs of any UPCT Centre

Risk and outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with multiple sclerosis

Background and purpose Limited information is available on incidence and outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study investigated the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19-related outcomes in patients with MS, and compared these with the general population. Methods A regional registry was created to collect data on incidence, hospitalization rates, intensive care unit admission, and death in patients with MS and COVID-19. National government outcomes and seroprevalence data were used for comparison. The study was conducted at 14 specialist MS treatment centers in Madrid, Spain, between February and May 2020. Results Two-hundred nineteen patients were included in the registry, 51 of whom were hospitalized with COVID-19. The mean age ± standard deviation was 45.3 ± 12.4 years, and the mean duration of MS was 11.9 ± 8.9 years. The infection incidence rate was lower in patients with MS than the general population (adjusted incidence rate ratio = 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.70–0.80), but hospitalization rates were higher (relative risk = 5.03, 95% CI = 3.76–6.62). Disease severity was generally low, with only one admission to an intensive care unit and five deaths. Males with MS had higher incidence rates and risk of hospitalization than females. No association was found between the use of any disease-modifying treatment and hospitalization risk. Conclusions Patients with MS do not appear to have greater risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection or severe COVID-19 outcomes compared with the general population. The decision to start or continue disease-modifying treatment should be based on a careful risk–benefit assessment.post-print996 K

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown in Eating Disorders: A Multicentre Collaborative International Study

Background. The COVID-19 lockdown has had a significant impact on mental health. Patients with eating disorders (ED) have been particularly vulnerable. Aims. (1) To explore changes in eating-related symptoms and general psychopathology during lockdown in patients with an ED from various European and Asian countries; and (2) to assess differences related to diagnostic ED subtypes, age, and geography. Methods. The sample comprised 829 participants, diagnosed with an ED according to DSM-5 criteria from specialized ED units in Europe and Asia. Participants were assessed using the COVID-19 Isolation Scale (CIES). Results. Patients with binge eating disorder (BED) experienced the highest impact on weight and ED symptoms in comparison with other ED subtypes during lockdown, whereas individuals with other specified feeding and eating disorders (OFSED) had greater deterioration in general psychological functioning than subjects with other ED subtypes. Finally, Asian and younger individuals appeared to be more resilient. Conclusions. The psychopathological changes in ED patients during the COVID-19 lockdown varied by cultural context and individual variation in age and ED diagnosis. Clinical services may need to target preventive measures and adapt therapeutic approaches for the most vulnerable patients

Short-Term Environmental Enrichment Rescues Adult Neurogenesis and Memory Deficits in APPSw,Ind Transgenic Mice

Epidemiological studies indicate that intellectual activity prevents or delays the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Similarly, cognitive stimulation using environmental enrichment (EE), which increases adult neurogenesis and functional integration of newborn neurons into neural circuits of the hippocampus, protects against memory decline in transgenic mouse models of AD, but the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. To study the therapeutic benefits of cognitive stimulation in AD we examined the effects of EE in hippocampal neurogenesis and memory in a transgenic mouse model of AD expressing the human mutant β-amyloid (Aβ) precursor protein (APPSw,Ind). By using molecular markers of new generated neurons (bromodeoxiuridine, NeuN and doublecortin), we found reduced neurogenesis and decreased dendritic length and projections of doublecortin-expressing cells of the dentate gyrus in young APPSw,Ind transgenic mice. Moreover, we detected a lower number of mature neurons (NeuN positive) in the granular cell layer and a reduced volume of the dentate gyrus that could be due to a sustained decrease in the incorporation of new generated neurons. We found that short-term EE for 7 weeks efficiently ameliorates early hippocampal-dependent spatial learning and memory deficits in APPSw,Ind transgenic mice. The cognitive benefits of enrichment in APPSw,Ind transgenic mice were associated with increased number, dendritic length and projections to the CA3 region of the most mature adult newborn neurons. By contrast, Aβ levels and the total number of neurons in the dentate gyrus were unchanged by EE in APPSw,Ind mice. These results suggest that promoting the survival and maturation of adult generated newborn neurons in the hippocampus may contribute to cognitive benefits in AD mouse models

HTLV-1 infection in solid organ transplant donors and recipients in Spain

HTLV-1 infection is a neglected disease, despite infecting 10-15 million people worldwide and severe illnesses develop in 10% of carriers lifelong. Acknowledging a greater risk for developing HTLV-1 associated illnesses due to immunosuppression, screening is being widely considered in the transplantation setting. Herein, we report the experience with universal HTLV testing of donors and recipients of solid organ transplants in a survey conducted in Spain. All hospitals belonging to the Spanish HTLV network were invited to participate in the study. Briefly, HTLV antibody screening was performed retrospectively in all specimens collected from solid organ donors and recipients attended since the year 2008. A total of 5751 individuals were tested for HTLV antibodies at 8 sites. Donors represented 2312 (42.2%), of whom 17 (0.3%) were living kidney donors. The remaining 3439 (59.8%) were recipients. Spaniards represented nearly 80%. Overall, 9 individuals (0.16%) were initially reactive for HTLV antibodies. Six were donors and 3 were recipients. Using confirmatory tests, HTLV-1 could be confirmed in only two donors, one Spaniard and another from Colombia. Both kidneys of the Spaniard were inadvertently transplanted. Subacute myelopathy developed within 1 year in one recipient. The second recipient seroconverted for HTLV-1 but the kidney had to be removed soon due to rejection. Immunosuppression was stopped and 3 years later the patient remains in dialysis but otherwise asymptomatic. The rate of HTLV-1 is low but not negligible in donors/recipients of solid organ transplants in Spain. Universal HTLV screening should be recommended in all donor and recipients of solid organ transplantation in Spain. Evidence is overwhelming for very high virus transmission and increased risk along with the rapid development of subacute myelopathy