Adaptation Strategies and Resilience to Climate Change of Historic Dwellings

Historic city centres have a large amount of dwellings in Europe, which were built to provide a comfortable shelter with the absence of mechanical means. The knowledge of climate responsive design strategies can play a significant role in reducing the energy demand of extant buildings, paving the way for its sustainable development in the face of the rising threat to its occupants of climate change. The residential architecture, developed, in most cases, in dense urban centres, was built using both available materials and traditional and academic construction technologies. This paper thoroughly investigates the extant urban conglomerate in Cádiz and analyses, in a qualitative and quantitative manner, which bioclimatic design strategies were applied and the city’s adaptation for future climate scenarios. The results indicate that historic housing in Cádiz is creatively adapted to the local natural conditions by means of a combination of climate responsive strategies, and there is significant scope for improvement in the ongoing response to global warming

Applying the mixed-mode with an adaptive approach to reduce the energy poverty in social dwellings: The case of Spain

Fuel poverty is a pressing issue in several European countries, and Spain is no exception. Traditionally, it has been associated with cold conditions, but recent studies in the field have stressed its prevalence in warm countries too, during summer. Further, forecasts of climate change for these territories predict more severe summers. This envisages a scenario where low-income families might suffer from fuel poverty due to their inability to afford the energy bill to cool their homes, for tackling which the European Union and its member states are devising strategies. Adaptive comfort models have emerged as a sustainable and resilient approach in this regard. This study aims at clarifying how a change in the behavioural patterns of users, following the adaptive model might reduce the incidence of fuel poverty, compared to the static model based solely on active cooling. For this purpose, a common typology of social dwelling has been simulated in 10 cities representative of the diverse climates of Spain; both the current and future climate change scenarios have been considered. Results indicate that the mixed-mode is effective in alleviating fuel poverty not only in the present scenario, but also in 2050 and 2100, except for the most underprivileged households earning less than 500 € per month. The outcomes of this study will be of use to policy makers, designers, and stakeholders in targeting families in need for specific subsidies to afford a comfortable environment during summer.Fuel poverty is a pressing issue in several European countries, and Spain is no exception. Traditionally, it has been associated with cold conditions, but recent studies in the field have stressed its prevalence in warm countries too, during summer. Further, forecasts of climate change for these territories predict more severe summers. This envisages a scenario where low-income families might suffer from fuel poverty due to their inability to afford the energy bill to cool their homes, for tackling which the European Union and its member states are devising strategies. Adaptive comfort models have emerged as a sustainable and resilient approach in this regard. This study aims at clarifying how a change in the behavioural patterns of users, following the adaptive model might reduce the incidence of fuel poverty, compared to the static model based solely on active cooling. For this purpose, a common typology of social dwelling has been simulated in 10 cities representative of the diverse climates of Spain; both the current and future climate change scenarios have been considered. Results indicate that the mixed-mode is effective in alleviating fuel poverty not only in the present scenario, but also in 2050 and 2100, except for the most underprivileged households earning less than 500 € per month. The outcomes of this study will be of use to policy makers, designers, and stakeholders in targeting families in need for specific subsidies to afford a comfortable environment during summer

Características hidroquímicas de un acuífero kárstico sobreexplotado: el caso del Cabeçó d’Or (SE de España)

The karstic system of the Cabeçó d’Or is a small overexploited aquifer where water level declined by more than 200 m from the early sixties to 1987. After this year the water level has recovered 20 m and it has been almost stabilized. The waters of this aquifer are calcium-sulphate type and show a clear thermal positive anomaly. Mineralization has been related to the presence at depth of evaporite deposits (Keuper facies) rich in gypsum. The processes occurring in the aquifer include the dissolution of gypsum, calcite and dolomite, and the precipitation of calcite. Lower concentration in sodium than chloride shows a cation exchange processes between water and clay minerals. These processes could be favoured by the input of CO2. The content of carbon-13 could be related to the deep CO2 inputs. Fractures within the study area appear to be responsible for the temperature and CO2 anomalies, as well as for the elevated concentrations of radon and radium encountered in these waters. Oxygen-18 and carbon-13 have remained relatively constant, reflecting the relatively stable hydrogeochemical conditions. This hydrogeochemical stability over time is interpreted as an indication that overexploitation of the aquifer has not induced any significant deterioration in water quality. The thermal anomaly of groundwater can be responsible of a mixing processes what prevent a vertical hydrogeochemical zoning.El sistema kárstico del Cabeçó d’Or es un pequeño acuífero sobreexplotado donde los niveles han descendido más de 200 m entre los años 60 y 1987. Después de ese año los niveles han recuperado 20 m y se han estabilizado. Las aguas de este acuífero son sulfatadas cálcicas y presentan un claro carácter termal. Su mineralización ha sido relacionada con la presencia de rocas evaporíticas (facies Keuper rica en yesos) en profundidad. Algunos de los procesos que tienen lugar en el seno del acuífero son la disolución de yeso, calcita, dolomita y precipitación de calcita. Las menores concentraciones de sodio que de cloruro apuntan a procesos de intercambio iónico entre el agua con minerales de la arcilla. Estos procesos podrían estar favorecidos por la entrada de CO2. Los contenidos de carbono-13 parecen estar relacionados con la existencia de aportes de CO2 de origen profundo. Las fracturas de gran envergadura existentes en el área de estudio parecen ser las responsables del ascenso calorífico, del CO2, así como de las elevadas concentraciones de radón y radio encontradas en estas aguas. Los contenidos de oxígeno-18 y carbono-13 han permanecido relativamente constantes, lo que manifiesta unas condiciones hidrogeológicas e hidrogeoquímicas bastante estables. La relativa estabilidad hidrogeoquímica a lo largo del tiempo se manifiesta como un indicador de que la sobreexplotación del acuífero no ha originado cambios significativos en el deterioro de la calidad del agua. La anomalía termal del agua subterránea de este acuífero puede ser responsable de los procesos de mezcla, lo que dificulta la existencia de una zonación hidrogeoquímica en la vertical.This work was carried out within the framework of the projects AMB95-0493 and HID99-0597 (CICYT)

Radiative Heat Transfer for Curvilinear Surfaces

Curved surfaces have not been thoroughly considered in radiative transfer analysis mainly due to the difficulties arising from the integration process and perhaps because of the lack of spatial vision of researchers. When dealing with them, application of the iterative method or direct calculation through integration does not provide with an exact solution, so that only approximate expressions or tables are given for a very limited number of forms. In this way, a vast repertoire of significant shapes remains neglected and energy waste is evident. For this reason, further research on the matter, starting from a different approach was considered worth doing. In previous researches from the authors, form factor calculation has been undertaken for several types of emitters. In all cases, geometric properties of those, revealed as the most powerful tool that shapes radiant interchange. This included mainly rectangular shapes, plane forms and the volumes that can be composed with such primary geometries

Sistema IoT para la monitorización de gases contaminantes en pila de compost.

Pollution is a significant environmental issue that continues to have profound effects on human health and the planet’s ecosystems. One notable source of pollution is greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to global climate change. Composting, a popular method of organic waste management, has the potential to reduce pollution by diverting waste from landfills and producing a nutrient-rich soil amendment. However, the environmental impact of composting is not well understood, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. This article proposes an IoT system to monitor the data of different greenhouse gases, temperature, and humidity of a compost pile to know the carbon footprint during the composting process and even reduce it by modifying the process thanks to real-time monitoring of the parameters of interest.Este trabajo ha sido realizado dentro de la iniciativa Smart- Campus de la Universidad de Málaga, colaboración con el resto del equipo de desarrollo del proyecto UMA Composta financiado por el II Plan Propio de Smart-Campus de la Universidad de Málaga. Los autores agradecen la labor de los demás miembros de los grupos de investigación parte de este proyecto. También ha sido parcialmente financiado a través del II Plan Propio de Investigación y Transferencia de la Universidad de Málaga

L-arginine ameliorates defective autophagy in GM2 gangliosidoses by mTOR modulation

Aims: Tay–Sachs and Sandhoff diseases (GM2 gangliosidosis) are autosomal recessive disorders of lysosomal function that cause progressive neurodegeneration in infants and young children. Impaired hydrolysis catalysed by β-hexosaminidase A (HexA) leads to the accumulation of GM2 ganglioside in neuronal lysosomes. Despite the storage phenotype, the role of autophagy and its regulation by mTOR has yet to be explored in the neuropathogenesis. Accordingly, we investigated the effects on autophagy and lysosomal integrity using skin fibroblasts obtained from patients with Tay–Sachs and Sandhoff diseases. Results: Pathological autophagosomes with impaired autophagic flux, an abnormality confirmed by electron microscopy and biochemical studies revealing the accelerated release of mature cathepsins and HexA into the cytosol, indicating increased lysosomal permeability. GM2 fibroblasts showed diminished mTOR signalling with reduced basal mTOR activity. Accordingly, provision of a positive nutrient signal by L-arginine supplementation partially restored mTOR activity and ameliorated the cytopathological abnormalities. Innovation: Our data provide a novel molecular mechanism underlying GM2 gangliosidosis. Impaired autophagy caused by insufficient lysosomal function might represent a new therapeutic target for these diseases. Conclusions: We contend that the expression of autophagy/lysosome/mTOR-associated molecules may prove useful peripheral biomarkers for facile monitoring of treatment of GM2 gangliosidosis and neurodegenerative disorders that affect the lysosomal function and disrupt autophagy

New Computational Techniques for Solar Radiation in Architecture

Many architectural examples rank among masterpieces for its beautiful and harmonious use of solar radiation. However, their creation had to rely solely on intuition because they possessed a curvilinear nature. As the necessary tools required for evaluating shapes derived from the sphere or the circle were not available, such forms could not be assessed. Circular emitters represent an important issue not merely in architecture but in the field of configuration factors calculation. The circle form is present in a variety of devices and emitters that find ample application in the realms of thermal engineering, daylighting in architecture and artificial light, amongst others. In the past, several factors have been found for specific positions of the unit area in relation to the sources of such surface, centered with respect to the circle, but not for a generic location whether parallel or inclined. In this respect, perpendicular semicircles have been totally disregarded. As a result, calculation for the said configuration factors was sustained by iterative methods, which do not provide the desired accuracy in every situation and also require considerable effort and time in terms of computational capacity. In previous researches, new configuration factors have been devised for complex forms and shapes, such as the paraboloid, the ellipsoid, the sphere and the straight cone, which are ever present in architecture and engineering. What is more, several configurations of volumes that include similar elements could also be assessed by virtue of adroit mathematical deduction. As a result, researchers and designers were provided with new configuration factors, so that the design process is entirely freed from iterative methods. In this chapter, an exact analytical solution derived from complex double integration is presented. The expression obtained significantly soothes the calculation of the configuration factor between a circular emitter and a point that lies in a plane located at any position to the former, not only in an axis perpendicular to its center. Those results were checked against more conventional formulas. Based on such calculus procedures, an entirely new factor for the semicircle to a perpendicular plane that contains the straight edge has been deducted. Likewise, the solution has been converted into an original algorithm and programmed in simulation software developed by the authors so that interactive maps of the radiative field can be visualized in a consistent and accurate way. Thus, computer simulation techniques, engineering and image applications will be greatly enhanced and benefitted

La Imagen y la Narrativa como Herramientas para el Abordaje Psicosocial en Escenarios de Violencia. Departamento de Cundinamarca.

Durante décadas, Colombia ha padecido las inclemencias del conflicto armado, el accionar delictivo de grupos al margen de la ley, el narcotráfico, el inconformismo social y político, la confrontación de poderes, posiciones ideológicas y vulneración de derechos, trayendo consigo las víctimas del conflicto armado, y naturalizando acciones terroríficas como el desplazamiento, la desaparición forzada, las masacres, las amenazas, el reclutamiento, el hostigamiento militar, la estigmatización, entre otros. Algunos de éstos fenómenos, analizados en éste documento, desde la realidad que relatan las narrativas, de individuos y colectivos, víctimas del conflicto armado. Primeramente, se analiza el relato de Camilo, un joven que permite evidenciar las repercusiones de la violencia en un joven afrocolombiano. Se determinan emergentes psicosociales, voces subjetivas y posicionamiento resiliente, a partir de la narrativa de Camilo. De igual manera, se formulan 9 preguntas, que permiten indagar sobre el caso estudiado, ampliando conocimientos, posturas y realidades subjetivas. Posteriormente, se continúa con el análisis del caso de Peñas Coloradas, comunidad víctima del conflicto armado, del hostigamiento militar, del desplazamiento y el destierro indefinido de su territorio, condiciones que conllevan otras situaciones difíciles como la pobreza, el hacinamiento, las agresiones y disfunciones psicosociales. A partir de éste caso, se hace un análisis y se plantean estrategias de abordaje psicosocial, con el fin de apoyar a las víctimas, acompañar su proceso de reconstrucción social y mitigar el impacto que ha ocasionado el experimentar esta situación de violencia. Para finalizar, se exhibe el informe que da cuenta de la experiencia de aplicación de la foto voz, como herramienta de interpretación de escenarios permeados por diversas formas de violencia fundamentadas en proyecciones de memorias individuales y colectivas, que identifican las huellas en la memoria y la capacidad para reconstruir la dignidad y trasformar voces invisibilizadas.For decades, Colombia has suffered the harshness of the armed conflict, the criminal actions of groups outside the law, drug trafficking, social and political nonconformism, the confrontation of powers, ideological positions and violation of rights, bringing with them the victims of the armed conflict, and naturalizing terrifying actions such as displacement, forced disappearance, massacres, threats, recruitment, military harassment, stigmatization, among others. Some of these phenomena, analyzed in this document, from the reality that relate the narratives of individuals and groups, victims of the armed conflict. First, we analyze the story of Camilo, a young man who can show the repercussions of violence on a young Afro-Colombian. Emerging psychosocial, subjective voices and resilient positioning are determined, based on Camilo’s narrative. In the same way, 9 questions are asked, which allow to inquire about the case studied, expanding knowledge, positions and subjective realities. Subsequently, we continue with the analysis of the case of Peñas Coloradas, a community victim of armed conflict, military harassment, displacement and indefinite banishment from its territory, conditions that lead to other difficult situations such as poverty, Overcrowding, abuse and psychosocial dysfunction. Based on this case, an analysis is made and strategies are proposed for a psychosocial approach, in order to support the victims, accompany their process of social reconstruction and mitigate the impact caused by experiencing this situation of violence. To conclude, we present the report that gives an account of the experience of applying photo voice, as a tool for interpreting scenarios permeated by various forms of violence based on projections of individual and collective memories, identifying traces in memory and the ability to rebuild dignity and transform invisible voices

Análisis de Costes y de Coste/Eficacia de las Pautas Recomendadas por GESIDA/Plan Nacional sobre el Sida en 2018 Para el Tratamiento Antirretroviral Inicial en Adultos Infectados Por el VIH

[Background]: The GESIDA/National AIDS Plan expert panel recommended preferred regimens (PR), alternative regimens (AR) and other regimens (OR) for antiretroviral treatment (ART) as initial therapy in HIV-infected patients for 2018. The objective of this study was to evaluate the costs and the efficiency of initiating treatment with PR and AR. [Methods]: Economic assessment of costs and efficiency (cost-effectiveness) based on decision tree analyses. Effectiveness was defined as the probability of reporting a viral load <50 copies/mL at week 48, in an intention-to-treat analysis. Cost of initiating treatment with an ART regimen was defined as the costs of ART and its consequences (adverse effects, changes of ART regimen, and drug-resistance studies) over the first 48 weeks. The payer perspective (National Health System) was applied considering only differential direct costs: ART (official prices), management of adverse effects, studies of resistance, and HLA B*5701 testing. The setting was Spain and the costs correspond to those of 2018. A deterministic sensitivity analysis was conducted, building three scenarios for each regimen: base case, most favourable and least favourable. [Results]: In the base-case scenario, the cost of initiating treatment ranges from 6788 euros for TAF/FTC/RPV (AR) to 10,649 euros for TAF/FTC + RAL (PR). The effectiveness varies from 0.82 for TAF/FTC + DRV/r (AR) to 0.91 for TAF/FTC + DTG (PR). The efficiency, in terms of cost-effectiveness, ranges from 7814 to 12,412 euros per responder at 48 weeks, for ABC/3TC/DTG (PR) and TAF/FTC + RAL (PR), respectively. [Conclusion]: Considering ART official prices, the most efficient regimen was ABC/3TC/DTG (PR), followed by TAF/FTC/RPV (AR) and TAF/FTC/EVG/COBI (AR).[Introducción]: El panel de expertos de GESIDA/Plan Nacional del Sida ha recomendado pautas preferentes (PP), pautas alternativas (PA) y otras pautas (OP) para el tratamiento antirretroviral (TAR) como terapia de inicio en pacientes infectados por VIH para 2018. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar los costes y la eficiencia de iniciar tratamiento con PP y PA. [Métodos]: Evaluación económica de costes y eficiencia (coste/eficacia) mediante construcción de árboles de decisión. Se definió eficacia como la probabilidad de tener carga viral <50 copias/ml en la semana 48 en análisis por intención de tratar. Se definió coste de iniciar tratamiento con una pauta como los costes del TAR y de todas sus consecuencias (efectos adversos, cambios de pauta y estudio de resistencias) que se producen en las siguientes 48 semanas. Se utilizó la perspectiva del Sistema Nacional de Salud, considerando solo costes directos diferenciales: TAR (a precio oficial), manejo de efectos adversos, estudios de resistencias y determinación de HLA-B*5701. El ámbito es España, con costes de 2018. Se realizó un análisis de sensibilidad determinista construyendo 3 escenarios para cada pauta: basal, más favorable y más desfavorable. [Resultados]: En el escenario basal, los costes de iniciar tratamiento oscilaron entre 6.788 para TAF/FTC/RPV (PA) y 10.649 para TAF/FTC + RAL (PP). La eficacia osciló entre 0,82 para TAF/FTC + DRV/r (PA) y 0,91 para TAF/FTC + DTG (PP). La eficiencia, en términos de coste/eficacia, osciló entre 7.814 y 12.412 por respondedor a las 48 semanas, para ABC/3TC/DTG (PP) y TAF/FTC + RAL (PP), respectivamente. [Conclusión]: Considerando el precio oficial del TAR, la pauta más eficiente fue ABC/3TC/DTG (PP), seguida de TAF/FTC/RPV (PA) y TAF/FTC/EVG/COBI (PA)