Conversación 2.0. y democracia. Análisis de los comentarios de los lectores en la prensa digital catalana.

Las audiencias activas adquieren protagonismo y revitalizan potencialmente la conversación con su participación en los canales de los ciberdiarios. Sin embargo, es necesario conocer cómo es esa participación. Este artículo indaga sobre la Conversación 2.0. a través del mecanismo más popular: los comentarios de los lectores a las noticias. Estudiar su marco ético y jurídico y analizar si asistimos a un diálogo plural y respetuoso que contribuye a la construcción democrática de la sociedad son algunos de los objetivos de una investigación realizada para el Consell de la Informació de Catalunya, que analiza los comentarios de siete diarios digitales catalanes

DEFINICIÓN DE UN PROTOCOLO PARA LA REALIZACIÓN DE AUDITORÍAS ENERGÉTICAS EN INSTALACIONES GANADERAS: APLICACIÓN EN PEQUEÑAS Y MEDIANAS EXPLOTACIONES

En el presente trabajo se muestran los resultados de un proyecto desarrollado en España bajo los auspicios del Instituto para la Diversificación y Ahorro de la Energía (IDAE), el Ente Regional de la Energía de Castilla y León (EREN) y la Unión de Pequeños Agricultores (UPA), y aplicado en la región de Castilla y León, zona con un perfil productivo eminentemente agrícola y ganadero, cuyo objetivo fue la definición de un protocolo para la realización de auditorías energéticas en instalaciones ganaderas, focalizando aquellas de tamaño pequeño y mediano. En el protocolo se desarrolló la metodología para la caracterización y la formulación de mejoras de los siguientes elementos: Características constructivas, suministros energéticos, iluminación, motores eléctricos, calefacción, refrigeración y ventilación, energías renovables, equipamientos de aprovechamiento energético de residuos y equipamientos de control. El protocolo fue validado con la realización de auditorías energéticas en 15 explotaciones: 5 de vacuno lechero, 5 de ovino lechero, 3 de porcino de engorde y 2 de pollos de carne. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que con las medidas de eficiencia energética propuestas se consiguen ahorros medios en los consumos energéticos del 18 %, lo cual significa una disminución media del coste económico del 24,28 %

Analysis of Li-ion battery degradation using self-organizing maps

This paper proposes a new methodology to identify the different degradation processes of Li-Ion battery cells. The goal of this study is to determine if different degradation factors can be separated by waveform analysis from aged cells with similar remaining capacity. In contrast to other works, the proposed method identifies the past operating conditions in the cell, regardless of the actual State of Health. The methodology is based on a data-driven approach by using a SOM (Self-organizing map), an unsupervised neural network. To verify the hypothesis a SOM has been trained with laboratory data from whole data cycles, to classify cells concerning their degradation path and according to their discharge voltage patterns. Additionally, this new methodology based on the SOM allows discriminating groups of cells with different cycling conditions (based on depth of discharge, ambient temperature and discharge current). This research line is very promising for classification of used cells, not only depending on their current static parameters (capacity, impedance), but also the battery use in their past life. This will allow making predictions of the Remaining Useful Life (RUL) of a battery with greater precision

Dimensionality and reliability of the online version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) in a large Colombian sample : Results from the PSY-COVID study

Altres ajuts: acords transformatius de la UABThe Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) is an ultra-brief screening instrument to measure depressive and anxiety symptoms. This study evaluated the dimensionality and reliability of the online version of the PHQ-4 in a large sample of the general population in Colombia. Data were collected during the first phase of lockdown measures occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 18,061 adult participants completed the online version of the PHQ-4. The characteristics of the items and subscales were explored. Dimensionality was examined using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), including an examination of invariance (configural, metric, and scalar) across socio-demographic characteristics. Reliability indices were computed and known-groups validity was addressed by estimating associations between PHQ-4 scores and socio-demographic characteristics. The CFA showed significantly adequate fit indices for the expected two-factor structure, being invariant across gender, age, income level, education level, and region. Internal consistency was satisfactory for the PHQ-2 (α =.83), the GAD-2 (α =.79), and the PHQ-4 (α =.86). Higher scores on depressive (PHQ-2), anxiety (GAD-2), and psychological distress (PHQ-4) symptoms in females and young people, and those respondents with lower income, unemployed, and lower level of education were observed. The findings indicate that the PHQ-4 is a reliable scale for depressive and anxiety symptoms among adult Colombian people, being recommendable this tool for online surveys

Effectiveness of a Multicomponent Treatment based on Pain Neuroscience Education, Therapeutic Exercise, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Mindfulness in Patients with Fibromyalgia (FIBROWALK study) : A Randomized Controlled Trial

Methods. A randomised controlled trial (RCT) was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week multicomponent treatment based on pain neuroscience education, therapeutic exercise, cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness, in addition to treatment as usual (TAU), compared to TAU only in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). The multicomponent treatment (2h weekly sessions) was delivered in groups of 20 participants. TAU was mainly based on pharmacotherapy. We collected data on functional impairment (the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire [FIQR], as primary outcome), pain, fatigue, kinesiophobia, physical function, anxiety, and depressive symptoms (secondary outcomes) at baseline, at 12 weeks and, for the multicomponent group only, at 6 and 9 months. An intention to treat approach was used to analyse between-group differences. We also analysed baseline differences between responders (> 20% FIQR reduction) and non-responders and computed the number needed to treat (NNT). Results. A total of 272 patients with FM were randomly assigned to either the multicomponent treatment (n = 135) or TAU (n = 137). Significant between-group differences (p .80) were found for functional impairment, pain, kinesiophobia, and physical function, whilst differences with a moderate size effect (Cohen's d > 0.50 and < 0.80) were found for fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Non-responders scored higher on depressive symptoms than responders at baseline. The number needed to treat was 2 (95% CI 1.7 - 2.3). Conclusions. Our results indicate that, when compared to TAU, the multicomponent treatment was effective for improving FM-related symptoms. Nevertheless, we must temper our findings in light of some methodological limitations in the study design. Impact statement. This is the first RCT showing positive effects on a wide range of clinical outcomes of a multicomponent treatment that integrates pain neuroscience education for patients with fibromyalgia. This work reports promising results and it might be the first step towards a paradigm shift in the management of fibromyalgia

Proof of concept of a treatment for fibromyalgia based on physical activity, psychological support, and exposure to nature (NAT-FM)

Aim: To provide a preliminary assessment of the efficacy of the NAT-FM protocol as a complimentary treatment in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). Methods: A trial was conducted, with two arms: TAU (n = 6) and TAU+NAT-FM (n = 6). Results: There was a reduction in physical limitations and anxious/depressive symptoms and an improvement in positive affect in the intervention group. Also, this group showed a decrease in pain, catastrophizing, negative affect, and positively refocusing, and an increase in positive affect. Intrasession assessments showed an increase in positive affect, self-efficacy, and energy, along with a decrease in stress. Intersession assessments revealed an increase in pain, valence, and dominance. Conclusion: The results suggest the appropriateness of the NAT-FM protocol

Effectiveness of a Multicomponent treatment for fibromyalgia based on Pain neuroscience education, Exercise therapy, Psychological support, and Nature exposure (NAT-FM): A Pragmatic randomized controlled trial

A recent study (FIBROWALK) has supported the effectiveness of a multicomponent treatment based on pain neuroscience education (PNE), exercise therapy (TE), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness in patients with fibromyalgia. The aim of the present RCT was: (a) to analyze the effectiveness of a 12-week multicomponent treatment (nature activity therapy for fibromyalgia, NAT-FM) based on the same therapeutic components described above plus nature exposure to maximize improvements in functional impairment (primary outcome), as well as pain, fatigue, anxiety-depression, physical functioning, positive and negative a ect, self-esteem, and perceived stress (secondary outcomes), and kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing thoughts, personal perceived competence, and cognitive emotion regulation (process variables) compared with treatment as usual (TAU); (b) to preliminarily assess the e ects of the nature-based activities included (yoga, Nordic walking, nature photography, and Shinrin Yoku); and (c) to examine whether the positive effects of TAU + NAT-FM on primary and secondary outcomes at post-treatment were mediated through baseline to six-week changes in process variables. A total of 169 FM patients were randomized into two study arms: TAU + NAT-FM vs. TAU alone. Data were collected at baseline, at six-week of treatment, at post-treatment, and throughout treatment by ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Using an intention to treat (ITT) approach, linear mixed-e ects models and mediational models through path analyses were computed. Overall, TAU + NAT-FM was significantly more e ective than TAU at posttreatment for the primary and secondary outcomes evaluated, as well as for the process variables. Moderate-to-large effect sizes were achieved at six-weeks for functional impairment, anxiety, kinesiophobia, perceived competence, and positive reappraisal. The number needed to treat (NNT) was 3 (95%CI = 1.6-3.2). The nature activities yielded an improvement in affective valence, arousal, dominance, fatigue, pain, stress, and self-effcacy. Kinesiophobia and perceived competence were the mediators that could explain a significant part of the improvements obtained with TAU + NAT-FM treatment. TAU + NAT-FM is an e ective co-adjuvant multicomponent treatment for improving FM-related symptoms

Immunitat de grup : els adults joves, fora del ramat?

Un estudi troba que la confiança en actors clau en la gestió de crisis sanitàries, les actituds, la informació i les creences conspiratives eren claus per predir si els joves adults rebutjaven vacunar-se contra el virus SARS-CoV-2. Per tant, en cas d'una possible nova crisi sanitària, serà cabdal una adequada gestió de la comunicació per part dels actors implicats.Un estudio halla que la confianza en actores clave en la gestión de crisis sanitarias, las actitudes, la información y las creencias conspirativas eran claves para predecir si los jóvenes adultos rechazaban vacunarse contra el virus SARS-CoV-2. Por tanto, ante una posible nueva crisis sanitaria, será primordial una adecuada gestión de la comunicación por parte de los actores implicados.Study finds trust in key actors in health crisis management, attitudes, information, and conspiratorial beliefs were key to predicting whether young adults refused to be vaccinated against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Therefore, in the face of a possible new health crisis, proper communication management by the actors involved will be absolutely essential

The knee prosthesis constraint dilemma: Biomechanical comparison between varus-valgus constrained implants and rotating hinge prosthesis. A cadaver study

The real degree of constriction of rotating hinge knee (RHK) and condylar constrained prostheses (CCK) is a matter of discussion in revision knee arthroplasty. The objectives of this study are to compare the tibial rotation of both implants and validate the use of inertial sensors with optical tracking system as movement measurement tools. A total of 16 cadaver knees were used. Eight knees were replaced using a RHK (Endomodel LINK), and the remaining eight received a CCK prosthesis (LCCK, Zimmer). Tibial rotation range of motion was measured in full extension and at 30°, 60°, and 90° of flexion, with four continuous waveforms for each measurement. Measurements were made using two inertial sensors with specific software and compared with measurements obtained using the gold standard technique - the motion capture camera. The comparison of the accuracy of both measurement methods showed no statistically significant differences between inertial sensors and motion capture cameras, with p > .1; the mean error for tibial rotation was 0.21°. Tibial rotation in the RHK was significantly greater than in the CCK (5.25° vs. 2.28°, respectively), p < .05. We have shown that RHK permit greater tibial rotation, being closer to physiological values than CCKs. Inertial sensors have been validated as an effective and accurate method of measuring knee movement. The clinical significance: RHK appears to represent a lower constriction degree than CCK systems.This study wassupported by Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Instituto de Salud Carlos III and European Regional Development Fund "Una manera de hacer Europa" (grant number PI18/01625

Characterization of wood-laden flows in rivers

Inorganic sediment is not the only solid‐fraction component of river flows; flows may also carry significant amounts of large organic material (i.e., large wood), but the characteristics of these wood‐laden flows (WLF) are not well understood yet. With the aim to shed light on these relatively unexamined phenomena, we collected home videos showing natural flows with wood as the main solid component. Analyses of these videos as well as the watersheds and streams where the videos were recorded allowed us to define for the first time WLF, describe the main characteristics of these flows and broaden the definition of wood transport regimes (adding a new regime called here hypercongested wood transport). According to our results, WLF may occur repeatedly, in a large range of catchment sizes, generally in steep, highly confined single thread channels in mountain areas. WLF are typically highly unsteady and the log motion is non‐uniform, as described for other inorganic sediment‐laden flows (e.g., debris flows). The conceptual integration of wood into our understanding of flow phenomena is illustrated by a novel classification defining the transition from clear water to hypercongested, wood and sediment‐laden flows, according to the composition of the mixture (sediment, wood, and water). We define the relevant metrics for the quantification and modelling of WLF, including an exhaustive discussion of different modelling approaches (i.e., Voellmy, Bingham and Manning) and provide a first attempt to simulate WLF. We draw attention to WLF phenomena to encourage further field, theoretical, and experimental investigations that may contribute to a better understanding of flows river basins, leading to more accurate predictions, and better hazard mitigation and management strategies