Análisis de la sensibilidad del ensayo de resonancia por impacto como herramienta para determinar las propiedades elásticas de materiales bituminosos

The modulus value of bituminous materials is a key factor in the design of road pavements and the estimation of their life service. This parameter can be measured in laboratory but, unfortunately, this requires the deterioration of the pavement so as the consumption of time and resources. Therefore, this study analyses the feasibility of using impact resonance frequency tests as an alternative to traditional methods for determining the dynamic modulus of bituminous mixtures. The sensitivity of this technique has been studied by analyzing its repeatability and reproducibility, studying the variations in the values measured by modifying the dimensions of the specimens, test temperatures and types of mixture tested. In addition, this non-destructive technique has been compared with other traditional tests used to determine the elastic properties of bituminous materials. The results show that this test could be an interesting tool to characterize the properties and damage state of asphalt layers.El valor de módulo de los materiales bituminosos es un factor clave en el diseño de pavimentos y la estimación de su vida de servicio. Este parámetro puede ser medido en laboratorio pero, desafortunadamente, esto requiere deteriorar el pavimento así como el consumo de tiempo y recursos. Por ello, este estudio analiza la viabilidad de usar el ensayo de frecuencia de resonancia mediante impacto como alternativa a los métodos tradicionales para determinar el módulo dinámico de mezclas bituminosas. La sensibilidad de esta técnica se ha estudiado analizando su repetibilidad y reproducibilidad, estudiando variaciones en los valores medidos al modificar dimensiones de probetas, temperaturas y tipos de mezcla ensayados. Además, esta técnica no destructiva se ha comparado con otros ensayos tradicionales empleados para determinar propiedades elásticas de materiales bituminosos. Los resultados muestran este ensayo como una herramienta interesante para caracterizar las propiedades y estado de daño de las capas de asfalto

Impact of uterine manipulator on oncological outcome in endometrial cancer surgery

Background: There are limited data available to indicate whether oncological outcomes might be influenced by the uterine manipulator, which is used at the time of hysterectomy for minimally invasive surgery in patients with endometrial cancer. The current evidence derives from retrospective studies with limited sample sizes. Without substantial evidence to support its use, surgeons are required to make decisions about its use based only on their personal choice and surgical experience. Objective: To evaluate the use of the uterine manipulator on oncological outcomes after minimally invasive surgery, for apparent early-stage endometrial cancer. Study Design: We performed a retrospective multicentric study to assess the oncological safety of uterine manipulator use in patients with apparent early-stage endometrial cancer, treated with minimally invasive surgery. The type of manipulator, surgical staging, histology, lymphovascular space invasion, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, adjuvant treatment, recurrence, and pattern of recurrence were evaluated. The primary objective was to determine the relapse rate. The secondary objective was to determine recurrence-free survival, overall survival, and the pattern of recurrence. Results: A total of 2661 women from 15 centers were included; 1756 patients underwent hysterectomy with a uterine manipulator and 905 without it. Both groups were balanced with respect to histology, tumor grade, myometrial invasion, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, and adjuvant therapy. The rate of recurrence was 11.69% in the uterine manipulator group and 7.4% in the no-manipulator group (P<.001). The use of the uterine manipulator was associated with a higher risk of recurrence (hazard ratio, 2.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.27–4.20; P=.006). The use of uterine manipulator in uterus-confined endometrial cancer (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics [FIGO] I–II) was associated with lower disease-free survival (hazard ratio, 1.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.57–0.97; P=.027) and higher risk of death (hazard ratio, 1.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–2.83; P=.026). No differences were found regarding the pattern of recurrence between both groups (chi-square statistic, 1.74; P=.63). Conclusion: In this study, the use of a uterine manipulator was associated with a worse oncological outcome in patients with uterus-confined endometrial cancer (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics I–II) who underwent minimally invasive surgery. Prospective trials are essential to confirm these results

Modelling human choices: MADeM and decision‑making

Research supported by FAPESP 2015/50122-0 and DFG-GRTK 1740/2. RP and AR are also part of the Research, Innovation and Dissemination Center for Neuromathematics FAPESP grant (2013/07699-0). RP is supported by a FAPESP scholarship (2013/25667-8). ACR is partially supported by a CNPq fellowship (grant 306251/2014-0)

Health habits in schoolchildren in urban and rural areas

Introducción. En los primeros años de vida se produce la asimilación e interiorización de los hábitos de salud que van a condicionar la vida adulta, siendo fundamentales las características socioambientales para la adquisición de los mismos. Objetivos Nos planteamos conocer los hábitos de salud que presentan los escolares de dos zonas geográficas contrapuestas: la urbana y la rural. Metodología Se ha realizado un estudio descriptivo con alumnos de 10 y 11 años de una zona urbana y de una rural, llevándose a cabo una prueba de comparación de dos proporciones de muestras independientes. Resultados. Se han recogido 104 encuestas (21.2% de ámbito rural) en las cuales se observa la existencia de un porcentaje importante en cuanto a la falta de hábito de lavado de manos e higiene dental se refiere. Respecto a la alimentación, existe un pequeño número de niños que acuden al colegio sin desayunar y, en caso de hacerlo, es considerable el porcentaje obtenido en el consumo de bollería y zumos envasados, apreciándose un déficit en el de verduras y pescados. Aunque mayoritariamente realizan actividad física, el 10% no la hacen nunca. Asimismo se aprecia un excesivo uso del televisor preferido frente a otros hábitos. En lo relacionado con el tabaquismo, cabe destacar que un 30% conviven con fumadores, y un 6% han probado el tabaco. En lo referente al alcohol un porcentaje importante (4.8%-19.5%) ya lo ha probado mayoritariamente en el ámbito familiar. Conclusiones La finalidad del estudio es el de servir como punto de partida para la planificación de futuras actuaciones, ya que indica la existencia de situaciones de riesgo: alteraciones en la salud bucodental por déficit de cuidados e higiene, hábitos alimenticios incorrectos, hábitos sedentarios e inicio temprano de consumo o contacto con sustancias tóxicas.ABSTRACT Introduction.In the first years of life assimilation occurs and the understanding of health habits that will shape adult life, and these socio-environmental characteristics are fundamental for the acquisition of health habits. Objectives. This study is aimed at ascertaining the health habits of schoolchildren from two opposing geographical areas (urban and rural). Methodology. We performed a descriptive study of students aged 10/11 years old from urban and rural areas, performing a comparison test of two proportions from independent samples. Results. 104 surveys were obtained (21.2% from rural areas). There is a significant percentage which refers to a lack of hand washing and dental hygiene habits. With regard to food there is a small percentage of children who come to school without breakfast, among those who did, it was found that a significant percentage have pastries and packaged juices showing a lack in consumption of vegetables and fish. Although largely physically inactive, 10% never take exercise. There is high television consumption and other habits are that, 30% live with smokers and 6% have tried snuff. A significant percentage (4.8% -19.5%) have tried alcohol, mostly in the family. Conclusions. The study should serve as a starting point for planning future actions, and indicates the existence of risk: changes in oral health due to a lack of care and hygiene, bad eating habits, sedentary habits and the early onset of contact with consumption, or with toxic substance

An Interlaboratory Test Program on the Extensive Use of Waste Aggregates in Asphalt Mixtures: Preliminary Steps

In view of increasing social and environmental consciousness, a circular approach in waste materials management in order to convert them into new secondary resources is becoming more necessary. Given this context, an interlaboratory testing program (ILTP) focusing on maximizing the use of waste aggregates replacing conventional virgin ones has been launched in the framework of the RILEM Technical Committee on \u201cValorisation of Waste and Secondary Materials for Roads\u201d. Construction and demolition wastes, recycled concrete aggregates and steel slags were selected as waste aggregates to be investigated. A reference mixture prepared with natural virgin aggregates was also considered for comparison purposes. This paper describes the results achieved during the first steps of the ILTP concerning: (i) the basic characterization of the selected marginal aggregates; (ii) the Marshall mix design of different asphalt mixtures prepared with one or more waste aggregates. Overall, the experimental results collected during these preliminary steps seem to confirm that the selected marginal aggregates can be considered as valid alternatives for the traditional road materials, while not jeopardizing their performance

Diagnosis accuracy of two vision screeners for visual health surveillance of workers who use video display terminals

Objective: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of two vision screeners by a visual examination performed by an optometrist (gold standard) and to evaluate the concordance between both screeners and between each screener and the gold standard. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that included computer workers who attended a routine yearly health examination. The study included administrative office workers (n=91) aged 50.2±7.9 years (mean±standard deviation), 69.2% of whom were women and 68.1% of whom used video display terminals (VDT) for >4 h/day. The routine visual examination included monocular and binocular distance visual acuity (VA), distance and near lateral phoria (LP), stereo acuity (SA), and color vision. Tests were repeated with Optec 6500 (by Stereo Optical) and Visiotest (by Essilor) screeners. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), negative predictive values (NPV), and false positive and negative rates were calculated. Kappa coefficient (κ) was used to measure the concordance of the screeners and the gold standard. Results: The sensitivity and specificity for monocular VA were over 80% for both vision screeners; PPV was below 25%. Sensitivity and specificity were lower for SA (55%-70%), PPV was 50%, and NPV was 75% for both screeners. For distance LP, sensitivity and PPV were <10% in both cases. The screeners differed in their values for near LP: Optec 6500 had higher sensitivity (43.5%), PPV (37.0%), and NPV (79.7%); whereas the Visiotest had higher specificity (83.8%). For color vision, Visiotest showed low sensitivity, low PPV, and high specificity. Visiotest obtained false positive rates that were lower or similar to Optec 6500, and both screeners obtained false negative rates below 50%. Both screeners showed poor concordance (κ<0.40). Conclusions: A high value for NPV would qualify both screeners as acceptable alternatives for visual health surveillance when used as a screening tool; patients with positive test results should be referred to a specialist.This study has been partially funded by the Generalitat Valenciana (Conselleria de Sanidad 003/2009)

Solar Cell Efficiency Enhancement Through Down-Shifting and Up-Converting Layers: the Ephocell Project: Luminescent Downshifting Quantum Yield Measurements

Organic cells and dye-sensitized cells developed to-date have a narrow active absorption range, relative to the spectral range of the available solar resource. Their efficiency could be significantly enhanced through a process of down-shifting (DS) and up-conversion of non-absorbable photons converting them to photons better matching the spectral response of the particular solar cell. The DS molecules must exhibit a large Stokes shift and high luminescent quantum yield when incorporated in the downshifting polymer layer. In this paper, the QY of a downshifting Europium (III) complex in solution is determined using two distinct experimental techniques. The QY is measured for varying concentration and at varying excitation wavelength

Genetic algorithm based on support vector machines for computer vision syndrome classification

International Joint Conference SOCO’17-CISIS’17-ICEUTE’17 (2017. León, Spain