Anthropometric measures as predictive indicators of metabolic risk in a population of “holy week costaleros”

Preventive measures are a priority in those groups that perform intense physical efforts without physical preparation and that can also be overweight or obese. One of the groups that reflect these characteristics is the costaleros of the Holy Week of Andalusia, Spain. This paper aims to describe the effect of obesity on blood pressure. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 101 costaleros. The anthropometric measures were determined through segmental impedance. Cardiac recovery and anaerobic power were measured through the Ruffier–Dickson test and the Abalakov test, respectively. Blood pressure was measured when the individuals were at rest. The Kruskal–Wallis test was applied for of continuous parameters and the X2 test for dichotomous measures. Binary logistic regression models were used for the subsequent analysis with R-square and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves. The average population was 28 years of age, 173.7 cm tall, and 82.59 Kg weigh. The excess of body fat was 11.27 Kg and Body Mass Index was 27.33 Kg/m2. 72.3% showed abnormal blood pressure and 68.2% were overweight. 32.7% had a waist-hip ratio higher than 0.94. The probability of presenting abnormal blood pressure was higher among the subjects whose fat content was higher and muscle content was lower

Application of a Genetic Algorithm in a Fault-tolerant Filter

This paper presents an eighth order low-pass filter which has characteristics of fault tolerance through the use of evolvable hardware (EHW). A field programmable analog array (FPAA) is used to implement the filter under study. The reconfiguration process of the filter involves the execution of a genetic algorithm (GA) in an external computer, after a fault is detected. To perform the test of the filter, we assume that a frequency response characterization test is used. A parametric fault model that considers deviations in the values of one of the capacitors or one of the input amplifiers (IA) is used to evaluate the performance of developed GA. The results show that GA finds filter configurations that meet the restrictions set for all the simulated faults. Additionally, this work shows better results compared to those previously obtained using another EHW scheme for the same low-pass filter.Sociedad Argentina de Informática e Investigación Operativ

Application of a Genetic Algorithm in a Fault-tolerant Filter

This paper presents an eighth order low-pass filter which has characteristics of fault tolerance through the use of evolvable hardware (EHW). A field programmable analog array (FPAA) is used to implement the filter under study. The reconfiguration process of the filter involves the execution of a genetic algorithm (GA) in an external computer, after a fault is detected. To perform the test of the filter, we assume that a frequency response characterization test is used. A parametric fault model that considers deviations in the values of one of the capacitors or one of the input amplifiers (IA) is used to evaluate the performance of developed GA. The results show that GA finds filter configurations that meet the restrictions set for all the simulated faults. Additionally, this work shows better results compared to those previously obtained using another EHW scheme for the same low-pass filter.Sociedad Argentina de Informática e Investigación Operativ

Valor predictivo del sistema de alerta precoz obstétrica modificada (moews) en el diagnostico de sepsis severa en gestantes con corioamnionitis

Evaluar el valor predictivo del sistema de alerta precoz obstétrica modificado (MOEWS) en el diagnóstico de sepsis severa en gestantes con corioamnionitis atendidas en el Hospital Regional Docente de Trujillo durante el periodo de Enero del 2010 a Diciembre del 2014. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Realizamos un estudio observacional, analítico, de pruebas diagnósticas, que evaluó 150 gestantes ≥ 18 años de edad con diagnóstico de corioamnionitis, distribuidas en dos grupos (grupo I pacientes con sepsis severa y Grupo II pacientes sin sepsis severa). RESULTADOS: La edad promedio de las pacientes del grupo I fue 26,33 ± 10,12 años y en el grupo II fue 25,30 ± 6,74 años (p > 0,05); la edad gestacional promedio al momento del diagnóstico en el grupo I y II fueron 30,67 ± 5,37 y 33,71 ± 4,47 semanas (p > 0,05). El rendimiento del score MOEWS, para predecir sepsis severa en pacientes con corioamnionitis a un punto de corte ≥ 6 tuvieron como sensibilidad, especificidad, VPP y VPN para el día 1 de 33,33%, 98,64%, 33,33% y 98,64%; para el día 2 fueron 33,33%, 97,28%, 20,00% y 98,62%; para el día 3 fueron 66,67%, 95,24%, 22,22% y 99,29% y para el día 4 fueron 0%, 97,28%, 0% y 97,95%; el área bajo la curva (a través de la curva ROC) del score MOEWS y la presencia de sepsis severa en pacientes con corioamnionitis, tuvieron los siguientes valores: día 1 = 0,938, día 2 = 0,930, día 3 = 0,950 y día 4 = 0,813. CONCLUSIONES: El mejor valor predictivo del score MOEWS para diagnóstico de sepsis severa se tuvo al día 3 de la hospitalización de pacientes con corioamnionitis.To evaluate the predictive value of the Modified obstetric early warning scoring systems (MOEWS) in the diagnosis of severe sepsis in pregnant women with chorioamnionitis served at Regional Hospital of Trujillo during the period January 2010 to December 2014. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted an observational, analytical, diagnostic test study, which evaluated 150 pregnant women ≥ 18 years of age diagnosed with chorioamnionitis, divided into two groups (group I patients with severe sepsis and Group II patients without severe sepsis). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients in group I was 26.33 ± 10.12 years and in group II was 25.30 ± 6.74 years (p > 0.05); The mean gestational age at diagnosis in group I and II were 30.67 ± 5.37 and 33.71 ± 4.47 weeks (p > 0.05). MOEWS performance score to predict severe sepsis in patients with chorioamnionitis a cutoff ≥ 6 had as sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for the 1st of 33.33%, 98.64%, 33.33% and 98.64%; for Day 2 were 33.33%, 97.28%, 20.00% and 98.62%; day 3 were 66.67%, 95.24%, 22.22% and 99.29% and by day 4 were 0%, 97.28%, 0% and 97.95%; the area under the curve (through the ROC curve) of MOEWS score and the presence of severe sepsis in patients with chorioamnionitis, had the following values: 1 = 0.938 day, day 2 = 0.930, = 0.950 and Day 3 Day 4 = 0.813. CONCLUSIONS: The best score MOEWS predictive value for diagnosis of severe sepsis was taken on day 3 of hospitalization of patients with chorioamnionitis.Tesi

Influencia de la microestructura en la rigidez máxima de un perfil de suelo residual en condiciones edométricas

Se estudió la variación de la rigidez con el esfuerzo vertical, en función de las condiciones de microestructura, para dos suelos de un perfil de meteorización de origen laterítico. Se ensayaron muestras en procesos de carga y descarga, con deformaciones laterales nulas, para diferentes condiciones de estructura. Para estudiar la influencia de la microestructura en la rigidez, se desarrolló un montaje experimental que consiste en la adecuación de una cámara de consolidación (edométrica), incluyendo elementos piezo-cerámicos planos, no invasivos en su acople con las muestras de suelo y que permiten generar y recibir ondas de corte y compresión. Se determinó la variación de los módulos elásticos (E y G) y la relación de Poisson () durante procesos de carga y descarga, y se obtuvieron las curvas de compresibilidad para todos los estados y condiciones de estructura analizadas. Se encontró que el grado de meteorización influye en el desarrollo de una microestructura cementada distintiva que le provee una mayor rigidez al estrato superior en condición natural con respecto al que lo subyace. Los módulos elásticos E y G varían con una tendencia potencial con respecto al esfuerzo vertical, y de forma diferente para cada condición de estructura, siendo el estado natural el que presenta los valores más altos. Finalmente, se analizan los resultados en términos de las trayectorias de esfuerzo (p-q) obtenidas a partir de las ondas elásticas, enmarcadas en los modelos de Barcelona (Alonso et al., 1990) y Gens and Nova (1993), encontrando que los esfuerzos de cedencia para el horizonte más alterado son mayores, y son función de la succión y el grado de cementación, confirmando así la influencia que ejerce la meteorización y la microestructura en el comportamiento mecánico y la rigidez de los suelos lateríticos de la región del Vichada.Abstract: This investigation study the variation of the small strain stiffness with the vertical stress as a function of the microstructure conditions for two soils in a residual lateritic soil profile with different weathering intensities. Samples were tested in loading and unloading processes with zero lateral deformations and varying the structure conditions. In order to study the influence of the microstructure on stiffness an experimental setup was developed; it consists in a consolidation cell (oedometric), including non-invasive piezo-ceramic elements that generate and receive shear and compression waves. The elastic modulus (E and G) and the Poisson ratio () were determined during loading and unloading process and the compressibility curves were obtained for all structural conditions. It was found that the degree of weathering influences the development of a distinctive cemented microstructure that provides greater stiffness to the upper layer in natural condition. A power function fit between the elastic moduli E and G and vertical stress, were determined for each condition of structure, with the highest values in the natural state. Finally, the results were analyzed in terms of the stress trajectories (q and p) obtained from the elastic waves, framed in the Barcelona models (Alonso et al., 1990) and Gens and Nova (1993). This analyses point out that yield stress for the most altered horizon are higher, and so are related with suction and degree of cementation. Thus, it can be confirmed the influence of weathering and microstructure on the mechanical behavior and stiffness of the lateritic soils of the Vichada region.Maestrí

Geminivirus C2 protein represses genes involved in sulphur assimilation and this effect can be counteracted by jasmonate treatment

Geminiviruses are plant viruses that infect a broad range of crops and cause extensive losses worldwide, having an important economic impact. C2, a multifunctional pathogenicity factor encoded by geminiviruses, has been recently shown to suppress the responses to jasmonates in the host plant, which might at least partially explain its well-established role in pathogenicity. Sulphur is one of the essential macro-elements for plant life, and is considered to have a role in plant defence, in a phenomenon named sulphur-induced resistance (SIR) or sulphur-enhanced defence (SED). In this work, we show that geminivirus C2 protein represses the expression of genes involved in the sulphur assimilation pathway in Arabidopsis, but, interestingly, this effect can be neutralized by exogenous jasmonate treatment. These preliminary results may raise the idea that geminiviruses might be affecting sulphur metabolism, and maybe counteracting SIR/SED, through the manipulation of the jasmonate signalling pathway, which would define a novel strategy in plant-virus interactions and may unveil SIR/SED as an important player in the plant defence against viruses.Ministerio de Ciencia y Innovación/FEDER AGL2007-66062-C02-02/AGR AGL2010-22287-CO2European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) BIO2010-15201Junta de Andalucía BIO­27

Activated carbon for improving diuron selectivity in beans

Activated carbon is effective in protecting beans from herbicide injury. In a field study, diuron [3-(3, 4- dichlorophenyl)- 1- 1- dimethyl urea], linuron [3- ( 3, 4- dichloropheny1)- 1- methoxy- 1- naethylurea], fluometuron [1, 1-dimethyl- 3-(α , α, α -trifluoro- m-toly1) urea], and metobromuron [3, (2- bromophenyI)- 1- 1- rnethoxy- 1- methyl urea] we re used to determine the effectiveness of a one-inch band of activated carbon (Aqua Nuchar A) applied over the bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) row in protecting the crop from herbicide injury. Activated carbon was applied at 0, 150 and 300 pounds per acre, broadcast basis, while diuron, linuron, fluometuron and metobromuron were applied at rates of 1. 0 and 2. 0, 2. 0 and 4. 0, 1. 0 and 2. 0, and 1. 0 and 2. 0 lbs /acre, respectively. The results obtained showed that when activated carbon was used as a band treatment of one inch over the row (broadcast basis) at a rate of 150 pounds per acre, prior to herbicide application, good crop protection was obtained for all herbicide treatments at all rates. However, the activated carbon also protected that weeds that germinated under the carbon band. In the greenhouse, the influence of band width was determined by applying 0, 150 and 300 pounds per acre of carbon in bands of 1.0 and 3.0 inches in width. A carbon band of 1.0 inch provided adequate protection to the beans for all rates tested. No injury was observed in either the roots or the shoots, for all rates tested. The effectiveness of activated carbon in protecting four plant species, beans, ryegrass (Lolium perenne Var. Linn L.), pigweed Amaranthus retroflexus L.) and barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crusgalli (L) Beauv) from diuron injury was also determined in a greenhouse experiment. It was found that activated carbon to diuron ratios of 100:1 were effective in protecting the four species tested. Experiments with 2-gram "packets" of vermiculite with carbon showed that beans were protected from diuron injury only when the packet contained carbon. Application of activated carbon mixed in with a vermiculite "packet" was as effective as applying the carbon in a one-inch band over the row. In an experiment involving alternate wetting and drying of activated carbon no decrease of the adsorptive capacity of the carbon was observed. In the laboratory the adsorption of diuron at 7, 10 and 20 ppm by four commercial types of activated carbon (Aqua Nuchar A, Darco-M, Gro-Safe and Pittsburg No. 3) was determined. The results indicated that differences exist between different carbon sources. The greater the surface area of the carbon, the greater its adsorptivity. Desorption studies with diuron at 20 ppm and four different activated carbon sources showed that the degree of desorption also varied between the carbon sources

A performance evaluation of oscillation based test in continuous time filters

This work evaluates the ability of OBT for detecting parametric faults in continuous-time filters. To this end, we adopt two filters with quite different topologies as cases of study and a previously reported statistical fault model. In addition, we explore the behavior of the test schemes when a particular test condition is changed. The new data reported here, obtained from a fault simulation process, reveal a lower performance of OBT not observed in previous work using single-deviation faults, even under the change in the test condition.publishedVersionFil: Romero, Eduardo Abel. Universidad Tecnológica Nacional. Facultad Regional Villa María; Argentina.Fil: Romero, Eduardo Abel. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Matemática, Astronomía y Física; Argentina.Fil: Costamagna, Marcelo. Universidad Tecnológica Nacional. Facultad Regional Villa María; Argentina.Fil: Peretti, Gabriela Marta. Universidad Tecnológica Nacional. Facultad Regional Villa María; Argentina.Fil: Peretti, Gabriela Marta. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Matemática, Astronomía y Física; Argentina.Fil: Marqués, Carlos Alberto. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Matemática, Astronomía y Física; Argentina.Otras Ingeniería Eléctrica, Ingeniería Electrónica e Ingeniería de la Informació

Soil contamination by Toxocara spp. eggs in a University in Mexico City

The contamination levels of Toxocara spp. eggs in soil samples from a university campus in Mexico City were evaluated and analysed according to garden size, and were related with the percentage of Toxocara spp. eggs and its viability according to the soil characteristics. A total of 1458 soil samples collected in 15 gardens (six large and nine small) were analysed by sedimentation-flotation with zinc sulphate solution on at 33%. Contamination was low (12.9%), and egg viability was high (65.5%). The size of the garden had no influence on the presence and viability of Toxocara spp. eggs. Contamination was negatively correlated with the percentage of vegetation (r = 0. 61, P < 0.01) and the viability was negatively associated with the percentage of clay in the soil samples (r = 0.51, P < 0.04). The size of the garden did not influence the presence and viability of Toxocara spp. eggs