The Achieved Dreams of a Neighborhood

This article explains the social transformation process initiated at the end of the 1970s within the neighborhood of La Verneda-Sant Martı´ in Barcelona. This process started with the foundation of an adult education center that was organized as a Learning Community (the first one in the world). From the beginning, it was administered for and by the community. It became a space of debate where the demands and dreams of the neighbors converged about transforming their neighborhood along with the recommendations of the international scientific community. Twenty years later, the dreams came true: There have been substantial improvements throughout the urban space, infrastructures, housing, urban thoroughfares, and public highways. The INCLUD-ED European project, using the communicative methodology of research, has thoroughly studied the transformation carried out in the La Verneda-Sant Martı´ Adult School and its neighborhood. INCLUD-ED has identified successful practices within diverse social areas that are transferable to other contexts and contribute to overcoming inequalities and improving the most underprivileged neighborhoods

Algoritmo Level-set para segmentación hepática en TAC con Restricciones de curvatura local

Actas de: XXIX Congreso Anual de la Sociedad Espñaola de Ingeniería Biomédica (CASEIB 2011). Cáceres, 16-18 Noviembre 2011.La cirugía hepática avanzada requiere de una precisa planificación pre-operatoria en la que tanto la segmentación anatómica como la estimación del volumen hepático remanente tienen una importancia clave a la hora de evitar un fallo hepático postoperatorio. En este contexto, algoritmos basados en level-sets han logrado mejores resultados que otros, especialmente cuando se tratan casos con un parénquima hepático alterado o en hígados previamente resecados. Con el objetivo de mejorar las medidas de volumen hepático funcional, se proponen dos estrategias para completar y realzar algoritmos previos basados en level-sets: una estrategia optimizada multi-resolución con curvatura adaptativa y corrección/refinamiento de detalles, junto con un paso semiautomático adicional en el que se imponen restricciones de curvatura local. Los resultados muestran segmentaciones robustas y precisas, especialmente en estructuras alargadas, detectando lesiones internas y evitando fugas o escapes a estructuras proximales.Este trabajo está parcialmente apoyado por los proyectos de investigación PI09/91058, PI09/91065, ENTEPRASE PS-300000-2009-5, AMIT-CDTI, TEC2010-21619-C04 and PRECISION IPT-300000-2010-3, del Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación de España, el proyecto ARTEMIS de la Comunidad de Madrid y la ayuda de los fondos FEDER de la Unión Europea.Publicad

EVM and Achievable Data Rate Analysis of Clipped OFDM Signals in Visible Light Communication

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) has been considered for visible light communication (VLC) thanks to its ability to boost data rates as well as its robustness against frequency-selective fading channels. A major disadvantage of OFDM is the large dynamic range of its time-domain waveforms, making OFDM vulnerable to nonlinearity of light emitting diodes (LEDs). DC biased optical OFDM (DCO-OFDM) and asymmetrically clipped optical OFDM (ACO-OFDM) are two popular OFDM techniques developed for the VLC. In this paper, we will analyze the performance of the DCO-OFDM and ACO-OFDM signals in terms of error vector magnitude (EVM), signal-to-distortion ratio (SDR), and achievable data rates under both average optical power and dynamic optical power constraints. EVM is a commonly used metric to characterize distortions. We will describe an approach to numerically calculate the EVM for DCO-OFDM and ACO-OFDM. We will derive the optimum biasing ratio in the sense of minimizing EVM for DCO-OFDM. Additionally, we will formulate the EVM minimization problem as a convex linear optimization problem and obtain an EVM lower bound against which to compare the DCO-OFDM and ACO-OFDM techniques. We will prove that the ACO-OFDM can achieve the lower bound. Average optical power and dynamic optical power are two main constraints in VLC. We will derive the achievable data rates under these two constraints for both additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel and frequency-selective channel. We will compare the performance of DCO-OFDM and ACO-OFDM under different power constraint scenarios

Veterinary Guidelines for Electrochemotherapy of Superficial Tumors

Electrochemotherapy (ECT) consists in the application of electric pulses to increase chemotherapeutic drug intake (bleomycin, cisplatin, or calcium) into the tumor cells. It has become a very valuable treatment option in veterinary oncology. It is an effective and safe treatment modality, which is not only beneficial as a palliative treatment, but also for a curative approach. Performing the treatment adequately will ensure the best results possible, in the minimum number of sessions, and reduce complications. Usually, only one session is enough to achieve excellent results, but the treatment can be repeated. Several sessions can be necessary in the case of incompletely treated or very extended lesions, as well as in the occurrence of new lesions. ECT is effective for superficial or oral tumors of any histology that are accessible to the electrodes. Intravenous bleomycin is the preferred drug and route of administration, leaving other ways of administration and drugs for selected cases. The guidelines presented here are destined to veterinarians who want to develop their understanding of the basis of ECT and wish to perform it adequately and effectively. In this paper, we also discuss common problems and how to solve them, and we include practical tips to improve the treatment results based on common questions and mistakes of beginner users.Fil: Tellado, Matías. No especifíca;Fil: Mir, Lluis M.. No especifíca;Fil: Maglietti, Felipe Horacio. Hospital Italiano; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Precisiones para el empleo del método del módulo de balasto en edificación

It has only been recently that computers were available to analyze the combined of structure and foundation, introducing more accuracy in structural analysis. Obviously, this technique involves the soil modeling as necessary. The model of the coefficient of subgrade reaction has been often used for this task. At last, the accuracy of the model depends on the agreement between predictions and soil behavior. The appropriate use of Winkler theory and the suitable determination of k are essential conditions for a good analysis. Unfortunately, manuals are not sufficiently concerned with this problem. The limits of this theory, some formulations for the determination of the k values and a few improvements of the model are described in this paper.Actualmente las herramientas informáticas permiten el cálculo conjunto de la estructura y cimentación, lo que introduce un mayor grado de precisión en el dimensionado de ambas. Obviamente, esta técnica implica la modelización del terreno como requisito sine qua non, modelización que frecuentemente ha sido resuelta recurriendo al método del módulo de balasto. En última instancia, la precisión del modelo de cálculo así generado va a depender del ajuste entre el comportamiento del terreno real y el representado por el modelo. El empleo del modelo dentro de sus límites de aplicación, así como la caracterización del suelo mediante un valor del módulo de balasto apropiado, son condiciones prioritarias para un cálculo correcto. Desgraciadamente, pese a su trascendencia, el problema no recibe un tratamiento adecuado en los manuales. Este texto pasa revista a los condicionantes del método, recoge diversas formulaciones para la determinación del módulo a emplear en función del tipo de terreno y de cimiento y reseña varias correcciones que diversos autores han propuesto para mejorar el modelo

Lunar Surface Systems Supportability Technology Development Roadmap

The Lunar Surface Systems Supportability Technology Development Roadmap is a guide for developing the technologies needed to enable the supportable, sustainable, and affordable exploration of the Moon and other destinations beyond Earth. Supportability is defined in terms of space maintenance, repair, and related logistics. This report considers the supportability lessons learned from NASA and the Department of Defense. Lunar Outpost supportability needs are summarized, and a supportability technology strategy is established to make the transition from high logistics dependence to logistics independence. This strategy will enable flight crews to act effectively to respond to problems and exploit opportunities in an environment of extreme resource scarcity and isolation. The supportability roadmap defines the general technology selection criteria. Technologies are organized into three categories: diagnostics, test, and verification; maintenance and repair; and scavenge and recycle. Furthermore, "embedded technologies" and "process technologies" are used to designate distinct technology types with different development cycles. The roadmap examines the current technology readiness level and lays out a four-phase incremental development schedule with selection decision gates. The supportability technology roadmap is intended to develop technologies with the widest possible capability and utility while minimizing the impact on crew time and training and remaining within the time and cost constraints of the program

Predicting COVID-19 progression from diagnosis to recovery or death linking primary care and hospital records in Castilla y León (Spain)

Producción CientíficaEn este trabajo se analiza la dinámica de los pacientes de COVID-19 durante la primera oleada en la región de Castilla y León (España), de unos 2,4 millones de habitantes, utilizando modelos de supervivencia multiestado de riesgo competitivo. A partir de la fecha registrada como inicio del proceso clínico, se asume que un paciente puede progresar a través de tres estados intermedios hasta alcanzar un estado absorbente de recuperación o muerte. Se consideran predictores candidatos las características demográficas, los factores epidemiológicos como el momento de la infección y las vacunaciones previas, los antecedentes clínicos, las complicaciones durante el curso de la enfermedad y el tratamiento farmacológico de los pacientes hospitalizados. En cuanto a los factores de riesgo asociados a la mortalidad y la gravedad, se han encontrado resultados coherentes con muchos otros estudios, como la edad avanzada, el ser varón y las enfermedades crónicas. En concreto, la tasa de hospitalización (muerte) para los mayores de 69 años es del 27,2% (19,8%) frente al 5,3% (0,7%) para los menores de 70 años, y para los varones es del 14,5%(7%) frente al 8,3%(4,6%)para las mujeres. Entre los pacientes con enfermedades crónicas, las tasas más elevadas de hospitalización son el 26,1% en el caso de la diabetes y el 26,3% en el de las enfermedades renales, mientras que la tasa de mortalidad más elevada es del 21,9% en el caso de las enfermedades cerebrovasculares. Además, se dan predictores específicos para las distintas transiciones y el modelo proporciona estimaciones de la probabilidad de recuperación y muerte de cada paciente. Algunos resultados interesantes obtenidos son que para los pacientes infectados al final del periodo el riesgo de transición de hospitalización a UCI es significativamente menor (p < 0,001) y el riesgo de transición de hospitalización a recuperación es mayor (p < 0,001). Para los pacientes previamente vacunados contra el neumococo, el riesgo de transición a la recuperación es mayor (p < 0,001). Por último, también se llevan a cabo la validación interna y la calibración del modelo.This paper analyses COVID-19 patients’ dynamics during the first wave in the region of Castilla y León (Spain) with around 2.4 million inhabitants using multi-state competing risk survival models. From the date registered as the start of the clinical process, it is assumed that a patient can progress through three intermediate states until reaching an absorbing state of recovery or death. Demographic characteristics, epidemiological factors such as the time of infection and previous vaccinations, clinical history, complications during the course of the disease and drug therapy for hospitalised patients are considered as candidate predictors. Regarding risk factors associated with mortality and severity, consistent results with many other studies have been found, such as older age, being male, and chronic diseases. Specifically, the hospitalisation (death) rate for those over 69 is 27.2% (19.8%) versus 5.3% (0.7%) for those under 70, and for males is 14.5%(7%) versus 8.3%(4.6%)for females. Among patients with chronic diseases the highest rates of hospitalisation are 26.1% for diabetes and 26.3% for kidney disease, while the highest death rate is 21.9% for cerebrovascular disease. Moreover, specific predictors for different transitions are given, and estimates of the probability of recovery and death for each patient are provided by the model. Some interesting results obtained are that for patients infected at the end of the period the hazard of transition from hospitalisation to ICU is significatively lower (p < 0.001) and the hazard of transition from hospitalisation to recovery is higher (p < 0.001). For patients previously vaccinated against pneumococcus the hazard of transition to recovery is higher (p < 0.001). Finally, internal validation and calibration of the model are also performed.Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad (MTM2017-86061-C2-0-P)Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (PID2019-106363RB-I00)NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre (BRC-1215-20014)Medical Research Council (United Kingdom; MC_UU_00002/16

A new approach on treatment of esophageal atresia: uniportal vats for surgical repair – a report of two cases

Esophageal atresia is a rare congenital malformation affecting one in every 3500 live births. Treatment consists in surgical ligation of the fistula and esophageal anastomosis of the two pouches by conventional thoracotomy or by thoracoscopic approach. In recent years, uniportal videoassisted thoracic surgery has been a revolution in thoracic surgery but it had never been used for treatment of congenital pathologies like esophageal atresia. We have used this technique for the treatment of two newborns with this condition. We made a reparation with fistula ligation and end-to-end anastomosis, video-assisted using one only incision. We have excellent results with this technique. A larger list of patients and an increased surgical experience is needed but this can be a new and appropriated alternative in the reparation of esophageal atresia-tracheoesophageal fistula.Keywords: children, esophageal atresia, neonates, uniportal video-assisted thoracic surger

Organ-focused mutual information for nonrigid multimodal registration of liver CT and Gd–EOB–DTPA-enhanced MRI

Accurate detection of liver lesions is of great importance in hepatic surgery planning. Recent studies have shown that the detection rate of liver lesions is significantly higher in gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (Gd–EOB–DTPA-enhanced MRI) than in contrast-enhanced portal-phase computed tomography (CT); however, the latter remains essential because of its high specificity, good performance in estimating liver volumes and better vessel visibility. To characterize liver lesions using both the above image modalities, we propose a multimodal nonrigid registration framework using organ-focused mutual information (OF-MI). This proposal tries to improve mutual information (MI) based registration by adding spatial information, benefiting from the availability of expert liver segmentation in clinical protocols. The incorporation of an additional information channel containing liver segmentation information was studied. A dataset of real clinical images and simulated images was used in the validation process. A Gd–EOB–DTPA-enhanced MRI simulation framework is presented. To evaluate results, warping index errors were calculated for the simulated data, and landmark-based and surface-based errors were calculated for the real data. An improvement of the registration accuracy for OF-MI as compared with MI was found for both simulated and real datasets. Statistical significance of the difference was tested and confirmed in the simulated dataset (p < 0.01)

Las bóvedas pétreas nervadas de Galicia: identificación de soluciones

This article presents the different groups of solutions of ribbed stone vaults on four supports that exist in Galicia and it plots them at the same scale. A small group of vaults on eight supports is also included. In order to classify the samples, a system based on the constructive features of the vaults has been used, taking into account their number of supports and the different types of nerves. The systematic approach used allows determining both the dimensions with which the different types of vaults were built as well as the solutions traditionally overlooked.El artículo presenta los distintos grupos de soluciones de bóvedas pétreas nervadas sobre cuatro apoyos que existen en Galicia, representándolas gráficamente a la misma escala. Complementariamente se incluye también un pequeño grupo de bóvedas sobre ocho apoyos. Para clasificar los ejemplos se ha empleado un sistema basado en los rasgos constructivos de las bóvedas, que tiene en cuenta el número de apoyos de éstas y los distintos tipos de nervios presentes. Este criterio sistemático permite apreciar tanto soluciones que tradicionalmente han pasado desapercibidas como las dimensiones con las éstas que han sido construidas