Juan José del Coz Díaz

C-reactive protein is elevated in the offspring of parents with essential hypertension

Background: Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Studies in adults have shown that high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are associated with increased risk of CVD and essential hypertension (EHT). Genetic background is widely accepted as a risk factor for CVD. The aim of the present study was to analyse the association of high sensitivity CRP levels with other cardiovascular risk factors in children and young adults with at least one parent with EHT. Methods: Fifty one healthy children and young adults (28 boys) with at least one parent with hypertension and 69 (41 boys) whose parents did not have hypertension were recruited prospectively from primary care centres. High sensitivity CRP, fasting lipid profile, blood pressure (BP) and anthropometric variables were obtained for all participants. Results: CRP values were higher in the study group than in controls (logCRP mean difference: −0.69; 95% confidence interval: −1.05 to −0.33), even when differences were adjusted for age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and triglyceride levels (p = 0.01). No differences were observed in BP values between groups. In the study group, 35.3% of the participants had a CRP level ⩾1 mg/l compared to 14.5% in the control group (p = 0.009). CRP showed a significant correlation with body weight (rho = 0.28, p = 0.04), BMI (rho = 0.32; p = 0.02) and ponderosity index (rho = 0.28; p<0.05). Conclusions: CRP is significantly higher in the offspring of parents with EHT. A significant positive relationship exists between BMI and serum CRP levels in this high risk group of children and young adults.

Collapse of a Masonry Wall in an Industrial Building: Diagnosis by Numerical Modeling

AbstractThis paper presents the analysis of a failure involving the partial collapse of a masonry wall made of precast concrete blocks in an industrial building as a result of the action of the wind. A field survey was carried out to investigate the origin of the failure, which pointed to defective building practices as the possible cause. At the same time, complementary numerical modeling was performed to simulate the coupled fluidstructure behavior, as well as a parametric study and optimization based on Design of Experiments (DOE) to determine the influence of the principal variables in the wall behavior in the presence of wind loads. The lessons learned in the course of the study are explained in the final section.

Optimization of an acoustic test chamber involving the fluid-structure interaction by FEM and experimental validation

The aim of this work is to determine the optimal design of two acoustic test chambers using systems of optimization by means of finite elements. In this way, we have modelled a set of tests composed of a source chamber and a receiving chamber according to the basic requirements of the standard rule. The constructive element whose acoustical behaviour is being evaluated is placed between both chambers. Applying the finite element method (FEM), a two-dimensional coupled finite element model with fluid-structure interaction has been made, using finite elements of the fluid-type both for the air and fluid-structure interface, and finite elements of solid-type with its elastic properties for a multilayered wall. The geometry of the chambers has been parameterized as design variables (DVs) and an objective function has been defined from the absolute value of the difference between the transmission loss (TL) values of the laboratory test and the TL of the numerical simulation in order to minimize it. To find an optimal design of the geometry of the acoustic chamber, a new cascade optimization procedure has been successfully developed. Finally, the numerical simulation results are compared with the acoustic laboratory results, and conclusions are exposed.

A data-driven manufacturing support system for rubber extrusion lines

A better control of extrusion processes offers clear advantages in the manufacturing of rubber profiles for the automotive industry. This work reports our experience in developing a support system aimed to ease the work of the extruder machinist while improving the quality of the profiles obtained. In order to build the system, an approach based on facts was adopted, following ISO 9000 standard quality principles. The data warehouse service available provided a wealth of information on the conditions of the running processes. The collected data, after being analysed with the appropriate data-mining techniques, allowed us to gain a better understanding of the process and to identify the main causes of variance. In particular, principal components analysis, Sammon projection and several classification techniques were applied for exploratory purposes. Different behaviours could be described for the extrusion process, allowing for the definition of a control strategy and, eventually, the development of a manufacturing support system. The estimates displayed by the system greatly improve the responsiveness of the machinist when the process departs from expected behaviour. The results of using this system in a local factory proved highly satisfactory and encouraging.

Numerical Analysis of the Behaviour of Tooth Intrarradial Posts by the Finite Element Method

The aim of this work is to study the behaviour of a carbon/epoxi post housed in a canine tooth after endodontic treatment in order to support the typical loads present during mastication. The three-D basic design of the dental piece consisting of tooth + post was carried out with a three-dimensional parametric design program. We study the stresses and displacements of the different elements of the dental piece under normal load conditions, and present the results and conclusions.The aim of this work is to study the behaviour of a carbon/epoxi post housed in a canine tooth after endodontic treatment in order to support the typical loads present during mastication. The three-D basic design of the dental piece consisting of tooth + post was carried out with a three-dimensional parametric design program. We study the stresses and displacements of the different elements of the dental piece under normal load conditions, and present the results and conclusions.

Education for Sustainable Development: Methodology and Application within a Construction Course

AbstractThis article presents a plan of action composed of various initiatives for including sustainable development education (SDE) transversally within university degree programs. The most important initiative is that of introducing sustainable development as a basic transversal skill for each thematic unit of the class, thereby completely modifying the content. To achieve this adaptation, a methodology is developed that can be systematically followed in any class. This article includes an example of how this methodology was implemented in an “Industrial Construction and Industrial Services” class, which is part of the industrial engineering major at a Spanish university. The objectives and results achieved in the class demonstrate the benefits of using the proposed method to incorporate an adequate amount of SDE into university degree programs.

Optimization Based on Design of Experiments (DOE) Using Finite Element Model (FEM) Analysis Applied to Retrofitting the Church of Baldornon, Spain

This study addresses the failures in the Church of Baldornon, in Gijón, Province of Asturias, Spain, and proposes a retrofitting procedure based on the design of experiments (DOE), finite element model (FEM) analysis, and experimental tests. The failures are due to lack of soil stiffness, giving rise to an important structural damage. To tackle this problem, a practical solution based on the nonlinear coupled analysis of the soil and a reinforced concrete structure by FEM is proposed. The solution is to strengthen the previous existing rock-filling wall by means of gunite concrete and counterforts with anchorages embedded in the soil. Finally, conclusions and lessons learned from this study are detailed.This study addresses the failures in the Church of Baldornon, in Gijon, Province of Asturias, Spain, and proposes a retrofitting procedure based on the design of experiments (DOE), finite element model (FEM) analysis, and experimental tests. The failures are due to lack of soil stiffness, giving rise to an important structural damage. To tackle this problem, a practical solution based on the nonlinear coupled analysis of the soil and a reinforced concrete structure by FEM is proposed. The solution is to strengthen the previous existing rock-filling wall by means of gunite concrete and counterforts with anchorages embedded in the soil. Finally, conclusions and lessons learned from this study are detailed.

CALIDAD DE AIRE INTERIOR Y EFICIENCIA ENERGÉTICA

The Spanish Building Technical Code, named CTE standard rule, establishes the present safety and habitability requirements in the building projects. This standard has been implemented in several phases since the year 2006. The CTE has adopted recent international approaches to other building standard rules, such as the performance-based codes or objectives,improving the previous prescriptive-based standards.This performance-based behaviour has been reached in some chapters of the standard rule more effectively than in others. The practical application of the standard Basic Documents (BD) HS3 (Indoor air quality), HE1 (Energy demand limits) and HE2 (Ef? ciency of heating/air-conditioning systems), to a specific building project gives place to an incoherent building solution. Moreover, in some cases both standard documents are incompatible.This research paper develops a critical valuation of the three BD’s of the CTE standard rule, showing the interferences in the practical application of the BD-HS3 standard with the other two rules: BD-HE1 and BD-HE2. Authors analyze the problems identified in relationship with the energy efficiency, thermal comfort and indoor air quality. A complete revision and correction measures are proposed for future modifications in the standard BD rules in order to fulfill the basic requirements at the different project, construction and final use phases.The changes in the code that are necessary are suggested, so as the technical systems that are able to satisfy in a performance way the demands resulting from the integral applications of the Basic Documents.

Amplification of herpes simplex virus type 1 DNA in human geniculate ganglia from formalin-fixed, nonembedded temporal bones

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has provided new insights in molecular biology. Recently, some studies have been focused on temporal bone pathology, with amplification of DNA from fixed sections of celloidin-embedded bones. The purpose of our study was to elucidate the utility of PCR in detection of minor concentrations of DNA from nonoptimal stored samples. We obtained geniculate ganglia from 30 temporal bones preserved in formalin for a long time, without any process of embedding. By performing a nested PCR assay, we detected herpes simplex virus type 1 DNA in 13 of 30 ganglia (43%). We conclude therefore that study of temporal bones stored under poor conditions by PCR is possible, although there are some limitations when compared with fresh or optimally archived samples. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2000;123:508-11.)

AJUSTE DE LA CONDUCTIVIDAD TÉRMICA DE DISEÑO FIJADA POR EL CÓDIGO TÉCNICO DE LA EDIFICACIÓN PARA MATERIALES DE FACHADA

The Spanish Technical Building Code establishes a temperature of 10°C and an equilibrium moisture content with a relative humidity of 50% and 23oC, respectively, as reference to determine the design thermal values of construction materials. However, these reference values are not consistent with the actual climatic conditions of the country, resulting in optimistic designs of the building thermal envelopes and higher energy consumptions than expected by design. This article analyses these differences, reviews the weaknesses of the Spanish Code in this area, and uses a recently developed procedure to determine the actual thermal conductivity of facade materials with similar precision and less calculation effort that the standard UNE-EN ISO 10456. All this would contribute to improve the thermal design currently defined for the Spanish buildings.