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The analysis of degradation mechanisms of photovoltaic (PV) modules is key to ensure its current lifetime and the economic feasibility of PV systems. Field operation is the best way to observe and detect all type of degradation mechanisms. This paper presents the main signs of degradation on 56 m-Si PV modules caused by outdoor exposure after a period of 22 years in Seville, Spain. Results are compared with other research works conclusions that analyse the degradation of identical PV cells and same manufacturer, after an exposure period of 12, 15 and 17 years. The analysis was conducted by visual inspection, infrared thermography, electroluminescence (EL) and electrical performance evaluation. The mean peak power degradation has been 30,9% in the 22 operation years, equivalent to 1,4% per year, which corresponds mainly to a loss in short-circuit current and, in a less degree, to loss in fill factor and open circuit voltage. The most significant defects found were severe browning, milky pattern and oxidation of the metallization grid. Those defects seem turns severe failures when exposure period is more than about 20 years and could explain the high degradation rate based on a comparison performed with other research works.

This work studies the relative influence of the constructive characteristics of thermosiphon factory made solar heating systems of components such as absorber type, collector area, thermal insulation of both collector(s) and tank, tank volume and volume/area ratio, on the annual energy production, the annual efficiency and the solar fraction. The research has been conducted on 28 systems available in the market, tested according to Standard ISO 9459–5:2007 and simulated fo different European reference locations (Athens, Davos, Wurzburg and Stockholm) according to Standard EN 12976–2:2019. The results show that reduced volume has a marked influence on the energetic and efficiency behaviour of these systems. In particular, for reduced volume values greater than 0.8, the constructive characteristics have high influence on systems behaviour. On the contrary, for reduced volume values lower than 0.8, all tested systems have a similar behaviour at the same location. The results found in this study allow optimizing the design of TSWHS, as well as selecting a specific system according to the location and a daily load volume.

While past studies on Airbnb pricing highlight the importance of room features, host characteristics and location factors, little has been investigated about whether these factors are the same across different property/room types, locations and seasons. To fill that gap, this paper presents a study about the drivers of Airbnb prices in Bristol using ordinary least squares (OLS) and geographically-weighted regression (GWR) methods. The estimated models exhibit sharply different levels of goodness-of-fit, suggesting that the prices of different room types might not be explained by the same set of price factors. The results also uncover statistically significant differences between the price determinants of apartments and house listings and reveal spatial patterns in the price effects. These findings have implications for price setting and the assessment of competition. Future studies should account for potential differences across property/room types, as well as to consider the spatial variability of the estimated coefficients.

Objective The objective of the study was to determine the trend of variables related to tuberculosis (TB) from the Integrated Tuberculosis Research Program (PII-TB) registry of the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR), and to evaluate the PII-TB according to indicators related to its scientific objectives. Method Cross-sectional, population-based, multicenter study of new TB cases prospectively registered in the PII-TB between 2006 and 2016. The time trend of quantitative variables was calculated using a lineal regression model, and qualitative variables using the χy test for lineal trend. Results A total of 6,892 cases with an annual median of 531 were analyzed. Overall, a significant down-ward trend was observed in women, immigrants, prisoners, and patients initially treated with 3 drugs. Significant upward trends were observed in patients aged 40−50 and >50 years, first visit conducted by a specialist, hospitalization, diagnostic delay, disseminated disease and single extrapulmonary location, culture(+), drug susceptibility testing performed, drug resistance, directly observed treatment, prolonged treatment, and death from another cause. The scientific objectives of the PII-TB that showed a significant upward trend were publications, which reached a maximum of 8 in 2016 with a total impact factor of 49.664, numbers of projects initiated annually, presentations at conferences, and theses. Conclusions PII-TB provides relevant information on TB and its associated factors in Spain. A large team of researchers has been created; some scientific aspects of the registry were positive, while others could have been improved.

Background Cuba is one of the Latin American countries with the highest rates of organ donation. Social and cultural differences among the population throughout the country may also affect attitudes toward donation. Knowledge of these characteristics would facilitate awareness of the population most reluctant to donate and transplant. Objective We sought to analyze the differences in attitudes toward organ donation among Cubans living in the main capitals of Cuba. Materials and Methods Study population. The study group was the Cuban population living in the cities of Cienfuegos (n=636), Havana (n=920), and Santiago de Cuba (n=455), extracted from the database of the International Collaborative Donor Project. Sample of the population. Participants were older than 15 years, and data were stratified by geographic area, age, and sex. Assessment instrument. We used a validated questionnaire of attitude toward organ donation for transplant (PCID-DTO-Rios), anonymously filled in and self-administered. Statistics. Student t test was applied together with the χ2 test, complemented by an analysis of the remainders. Results The favorable attitude among inhabitants in Cienfuegos was 71.2% (n=453), 68.3% (n=628) among those in Havana, and 69.5% (n=316) among those in Santiago de Cuba (P Conclusions The attitude toward organ donation among the population of the main cities of Cuba was favorable and similar in all of them. The psycho-social profile toward organ donation was similar in the 3 cities.

This paper discusses the development of a coating made of solid waste and residual biomass and its application as ecological solar absorber coating. This absorbent solar coating is made with a binder that consists of essential grapefruit rind oil and expanded polystyrene, both obtained from waste materials, as well as forest biomass soot (FBS) processed by mechanical grinding and used as a functional photothermal material. This mixture produces a paint that can be applied to metallic substrates to form a solar energy-absorbing surface. The characterization and evaluation is shown in three steps: (a) Characterization of the materials using XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, Raman spectroscopy and IR; (b) coating evaluation using AFM, optical characterization to measure solar absorption, TG to determine the operating temperature and laser flash analysis to determine thermal conductivity; and (c) a testing with thermosolar technology to determine the thermal parameters of solar cookers. It has been identified that the pseudo-amorphous carbon in FBS has solar energy absorption capacity due to the sp2-sp3 bonds present in this kind of carbon, associated with the material’s graphitic domain. Also, results show that the coating can be used with thermosolar technologies operating above 250 °C with a solar absorption index above 96%, and it has thermally-efficient properties. In addition, the coating, it shows better results with solar cookers than other coatings used with this technology, increasing cooking power, so it can potentially be employed with various thermosolar technologies due to the replicability of its materials, its low environmental impact and low economic cost.

Objectives This study sought to describe, in detail, the angiographic, gross macroscopy, and histological dissection of the conduction axis in humans. Background The recent upsurge of interest in specific pacing of the atrioventricular conduction axis has emphasized the need for precise knowledge of the location of the atrial and penetrating components of the atrioventricular conduction axis. Methods A total of 41 human hearts were studied by serial histological sectioning and an additional 3 hearts by gross dissection. One of the hearts studied histologically was also dissected to show the location of the conduction axis prior to serial sectioning. The anatomical findings were then compared with the results of angiography undertaken in the catheter laboratory in 60 patients undergoing electrophysiological studies. Results Marked variation of the location of the transition from atrioventricular conduction axis to the penetrating atrioventricular bundle, or the bundle of His, relative to the landmarks of the triangle of Koch was observed. In just over one-half of both the specimens and the patients, the site of penetration was on the atrial aspect of the hinge of the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve, with further variation noted relative to the apex of the triangle of Koch. Based on measurements of the histological sections, marked variation in the dimensions of the axis and its adjacency to the right-sided endocardium were also found. In almost three-fifths of hearts, an interventricular component of the fibrous membranous septum was not able to be identified. The significance of these findings to those who seek to perform selective pacing of the atrioventricular conduction axis are discussed. Conclusions Marked variability of the location of the conduction axis within the triangle of Koch is reported. In three-fifths of hearts, the interventricular component of the fibrous membranous septum is nonexistent.

Introduction The attitude toward living liver donation (LLD) among the Spanish population is mostly positive; however, the reality is that liver transplants from live donations are currently minimal. Given this situation, studies that analyze these discrepancies should be carried out. Objective Analyze the attitude toward LLD among family members of patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation. Method Population under study. First-degree relatives of the patients included in the waiting list for liver transplantation. Inclusion criteria. 1. Have the patient's authorization for family members to participate; 2. Accept, the relative, to participate in this investigation; and 3. Be over 18 years old. Opinion survey. The attitude toward LLD is assessed through a questionnaire on psychosocial aspects. Results Patients who accepted family members’ participation in the study were 21 of 112, of which 9 placed restrictions on family access, and 12 authorized family members without restrictions. The participants were 1. children: 52.2% (n = 24); 2. brothers: 30.5% (n = 14); and 3. partners: 17.3% (n = 14). Finally, the authorized relatives and participants in the study were 45. Of these, only 44% (n = 20) would accept to be donors. Conclusions The access to the LLD of the relatives starts from the restriction and initial rejection of the patients themselves on the waiting list. The promotion of LDD is to initially sensitize patients.

Puerto Ricans are one of the majority immigration groups in Florida. However, little is known about their attitudes toward xenotransplantation (XenoTx), a still experimental technique, which is making significant progress.To analyze the attitude toward XenoTx of organs among the population of Puerto Rican residents in Florida.Population under study. Sample taken from the International Collaborative Donor Project and formed by the population born in Puerto Rico and resident in Florida.Over 15 years stratified by age and sex. Instrument valuation. Validated questionnaire of attitude toward xenotransplantation "PCID-XenoTx-Ríos." Setting for the study. Random selection of people to survey based on stratification. Immigrant assistance associations in Florida were consulted to locate potential respondents.Of the 259 respondents, 16% are in favor of XenoTx if the results are similar to those obtained with human organs, 74% are against, and 10% are doubtful. If the results are worse than with human organs, only 2% are in favor, 74% against, and 24% undecided. The variables that are associated with this attitude are the following: sex (P = .001); marital status (P .001); have offspring (P = .004); level of education (P .001), opinion of a partner toward donation (P = .008), religious beliefs (P .001), knowing the opinion toward donation of religion (P .001), prosocial activity (P .001), attitude toward donation (P ≤ .001), previous relationship with donation (P .001), possibility of receiving a transplant in the future (P = .001), and attitude toward donation to a relative (P .001).The Puerto Rican population residing in Florida does not hold a favorable attitude toward xenotransplantation.

There are differences in the attitude toward organ donation between Latin Americans living in Spain and those living in the United States.We sought to analyze the socio-personal factors that can condition the difference in attitude toward donation between Latin Americans living in the United States and those living in Spain.Participants in the study were Latin Americans living in Spain (group A; n=1237) and the United States (Florida) (group B; n=1450), extracted from the database of the International Collaborative Donor Project (PCID). Inclusion criteria were a sample population stratified by area, country of birth, age, and sex. The instrument used was a validated attitude questionnaire toward living kidney donation (PCID-DTO-Rios.) Participants were randomly selected to be surveyed according to stratification.The attitude in favor of Latin Americans residing in Spain (group A) was 60% (n=745) vs 33% (n=485) of residents in the United States (group B) (P .001). The socio-personal profile of the Latin Americans in Spain compared with those in the United States indicates that they are mainly women (63.5% vs 43.7%, respectively), younger (31.78 vs 37.31 years, respectively), have more secondary education (21.2% vs 16.3%, respectively) and university studies (11% vs 6%, respectively), are of South American origin vs those who are Mexican and Central American, respectively, and there is a higher percentage of atheists/agnostics (8.1% vs 3.7%). However, the personal profile toward donation is similar in both groups, both for and against organ donation.The personal social profile of the Latin American resident in Spain is different from that of the resident in the United States. However, the psycho-social profile for and against organ donation is similar in both countries.

Ecuadorians are the largest immigrant group in Spain. In countries with preclinical programs of xenotransplantation (XenoTx), it is important to know the population attitude toward them; however, in the Ecuadorian population it is not known.To analyze the attitude toward XenoTx of organs among the Ecuadorian population residing in Spain.Population under study. Ecuadorians residing in Spain.Sample of population over 15 years stratified by age and sex. Instrument valuation. Validated questionnaire of attitude towards xenotransplantation PCID-XenoTx-Ríos. Setting for the study. Random selection of people to survey based on stratification.Of the 461 respondents, 36% are in favor of XenoTx if the results were similar to those obtained with humans, 15% against, and 49% undecided. If the results were worse than with human organs, 11% would be in favor, 26% against, and 63% undecided. The variables associated with this attitude are age (P = .018), marital status (P = .026), studies (P .001), comment with family (P = .001), couple attitude (P = .039), attitude toward cadaveric donation (P .001), previous experience with donation (P = .001), consider the possibility of needing a transplant in the future (P .001), and attitude toward related living donation (P .001). In the multivariate analysis, these data persist: university studies (odds ratio [OR] = 3.875; P = .007); in favor of cadaveric organ donation (OR = 2.840; P .001); previous relationship with donation and organ transplantation (OR = 1.901; P = .026); and consider the possibility of needing a transplant in the future (OR = 4.329; P = .002).The attitude toward XenoTx among Ecuadorian residents in Spain is unfavorable and is conditioned by different psychosocial variables.

Introduction The population of Nicaraguan immigrants is growing in North America; however, they have been little analyzed concerning their attitude toward donation and organ transplantation. Objective To analyze the attitude toward the different types of organ donation among the Nicaraguan population residing in Florida. Methods Study population. Nicaraguan population residing in Florida (USA). Inclusion criteria. Population sample over 15 years stratified by age and sex. Instrument valuation. Attitude questionnaires toward organ donation for transplantation “PCID-DTO-Rios,” “PCID–DVR-Rios,” and “PCID–XenoTx-Rios.” Setting for the study. Random selection of people to be surveyed according to stratification. The assistance of immigrant support associations in Florida was required to locate respondents. Results Sample composed of 89 participants. In the attitude toward donation of one’s own organs after death, 22% (n = 20) were in favor, 41% (n = 36) were against, and 37% (n = 33) were undecided. Regarding the donation of living related organs, 76% were in favor (n = 68), 10% were against (n = 9), and 14% were undecided (n = 12). Finally, regarding attitudes toward the acceptance of organ xenotransplantation, if the results were similar to those obtained with human organs, they were not in favor, with 72% (n = 64) against and 28% (n = 25) doubtful. Conclusions The attitude of the Nicaraguan population residing in Florida toward different types of organ donation is unfavorable.

Resumen: Objetivo: Presentar una metodología para optimizar, a través de la Z’-Score de Altman para empresas privadas, la predicción de entrada en situación de concurso de acreedores (bancarrota) en empresas privadas del sector sanitario español. Método: El método propuesto consiste en la aplicación de los algoritmos genéticos (AG) para encontrar los coeficientes de la fórmula de la cadena de ratios propuestos por Altman en su versión para empresas privadas que optimicen la predicción en empresas privadas sanitarias españolas, maximizando la sensibilidad y la especificidad, y con ello reduciendo los errores de tipo I y tipo II. Con este propósito se ha utilizado una muestra de 5903 empresas del sector sanitario privado español obtenidas de las bases de datos de Sistema de Análisis de Balances Ibéricos (SABI) entre los años 2007 y 2015. Resultados: El modelo predictivo obtenido con los AG presenta mayor exactitud, sensibilidad y especificidad que el propuesto por Altman para empresas privadas, tanto con los datos de test como con todos los datos de la muestra. Conclusiones: El hallazgo más importante del presente estudio es establecer una metodología que logra identificar unos coeficientes optimizados para la Z de Altman, lo cual permite realizar una predicción más precisa de la bancarrota en las empresas sanitarias privadas españolas. Abstract: Objective: This paper presents a methodology to optimize, using Altman's Z-Score for private companies, the prediction of private companies of the Spanish health sector entering a situation of bankruptcy. Method: The proposed method consists of the application of genetic algorithms (GA) to find the coefficients of the formula of the chain of ratios proposed by Altman in the version of the score for private companies which optimize the prediction for Spanish private health companies, maximizing sensitivity and specificity, and thereby reducing type I and type II errors. For this purpose, a sample of 5,903 companies from the Spanish private health sector obtained from the database of the Iberian Balance Analysis System (SABI) between 2007 and 2015 was used. Results: The results show that the predictive model obtained with the AG presents greater accuracy, sensitivity and specificity than that proposed by Altman for private companies with both test data and all sample data. Conclusions: The most important finding of this study was to establish a methodology that can identify the optimized coefficients for the Altman Z-Score, which allows a more accurate prediction of bankruptcy in Spanish private healthcare companies. Palabras clave: Empresas sanitarias, Concurso de acreedores, Z-Altman, Predicción, Algoritmos genéticos, Keywords: Health companies, Bankruptcy, Z-Altman, Prediction, Genetic algorithms

Fe50Ni50 alloy powder was prepared by milling the 1:1 stoichiometric mixture of Fe and Ni high purity elements using high energy vibrational ball-mill. Final powdered material was obtained directly after 30 h of milling process and the Rietveld analysis of the X-ray diffraction pattern of the sample reveals the presence of two Fe Ni phases: the disordered γ–(Fe45Ni55) alloy, with 91% of total fraction of the material (Fe Ni solid solution plus grain boundary regions) and the chemically-ordered FeNi phase (9%), with L10 tetragonal structure. Average grain sizes of these Fe Ni phases are respectively 60 nm and 20 nm. Results of extended X-ray absorption fine structure of Ni and Fe as well as 57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy also suggest the presence of atomically ordered FeNi phase. Mossbauer data have also shown that both Fe Ni phases are magnetically ordered at room temperature. Our results indicate that high energy milling method can simulate extreme conditions of sample preparation required for the formation of the T-FeNi phase.

The utilization of solar energy based technologies has attracted increased interest in recent times in order to satisfy the energy demands in buildings. This research work presents a comparative analysis of the energy production and costs of factory made solar heating systems, Thermosiphon Solar Water Heaters Systems (TSWHS) and Forced-circulation Solar Water Heaters Systems (FSWHS), as a function of profile type (high and low) and collector absorber treatment (selective and black painting). We observe that the energy performance and the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) is similar in TSWHS and FSWHS for load volumes below tank nominal volume, black painting absorbers and locations with high solar irradiation. In the case of load volumes greater than nominal, climates with low irradiation and collectors with selective absorbers, the differences in their energy performance can reach a 7% and the LCOE can increase up to 9%. The LCOE is lower for TSWHS systems for all the evaluated scenarios. We have also found that for cold climates, the FSWHS systems present higher net annual energy produced, however, for warm climates TSWHS systems present greater net annual energy production.

Because personal decisions affect the availability of organs for transplants, awareness about organ donations among the general population is fundamental.To analyze attitudes toward organ donation among the citizens of Havana, Cuba.The sample population was the residents of the city of Havana, Cuba. The inclusion criterion was being older than 15 years; the sample was obtained randomly and stratified by age and sex. Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire on psychosocial aspects of organ donation and transplant (PCID-DTO-Ríos). A random selection of people to be surveyed was carried out.A sample of 920 respondents was included in the study. Attitude toward cadaveric donation was favorable in 68% of respondents, while 14% were against and 18% were undecided. Several variables were associated with having a more favorable attitude. In the multivariate analysis, the following variables continue to feature as independent variables (P .05): 1. level of studies; 2. knowledge of the concept of brain death; 3. attitude toward organ donation of a relative; 4. having discussed the issue of organ donation and transplantation with one's family; 5. the attitude of the couple toward organ donation and transplantation; 6. the religion of the respondent; 7. knowing the opinion of one's religion toward organ transplantation; 8. fear of manipulation of the body after death; and 9. acceptance of burial as a treatment of the body after the death.The attitude toward cadaveric organ donation among the residents of Havana is favorable and similar to that of the citizens of Spain. Improving the organ procurement system will increase donation rates given the population's awareness of the issue.

The number of people of Nigerian origin in Europe is growing. However, there are no studies that have analyzed their awareness of organ donation and transplantation.To analyze the attitude toward organ donation among Nigerian-born population living in Spain.The sample population was a selection of people born in Nigeria who are now living in Spain. A sample of this cohort older than 15 years was obtained randomly and stratified by age and sex. Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire on the psychosocial attitudes toward organ donation (PCID-DTO-Ríos). A random selection of people from this cohort was surveyed.A sample of 183 respondents was included in the study. Of their attitudes toward cadaveric donation, 33% were in favor of it, 34% were against it, and 33% were undecided. The variables associated with having a more favorable attitude (P .001) were: 1. Knowledge related to donation and transplantation; 2. attitude toward the body; 3. religion; and 4. social interaction. In the multivariate analysis, the main independent factor associated with the attitude toward organ donation was the knowledge of the concept of encephalic death. Respondents who are familiar with the concept of brain death are 10 times more likely to be in favor of donation than those who are not.The attitude toward organ donation among the Nigerian-born population living in Spain is not very favorable and is associated with psychosocial factors. A campaign to raise awareness among Nigerian residents in Spain has become a priority.

Xenotransplantation carries many social and cultural implications. The immigrant population in countries with xenotransplantation programs, such as Spain and the United States, will play an important role in accepting such therapy. The objective of the study is to analyze the attitude toward xenotransplantation among the Dominican population residing in the United States and Spain.The study population was born in the Dominican Republic and resides in the southeastern United States and Spain. A sample population older than 15 years was obtained randomly and stratified by age and sex. Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire on psychosocial aspects toward xenotransplantation (PCID-XENOTx-Ríos). A random selection of people to be surveyed was carried out. Assistance from immigration support associations was needed to advise on the location of potential respondents.A total of 123 respondents were included in the study: A sample was taken of residents of the population from the Dominican Republic residing in Florida, United States (n = 66), and in Spain (n = 57). If it was assumed that xenotransplanted organs functioned as well as human ones, 30% would be in favor. If the results were worse, only 7% would be in favor. This favorable attitude was related to the following variables (P .05): level of education, an attitude in favor of deceased and living organ donation, and having spoken about donation and transplantation within the family.The attitude toward xenotransplantation among the population from the Dominican Republic who are residing in the southeastern United States and Spain is unfavorable.

Awareness about organ donation among the general population is fundamental to organ donation programs. It is important to determine the factors that influence attitudes toward organ donation within the general population in order to carry out cost-effective campaigns.To analyze the attitude toward organ donation among Santiago, Cuba, citizens.The study population encompassed residents in Santiago, Cuba. A sample population of residents older than 15 years was obtained randomly and stratified by age and sex. Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire on psychosocial aspects toward organ donation and transplant (PCID-DTO Ríos). Available census data were used. The survey was self-administered and completed anonymously.Of the 455 respondents, 70% of respondents are in favour of cadaveric donation, 16% are against, and 14% were undecided. Several variables were associated with having a more favorable attitude. And in the multivariate analysis, the following variables continue to feature as independent variables: 1. knowledge of the concept of brain death [OR = 2.386 (4.761-1.194); P = .014]; 2. being in favor of donating a family member's organs [OR = 3.067 (5.952-1.584); P = .001]; 3. a partner's favorable attitude [OR = 5.795 (1.477-22.731); P = .012]; 4. being an atheist/agnostic as the religious beliefs [OR = 1.845 (3.289-1.038); P = .037]; 5. not being concerned about the possible mutilation of the body after donation [OR = 7.437 (2.918-18.955); P .001]; 6. not accepting other treatment options after death, such as inhumation [OR = 3.048 (5.714-1.626); P = .001].The attitude toward cadaveric organ donation among the Santiago, Cuba population is favorable and it is associated with several psychosocial factors.

In the present work, Y4Zr3O12 bulk ceramics doped with Yb3+ and Pr3+ were characterized to assess their structural, mechanical, thermal and optical properties. Specimens were synthesized by the polymerizable complex method and sintered as pellets at 1550 °C for 2 h. Samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Vickers-indentation method, thermodilatometry, laser flash method, diffuse reflectance and luminescence spectroscopies. All compositions exhibit cubic like-fluorite structure, low thermal conductivity, moderate fracture toughness and thermal expansion coefficient values comparable to those of other yttria-stabilized zirconias. Regarding the optical properties, diffuse reflectance spectra support the oxidation of praseodymium from Pr3+ to Pr4+ in the Pr-doped specimens. When irradiated under an IR laser (975 nm), only the pellet containing Yb3+ showed white light emission at low and room pressures, but not the undoped, and those pellets doped or codoped with Pr. These results demonstrate that it is possible to produce white light not only in nanostructured systems but also in bulk ceramic oxides, and that the introduction of additional electronic states within the band gap of the host associated with the Pr, inhibits the generation of the white light.

Introduction Head and neck cancer recurrence is a therapeutic challenge due to the anatomical and functional constraints of the head and neck area. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a high-precision technique of radiotherapy that consists of delivering a high ablative biological dose in 1–5 high-dose fractions, requiring a very high precision of the radiotherapy process with potential application in this clinical setting Methods Different studies that investigate the role of SBRT in the treatment of recurrent head and neck cancer have been reviewed. Indications to properly select patients for this treatment are presented. Results Retrospective studies and phase I–II trials with selected patients have shown low to moderate toxicity, with an efficacy at least similar to that of treatment with combinations of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In selected patients, SBRT is a treatment option for recurrent head and neck cancer with low toxicity. Discussion New prospective studies should clarify data regarding the efficacy and toxicity of SBRT in head and neck cancer recurrence.

This paper reports on an investigation into the thermally stimulated luminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) characteristics of novel luminescent phosphor. A new Pr3+-doped, lanthanum aluminate (LaAlO3)-based luminescent phosphor is developed. Samples of LaAlO3:Pr3+ were irradiated to beta doses, in air, from 0.1Gy up to 50Gy and then were analyzed using both TL and continuous wavelength OSL (CW-OSL) techniques to determine their luminescent characteristics. This phosphor shows a TL glow curve, after its irradiation to beta radiation, with two TL peaks: one located around 160°C and a second at 300°C. CW-OSL response presented a fast decay into the first 20s of blue light stimulation. TL and CW-OSL response as a function of beta radiation dose were linear in the studied dose range. The high sensitivity of the CW-OSL and TL response will make this phosphor suitable for beta radiation detection. Finally, the kinetic parameters of activation energy, frequency factor and kinetic order were analyzed in the TL response using computerized glow curve deconvolution based on general order kinetic model.

A series of highly-active catalysts were obtained from the same precursor and calcined at different temperatures to generate single-phase anatase and anatase-rutile composite powders. Performance of the catalysts was compared with the P25 reference and assessed through the measurement of the optical properties of the materials and calculation of the efficiency of the photodegradation of a multifunctional dye, acid blue 9. X-ray diffraction, porosimetry, UV–vis and photoluminescence spectroscopies were used to analyze the physico-chemical properties of the catalysts and to test their stability under reaction conditions. Through the calculation of the reaction rate and total organic carbon (TOC) observables as well as the apparent and true quantum efficiency parameters we analyzed quantitatively the performance of the materials. We observe that a high surface area anatase sample showed optimum activity and adequate selectivity towards full mineralization. The catalysts were subjected to sedimentation and recycling experiments and the catalytic performance compared on the basis of the true quantum efficiency. The use of this last parameter leads to different conclusions than those supported by an analysis based in the kinetic constant, reaction rate or apparent quantum efficiency. The high quantum efficiency and easy recovery after repeated experiments shown by the catalysts were interpreted on the basis of the characterization results.

The Latin American population has a double way of immigration, one toward the United States by proximity and another toward Spain by sociocultural affinity. This population increase is affecting organ donation and transplantation in receiving countries. Objective To analyze the brain death (BD) concept knowledge in the Dominican Republic immigrant population in Florida (United States) and Spain. Method Population under study: Population born in the Dominican Republic, resident in Florida (United States) and in Spain. Inclusion criteria: Population older than 15 years stratified by age and sex. Assessment instrument: Donation attitude questionnaire PCID-DTO-Rios. Fieldwork: Random selection based on stratification. Immigration support association collaboration in Florida and Spain was needed to locate potential respondents. Completion was anonymous and self-administered, with verbal consent. Results A total of 123 respondents, 57 residents in Spain and 66 in Florida, have been included in the study. The 27% (n = 33) of the respondents knowledgeable of the BD concept consider it the death of an individual. Of the remainder, 52% (n = 64) do not know about it, and the remaining 21% (n = 26) believe it does not mean the death of a patient. No differences were observed regarding migration countries (P > .05). There was no association of the BD concept with other psychosocial factors analyzed or with the attitude toward organ donation. Conclusions Knowledge of the BD concept among the Dominican immigrant population is similar in Spain and Florida, and, unlike most studies, there is no objective association with the attitude toward organ donation.

Introduction Religious factors have conditioned the attitude toward organ donation and transplantation (ODT) since the beginning of transplantation, despite the fact that most religions are in favor of transplantation. Objective To assess the impact of religious beliefs of medical students on their attitude toward ODT. Method Population under study: Medical students in Spanish universities. Study sample: Stratified by geographical area and academic course. Assessment instrument: Attitude ODT questionnaire PCID-DTO-Ríos, anonymous and self-administered. Results Of all students, 42% (n = 3907) declare themselves atheists or agnostics. The remaining 58% (n = 5368) declare themselves to be religious, the majority being Catholic (55%, n = 5102). Of the rest, 0.2% are Muslims (n = 8), 0.1% Protestants (n = 1), and the remaining 2.7% (n = 257) indicate other religious doctrines but do not want to specify it. Regarding their attitude toward ODT, those who consider themselves atheists or agnostics have a more favorable attitude than those who consider themselves religious (84% versus 76%; P < .001). Among those who follow some kind of religion, Catholics are more in favor of ODT than non-Catholics (77% vs 64%, P < .001). Note that among the religious, only 57% (n = 3050) know which religion is in favor of transplantation, while 22% (n = 1,152) consider that it has not been pronounced on the matter, 13% (n = 723) think the religion is against donation, and the remaining 8% (n = 443) do not know. Conclusion The religion professed by medical students conditions their attitude toward donation, with the atheists and agnostics being more in favor of donation. Sin financiación 0.784 JCR (2019) Q4, 155/158 Immunology, 191/210 Surgery, 24/24 Transplantation 0.363 SJR (2019) Q3, 254/451 Surgery, 27/41 Transplantation No data IDR 2019 UEM

Thermally and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) are known stimulated phenomena in condensed matter that can be used for luminescent material characterization. Both thermally and optically processes have become a successful practical tool in radiation dosimetry. Special attention is dedicated to bioceramic as a material of choice for many dosimetric applications. This paper reports experimental results of dysprosium trivalent ion doped lanthanum aluminate (LaAlO3:Dy3+) using thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) techniques. Samples of LaAlO3:Dy3+ were irradiated to beta doses, in air, from 1.6 Gy up to 26 Gy and then were analyzed using both TL and OSL techniques to determine their luminescent properties. Nanostructured powders were confirmed by the X-ray diffraction technique. Luminescent phosphors show a thermoluminescent glow curve obtained being exposed beta radiation of two peaks: one located at around 160 °C and the second one at 215 °C. Meanwhile, OSL decay is exponential form. TL and OSL response as a function beta radiation dose was linear in the studied dose interval (from 1.6 Gy up to 26 Gy). The very good sensitivity and moderate fading will make this phosphor suitable for beta radiation detection, using both TL and OSL techniques.

The present study shows a solar air heating system, made up of a thermal accumulator of limestone and gravel, as well as aggregates of soot from forest biomass as a photothermal material for solar absorption. This research is divided into three stages: (a) the construction of the solar air heating system with soot-gravel-limestone composite materials (b) the optothermal characterization of the system: using UV–VIS-NIR spectrophotometry to estimate solar absorptivity, scanning electron microscopy to analyze the morphology of materials, thermographic analysis, and experimental evaluation with solar irradiance to determine the thermal efficiency and to carry out an exergy analysis (c) the development of a mathematical model to infer the behavior of the system, allowing the theoretical variation of the materials and properties involved to optimize the construction and characterization process. The results show that soot, as a photothermic material, increases the solar absorption capacity of thermal accumulators of gravel and limestone above 90%, and contributes to reaching maximum accumulated temperatures above 60℃. In this system, the cooling curve is slow and the temperature gradient at the end of the solar day exceeds the ambient temperature by more than 15 °C. The mathematical model is functional and had an approximate error of 4% with respect to the experimental analysis. This proposal with low environmental impact and low cost materials has favorable photothermic properties for its implementation in more complex solar thermal technologies.

The enhanced temporal capability of today's satellite sensors gives us large volumes of data to be processed, analysed, and visualized. Most of the conventional remote sensing software and land cover classification approaches, however, are only designed for single-date observations. To fully utilize the amount of data we receive and to improve land use/land cover mapping (LULC), technological advancements in machine learning, open-source processing, and GPU-accelerated hardware should be utilized. In this paper, a methodology for classification of temporal sequence of Sentinel-2 images was developed using open-source Python libraries. Light Gradient Boosting Machine, a machine learning algorithm that uses tree-based learning, was used to classify different land cover types based on a temporal sequence of Sentinel-2 satellite images. Although the use of powerful machine learning algorithm resulted to more accurate land cover maps, temporal inconsistencies are still pervasive when dealing with time series outputs. To remove these temporal inconsistencies that resulted from misclassifications, temporal land cover filter based on transition probability matrix was applied on the time series land cover maps to modify the illogical land cover transitions. Accuracy assessment revealed good performance of the approach, which produced higher overall accuracy.

This work presents an alternative method to prepare rare-earth doped lanthanum aluminates materials for thermoluminescent (TL) dosimetry applications. Modified Pechini´s method was using to prepare praseodymium doped LaAlO 3 powders. LaAlO 3 :Pr 3+ powders were prepared using La(NO 3 ) 3 ·6H 2 O, Al(NO 3 ) 3 ·6H 2 O, Pr(NO 3 ) 3 ·6H 2 O, citric acid, and ethylene glycol. The solution was heated to 80 °C for its polyesterification reaction. The obtained powders were submitted at different thermal treatment from 700 up to 1600 °C. The structural and morphological characterizations were carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy techniques. TL glow curves of the X-ray irradiated samples showed one peak for europium and praseodymium dopants, meanwhile for powders doped with dysprosium ion showed two peaks. The technique is low cost, faster and it produces homogeneous particles can be used as thermoluminescent phosphors.

9 pags., 7 figs., 1 app., It is common practice while studying complex liquids to analyze their relaxations in time as well as in frequency. Unfortunately, there are not often at hand short and compact expressions corresponding simultaneously to the mathematical formulation of a same phenomenon in both spaces. Therefore, this work is focused towards the approximation of Fourier Transform of certain Weibull distributions (the time derivative of the Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts function) by Havriliak-Negami functions. In particular, it was found that a small interval of low frequencies are needed to recover the main traits of the relaxation for the stretched (β ≤ 1) and squeezed (β > 1) instances. However, it's easily recognizable that the weight of the low frequency part competes with the weight of the high frequency part, and the former distorts the power law behavior, diverging from −β. In consequence, the tail's sturdiness influences the asymptotic trend of HN, suggesting a careful design of the approximant, the method of optimization, the absent of data errors, and of course the frequency domain. In this sense, we were able to explain how the asymptotic laws naturally emerge as a function ω, and validate the suitability-flexibility-instability of our local approximants., The authors thank to Centro de Calculo del IFF, SGAI (CSIC) and CESGA for allocation of computer time. This work has been supported by MINECO grant No. FIS2014-51933-P, and by COST Actions CM1204(X-LIC) and CM1405(MOLIM). DJAA acknowledges the FPIMEC predoctoral fellowship BES-2012-054209.

The speech emotion recognition has a huge potential in human computer interaction applications in fields such as psychology, psychiatry and affective computing technology. The great majority of research works on speech emotion recognition have been made based on record repositories consisting of short sentences recorded under laboratory conditions. In this work, we researched the use of the Emotional Temperature strategy for continuous tracking in long-term samples of speech in which there are emotional changes during the speech. Emotional Temperature uses a few prosodic and paralinguistic features set obtained from a temporal segmentation of the speech signal. The simplicity and limitation of the set, previously validated under laboratory conditions, make it appropriate to be used under real conditions, where the spontaneous speech is continuous and the emotions are expressed in certain moments of the dialogue, given emotional turns. This strategy is robust, offers low computational cost, ability to detect emotional changes and improves the performance of a segmentation based on linguistic aspects. The German Corpus EMO-DB (Berlin Database of Emotional Speech), the English Corpus LDC (Emotional Prosody Speech and Transcripts database), the Polish Emotional Speech Database and RECOLA (Remote Collaborative and Affective Interactions) database are used to validate the system of continuous tracking from emotional speech. Two experimentation conditions are analyzed, dependence and independence on language and gender, using acted and spontaneous speech respectively. In acted conditions, the approach obtained accuracies of 67–97% while under spontaneous conditions, compared to annotation performed by human judges, accuracies of 41–50% were obtained. In comparison with previous studies in continuous emotion recognition, the approach improves the existing results with an accuracy of 9% higher on average. Therefore, this approach has a good performance with low complexity to develop real-time applications or continuous tracking emotional speech applications.

Background Blood transfusion is a valuable therapeutic tool for massive bleeding in spite of inherent risks and makes the difference between life and death. Rational use of blood components and particularly of red blood cells concentrates (RBC) request for surgery could minimize the transfusional reactions and financial burden for blood banks. Objective To know the transfusion practice and the relationship between the request and use of RBC in programmed surgeries at the General Hospital of Mexico. Materials and methods A retrospective study was conducted and data analysis based in the number of RBC units required from the blood bank were compared with the number of RBC units transfused. Medical records, surgical notes, anesthesia worksheets, nursing and laboratory reports from a 6 months period, were reviewed. Results During the studied period, 354 RBC were requested from the blood bank from different surgical specialties; with a total of 680 units. From these only 63 (9.2%) were transfused vs 617 (90.7%) that were not used and were returned to the blood bank. Conclusions RBC requests were excessive compared to the real demand; this represents inadequate blood requests and elevated costs for the blood bank and the health system. There is a need to promote strategies through the institutional Transfusion Medicine Committee.

The electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) of cobalt-ruthenium based nanomaterials (Co 80 Ru 20 and Co 80 Ru 15 Pt 5 ) synthesized by high energy mechanical milling was studied in acid medium. The synthesized materials were immersed in a carbon paste electrode matrix (20 wt.%). X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the synthesized powders. The composition of the nanomaterials was established by means of energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). SEM and TEM analysis showed the formation of agglomerates of 1–5 μm, constituted by particles of ca. 20 nm. The electrocatalytic activity of the prepared materials was evaluated in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 at 25 °C using linear sweep voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. EIS diagrams were obtained in a frequency range from 100 kHz to 10 mHz at selected potentials. Nyquist diagrams showed the presence of two semicircles. The kinetic parameters for HER obtained from analysis of polarization and impedance data showed that both materials exhibit good performance toward HER. According to the electrochemical parameters, the material with the best performance was Co 80 Ru 15 Pt 5 .

Introduction Among the risks associated with hematopoietic stem cells transplantation of umbilical cord blood are bacterial infections. This becomes dangerous when bacterial sepsis is related to resistance to antibiotics commonly used to eliminate of this type infections. Among the widely used antibiotics are those of the β-lactam family. Among the genes responsible for the resistance are designated “ bla genes” which encode for broad-spectrum lactamases. Its detection in the laboratory shown the importance in the manufacture of cord blood units. Objective To correlate the antibiotic resistance in bacterial contaminants isolated from Umbilical Cord Blood Units (UCBU), with detection of genes encoding resistance of β-lactamics antibiotics. Materials and methods Test of resistance to antibiotics was determined in 107 bacterial strains using disk diffusion method according to the recommendations of “The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)” and multiplex amplification by PCR of genes bla TEM , bla SHV and bla CTX-M were performed in order to detect genetic elements associated to antimicrobial resistance tested. Results Broad-spectrum penicillins showed lower inhibitory activity on the tested strains. Gene detection by multiplex PCR of encoding antimicrobial resistance (β-lactamases) revealed the presence of bla –HSV , bla CTX-M and bla –TEM genes in most strains tested even when these genes have been reported in Enterobacteriaceae family members. Conclusions The genotype detection encoding antibiotic resistance in isolates of UCBU clearly indicates the potential risk of sepsis difficult to eradicate in the patient, if present in a UCBU available for transplant. Additionally, the existence of these genes reveals horizontal transfer events of genetic material between bacteria. So the importance to realize this studies before transplant.

The Bolivian population is growing in Spain. Xenotransplantation of organs and/or tissues carries many social and cultural implications. It is important to find out the level of acceptance of xenotransplantation in immigrant populations, especially in populations where there are preclinical trials. The objective of the study is to analyze the attitude toward xenotransplantation of organs and tissues in the Bolivian population residing in Spain and the variables that influence their attitude.We selected a sample of the Bolivian population living in Spain. A sample of the population older than 15 years was obtained randomly and stratified by age and sex. Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire on psychosocial aspects toward xenotransplantation (PCID-XENOTX-Ríos).Of the 206 respondents, 26% of respondents are in favor of xenotransplantation of organs if it was assumed that xenotransplanted organs functioned as well as human ones. If the results were worse, only 6% would be in favor. The following factors were associated with this attitude: (1) level of education (P = .008), (2) a favorable attitude toward human donation (P = .004), (3) a partner's favorable attitude toward transplantation (P .001), and (4) a belief that one might need a transplant in the future (P = .01). The following were associated with attitude in the multivariate analysis: (1) having secondary education (odds ratio, 3.690; P = .004) and (2) a partner's favorable attitude toward transplantation (odds ratio, 6.024; P = .003).The attitude of Bolivian residents in Spain toward xenotransplantation is negative and is determined by educational and family factors.

Introduction The Bolivian population is growing in Spain. The knowledge and acceptance of the concept of brain death are fundamental. Objective To analyze the level of understanding of the brain death concept among the population of Bolivians residing in Spain. Methods The study population was Bolivians living in Spain. The inclusion criteria were being older than 15 years, being born in Bolivia, and residing in Spain; participants were selected randomly from this group and stratified by age and sex. Knowledge of the concept of brain death was assessed using a validated questionnaire on psychosocial aspects toward organ donation. A group of people to be surveyed was randomly selected. Assistance from immigration support associations in Spain was needed to advise on the location of potential respondents. The survey was self-administered and completed anonymously. Results Of the 206 respondents, 27% understood brain death (BD) and believed that this was the death of an individual. Of the rest, 18% did not understand it and the remaining 55% believed it did not mean the death of a patient. Those who understood the concept of BD were more in favor of deceased donation than those who did not (52% vs 47%; P = .886). None of the sociopersonal variables analyzed is associated with knowledge of the concept of BD. A high percentage of respondents indicated fear of apparent death during organ donation. Conclusions The majority of the Bolivian population residing in Spain does not understand the concept of BD. Contrary to most psychosocial studies, it is not associated with attitudes toward organ donation or other sociopersonal factors.

Introduction The number of Population of Guinea residents in Spain has increased significantly; however, there are no studies that analyze their awareness of transplantation and especially living kidney donation. Objective To analyze the attitude toward living kidney donation among the Spanish resident population born in Guinea. Methods People born in Guinea and residents in Spain were included in this study. A sample of population older than 15 years was obtained randomly and stratified by age and sex. Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire on psychosocial aspects with respect to living kidney donation (PCID-DVR-Rios). Results Of the 170 respondents, 68% of respondents are in favor of related living kidney donation. The remaining 32% were against it or undecided. The results of the multivariable analysis indicated that respondents who were in favor of cadaveric organ donation and transplantation had a probability of being in favor of living kidney donation 10 times greater than those who were not in favor, and that respondents who had collaborated in prosocial activities had a probability of being in favor of living kidney donation that was 10,638 times greater than those who have not collaborated and will not collaborate in the future. Conclusions The attitude toward related living kidney donation among the population born in Guinea and residing in Spain is not very favorable compared with studies of attitude in the European and Spanish population, and it is associated with psychosocial factors.

The synthesis, characterization of a new anhydro copper(II) complex derived from N-(2′-hydroxy acetophenone)glycinate ligand (LGly) is reported. The structure of the copper(II) complex was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), showing a tetranuclear metallocycle. The structure and spectroscopic characterization, as well as catalytic and antioxidant applications, are reported.

Spent coffee grounds (SCG) are residues generated during coffee beverage preparation that contain 12–17% protein and are a rich source of peptides. Bacteria can generate peptides with potential bioactivity through protein hydrolysis in a fermentation process. This study aimed to obtain digested protein hydrolysates with potential bioactivity from Bacillus clausii-fermented SCG. The fermentation was performed with 1.5 × 108 colony-forming units/mL of bacteria at 37 °C for 39 h. Total and soluble proteins and protein hydrolysates were quantified using spectrophotometric techniques. Pepsin/pancreatin protein hydrolysates were characterized using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The physicochemical properties and potential bioactivity of peptides were evaluated using in silico analysis. The fermentation process increased the amounts of total proteins, soluble proteins, and protein hydrolysates by 2.7, 2.2, and 1.2-fold, respectively, compared to non-fermented SCG. Fermented SCG samples, increased the abundance of seven peptides that displayed potentially antioxidant capacity, angiotensin-converting enzyme activity, and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV-inhibitor activity. The YGF and GMCC peptide sequences presented the highest bioactivity scores (0.97 each), followed by the YWRYDCQ (0.65) and RMYRY (0.60) peptides. In summary, fermented SCG had increased abundance of peptides with high bioactive potential that may be exploited in managing oxidative stress, hypertension, and diabetes.

The coffee beverage market produces large amounts of waste as spent coffee grounds (SCGs). This by-product contains a high concentration of bioactive compounds that could be more accessible after bioprocessing. In this study, we identified the compounds present in Bacillus clausii-fermented SCG extract and determined the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the extract. Additionally, in a macrophage model, we measured nitric oxide (NO) production and bactericidal activity against Salmonella enterica Typhimurium. The fermented SCG extract exhibited increased phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity as compared to non-fermented SCG extract. The main compounds detected in fermented SCG extracts were cryptochlorogenic, caffeic, and chlorogenic acids. Macrophages RAW264.7 treated with 10, 50, or 100 μg/mL of fermented SCG exhibited significantly (P

Thermoluminescent (TL) response of trivalent praseodymium ion doped lanthanum aluminate (LaAlO3:Pr3+) obtained by Pechini method and Spray Dryer was studied. TL response of LaAlO3:Pr3+ powders submitted at 1600 °C exhibited one peak centered at 157 °C. Sensitivity of LaAlO3:Pr3+ was improved in around 90 times compared with undoped LaAlO3. TL response as a function of wavelength showed a maximum in 230 nm. Dosimetric characteristics of LaAlO3:Pr3+ under UVR radiation effects were analyzed. Evaluation of activation energy was obtained by Glow Fit v.1.3 software. Experimental results about thermoluminescent characteristics of LaAlO3:Pr3+ suggest as good candidate to be employed as a complementary thermoluminescent device with other TL phosphors as aluminum oxide

Pseudo-boehmite is the best precursor during synthesis of gamma alumina, because only the removal of water by calcination at about 447 °C is required. The control of operating variables during synthesis of pseudo-boehmite: the supersaturation of the solutions is a factor of special importance, additionally the pH, temperature, impurities and nature of the reagents [3] , [4] . Ensure purity of this material and these variables determine the morphology, texture and it structures of the precipitate. Therefore, it is relevant to follow phenomena that occur during synthesis, in order to predict yield and quality of the final product. In this work, synthesis of pseudo-boehmite was developed by the method of precipitation, using industrial grade aluminum sulfate supersaturated solution and concentrated ammonium hydroxide (28%) as reactants; this known method was improved decreasing reaction temperature below the boiling point of ammonia. Temperature control of the reactant medium was reached by data acquisition and automatic manipulation of the heating medium. It is shown that operating the reactor at isothermal conditions ensures the final quality of the pseudo-boehmite produced. Download : Download high-res image (235KB) Download : Download full-size image