Determinación de la carga física de trabajo mediante pulsometría en una planta de coque en el municipio de Cucunubá, Cundinamarca

El trabajo exige en el individuo una serie de esfuerzos fisiológicos que implican el uso de los componentes del sistema osteo-muscular, cardiovascular y metabólico, definiéndose así la carga física de trabajo. El objetivo fue determinar la respuesta fisiológica a la exposición a calor y carga física en trabajadores operadores de hornos de coquería. El estudio se realizó en once trabajadores expuestos a carga física y a calor en hornos de coquería. Se realizó la medición de capacidad máxima de trabajo (VO2máx), medición de consumo calórico y respuesta cardiovascular a la carga térmica y medición de niveles de hidratación. No obstante de su alta capacidad de trabajo y desempeño físico de los horneros, el trabajo de deshorne se califica como extremadamente duro muy duro o intenso. Se recomienda intervenir tecnológicamente el sistema de trabajo de deshorne mediante mecanización de las tareas.

Efecto de una intervención sobre la carga física durante el proceso de coquización en una empresa de Colombia

Se realizó estudio cuasi experimental con el fin de comparar el efecto sobre la carga física de una intervención tecnológica y en la organización del trabajo en trabajadores en el cargo de horneros en la tarea de extracción de coque en Colombia. Se midió la carga física mediante frecuencia cardiaca e índice de costo cardiaco relativo en una población de trabajadores expuestos (37) y no expuestos (66) a una intervención tecnológica. La monitorización de la frecuencia cardiaca se realizó con 7 pulsímetros Polar RS 800cx debidamente calibrados. Las variables numéricas se describieron con base en la media aritmética, su desviación estándar, y el rango. Para evaluar la diferencia entre las medias de los grupos con respecto a la frecuencia cardiaca en reposo, media, máxima, índice de costo cardiaco relativo, gasto energético de trabajo se aplicó análisis de varianza de una vía. Se estableció a priori un nivel de significación estadística α = 0,05. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el comportamiento de la frecuencia cardiaca media, frecuencia cardiaca máxima e índice de costo cardiaco relativo, entre los grupos de estudio. Se concluyó que este estudio valida la frecuencia cardiaca como una variable sensible para la medición del riesgo por carga física y a su utilidad en la evaluación intervenciones ergonómica. El estudio demostró que la intervención ergonómica logró controlar la carga física con una disminución significativa la frecuencia cardiaca, en el grupo de intervención.

Nonlinear measures of QT interval series: novel indices of cardiac repolarization lability: MEDqthr and LLEqthr

In this study, we investigated nonlinear measures of chaos of QT interval time series in 28 normal control subjects, 36 patients with panic disorder and 18 patients with major depression in supine and standing postures. We obtained the minimum embedding dimension (MED) and the largest Lyapunov exponent (LLE) of instantaneous heart rate (HR) and QT interval series. MED quantifies the system's complexity and LLE predictability. There was a significantly lower MED and a significantly increased LLE of QT interval time series in patients. Most importantly, nonlinear indices of QT/HR time series, MEDqthr (MED of QT/HR) and LLEqthr (LLE of QT/HR), were highly significantly different between controls and both patient groups in either posture. Results remained the same even after adjusting for age. The increased LLE of QT interval time, series in patients with anxiety and depression is in line with our previous findings of higher QTvi (QT variability index, a log ratio of QT variability corrected for mean QT squared divided by heart rate variability corrected for mean heart rate squared) in these patients, using linear techniques. Increased LLEqthr (LLE of QT/HR) may be a more sensitive tool to study cardiac repolarization and a valuable addition to the time domain measures such as QTvi. This is especially important in light of the finding that LLEqthr correlated poorly and nonsignificantly with QTvi. These findings suggest an increase in relative cardiac sympathetic activity and a decrease in certain aspects of cardiac vagal function in patients with anxiety as well as depression. The lack of correlation between QTvi and LLEqthr suggests that this nonlinear index is a valuable addition to the linear measures. These findings may also help to explain the higher incidence of cardiovascular mortality in patients with anxiety and depressive disorders. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of financial incentives as a quality improvement strategy in the public hospital context : clinician attitudes, design variables, and economic costs

In 2008, a three-year pilot ‘pay for performance’ (P4P) program, known as ‘Clinical Practice Improvement Payment’ (CPIP) was introduced into Queensland Health (QHealth). QHealth is a large public health sector provider of acute, community, and public health services in Queensland, Australia. The organisation has recently embarked on a significant reform agenda including a review of existing funding arrangements (Duckett et al., 2008). Partly in response to this reform agenda, a casemix funding model has been implemented to reconnect health care funding with outcomes. CPIP was conceptualised as a performance-based scheme that rewarded quality with financial incentives. This is the first time such a scheme has been implemented into the public health sector in Australia with a focus on rewarding quality, and it is unique in that it has a large state-wide focus and includes 15 Districts. CPIP initially targeted five acute and community clinical areas including Mental Health, Discharge Medication, Emergency Department, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and Stroke. The CPIP scheme was designed around key concepts including the identification of clinical indicators that met the set criteria of: high disease burden, a well defined single diagnostic group or intervention, significant variations in clinical outcomes and/or practices, a good evidence, and clinician control and support (Ward, Daniels, Walker & Duckett, 2007). This evaluative research targeted Phase One of implementation of the CPIP scheme from January 2008 to March 2009. A formative evaluation utilising a mixed methodology and complementarity analysis was undertaken. The research involved three research questions and aimed to determine the knowledge, understanding, and attitudes of clinicians; identify improvements to the design, administration, and monitoring of CPIP; and determine the financial and economic costs of the scheme. Three key studies were undertaken to ascertain responses to the key research questions. Firstly, a survey of clinicians was undertaken to examine levels of knowledge and understanding and their attitudes to the scheme. Secondly, the study sought to apply Statistical Process Control (SPC) to the process indicators to assess if this enhanced the scheme and a third study examined a simple economic cost analysis. The CPIP Survey of clinicians elicited 192 clinician respondents. Over 70% of these respondents were supportive of the continuation of the CPIP scheme. This finding was also supported by the results of a quantitative altitude survey that identified positive attitudes in 6 of the 7 domains-including impact, awareness and understanding and clinical relevance, all being scored positive across the combined respondent group. SPC as a trending tool may play an important role in the early identification of indicator weakness for the CPIP scheme. This evaluative research study supports a previously identified need in the literature for a phased introduction of Pay for Performance (P4P) type programs. It further highlights the value of undertaking a formal risk assessment of clinician, management, and systemic levels of literacy and competency with measurement and monitoring of quality prior to a phased implementation. This phasing can then be guided by a P4P Design Variable Matrix which provides a selection of program design options such as indicator target and payment mechanisms. It became evident that a clear process is required to standardise how clinical indicators evolve over time and direct movement towards more rigorous ‘pay for performance’ targets and the development of an optimal funding model. Use of this matrix will enable the scheme to mature and build the literacy and competency of clinicians and the organisation as implementation progresses. Furthermore, the research identified that CPIP created a spotlight on clinical indicators and incentive payments of over five million from a potential ten million was secured across the five clinical areas in the first 15 months of the scheme. This indicates that quality was rewarded in the new QHealth funding model, and despite issues being identified with the payment mechanism, funding was distributed. The economic model used identified a relative low cost of reporting (under $8,000) as opposed to funds secured of over $300,000 for mental health as an example. Movement to a full cost effectiveness study of CPIP is supported. Overall the introduction of the CPIP scheme into QHealth has been a positive and effective strategy for engaging clinicians in quality and has been the catalyst for the identification and monitoring of valuable clinical process indicators. This research has highlighted that clinicians are supportive of the scheme in general; however, there are some significant risks that include the functioning of the CPIP payment mechanism. Given clinician support for the use of a pay–for-performance methodology in QHealth, the CPIP scheme has the potential to be a powerful addition to a multi-faceted suite of quality improvement initiatives within QHealth.

Radiotherapy Monte Carlo simulation using cloud computing technology

Cloud computing allows for vast computational resources to be leveraged quickly and easily in bursts as and when required. Here we describe a technique that allows for Monte Carlo radiotherapy dose calculations to be performed using GEANT4 and executed in the cloud, with relative simulation cost and completion time evaluated as a function of machine count. As expected, simulation completion time decreases as 1=n for n parallel machines, and relative simulation cost is found to be optimal where n is a factor of the total simulation time in hours. Using the technique, we demonstrate the potential usefulness of cloud computing as a solution for rapid Monte Carlo simulation for radiotherapy dose calculation without the need for dedicated local computer hardware as a proof of principal. Funding source Cancer Australia (Department of Health and Ageing) Research Grant 614217

Priority Threat Management for Pilbara Species of Conservation Significance

This project provides a costed and appraised set of management strategies for mitigating threats to species of conservation significance in the Pilbara IBRA bioregion of Western Australia (hereafter 'the Pilbara'). Conservation significant species are either listed under federal and state legislation, international agreements or considered likely to be threatened in the next 20 years. Here we report on the 17 technically and socially feasible management strategies, which were drawn from the collective experience and knowledge of 49 experts and stakeholders in the ecology and management of the Pilbara region. We determine the relative ecological cost-effectiveness of each strategy, calculated as the expected benefit of management to the persistence of 53 key threatened native fauna and flora species, divided by the expected cost of management. Finally we provide decision support to assist prioritisation of the strategies on the basis of ecological cost-effectiveness.

Physiological Ecology Of 2 Populations Of Mytilus-Edulis-L

Seasonal cycles in the rates of oxygen consumption, feeding, absorption efficiency and ammonia-nitrogen excretion in two populations of Mytilus edulis were measured in the field under ambient conditions and related to body size, the gametogenic cycle, the concentration of suspended particulate matter in the water and temperature. Relationships between the various physiological variables are also considered and protein and energy budgets estimated. Both the “scope for growth” and the “relative maintenance cost” were seasonally variable, demonstrating a minimum capacity for growth in the winter and a maximum capacity in the summer. In one population subjected to abnormally high temperatures in the winter the scope for growth was negative for four or five months between January and May. These population differences are discussed and the potential for using physiological integrations in intra-specific comparisons of fitness is identified.

iMarNet: an ocean biogeochemistry model intercomparison project within a common physical ocean modelling framework

Ocean biogeochemistry (OBGC) models span a wide variety of complexities, including highly simplified nutrient-restoring schemes, nutrient–phytoplankton–zooplankton–detritus (NPZD) models that crudely represent the marine biota, models that represent a broader trophic structure by grouping organisms as plankton functional types (PFTs) based on their biogeochemical role (dynamic green ocean models) and ecosystem models that group organisms by ecological function and trait. OBGC models are now integral components of Earth system models (ESMs), but they compete for computing resources with higher resolution dynamical setups and with other components such as atmospheric chemistry and terrestrial vegetation schemes. As such, the choice of OBGC in ESMs needs to balance model complexity and realism alongside relative computing cost. Here we present an intercomparison of six OBGC models that were candidates for implementation within the next UK Earth system model (UKESM1). The models cover a large range of biological complexity (from 7 to 57 tracers) but all include representations of at least the nitrogen, carbon, alkalinity and oxygen cycles. Each OBGC model was coupled to the ocean general circulation model Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean (NEMO) and results from physically identical hindcast simulations were compared. Model skill was evaluated for biogeochemical metrics of global-scale bulk properties using conventional statistical techniques. The computing cost of each model was also measured in standardised tests run at two resource levels. No model is shown to consistently outperform all other models across all metrics. Nonetheless, the simpler models are broadly closer to observations across a number of fields and thus offer a high-efficiency option for ESMs that prioritise high-resolution climate dynamics. However, simpler models provide limited insight into more complex marine biogeochemical processes and ecosystem pathways, and a parallel approach of low-resolution climate dynamics and high-complexity biogeochemistry is desirable in order to provide additional insights into biogeochemistry–climate interactions.

Underwater slam for estructured environments using and imaging sonar

Aquesta tesi tracta sobre el problema de la navegació per a vehicles submarins autònoms que operen en entorns artificials estructurats com ara ports, canals, plataformes marines i altres escenaris similars. A partir d'una estimació precisa de la posició en aquests entorns, les capacitats dels vehicles submarins s'incrementen notablement i s'obre una porta al seu funcionament autònom. El manteniment, inspecció i vigilància d'instal lacions marines són alguns exemples de possibles aplicacions. Les principals contribucions d'aquesta tesi consisteixen per una banda en el desenvolupament de diferents sistemes de localització per a aquelles situacions on es disposa d'un mapa previ de l'entorn i per l'altra en el desenvolupament d'una nova solució al problema de la Localització i Construcció Simultània de Mapes (SLAM en les seves sigles en anglès), la finalitat del qual és fer que un vehicle autònom creï un mapa de l'entorn desconegut que el rodeja i, al mateix temps, utilitzi aquest mapa per a determinar la seva pròpia posició. S'ha escollit un sonar d'imatges d'escaneig mecànic com a sensor principal per a aquest treball tant pel seu relatiu baix cost com per la seva capacitat per produir una representació detallada de l'entorn. Per altra banda, les particularitats de la seva operació i, especialment, la baixa freqúència a la que es produeixen les mesures, constitueixen els principals inconvenients que s'han hagut d'abordar en les estratègies de localització proposades. Les solucions adoptades per aquests problemes constitueixen una altra contribució d'aquesta tesi. El desenvolupament de vehicles autònoms i el seu ús com a plataformes experimentals és un altre aspecte important d'aquest treball. Experiments portats a terme tant en el laboratori com en escenaris reals d'aplicació han proporcionat les dades necessàries per a provar i avaluar els diferents sistemes de localització proposats.

Large-scale functional expression of WT and truncated human adenosine A(2A) receptor in Pichia pastoris bioreactor cultures

Background: The large-scale production of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) for functional and structural studies remains a challenge. Recent successes have been made in the expression of a range of GPCRs using Pichia pastoris as an expression host. P. pastoris has a number of advantages over other expression systems including ability to post-translationally modify expressed proteins, relative low cost for production and ability to grow to very high cell densities. Several previous studies have described the expression of GPCRs in P. pastoris using shaker flasks, which allow culturing of small volumes (500 ml) with moderate cell densities (OD600 similar to 15). The use of bioreactors, which allow straightforward culturing of large volumes, together with optimal control of growth parameters including pH and dissolved oxygen to maximise cell densities and expression of the target receptors, are an attractive alternative. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of expression of the human Adenosine 2A receptor (A(2A)R) in P. pastoris under control of a methanol-inducible promoter in both flask and bioreactor cultures. Results: Bioreactor cultures yielded an approximately five times increase in cell density (OD600 similar to 75) compared to flask cultures prior to induction and a doubling in functional expression level per mg of membrane protein, representing a significant optimisation. Furthermore, analysis of a C-terminally truncated A2AR, terminating at residue V334 yielded the highest levels (200 pmol/mg) so far reported for expression of this receptor in P. pastoris. This truncated form of the receptor was also revealed to be resistant to C-terminal degradation in contrast to the WT A(2A)R, and therefore more suitable for further functional and structural studies. Conclusion: Large-scale expression of the A(2A)R in P. pastoris bioreactor cultures results in significant increases in functional expression compared to traditional flask cultures.

Avaliação da atividade de contração e evaziamento gástrico em ratos gastretomizados por biosusceptometria AC

Pós-graduação em Biologia Geral e Aplicada - IBB

IMPACTOS AMBIENTAIS DECORRENTES DE VAZAMENTO DE GÁS NATURAL DE BAIXA E MÉDIA PRESSÕES, NA ÁREA URBANA CENTRAL DO MUNICÍPIO DE SÃO PAULO

Com a busca por fontes de energia alternativas, o gás natural vem adquirindo posicionamento de destaque por seu relativo baixo custo de aquisição ao consumidor final e por apresentar reduzidos impactos na implantação de dutovias, comparados com outras fontes de energia (hidroelétrica e fissão). O presente trabalho foi direcionado para a verificação de possíveis impactos oriundos de vazamentos em tubulações de gás em sua fase operacional. A área de estudo localiza-se no Município de São Paulo; sua escolha deve-se por apresentar tubulações centenárias que demandam constantes intervenções ou manutenções e pela fácil captação de amostras para análise. Foram amostrados 40 pontos e nestes analisados aspectos dos meios antrópico, biótico e físico-químico. O método adotado fundamentou-se na caracterização dos dutos de gás e sua manutenção, no diagnóstico ambiental, considerados os fatores ambientais solo, ar, flora, fauna, condições de vida da população e paisagem urbana, e posterior identificação de impactos, nas situações de alteração dos impactos ambientais. Os resultados demonstraram que qualquer vazamento de gás gera uma alteração em pelo menos um fator ambiental, denotando um impacto. Novas linhas de estudo são propostas como melhor análise químico-física do material exposto ao contaminante e reações químicas do odorante com o solo que teve contato.

Obtenção e caracterização de compósitos via RTM com alta fração de fibras de carbono processados à temperatura ambiente

After confirming the high specific mechanical properties of composite materials by scientific studies conducted over the last decades, one of the challenges of this new class of materials is the ability to achieve mass production at a more affordable cost, which has become indispensable. The Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) is an excellent method for manufacturing composite materials. Despite being a process widely used by international companies in the production of high performance structural composites, only a short time the national aviation industry has shown interest in implementing this type of processing to more complex structures and greater structural responsibility. In aeronautical projects, the reproducibility and the relative low cost of this process, several studies have been performed in Brazil for learning and perfecting this technique. This process is suitable for producing polymer components both simple as complex geometry, and allows to achieve consistent thickness, with high quality finish and without limiting range. Polymeric composite components for the high mechanical stress applications such as aircraft structures, satellites, etc., require a strict control of volume fractions of the composite constituents, beyond the knowledge of their mechanical and thermal properties. Therefore, in this experimental work degree study on the mechanical, thermal and of porosity composites processed by RTM processed characterization was performed. This characterization was performed targeting a possible aerospace application of this composite material. For the production of composites, process equipment (RTM RTM injector Radius 2100cc) was used. The processed carbono/epoxy composites were characterized via flexure tests mechanically and thermally analysis via DMA, DSC and TGA. To determine the volume fraction of fibers, the composite samples were analyzed via matrix digestion (ASTM D3171) ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Rediseño del tutor automático de un laboratorio virtual

El siguiente trabajo abarca todo el proceso llevado a cabo para el rediseño de un sistema automático de tutoría que se integra con laboratorios virtuales desarrollados para la realización de prácticas por parte de estudiantes dentro de entornos virtuales tridimensionales. Los principales objetivos de este rediseño son la mejora del rendimiento del sistema automático de tutoría, haciéndolo más eficiente y por tanto permitiendo a un mayor número de estudiantes realizar una práctica al mismo tiempo. Además, este rediseño permitirá que el tutor se pueda integrar con otros motores gráficos con un coste relativamente bajo. Se realiza en primer lugar una introducción a los principales conceptos manejados en este trabajo así como algunos aspectos relacionados con trabajos previos a este rediseño del tutor automático, concretamente la versión anterior del tutor ligada a la plataforma OpenSim. Acto seguido se detallarán qué requisitos funcionales cumplirá así como las ventajas que aportará este nuevo diseño. A continuación, se explicará el desarrollo del trabajo donde se podrá ver cómo se ha reestructurado el antiguo sistema de tutoría, la aplicación de un diseño orientado a objetos y los distintos paquetes y clases que lo conforman. Por último, se detallarán las conclusiones obtenidas durante el desarrollo del trabajo así como la implicación del trabajo aquí mostrado en futuros desarrollos.---ABSTRACT--- The following work shows the process that has been carried out in order to redesign an automatic tutoring system that can be integrated into virtual laboratories developed for supporting students’ practices in 3D virtual environments. The main goals of this redesign are the improvement of automatic tutoring system performance, making it more efficient and therefore allowing more students to perform a practice at the same time. Furthermore, this redesign allows the tutor to be integrated with other graphic engines with a relative low cost. Firstly, we begin with an introduction to the main concepts used in this work and some aspects concerning the related previous works to this automatic tutoring system redesign, such as the previous version of the tutoring system bound to OpenSim. Secondly, it will be detailed what functional requirements are met and what advantages this new tutoring system will provide. Next, it will be explained how this work has been developed, how the previous tutoring system has been restructured, how an object-oriented design is applied and the classes and packages derived from this design. Finally, it will be outlined the conclusions drawn in the development of this work as well as how this work will take part in future works.

RFID technology to support environmentally sustainable supply chain management

RFID is one of the contemporary technologies that has the potential to enable improved data gathering and cross-companies integration, and thus achieve cost efficiency. However, RFID has not yet become primary approach to collect data from the supply chain activities. This is partly due to (relative) high cost of implementation, partly due to technical deficiencies, as well as cross-company systems integration issues. This paper discusses a potential application area for RFID technology, which is environmentally sustainable supply chain management. The paper discusses the current practices in green supply chain management, and proposes possible applications of RFID enabling green supply chain management. The paper also proposes an idea of ad hoc RFID systems which are rapidly deployable and require minimal, if at all, pre-existing infrastructure. © 2010 IEEE.