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Respiratory support in COPD patients after acute exacerbation with monitoring the quality of support (Rescue2-monitor): an open-label, prospective randomized, controlled, superiority clinical trial comparing hospital- versus home-based acute non-invasive ventilation for patients with hypercapnic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Full text linkChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is expected to be the 3rd leading cause of death worldwide by 2020. Despite improvements in survival by using acute non-invasive ventilation (NIV) to treat patients with exacerbations of COPD complicated by acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF), these patients are at high risk of readmission and further life-threatening events, including death. Recent studies suggested that NIV at home can reduce readmissions, but in a small proportion of patients, and with a high level of expertise. Other studies, however, do not show any benefit of home NIV. This could be related to the fact that respiratory failure in patients with stable COPD and their response to mechanical ventilation are influenced by several pathophysiological factors which frequently coexist in the same patient to varying degrees. These pathophysiological factors might influence the success of home NIV in stable COPD, thus long-term NIV specifically adapted to a patient's "phenotype" is likely to improve prognosis, reduce readmission to hospital, and prevent death. In view of this conundrum, Rescue2-monitor (R2M), an open-label, prospective randomized, controlled study performed in patients with hypercapnic COPD post-AHRF, will investigate the impact of the quality of nocturnal NIV on the readmission-free survival. The primary objective is to show that any of 3 home NIV strategies ("rescue," "non-targeted," and "targeted") will improve readmission-free survival in comparison to no-home NIV. The "targeted" group of patients will receive a treatment with personalized (targeted) ventilation settings and extensive monitoring. Furthermore, the influence of comorbidities typical for COPD patients, such as cardiac insufficiency, OSA, or associated asthma, on ventilation outcomes will be taken into consideration and reasons for non-inclusion of patients will be recorded in order to evaluate the percentage of ventilated COPD patients that are screening failures
A projection-based approach for interactive fixed effects panel data models
Full text linkThis article introduces a straightforward sieve-based approach for estimation and inference of regression parameters in panel data models with interactive fixed effects. The method's key assumption is that factor loadings can be decomposed into an unknown smooth function of individual characteristics plus an idiosyncratic error term. Our estimator offers advantages over existing approaches by taking a simple partial least squares form, eliminating the need for iterative procedures or preliminary factor estimation. The limiting distribution exhibits a discontinuity that depends on how well our basis functions explain the factor loadings, as measured by the variance of the error factor loadings. As a consequence, conventional "plug-in" methods using the estimated asymptotic covariance can produce excessively conservative coverage probabilities. We demonstrate that uniformly valid non conservative inference can be achieved through the cross-sectional bootstrap method. Monte Carlo simulations confirm the estimator's strong performance in terms of mean squared error and good coverage results for the bootstrap procedure. An application to cross-country growth rates shows that higher consumption and government spending are associated with lower growth. Contrary to existing methods, we find that within OECD countries investment fosters growth, whereas a higher investment price level reduces it.Juan M. Rodriguez-Poo and Alexandra Soberon acknowledge financial support from the I+D+i project Ref.PID2019-105986GB-C22 financed by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/ 501100011033. In addition, this work was also funded by the I+D+i project Ref. TED2021-131763A-I00 financed by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by the European Union NextGenerationUE/PRTR. Georg Keilbar acknowledges gratefully the support from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft via the IRTG 1792 “High Dimensional Nonstationary Time Series”. Weining Wang’s research is supported through the project ”IDA Institute of Digital Assets”, CF166/15.11.2022, contract number CN760046/23.05.2023, financed under the Romania’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan, Apel nr. PNRR-III-C9-2022-I8; and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions under the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program for the Industrial Doctoral Network on Digital Finance, acronym: DIGITAL, Project No. 101119635. The research is partially supported by the ESRC (Grant Reference: ES/T01573X/1
Structural drivers of health inequality in sub-Saharan Africa: evidence and policy implications
Full text linkHealth inequalities remain a major challenge in global development, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA),
where disparities are exacerbated by limited access to healthcare and widespread socioeconomic inequities. This study examines health inequality in 10 SSA countries using Body Mass Index as a health outcome. Drawing on data from the Demographic and Health Surveys, we employ conditional inference trees to assess the extent of health disparities by classifying populations into groups based on shared socioeconomic status, demographic characteristics, and lifestyle choices. Our analysis reveals significant health inequality, particularly in Mauritania, Eswatini, and Kenya, while Egypt emerges as the most equal country in terms of health outcomes. Furthermore, our findings show that disparities are largely driven by illegitimate sources of inequality, such as wealth and education, while legitimate factors linked to personal decisions have a minimal impact. Demographic factors, particularly age, are the largest contributors to health disparities in most countries, with gender also standing as a major determinant in many countries. These findings underscore the need for targeted health policies that address the root causes of inequality, such as expanding access to healthcare, implementing social protection programs, and promoting gender equality in health.The authors acknowledge partial financial support from the I+D+i project ref. PID2024-156871NB-I00 finance by MICIU/AEI/10.1309/501100011033/FEDER,UE. Vanesa Jordá and Mercedes Tejería-Martínez also report partial support from Ramó Areces Foundation (Project CISP20A6658)
Evaluating quantile regression neural networks for optimizing real-time applications on heterogeneous platforms
Full text linkModern cyber-physical systems increasingly rely on computationally demanding applications, particularly at the edge, where Artificial Intelligence-based algorithms are deployed. To meet these demands, industry trends are shifting towards heterogeneous MultiProcessor Systems on Chip (MPSoCs), which must also satisfy strict real-time and functional safety requirements. A major challenge in such systems is memory contention, where multiple processing units compete for shared memory resources, affecting application performance and the ac-curate estimation of Worst-Case Execution Times (WCETs). Traditional static analysis becomes impractical as system configurations grow in complexity. This work presents the design of an analysis and optimization frame-work for real-time systems that re-evaluates WCET estimates based on system configurations to reflect the impact of memory contention on heterogeneous platforms. The proposed method estimates new WCETs using Quantile Regression Neural Networks (QRNNs), which infer memory contention from Event Monitor data. Experimental results reveal that QRNN models must be system-specific for accurate predictions and that memory access pat-terns significantly affect model generalization. Two strategies are proposed: using generic models for simplicity or task-specific models for higher accuracy. Despite some potential underestimations, QRNNs maintain a strong correlation with actual observed contention, enabling effective worst-case scenario identification. Furthermore, a comparative analysis highlights the superior scalability of the estimation-based approach over empirical mea-surements, especially in large system optimization processes where performance can be easily enhanced by at least two orders of magnitude, making it a practical solution for real-time system design and analysis.This work was partially funded by MICIU/ AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and FEDER, UE under grants PID2021-124502OB-C42 and PID2021-124502OB-C44 (PRESECREL), and also PID2024-155230OB-C41 and PID2024-155230OB-C44 (Re-InITS)
Asymptotic analysis of recurrence relations in "divide and conquer" algorithms
No full textEste Trabajo de Fin de Grado se enfoca en el análisis de algoritmos recursivos utilizando
técnicas matemáticas para resolver recurrencias. El objetivo principal del trabajo es
presentar diferentes métodos para estudiar recurrencias propias de los algoritmos Divide y
Vencerás, utilizando como herramientas el Teorema Maestro y el Teorema de Akra-Bazzi.
El trabajo se inicia con una exposición de los conceptos preliminares necesarios, incluyendo
la notación asintótica, una introducción general a las recurrencias y una descripción
de la estrategia Divide y Vencerás. A continuación, se presenta el Teorema Maestro, que
ofrece un enfoque sistemático para resolver recurrencias que surgen en particiones homog
éneas. Posteriormente, se estudia el Teorema de Akra-Bazzi, el cual extiende el análisis
a casos con subproblemas de tamaño no uniforme. Finalmente, se exponen dos generalizaciones de este último resultado, orientadas a ampliar su aplicabilidad: una mediante la relajación de algunas de sus condiciones iniciales, y otra mediante una reformulación más general que permite abordar recurrencias con divisiones no exactas, incrementando así la flexibilidad del marco analítico propuesto.This Degree Thesis focuses on the analysis of recursive algorithms using mathematical
techniques to solve recurrences. The main objective of the work is to present different
methods for studying recurrences typical of Divide and Conquer algorithms, using the
Master Theorem and the Akra-Bazzi Theorem as fundamental tools.
The work begins with an exposition of the necessary preliminary concepts, including
asymptotic notation, a general introduction to recurrences, and a description of the Divide
and Conquer strategy. Next, the Master Theorem is presented, offering a systematic
approach to solve recurrences that arise in homogeneous partitions. Subsequently, the
Akra-Bazzi Theorem is studied, which extends the analysis to cases with subproblems of
non-uniform size. Finally, two generalizations of this latter result are presented, aimed at
broadening its applicability: one through the relaxation of some of its initial conditions,
and another through a general reformulation that allows the treatment of recurrences
with non-exact divisions, thereby increasing the flexibility of the proposed analytical framework.Grado en Matemática
Screening and evaluation of green solvents for the regeneration of PFOA-loaded Ion exchange resin
No full textGrado en Ingeniería Químic
Association between arsenic levels in toenails and urine and prostate cancer risk: findings from the MCC-Spain study
No full textBackground: Arsenic (As) is a toxic metalloid widely distributed in the environment. Chronic exposure to As has been associated with the development of several types of cancer. However, its role in prostate cancer (PC) remains unclear.
Objective: To evaluate the relationship between As exposure and the risk of PC, considering different clinical tumour classifications and genetic susceptibility, and to compare biomarkers that may reflect distinct exposure windows.
Methods: We included 345 incident cases and 468 controls with available data on both urinary and toenail As concentrations within the MCC-Spain project. Toenail and urinary As levels were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), respectively. Genetic susceptibility was assessed using a polygenic risk score (PRS) based on Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms. Associations between As exposure and PC were examined using mixed-effects and multinomial logistic regression models.
Results: Higher toenail As concentrations were associated with increased risk of PC [odds ratio (OR) comparing the fourth to first quartile: 1.94; 95 % confidence interval (CI):1.23-3.06]. Stratified analyses by tumor classification showed consistent risk increases for advanced and aggressive tumors [ISUP3-5 Relative risk ratio (RRR) quartile 4vs.1: 2.86 (1.16-7.06); AJCC IIB-IV RRR: 2.58 (1.48-4.50); cT2-cT4 RRR: 3.05 (1.55-5.99)]. No clear association was found with urinary As concentrations. Interaction analyses showed no evidence of effect modification by PRS.
Conclusion: Elevated toenail As levels were associated with an increased risk of PC, especially in advanced disease, suggesting that toenails represent a more reliable biomarker for assessing long-term As exposure.The study was supported by the “Acción Transversal del Cáncer”, approved on the Spanish Ministry Council on the October 11, 2007, by the Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III grants, co-funded by FEDER funds -a way to build Europe- PI08/1770, PI09/0773, PI12/00715, PI09/1903, PI09/2078; PI09/1662; PI11/01403; PI12/00150; PI12/00488; PI15/00914; PI17CIII_00034; by the Fundación Marqués de Valdecilla grant API 10/09, by the Consejería de Salud of the Junta de Andalucía grant 2009-S0143, by the Conselleria de Sanitat of the Generalitat Valenciana grant AP061/10, by the Regional Government of the Basque Country, by the Fundación Caja de Ahorros de Asturias, by the University of Oviedo and by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness Juan de la Cierva de Incorporación grant IJCI-2014-20900
Engineering biocompatible silicate-based membranes for batteries
No full textGrado en Ingeniería en Tecnologías Industriale
Seasonal study of radon concentrations in a uranium mine: a CFD comparison between natural and forced ventilation
No full textRadon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that accumulates inside poorly-ventilated environments, posing significant health risks due to its association with lung cancer. This study analyzes indoor radon dynamics in a building located within a former uranium mine in Saelices el Chico (Spain), evaluating the effectiveness of natural and mechanical ventilation for radon mitigation. Experimental measurements were conducted to monitor radon levels over time, supported by a CFD model that simulated both indoor and outdoor environments while accounting for terrain-induced wind effects. This modeling approach improved boundary condition accuracy, revealing up to 20 % discrepancies between raw meteorological data and simulated environments. A seasonal analysis was performed under representative weather conditions and compared with a forced ventilation scenario using an industrial fan to continuously supply fresh air. The mechanical ventilation model showed strong agreement with experimental results. Findings indicate that mechanical ventilation substantially enhances air renewal-reaching up to 2.21 air changes per hour (ACH)-whereas natural ventilation only provides 0.13-0.25 ACH, corresponding to renewal times between 4 and 8 hours. As a result, simulated radon concentrations inside the studied room dropped from over 10,000 Bq/m3 under natural conditions to about 2,000 Bq/m3 within just one hour after implementing the mechanical setup. These findings demonstrate the critical role of mechanical ventilation in reducing radon accumulation and improving indoor air quality, particularly in buildings with limited openings, suboptimal airflow paths, or low wind conditions where natural ventilation becomes ineffective.Acknowledgments: M. Suárez-Vázquez thanks the support of the Doutoramento Industrial program from GAIN-Xunta de Galicia (IN606D)
Normalizing diabetes: a community intervention
Full text linkEl Día Mundial de la Diabetes de 2014, un grupo de enfermeros del Centro de Salud Cudeyo (Cantabria) proyectó una intervención comunitaria que transcendiera la prescripción y se adaptase al contexto social donde se producen las prácticas.
El objetivo principal fue promover hábitos saludables en la población general. En el diseño y desarrollo de la intervención se contó con la participación de varios agentes sociales de la comunidad: Ayuntamiento, Asociación de Hostelería, Asociación Cultural y Gerencia de Atención Primaria.
La intervención se compuso de varias actividades: una carpa informativa, la II Marcha Muévete por la Diabetes y el plato combinado diabético basado en «el método del plato» en los ocho restaurantes colaboradores. La cofinanciación por el Ayuntamiento y la Gerencia permitió un precio final de 3 euros/menú para los participantes.
El éxito se reflejó en la alta participación (60 personas en la marcha y 70 en el menú diabético), así como el impacto en prensa y radio.On World Diabetes Day in 2014, a group of nurses at the Cudeyo Health Center (Cantabria) initiated a community intervention with the aim of going beyond prescription and getting closer to the social context where real practices took place.
The main aim was to promote healthy habits among the general population. Several social agents from the community took part in the design and development of this intervention: Town Council, Association of Hotel Businesses, Cultural Association and Primary Care Management.
The intervention consisted of several activities: an information tent, the 2nd Walk called "Move for diabetes" and the diabetic-friendly main course based on "the plate method" served by eight participating restaurants. Due to the funding they received from the Town Council and Primary Care Management, the final price of the menu for the participants was 3 euros.
The high participation (60 people in the walk and 70 in the diabetic menu) as well as its impact in the press and radio demonstrated the success of this intervention