Universidad del Norte, Colombia

About: Universidad del Norte, Colombia is a education organization based out in Barranquilla, Colombia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 3562 authors who have published 4355 publications receiving 37861 citations. The organization is also known as: University of the North, Colombia & Uninorte.

Use of sludge ash from drinking water treatment plant in hydraulic mortars

Abstract: The present study investigated the use of sludge ash from water treatment plants as supplementary cementing material, elaborating hydraulic mortars with different levels of cement replacement by sludge ash (10 wt% and 30 wt%) and different temperatures of calcination (600 °C and 800 °C). Characterization of sludge ash and mortars includes XRF, XRD, particle size distribution by laser diffraction, compressive strength, and SEM-EDS. The results show that SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 compose 90 % of the sludge ash, and it has potential pozzolanic activity. It is evidenced that there is a significant influence of the variable ratio of sludge ash:cement in the compressive strength of the mortar cubes over other variables. Overall, this study showed that the sludge ash could be considered as a viable and sustainable alternative for the construction sector. Despite the benefits of the suggested replacement, the presence of amorphous SiO2 requires a review of long-time chemical behavior.

Validating the role of the Australian National University Alzheimer's Disease Risk Index (ANU-ADRI) and a genetic risk score in progression to cognitive impairment in a population-based cohort of older adults followed for 12 years.

Abstract: The number of people living with dementia is expected to exceed 130 million by 2050, which will have serious personal, social and economic implications. Employing successful intervention and treatment strategies focused on disease prevention is currently the only available approach that can have an impact on the projected rates of dementia, with risk assessment being a key component of population-based risk reduction for identification of at-risk individuals. We evaluated a risk index comprising lifestyle, medical and demographic factors (the Australian National University Alzheimer’s Disease Risk Index [ANU-ADRI]), as well as a genetic risk score (GRS), for assessment of the risk of progression to mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The ANU-ADRI was computed for the baseline assessment of 2078 participants in the Personality and Total Health (PATH) Through Life project. GRSs were constructed on the basis of 25 single-nucleotide polymorphisms previously associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Participants were assessed for clinically diagnosed MCI and dementia as well as psychometric test-based MCI (MCI-TB) at 12 years of follow-up. Multi-state models were used to estimate the odds of transitioning from cognitively normal (CN) to MCI, dementia and MCI-TB over 12 years according to baseline ANU-ADRI and GRS. A higher ANU-ADRI score was associated with increased risk of progressing from CN to both MCI and MCI-TB (HR 1.07 [95% CI 1.04–1.11]; 1.07 [1.04–1.09]). The GRS was associated with transitions from CN to dementia (HR 4.19 [95% CI 1.72–10.20), but not to MCI or MCI-TB (HR 1.05 [95% CI 0.86–1.29]; 1.03 [0.87–1.21]). Limitations of our study include that the ethnicity of participants in the PATH project is predominately Caucasian, potentially limiting the generalisability of the results of this study to people of other ethnicities. Biomarkers of AD were not available to define MCI attributable to AD. Not all the predictive variables for the ANU-ADRI were available in the PATH project. In the general population, the ANU-ADRI, comprising lifestyle, medical and demographic factors, is associated with the risk of progression from CN to MCI, whereas a GRS comprising the main AD risk genes was not associated with this risk. The ANU-ADRI may be used for population-level risk assessment and screening.

Spatial and temporal Hurst exponent variability of rainfall series based on the climatological distribution in a semiarid region in Mexico

Abstract: A fractal analysis from rainfall events registered in a semiarid region was carried out. The analysis was executed for Baja California, Mexico, a region that presents a high climatological variability. Rainfall data from 92 climate stations distributed along the region of study with at least 30 years of records were used. By studying the rainfall series patterns, the Hurst exponent values were obtained (both spatial and temporal) as well as their relation with the variables for annual average temperature, annual average rainfall, altitude and climatological distribution. The rescaled range method, box counting method, and multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis were successfully applied, having as a result the average value of the Hurst exponent for different time scales. Data showed that the daily rainfall series tend to present a persistent pattern; besides, the Hurst exponent values ( H u ) were related to the type of climate, altitude, rainfall regime, and temperature of the studied area. The analysis of the Hurst exponent for different time scales showed that, at a smaller time scale, the Hurst value tends to increase; thus, the series present a stronger persistent behavior. Moreover, it can be confirmed that the fractal theory methodology allows analyzing the behaivor of a climate variable, in this case rainfall.

Ethnomarketing, the cultural dimension of marketing

Abstract: In this paper a new and revolutionary marketing approach named ethnomarketing is proposed. Reaffirming marketing con textual character in which culture is assumed to conduct and guide the entrepreneurial success, main thnomarketing characteristics are presented. First, ethnomarketing principal features are described, emphasizing its four epistemological foundations: ethnicity, ethnoconsumerism, cultural dimensions of markets, and marketed oriented organizational culture. Second, postulates of ethnomarketing are mentioned. Third, ethnomarketing strategic matrix elements are shown, highlighting the three marketing functions to be fulfilled: to comprehend consumers, to conquer customers, and conserve clients. Fourth, ethnomarketing and organization relationships are formulated. Fifth, ethnomarketingand ethnography?s mutual influences are explicained. Sixth, the main strengths of ethnomaketing are presented. Finally, some ethnomarketing research implications are suggested