Showing papers by "Universidad Manuela Beltrán published in 2017"

Percentage of Body Fat and Fat Mass Index as a Screening Tool for Metabolic Syndrome Prediction in Colombian University Students.

Abstract: High body fat is related to metabolic syndrome (MetS) in all ethnic groups. Based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition of MetS, the aim of this study was to explore thresholds of body fat percentage (BF%) and fat mass index (FMI) for the prediction of MetS among Colombian University students. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1687 volunteers (63.4% women, mean age = 20.6 years). Weight, waist circumference, serum lipids indices, blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose were measured. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and FMI was calculated. MetS was defined as including more than or equal to three of the metabolic abnormalities according to the IDF definition. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was used to determine optimal cut-off points for BF% and FMI in relation to the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity in both sexes. The overall prevalence of MetS was found to be 7.7%, higher in men than women (11.1% vs. 5.3%; p < 0.001). BF% and FMI were positively correlated to MetS components (p < 0.05). ROC analysis indicated that BF% and FMI can be used with moderate accuracy to identify MetS in university-aged students. BF% and FMI thresholds of 25.55% and 6.97 kg/m² in men, and 38.95% and 11.86 kg/m² in women, were found to be indicative of high MetS risk. Based on the IDF criteria, both indexes' thresholds seem to be good tools to identify university students with unfavorable metabolic profiles.

Production of bacterial cellulose from alternative low-cost substrates

Abstract: Cellulose is the most widely used biopolymer on Earth. Its large-scale production is mainly from lignocellulosic material (plant origin), however, this plant material is not the only source of this valuable polymer, since microorganisms, like bacteria, naturally produce cellulose, especially those of the genus Komagateibacter (formerly Gluconacetobacter). This type of cellulose is of great interest because of its unique properties such as high purity and resistance, nevertheless, it has not been produced in a large-scale industrial process to date using low-cost substrates, one of the key aspects that should be considered for the industrial obtaining of any biotechnological product. As a main finding we found that the majority of low-cost culture media discussed could have the potential to produce bacterial cellulose on an industrial scale, since in most cases they yield more cellulose (with similar physical chemical characteristics) to those obtained in standard media. However, for an appropriate large-scale production, a specific knowledge about these by-products (since their composition and characteristics, which have a direct impact on the productivity of this biopolymer, are quite heterogeneous) and a proper standardization of them would also be required. Research staff of many industries could use the information presented here to help design a process to use their respective byproducts as substrate to obtain a product with a high added value as bacterial cellulose.

Total productive maintenance (TPM) as a tool for improving productivity: a case study of application in the bottleneck of an auto-parts machining line

Abstract: This article provides an application of the total productive maintenance (TPM) philosophy as a systematic means for avoiding losses and increasing productivity in an auto-parts machining line. This is achieved by strategically implementing the pillars of TPM on the basis of failure data, then performing a thorough “root cause analysis” thereof (targeted improvement). Preventive maintenance plans and the empowerment of the autonomous maintenance program operator teams become the main pillar in the implementation of this new philosophy as a result. All this is done with the full support of the general management and each area of the organization in order to guarantee the full implementation and sustainability of the program.

A Novel Web-Based Approach for Visualization and Inspection of Reading Difficulties on University Students

Abstract: Existing tools aim to detect university students with early diagnosis of dyslexia or reading difficulties, but there are not developed tools that let those students better understand some aspects of their difficulties. In this paper, a dashboard for visualizing and inspecting early detected reading difficulties and their characteristics, called PADA (acronym for the Spanish name Panel de Analiticas de Aprendizaje de Dislexia en Adultos ), is presented. PADA is a web-based tool designed to facilitate the creation of descriptive visualizations required for a better understanding by students about their learner model. Through information visualization techniques, PADA shows students the knowledge in their learner models in order to help them to increase their awareness and to support reflection and self-regulation about their difficulties in reading. PADA provides different learning analytics on reading performance of students, so that they can self-identify their strengths and weaknesses and self-regulate their learning. This paper describes examples that cover a variety of visualizations (bar-charts, line-charts, and pie-charts) to show user model fragments as personal details, reading profiles, learning styles, and cognitive traits of the students. We tested PADA with 26 students (aged 21–53 years) of different academic programs and levels, dyslexic and non-dyslexic. The results show that PADA can assist students in creating awareness, and help them to understand their difficulties associated with the reading tasks, as well as facilitate reflection and self-regulation in the learning process. Implications for the design of learning analytics are discussed and directions for future work are outlined.

Freshwater exchanges and surface salinity in the Colombian basin, Caribbean Sea.

Abstract: Despite the heavy regional rainfall and considerable discharge of many rivers into the Colombian Basin, there have been few detailed studies about the dilution of Caribbean Surface Water and the variability of salinity in the southwestern Caribbean. An analysis of the precipitation, evaporation and runoff in relation to the climate variability demonstrates that although the salt balance in the Colombian Basin overall is in equilibrium, the area south of 12°N is an important dilution sub-basin. In the southwest of the basin, in the region of the Panama-Colombia Gyre, Caribbean Sea Water is diluted by precipitation and runoff year round, while in the northeast, off La Guajira, its salinity increases from December to May by upwelling. At the interannual scale, continental runoff is related to El Nino Southern Oscillation, and precipitation and evaporation south of 12°N are related to the Caribbean Low Level Jet. During El Nino years the maximum salinification occurs in the dry season (December-February) while in La Nina years the maximum dilution (or freshening), reaching La Guajira Coastal Zone, occurs in the wet season (September-November).

Emerging various environmental threats to brain and overview of surveillance system with zebrafish model.

Abstract: Pathologies related to neurotoxicity represent an important percentage of the diseases that determine the global burden of diseases. Neurotoxicity may be related to the increasing levels of potentially neurotoxic agents that pollute the environment, which generates concern, since agents that affect children may increase the incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting the quality of life of future citizens. Many environmental contaminants have been detected, and many of them derive from several human activities, including the mining, agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, beverage and food industries. These problems are more acute in third world countries, where environmental regulations are lax or non-existent. An additional major emerging problem is drug contamination. Periodic monitoring should be performed to identify potential neurotoxic substances using biological tests capable of identifying the risk. In this sense the fish embryo test (FET), which is performed on zebrafish embryos, is a useful, reliable and economical alternative that can be implemented in developing countries.

Fatness mediates the influence of muscular fitness on metabolic syndrome in Colombian collegiate students

Abstract: The purpose of this study was two-fold: to analyze the association between muscular fitness (MF) and clustering of metabolic syndrome (MetS) components, and to determine if fatness parameters mediate the association between MF and MetS clustering in Colombian collegiate students. This cross-sectional study included a total of 886 (51.9% women) healthy collegiate students (21.4 ± 3.3 years old). Standing broad jump and isometric handgrip dynamometry were used as indicators of lower and upper body MF, respectively. Also, a MF score was computed by summing the standardized values of both tests, and used to classify adults as fit or unfit. We also assessed fat mass, body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, and abdominal visceral fat, and categorized individuals as low and high fat using international cut-offs. A MetS cluster score was derived by calculating the sum of the sample-specific z-scores from the triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, fasting glucose, waist circumference, and arterial blood pressure. Linear regression models were used to examine whether the association between MF and MetS cluster was mediated by the fatness parameters. Data were collected from 2013 to 2016 and the analysis was done in 2016. Findings revealed that the best profiles (fit + low fat) were associated with lower levels of the MetS clustering (p <0.001 in the four fatness parameters), compared with unfit and fat (unfit + high fat) counterparts. Linear regression models indicated a partial mediating effect for fatness parameters in the association of MF with MetS clustering. Our findings indicate that efforts to improve MF in young adults may decrease MetS risk partially through an indirect effect on improvements to adiposity levels. Thus, weight reduction should be taken into account as a complementary goal to improvements in MF within exercise programs.

A Cross-Sectional Study of the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Associated Factors in Colombian Collegiate Students: The FUPRECOL-Adults Study.

Abstract: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the major public health problems worldwide. The objective of the present study is to investigate the prevalence and the associated variables of MetS in Colombian collegiate students. This cross-sectional study included a total of 890 (52% women) healthy collegiate students (21.3 ± 3.2 years old). The prevalence of MetS was determined by the definition provided by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). We further examined associations between the prevalence of MetS and related factors, such as age, gender, anthropometric and body composition, weight status, and nutrition profile. The overall prevalence of MetS was 6.0% (95% CI = 4.5% to 7.6%), and it was higher in men than women. The most prevalent components were low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high triglyceride levels, waist circumference, and blood pressure levels. The predisposing factors for having a MetS included: being male, over 23 years old, overweight or obese, and having an unhealthy waist-to-height ratio. In conclusion, the occurrence of MetS in young adults is substantial. These findings may be relevant to health promotion efforts for collegiate students in order to develop prospective studies and screening for young adults, which will aid in targeted intervention development to decrease cardiometabolic risk factors.

Body Adiposity Index Performance in Estimating Body Fat Percentage in Colombian College Students: Findings from the FUPRECOL-Adults Study.

Abstract: Recently, a body adiposity index (BAI = (hip circumference)/((height)(1.5))−18) was developed and validated in adult populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of BAI in estimating percentage body fat (BF%) in a sample of Colombian collegiate young adults. The participants were comprised of 903 volunteers (52% females, mean age = 21.4 years ± 3.3). We used the Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient, linear regression, Bland–Altman’s agreement analysis, concordance correlation coefficient (ρc) and the coefficient of determination (R2) between BAI, and BF%; by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)). The correlation between the two methods of estimating BF% was R2 = 0.384, p < 0.001. A paired-sample t-test showed a difference between the methods (BIA BF% = 16.2 ± 3.1, BAI BF% = 30.0 ± 5.4%; p < 0.001). For BIA, bias value was 6.0 ± 6.2 BF% (95% confidence interval (CI) = −6.0 to 18.2), indicating that the BAI method overestimated BF% relative to the reference method. Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient was poor (ρc = 0.014, 95% CI = −0.124 to 0.135; p = 0.414). In Colombian college students, there was poor agreement between BAI- and BIA-based estimates of BF%, and so BAI is not accurate in people with low or high body fat percentage levels.

The Role of Body Adiposity Index in Determining Body Fat Percentage in Colombian Adults with Overweight or Obesity.

Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate the accuracy of body adiposity index (BAI) as a convenient tool for assessing body fat percentage (BF%) in a sample of adults with overweight/obesity using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The study population was composed of 96 volunteers (60% female, mean age 40.6 ± 7.5 years old). Anthropometric characteristics (body mass index, height, waist-to-height ratio, hip and waist circumference), socioeconomic status, and diet were assessed, and BF% was measured by BIA-BF% and by BAI-BF%. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between BAI-BF% and BF% assessed by BIA-BF%, while controlling for potential confounders. The concordance between the BF% measured by both methods was obtained with a paired sample t-test, Lin's concordance correlation coefficient, and Bland-Altman plot analysis. Overall, the correlation between BF% obtained by BIA-BF% and estimated by BAI-BF% was r = 0.885, p < 0.001, after adjusting for potential confounders (age, socioeconomic status, and diet). Lin's concordance correlation coefficient was moderate in both sexes. In the men, the paired t-test showed a significant mean difference in BF% between the methods (-5.6 (95%CI -6.4 to -4.8); p < 0.001). In the women, these differences were (-3.6 (95%CI -4.7 to -2.5); p < 0.001). Overall, the bias of the BAI-BF% was -4.8 ± 3.2 BF%; p < 0.001), indicating that the BAI-BF% method significantly underestimated the BF% in comparison with the reference method. In adults with overweight/obesity, the BAI presents low agreement with BF% measured by BIA-BF%; therefore, we conclude that BIA-BF% is not accurate in either sex when body fat percentage levels are low or high. Further studies are necessary to confirm our findings in different ethnic groups.

Using LMS tables to determine waist circumference and waist-to-height ratios in Colombian children and adolescents: the FUPRECOL study.

Abstract: Waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) are often used as indices predictive of central obesity. The aims of this study were: 1) to obtain smoothed centile charts and LMS tables for WC and WHtR among Colombian children and adolescents; 2) to evaluate the utility of these parameters as predictors of overweight and obesity. A cross-sectional study was conducted of a sample population of 7954 healthy Colombian schoolchildren [3460 boys and 4494 girls, mean age 12.8 (±2.3) years]. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), WC and WHtR were measured, and percentiles were calculated using the LMS method (Box-Cox, median and coefficient of variation). Appropriate cut-off points of WC and WHtR for overweight and obesity, according to International Obesity Task Force definitions, were selected using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The discriminating power of WC and WHtR is expressed as area under the curve (AUC). Reference values for WC and WHtR are presented. Mean WC increased and WHtR decreased with age for both genders. A moderate positive correlation was observed between WC and BMI (r = 0.756, P < 0.01) and between WHtR and BMI (r = 0.604, P < 0.01). ROC analysis revealed strong discrimination power in the identification of overweight and obesity for both measures in our sample population. Overall, WHtR was a slightly better predictor of overweight/obesity (AUC 95% CI 0.868–0.916) than WC (AUC 95% CI 0.862–0.904). This paper presents the first sex and age-specific WC and WHtR percentiles for Colombian children and adolescents aged 9.0–17.9 years. The LMS tables obtained, based on Colombian reference data, can be used as quantitative tools for the study of obesity and its comorbidities.

Large thermoelectric figure of merit in graphene layered devices at low temperature

Abstract: Nanostructured materials have emerged as an alternative to enhance the figure of merit (ZT) of thermoelectric (TE) devices. Graphene exhibits a high electrical conductivity (in-plane) that is necessary for a high ZT; however, this effect is countered by its impressive thermal conductivity. In this work TE layered devices composed of electrochemically exfoliated graphene (EEG) and a phonon blocking material such as poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), polyaniline (PANI) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) at the interface were prepared. The figure of merit, ZT, of each device was measured in the cross-plane direction using the Transient Harman Method (THM) and complemented with AFM-based measurements. The results show remarkable high ZT values (0.81 < ZT < 2.45) that are directly related with the topography, surface potential, capacitance gradient and resistance of the devices at the nanoscale.

Sistema de votación electrónico con características de seguridad SSL/TLS e IPsec en Colombia

Abstract: Colombia continua debatiendo la implementacion del voto electronico evidenciando que existen temores en el acceso al sistema y en la transferencia de datos, esta investigacion busca minimizar vulnerabilidades ante ataques informaticos por medio de un prototipo para el analisis de ataques y proteccion del envio de informacion durante la votacion dando confianza en la transmision, ademas verificando el acceso fisico del sufragante mediante lecturas biometricas, la herramienta usa los protocolos SSL/TLS para la autenticacion del elector y el protocolo IPSEC para validar el sitio, los datos y proteger las comunicaciones de operaciones no autorizadas. Este sistema propone el primer modelo integrado seguro para transporte y acceso de datos de votacion, garantizando la confiabilidad a los electores; los protocolos SSL/TLS complementados con IPSEC y los nuevos sistemas electronicos de validacion de electores durante transmision en los puntos de votacion beneficiaran la democracia nacional soportada en nuevas tecnologias.

Evaluación de los impactos socioambientales asociados a la producción de panela en Santander (Colombia)

Abstract: Panela (jaggery or non-centrifuged sugar) is a natural food product characterized by its high nutritional value and sweetening power. In the department of Santander, Colombia, the transfor-mation of sugarcane juice into jaggery is carried out mainly in handcrafted sugar mills, which generate a permanent source of employment for rural families. However, according to the results obtained in this study, it should be mentioned that under the current conditions of artisanal production, this agricultural activity involves great physical effort and considerable risk to the workers` health. In addition, it causes significant negative environmental impacts during the production process, standing out changes in the atmospheric composition, microclimatic changes, and pollution of water resources. In order to contribute to the sustainability of the jaggery- production sector in the department of Santander, a qualitative diagnosis of biotic, abiotic and anthropological impacts generated by the production of artisanal jaggery are presented. The current situation of the national jaggery industry and the production process, from cutting sugarcane to the packaging of the final product are described. Identified impacts are characterized and some recommendations to achieve environmentally sustainable production process are provided.

Self-Rated Health Status and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in a Sample of Schoolchildren from Bogotá, Colombia. The FUPRECOL Study

Abstract: To evaluate the relationship between Self-Rated Health (SRH) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in a sample of children and adolescents enrolled in official schools in Bogota, Colombia. A cross-sectional study was performed with 7402 children and adolescents between 9 and 17 years of age. Participants were asked to rate their health based on eight validated questions, addressing the participants propensity for headache, stomach-ache, backache, feeling-low, irritability/bad mood, nervousness, sleeping-difficulties, and dizziness. The choices were “rarely or never”, “almost every month”, “almost every week”, and “more than once a week/about every day”. Participants performed the international course-navette shuttle run test to estimate CRF, and cut-off points for age and gender were used to categorize the healthy/unhealthy fitness zone according to the FITNESSGRAM® criteria. Overall, 16.4% of those surveyed reported a perception of irritability/bad mood “more than once a week/about every day”, followed by feeling-low and nervousness (both with 9.9%). Dizziness had the lowest prevalence with a percentage of 6.9%. Unhealthy CRF in boys increased the likelihood of headaches by 1.20 times, stomach aches by 1.31 times, feeling-low by 1.29 times, nervousness by 1.24 times, and dizziness by 1.29 times. In girls, unhealthy CRF increased the likelihood of headaches by 1.19 times, backache by 1.26 times, feeling-low by 1.28 times, irritability/bad mood by 1.17 times, sleeping-difficulties by 1.20 times, and dizziness by 1.27 times. SRH was associated with CRF in both genders. Early identification of children and adolescents with low CRF levels will permit interventions to promote healthy behaviors and prevent future diseases during adulthood.

Factores asociados al embarazo en adolescentes de 13 a 19 años en el municipio de Buenaventura, Colombia

Abstract: RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar los principales factores asociados al embarazo en una muestra de mujeres adolescentes escolarizadas entre 13 y 19 anos en Buenaventura, Colombia. Metodologia: Estudio analitico prospectivo de una cohorte de 316 adolescentes entre 13 a 19 anos de edad en colegios publicos y privados de Buenaventura entre los anos 2006 y 2007. En la primera medicion las adolescentes no debian estar en embarazo. Se aplico un cuestionario basado en un modelo teorico que involucro varios niveles y constructos. Seis meses despues se hacia test de embarazo. El estudio fue avalado por Comite de Etica Institucional. Se realizo analisis de regresion multiple logistica para buscar factores de riesgo y protectores en relacion al evento embarazo. Resultados: El promedio de edad de la cohorte fue de 15.9 anos. El 10% de las adolescentes se embarazaron durante el seguimiento. El promedio de edad de inicio de relaciones sexuales fue 14.5 anos y 67.7% indicaron que no usaron algun metodo de planificacion familiar en su primera relacion sexual. Durante el seguimiento las adolescentes que tuvieron mayor riesgo de tener un embarazo fueron aquellas que reportaron en la encuesta: No ser capaces de evitar las relaciones sexuales cuando no usaban metodos de planificacion; sentir culpa por el consumo de alcohol; tener amigas que abortaron y sentir presion para iniciar vida sexual. Conclusiones: Los factores de riesgo y protectores de un embarazo temprano no solo estan en el nivel individual, sino que abarcan tambien el ambito de los pares y la familia de la adolescente, al igual que de los servicios de salud. En terminos de salud publica, implica que los esfuerzos que se lleven a cabo para disminuir los embarazos tempranos en Buenaventura deberian enfocarse en direccion hacia estos tres niveles.

Productions of sunflower oil biodiesel and used cooking oil through heterogeneous catalysts compared to conventional homogeneous catalysts

Abstract: This document compares homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts used by production of biodiesel of sunflower oil and cooking oil used in frying. For this, NaOH was used as a catalyst homogeneous, and K2CO3 and Na2CO3 supported in gamma-alumina (K2CO3/γ Al2O3 y Na2CO3 /γ-Al2O3) were synthesized as heterogeneous catalysts, which were characterized by X-ray diffraction. The transesterification tests were carried out for the sunflower oil and used cooking oil, in a reflux system, to different molar relations methanol/oil, depending on the type of oil and characterization of the same. The reflux system is performed at a temperature of 55-60°C for one hour. Finally, biofuel was characterized and the yield of the reaction was calculated.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Adiposity, and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Schoolchildren The FUPRECOL Study

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in schoolchildren. A secondary aim was to evaluate the degree of association between overall and abdominal adiposity and CRF in a total of 1,875 children and adolescents attending public schools. We expressed CRF performance as the nearest stage (minute) completed and the estimated peak oxygen consumption. A CVRF ( Z score) was calculated and participants were divided into tertiles according to low and high levels of overall (sum of the skinfold thicknesses) and abdominal adiposity. Schoolchildren with a high-level of overall adiposity demonstrated significant differences in seven of the 10 variables analyzed (i.e., systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, triglycerides/high density lipoproteins [HDL-c] ratio, total cholesterol, glucose, C-reactive protein [usCRP], HDL-c, low density lipoproteins [LDL-c], and cardiovascular risk score). Schoolchildren with high levels of both overall and abdominal adiposity and low CRF had the least favorable CVRF score.

Detección de bandas en color en una imagen de electroforesis en gel de una dimensión usando un algoritmo de localización basado en máximos y mínimos

Abstract: En este articulo se escribe una metodologia desarrollado en MATLAB para el procesamiento de imagenes de electroforesis en gel de una dimension las cuales contienen informacion de antigenos de insectos (Triatoma Dimidiata o Pito) y de parasitos (Fasciola). La metodologia propuesta permite complementar la interpretacion visual de las imagenes basandose en tecnicas de contraste, realce de cada una de las bandas y la implementacion de filtros para eliminar discontinuidades; adicionalmente se propone un algoritmo de maximos y minimos para la identificacion automatica de cada una de las bandas. Como resultado final se obtuvieron 5 imagenes a color, ubicando e identificando con una eficiencia del 100% las bandas caracteristicas de la electroforesis en gel en comparacion con sus patrones originales, complementado con un analisis cuasi-cuantitativo de la cantidad de muestra de cada una de ellas en relacion con la banda con mayor concentracion.

Importancia de la educación ambiental en la gestión del riesgo socio-natural en cinco países de América Latina y el Caribe

Abstract: Considering environmental education as a social tool allowing individuals to achieve a significant knowledge of the inhabited environment, to reduce the probability of occurrence of a disaster, and to respond to the presence of natural phenomena to which people are vulnerable, this article aims to generate a space for reflection on the importance of environmental education in the management of the social and natural risk in five countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. For this purpose, the paper presents a descriptive review of primary and secondary bibliographical sources referring to the performance of the management of social and natural risks related to environmental education in Colombia, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile, and Jamaica between 1994 and 2015. In this period, a solid administrative and legislative organization of this management and environmental education is evident, but these two themes are clearly separated when implementing citizen projects: a situation that has generated shortcomings in the management of natural disasters, specifically under the principles of precaution and prevention. For this reason, this article offers a series of recommendations that include the dissemination of information, the creation of centers for the management of risk reduction, the strengthening of communication strategies, and the establishment of response plans and post-disaster recovery.

The assessment of pharmacoeconomic studies quality of Levodopa's use for the management of Parkinson's diseases, 2010-2015

Abstract: Levodopa (LD) has been the first choice in the management of Parkinson’s disease(PD), since its introduction in the drug market; however, its prolonged use is related tothe occurrence of motor complications, affecting the functionality and quality of life.Parkinson’s disease is one of the most frequent among the neurodegenerative diseasesin the world, and it is expected that the number of people who suffer it, will increasedue to global population aging. The PD represents, nowadays and for the future, ahigh economic burden from all perspectives, including patients, payers, and society.So it is necessary to know about the use of LD in its treatment and to realize thequality of pharmacoeconomic studies in the past five years, to identify reliable sourcesof information related to the costs and benefits of this medication to contribute inmaking decisions. The aim of this paper is to assess the methodological quality ofpharmacoeconomic studies related to the use of LD in PD, specifically those that areidentified as cost-utility studies, applying the QHES instrument. A total of 19 articleswere found, of which 5 met the inclusion criteria and were subjected to examination.The average overall score obtained after the evaluation was 77.2 out of 100, makingevident a good quality of studies according to the method used.

Forecasting acute respiratory infection cases in Southern Bogota: EARS vs. ARIMA and SARIMA

Abstract: Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) diseases are a major cause of hospitalization and death worldwide. They are the leading cause of morbidity in developed countries and the leading cause of death in developing countries. The incidence of such diseases constitutes a large portion of the reported cases from medical consultations in southern Bogota. This study analyzes the reported individual attention records of Hospital del Sur1. The ARI-related epidemic information gathered from 2009 to 2014 have been imported by an ad hoc Extraction, Transformation and Loading (ETL) process to take them from their original raw text representation to a relational model in SQL (PostgreSQL). This study applies and compares five different models (EARS algorithms C1, C2 and C3, as well as, ARIMA and SARIMA models) to make forecast from ARI-related time series data. We show for this type of time series ARIMA model achieved the best results. Finally, we discuss about the obtained results and present conclusions and future work.

An approach to the open innovation strategy in Higher Education Institutions in the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga

Abstract: In Colombia, there is a need to implement best practices in education, and open innovation is a core organizational strategy for Higher Education Institutions, which allows the flow of knowledge both within and outside of the organization, in a way that leads to innovation Educational. In this regard, the purpose of this research approaches the study of best practices of open innovation, to identify possible applications for them in the different Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) of the Metropolitan Area of Bucaramanga (AMB). For this, an exploration of the literature was initially carried out to identify the open innovation practices applicable to the studied sector. With them a diagnostic tool for collecting information was designed, to later characterize from a quantitative approach, the state of implementation of the same In HEIs. In this research, it was found that more than 80% of the evaluated institutions ensured that they knew what open innovation was and, in addition, it was verified that all applied, at different levels, open innovation. Also, six clusters with differentiated characteristics were identified, which contribute to the exploration and description of a geographical context, that, despite being one of the most innovative in Colombia, has been subject of minimal research in terms of innovation.

Evaluación del Desempeño de Aisladores Eléctricos de Distribución Cerámicos y Poliméricos bajo Biocontaminación por Hongos

Abstract: espanolEste articulo presenta un estudio sobre el desempeno electrico de aisladores ceramicos (ANSI 52-1, ANSI 55-2) y polimericos (ANSI 4S-15) usados en sistemas electricos de media tension (entre 7kV y 35 kV) ante el crecimiento de los hongos Phanerochaete chrysosporium y Penicillium Sp. en su superficie. La contaminacion biologica de aisladores electricos es una problematica que ha sido reportada en areas tropicales de Europa, Asia y Oceania y puede reducir la confiabilidad de los sistemas electricos de potencia. La biocontaminacion se realizo en Bogota, Colombia durante 50 dias consecutivos (para cada microorganismo) usando una camara que controla la luz, la humedad y la temperatura. 4urante la investigacion se realizaron pruebas de tension de flameo y corrientes de fuga. Despues de la biocontaminacion se reportaron reducciones en las tensiones de flameo de 21% y 8% para aisladores ceramicos y polimericos, respectivamente. En todos los casos, las corrientes de fuga aumentaron por encima del 20%. EnglishThis paper presents a study on the electrical performance of ceramic (ANSI 52-1, ANSI 55-2) and polymeric (ANSI 4S-15) insulators used in medium voltage electrical systems (between 7kV y 35 kV) when fungi growth of Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Penicillium Sp. on their surface is presented. Biological contamination of electrical insulators is a problem that has been reported in tropical areas in Europe, Asia and Oceania and it may reduce the reliability of electric power systems. The biocontamination was conducted in Bogota, Colombia for 50 consecutive days (for each microorganism) using a chamber that controls light, moisture and temperature. Laboratory tests of flashover voltages and leakage currents were performed. After fungus biocontamination reductions in flashover voltages about 21% and 8% were reported for ceramic and polymeric insulators, respectively. In all cases, the leakage currents increased by 20% or higher.

Electronic Stethoscope With Wireless Communication to a Smart-phone, Including a Signal Filtering and Segmentation Algorithm of Digital Phonocardiography Signals

Abstract: This paper describes the construction of an electronic stethoscope prototype, able to amplify and filter several sounds in order to obtain heart sounds captured by a microphone attached to a conventional stethoscope chest piece, using the diaphragm; sending wirelessly, over Bluetooth, this data to an android smartphone app, capable to play and plot the sound, acting as a Phonocardiogram(PCG); and parallel, the development of a software designed to denoise sound signals through Wavelet Filters, in order to migrate this algorithm to the phone app. We obtained an acceptable sound acquisition to identify cardiac activity, however, without an optimum audio fidelity and contaminated signals due to noise addition in the wireless transmission to the phone. On the other hand the development of the signal processing is divided on 3 main steps: the fist one is the normalization of the signal, the second is the PCG denoising and the last one is the identification of different sounds with the envelope. We obtain the peaks of the normal heart sounds, base for the sound segmentation. This project must continue under research in order to improve transmission quality, and adaptation of filtering software into the app, moreover, integrate to the developed software a comparison algorithm for the detection of pathologies and achieve an application of suggested diagnosis, as final target of this investigation on long term.

Determinantes sociales del fenómeno de habitabilidad de calle en Bogotá D.C. Una aproximación desde la salud urbana

Abstract: Objective: There has been little description of the phenomenon of homelessness from a broad perspective. Thus, this study describes the material living conditions associated with this phenomenon. Methodology: Participant observation and creation of semi-structured interviews to four homeless individuals selected based on a convenience sample. Audio recordings of the associated conditions and systematization using Atlas Ti software. Results: Three intermediary and two structural determinants were identified, from which the basic theoretical elements were conceptualized about in order to include in a public policy of protection and risk management associated with this phenomenon. The impact achieved in social protection public policy in Bogota and its future challenges are discussed. Conclusions: Although homelessness is a complex and multi-determined phenomenon, the theoretical and methodological elements of the social determination of health and urban health are promising in the search for intervention and prevention strategies.