The increasing reliance on healthcare infrastructures makes them highly vulnerable to cyber threats, requiring robust and adaptable security strategies. This study integrates the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF 2.0) with the OCTAVE methodology to assess cybersecurity risks and support the definition of mitigation strategies in the technological infrastructure of a private healthcare provider in Ecuador. Beyond the Protect function, the audit framework considers Identify, Detect, Respond, and Recover, complemented by the Governance and Supply Chain risk management functions introduced in CSF 2.0. OCTAVE facilitated the systematic identification of threats, vulnerabilities, and residual risks, while NIST CSF guided policy alignment. The analysis revealed that approximately 75% of critical assets presented vulnerabilities which, if addressed through the proposed controls, could potentially lead to modeled residual risk reductions of over 40%. While these findings are based on qualitative projections rather than implemented results, the framework establishes a structured and reproducible pathway for empirical validation and long-term cybersecurity resilience. This combined approach provides practical guidance for healthcare organizations seeking to structure cybersecurity audits and align with international standards.
The construction sector continues to grow, but it is always looking for materials that do not generate CO2 during their production. Therefore, this research evaluates the physical and mechanical properties of concrete by using fly ash (FA) as a partial substitute for cement and adding steel fiber from tires (SFT). The experimental treatments were carried out with proportions of 3, 6, 9 and 12% FA to determine the optimal percentage, which was then combined with 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2% SFT of the total volume of the concrete. Physical tests revealed that workability decreased with the addition of FA, as well as with increasing SFT percentages, while temperature and unit weight remained stable. The air content increased with the use of FA and then decreased with the addition of SFT. In the mechanical tests, the optimal FA percentage was 3%, with decreasing results as the percentage increased. With the addition of SFT, the optimal percentage was 1%, followed by a decrease in results with higher percentages. The combination of 3% FA and 1% SFT improved the compressive, tensile and flexural strength by 7.98, 29.18 and 21.73%, respectively, compared to the master concrete. The elasticity modulus reached its optimum with 3% FA, improving by 8.18% in relation to the standard concrete. In conclusion, FA and SFT reduce CO2 emissions and improve concrete properties.
The consumption of large volumes of natural resources in construction has led to the depletion of its sources of supply, that´s why it has become a necessity to take advantage of the waste generated in different industrial processes. The slag obtained in the steel manufacturing process constitutes one of those sources, to which added value could be given, also reducing environmental pollution. The research studies the performance of concrete by replacing Portland cement with white granulated steel slag in proportions between 35% and 45% at ages of 7, 28 and 180 days, evaluating their physical, mechanical and durability properties, as well as the influence of the type of slag cooling in this process. It is concluded that at late ages, slag can be used to partially replace Portland cement, without significant effects on the properties of concrete, although further improvement of its rapid cooling procedures is necessary.
Surface sediment samples from 46 sites along the Unete River in Casanare, Colombia, were analysed to assess the ecological risk and sources of heavy metals—arsenic (As), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). The study applied a comprehensive approach that included descriptive statistical analysis, comparison with Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs), calculation of enrichment factors (EF), potential ecological risk index (PERI), and toxicity risk index (RI), as well as multivariate statistical methods such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF). Arsenic concentrations showed a highly heterogeneous distribution, while Pb emerged as the most critical contaminant. Elevated Pb levels indicated contamination of concern in at least 5% of the sampling sites. Both As and Pb showed environmentally significant contamination levels. EF results indicated that Zn, As, and Pb primarily originate from anthropogenic sources, while Cu and Ni are associated with natural sources. PERI and RI values for As and Pb classified them as contaminants of concern, with a higher potential environmental risk at sites where both metals were detected together. Multivariate statistical analysis, supported by findings in the literature, identified two likely pollution sources for these heavy metals: (i) agricultural activities and (ii) vehicular emissions. These results are consistent with the observation that As concentrations were highly localized, whereas Pb displayed a broader spatial distribution across the study area
La evaluación de confiabilidad en los sistemas de distribución eléctrica es esencial para determinar la calidad del servicio. Las redes convencionales, especialmente en áreas boscosas, son propensas a altas tasas de fallas que afectan negativamente los indicadores de calidad. Este estudio tiene como objetivo implementar un sistema de predicción para evaluar el comportamiento futuro de los índices de calidad FMIK y TTIK al migrar de una red convencional a una red semiaislada en el alimentador Esperanza 2 de la empresa EMELNORTE. El sistema de predicción se diseñó utilizando una red neuronal con datos históricos del 2013 a 2023, generando un modelo de 4 capas con 128, 64, 32 y 3 neuronas, logrando un MAE de 0.072 y un MSE de 0.011. La proyección se realizó para el periodo 2025-2035, obteniendo promedios de FMIK y TTIK de 14.3769 y 10.11672 para la red convencional, y 4.9442 y 2.033 para la red semiaislada. El modelo predictivo de la red neuronal fue comparado con simulaciones realizadas en CYME, encontrando un error promedio de 3.17% y 1.79% para el FMIK y TTIK en la red convencional, y de 4.16% y 3.14% en la red semiaislada. Finalmente, se analizó el impacto económico derivado de las sanciones por incumplir los estándares de calidad del TTIK y FMIK establecidos en la Regulación Nro. ARCERNNR 002/20 para ambas configuraciones de red.
Many power electronic applications utilize Cascaded H-Bridge (CHB) Multi-Level Inverters (MLIs) due to their bidirectional control capabilities. Multi-Level Inverters (MLIs) are utilized in Electric Vehicles (EVs) to minimize overall drive losses by reducing Total Harmonic Distortion. Also, MLI is preferred for solar energy generation to attain maximum power point tracking. This research work focuses on reducing drive losses and improving the transient response of induction motor drives for EV applications. For that, three different intelligent control algorithms are proposed. There are PI-PSO, PI-PSO-ANN, and PI-PSO-ANFIS controllers. This work uses the three-phase 15-level cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverter supplied by a solar energy source. Intelligent control algorithms generate pulses via pulse-width modulation, thereby reducing harmonic distortion. The drive's performance is analysed to investigate the operations of PI-PSO, PI-PSO-ANN, and PI-PSO-ANFIS controllers. The performance of this CHB-MLI-driven 4kW Induction Motor (IM) drive is verified by simulation using MATLAB/Simulink. This approach showed the successful implementation of the suggested design. The PI-PSO-ANFIS controller demonstrated better performance, with lower THD and faster dynamic response, when applied to control the IM drive with a 15-level CHB-MLI. The findings of this comparative analysis focus on features such as drive speed, load torque, and power-quality problems associated with total harmonic distortion (THD).
Despite the existence of regulatory frameworks governing construction safety worldwide, the sector remains one of the most hazardous industries. This study evaluates safety management practices in construction companies in Cochabamba, Bolivia, through the analysis of four case studies. Compliance was assessed against the provisions of Bolivian Law 545 using a structured checklist. Monthly site visits were conducted over a three-month period to monitor safety conditions and regulatory adherence. The results indicate that safety management was inadequate at three of the four construction sites, particularly with respect to Serious and Imminent Risk (SIR) and Non-Compliance (NC) indicators. In contrast, the fourth site (CS4) achieved a compliance rate of 88.68%, reflecting more consistent implementation of safety requirements throughout project execution. Based on these findings, practical recommendations are proposed to strengthen safety management practices in comparable construction contexts.
El objetivo principal de cualquier industria es mantenerse y crecer con el tiempo convirtiéndose en un éxito en todos los aspectos. Por ello, actualmente las industrias buscan aumentar su calidad en cualquier fase de sus procesos, promoviendo la competitividad y productividad en áreas con defectos y deficiencias, lo que se demuestra con la aplicación de Lean y Six Sigma. Este estudio establece la relación de la mejora de los procesos en distintos sectores industriales. Para ello, se llevó a cabo una revisión sistemática de la literatura de diversas fuentes confiables entre 2018 y 2024. Se utilizó la base de datos Scopus, posteriormente se desarrolló la sintetización y extracción de contenido a 51 artículos seleccionados con la declaración de PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). Los resultados de la revisión demostraron que hay una preocupación por la baja productividad y defectos de producción y la no estandarización de procesos. Esto debido, principalmente, a la falta de capacitación al personal de trabajo, defectos en los procesos y manejo incorrecto de los equipos y/o herramientas de trabajo, así como, retrasos en los procesos, entre otros. Por otra parte, con el uso adecuado de métricas de medición para la producción y calidad de los productos reduce los defectos y mejorará los indicadores de proceso y eficiencia operativa.
This research concerns the production of three electrospun scaffolds: the first produced from a synthetic polymer, polycaprolactone (PCL); the second from a natural polymer, porcine gelatin type A, crosslinked with glutaraldehyde vapors (G); and the third from a mixture of both in a 50/50 (m/m) PCL/G composition. The objective of this paper is to define the operating parameters for electrospinning the substances and to perform a mechanical evaluation of the resulting scaffolds using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). Initially, defective scaffolds with lumpy fibers were obtained, but adjusting the variables resulted in scaffolds with a smooth, porous fibrous morphology. DMA was applied to the three scaffolds, and the storage modulus (E’), loss modulus (E’’), and damping factor (tan δ) were determined for each to estimate the state transition temperature. The main results yielded matrices with suitable morphologies and viscoelastic behavior, making them promising candidates for use in tissue regeneration.
Xanthan gum (XG) is a biopolymer commonly used as a rheological modifier in various industries, from oil and gas to food and cosmetics. In addition, the rheological response of XG suspended in viscous solvents is of interest in some industrial sectors. The present work aims to study the rheological response of XG suspended in a corn syrup-water solution. Tests were performed in both steady-state and oscillatory regimes at five different temperatures from 10 to 70°C to evaluate the rheological response. Additionally, a phenomenological fitting, time-temperature superposition analysis, and Lissajous curves of the oscillatory response were performed. The results showed that the XG suspensions maintained their non-Newtonian shear thinning and viscoelastic solid-like behavior at all temperatures studied. The phenomenological fit showed a trend of the rheological parameters as a function of temperature. And the time-temperature superposition analysis extended the behavior to lower frequencies. It is concluded that knowing the rheological response of XG suspension in a viscous solvent offers an insight into its application in specific industrial sectors.
This paper develops a thermodynamic model for a thermal power plant based on a superheated Rankine cycle, with reheating and regeneration of seven heat exchangers. The objective is to analyze the plant's behavior under any partial load ranging from 25% to 100% and to evaluate thermal efficiency using energy balances and the First Law of Thermodynamics equations. The model allows the calculation of thermodynamic properties and energy flows in each component of the cycle. The resulting model estimated enthalpies in the cycle with an error of less than 2% and presented a high level of accuracy (R2=99%) for the calculated mass flows. This methodology is applicable to any thermoelectric plant operating on a Rankine cycle, and the obtained precision demonstrates its potential as a tool for future thermodynamic analyses, since it provides a robust and flexible approach so that future studies can improve energetic efficiency in power plant production.
Heart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in older adults, generating high burden on healthcare systems and negative impact in quality of life. Telemonitoring is a method that has shown effectiveness in reducing hospital readmissions and manage HF. Current systems face challenges related to usability, unfriendly interfaces, and unreliable data. To address these issues, Fundaci & oacute;n Cardiovascular de Colombia developed TELSY based in design thinking methodology, a user-centered telemonitoring system. The aim of this article is to describe the technological development of the TELSY program, from its creation to its validation in laboratory environments. TELSY integrates three subsystems: TELSY Home, vital signs monitor that records biometric and self-reported data; TELSY Web, a platform for monitoring and clinical follow-up; and TELSY App, a mobile application that enables interaction between patients and healthcare professionals. Usability evaluations were conducted combining patient testing, healthcare professional assessments, and expert heuristic reviews. Results showed that while some tasks presented higher error incidence, overall satisfaction was high. TELSY App achieved strong acceptance and highly useful by participants. TELSY demonstrates potential as a scalable and sustainable solution to improve remote care and reduce hospitalizations in HF.
Helicoidal heat exchangers are used in all kinds of industries, domestic refrigeration is one of them, due to their geometrical characteristics which improve the heat transfer of fluids. Refrigerant R600a is one of the most studied fluids in the condensation process due to its extensive use throughout the years. Nanoparticles can enhance the heat transfer and phase change of the refrigerants in the condensation process. Therefore, Ansys Fluent is employed to carry out a numerical analysis of the nano refrigerant CuO-R600a, the models used in the simulation were made with the multiphase Euler model and condensation under the Lee approach, the simulations were with nanoparticle concentration varies from 0.1 to 3 %. Considering 39.37 degrees C as the saturation temperature of the refrigerant R600a at a pressure of 1 MPa, and 300 kg/m2s as the mass flux. In the simulations six different condensers are tested, but the condenser with 120 mm in coil diameter and 30 mm in pitch shows better condensation of the refrigerant R600a. Nevertheless, by adding nanoparticles the condensation process presents negative results, and as the nanoparticle concentration increases the condensation percentage plummets. Thereby, the nano refrigerant does not show better heat transfer nor phase change as the base refrigerant R600a.
The primary goal of any industry is to sustain and grow over time and achieve success in all dimensions. Industries currently aim to enhance quality at every stage of their processes, which fosters competitiveness and productivity, particularly in areas with defects and deficiencies. This is evident in the implementation of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. This study explores the relationship between process improvement and different industrial sectors. To achieve this, a systematic literature review was conducted using various reputable sources between 2018 and 2024. The Scopus database served as the primary resource, from which content was synthesized and extracted from 51 articles selected according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The review findings indicate significant concerns regarding low productivity, production defects and insufficient process standardization. These issues stem largely from inadequate staff training, persistent process defects, improper equipment use, and delays in the processes. Additionally, effectively utilizing metrics to gauge production and product quality can reduce defects and enhance process indicators and operational efficiency. In conclusion, cost reduction and heightened efficiency can optimize resource utilization and improve customer satisfaction.
In Ecuador, extensive coconut (Cocos nucifera) harvesting generates large quantities of waste, including husks, shells, and fibers, posing environmental and economic challenges. This study explores the densification of coconut waste (CW) into pellets and briquettes to address these issues. The process involved raw material collection, pretreatment, drying, grinding, sieving, mixing, pelletizing, and briquetting, using cassava starch (CS) as a binder. Two CW-to-CS compositions were tested for each type of fuel. Key physical and combustion properties, such as higher heating value, moisture, volatile matter, fixed carbon, ash content, bulk density, and friability, were analyzed. Results showed that the PCA91 pellet sample (90% CW, 10% CS) achieved the best performance with a higher heating value of 15,350 J/g and 11.54% moisture content. Similarly, the BCA91 briquette sample (90% CW, 10% CS) demonstrated better performance with a heating value of 14,950 J/g and 13.75% moisture content. Most samples met the heating value and bulk density requirements of the Swedish SS187120 and Colombian NTC 2060 standards, although some fell short on ash, volatile matter, and fixed carbon content. Adjusting the CW-to-CS ratio could optimize biofuel properties, balancing energy output and stability, highlighting coconut waste's potential as a sustainable biofuel.
This study analyzes the land-use transitions driven by urbanization in Colombia's 32 departmental capitals between 1992 and 2019. Using annual land cover maps with a spatial resolution of 300 meters from the Climate Change Initiative of the European Space Agency (CCI-ESA), we assess how urban expansion has altered landscapes, with a focus on grasslands, croplands, and forests. We identify the dominant land-use transitions in each city and explore the potential conflicts between urban development and the preservation of ecosystem services. Our results show that grasslands were the most affected by urbanization, followed by croplands and forests. The impact of urbanization has intensified since 2000, especially following the implementation of territorial planning regulations under Law 388 of 1997. Cities like Bogot & aacute;, Medell & iacute;n, and Cali predominantly expanded into grasslands, while others such as Bucaramanga, Pereira, and Ibagu & eacute; experienced significant conversions of agricultural lands. In cities like Mocoa, Leticia, and In & iacute;rida, urbanization encroached on forested areas. The potential land-use conflicts (LUCs) identified in this study highlight the threat to food security, biodiversity, and water regulation, particularly in cities where agricultural and forested lands are being urbanized. The findings underscore the need for a more integrative approach to land management that balances urban growth with the preservation of ecosystems. Nature-based solutions and collaborative decision-making are crucial for mitigating the negative impacts of urbanization while fostering sustainable and inclusive urban development.
The Department of Antioquia, Colombia, produces 47% of the mining tailings linked to national gold extraction. These residues, stored in dam-like deposits, contain toxic substances such as heavy metals, posing serious risks to the environment and public health. Due to their high silica and alumina content, these tailings could be repurposed as alternative cementitious materials. Hybrid cements, formed by combining Portland cement with alkaline-activated materials, offer a lower environmental impact and support circular economy practices. In this study, the potential use of Antioquia's mining tailings as precursors for hybrid cement production was evaluated. Sodium carbonate and sodium silicate were used as alkaline activators, and curing was performed at room temperature. The tailings'chemical composition showed suitable levels of silica and alumina for geopolymer synthesis. Concrete specimens were prepared using hybrid cement and three types of aggregates: sand, coarse tailings, and recycled polymer. After 28 days of curing, the highest compressive strength was 568.6 kN +/- 6.1 with coarse tailings, followed by 550.3 kN +/- 7.9 with sand, and 325.3kN +/- 7.5 with recycled polymer. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using mining residues in sustainable construction applications.
Musculoskeletal injuries are a leading cause of disability worldwide. Orthopedic surgery commonly employs osteosynthetic devices, such as compression plates, which require proper osseointegration for successful outcomes. Although titanium and its alloys are widely used for their mechanical strength and biocompatibility, limited osseointegration can result in clinical complications and require surgical reintervention. In this study, an integrated computational model combining finite element analysis in COMSOL with a biological module in MATLAB was developed to simulate the osseointegration process in titanium compression plates. The model enabled the assessment of how plate geometry and mechanical stress distribution directly influence cellular responses at the fracture site. Results revealed localized compressive stresses along the fracture line, with a maximum value of 140 MPa. This stress promoted bone formation by day 40, with complete consolidation occurring around day 100. These findings suggest that the proposed model can serve as a predictive tool for optimizing osteosynthesis material design and improving clinical outcomes, with applications in the development of next-generation implants.
This study investigates mobility patterns within the University of Cuenca community, focusing on transport mode preferences and the potential for modal shifts toward sustainable transport. Unlike previous studies that primarily examine urban transport in general contexts, this research uniquely explores a university setting in a mid-sized city in a developing country, providing insights into transport choices' demographic and behavioral determinants. An online survey with 1,253 university members reveals distinct differences between students and employees: Students predominantly use active transport modes, while employees rely on private vehicles. Logistic regression analysis highlights key factors influencing mobility preferences, such as age, gender, and income. Notably, the female students tend to prefer private vehicle use, while younger and lower-income students prefer sustainable transport options. The study also examines the willingness to adopt public and active transport modes, identifying targeted interventions, such as improving public transit safety and infrastructure. These findings contribute to understanding sustainable mobility in university communities and provide actionable insights for urban planning and policy development in comparable settings. This research establishes a pre-pandemic baseline for evaluating post-pandemic shifts in commuting behaviors. It offers a framework for advancing sustainable transport strategies in mid-sized cities of developing nations.
This study focuses on the numerical analysis of the interaction between the exit flows of two supersonic nozzles, using the distance between their longitudinal axes as a parameter. The analysis is conducted in OpenFOAM, assuming two-dimensional, inviscid flow. The methodology employed to simulate flow in a nozzle is validated against experimental data and is subsequently used to investigate the interaction with a second nozzle. The numerical results indicate that discharge flows interfere, even from distant nozzles.
