Hoja de ruta para la construcción de vivienda social en madera en Uruguay / Roadmap for the construction of social housing in wood in Uruguay

Existen dos factores que han posicionado a la madera como el material constructivo óptimo para el siglo XXI: productividad e impacto en el medio ambiente. Según datos entregados por la ONU1 , se espera un incremento exponencial de la población mundial de un 25% para los próximos 30 años, pasando de 7.700 millones de personas que habían en el 2020, a 9.700 millones para el año 2050, que en conjunto con el aumento de procesos de urbanización y de movimientos migratorios, se traducen en un incremento de la demanda de recursos, especialmente de vivienda, generando un déficit que deberá ser solucionado en un corto período de tiempo. Por otro lado, cada año se liberan en la atmósfera miles de millones de toneladas de gases de efecto invernadero (GEI), que incrementan la temperatura global aportando negativamente a la crisis climática mundial que vivimos hoy. Para hacer frente estos desafíos mundiales de las próximas décadas es necesario que los países implementen iniciativas que busquen un desarrollo más sostenible. En este sentido, planes como los 17 Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) de las Naciones Unidas establecen metas claves que deben ser abordadas por todas las naciones para cumplir los objetivos mundiales para 2030, entre las que se encuentra la necesidad de vivienda, construidas con materiales de baja huella de carbono, para una población en crecimiento.

Photocatalytic activity, water absorption capacity, and thermal stability of white cement-based mortars with polysiloxane silicone and different doses of titanium dioxide nanoparticles / Actividad fotocatalítica, absorción de agua y estabilidad térmica de morteros a base de cemento blanco con silicona de polisiloxano y diferentes dosis de nanopartículas de dióxido de titanio

White cement-based mortars in urban areas are usually discolored and altered their esthetic properties due to air pollutants. The addition of nanoparticles in these mortars can provide photocatalytic properties that can decompose pollution agents. Likewise, other hydrophobic agents have been individually studied to improve outdoor building constructions. Therefore, this study presented the photocatalytic and hydrophobic effect of adding nano-TiO2and silicone hydrophobic powder (DOWSILTM) in a white cement matrix. The nano-TiO2 were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD); afterwards, the mortar was mixed with additions of nano-TiO2 (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0%) and DOWSILTM (0.0, 0.5%). The mortar's photocatalytic performance was evaluated using a modification of the standard Italian test Ente Nazionale Italiano di Unificazione 11259:2016 based on Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation on the sample exposed to UV irradiation. Therefore, mortar samples were subjected to UV irradiation to degrade the organic dye rhodamine B, monitoring their color variation using a C I E L* a* b* spectrophotometer. Moreover, the water permeability and the contact angle were evaluated. This research demonstrates that the white cement-based mortar samples added with nano-TiO2/DOWSILTM possess photocatalytic activity. The samples with the addition of 1.0%/0.5% and 3.0%/0.5% nano-TiO2/DOWSILTM showed a higher RhB degradation for R4 and R26. Therefore, these two materials can be employed in these proportions to improve the quality of the white cement-based mortars in urban constructions.

Los morteros a base de cemento blanco generalmente se decoloran y alteran sus propiedades estéticas debido a los contaminantes del aire en las áreas urbanas. Nanopartículas añadidas a estos morteros pueden proporcionar propiedades fotocatalíticas que descomponen estos contaminantes. Asimismo, otros agentes hidrofóbicos se han estu-diado individualmente para mejorar las construcciones a la intemperie. Por lo tanto, se presenta el efecto fotocatalítico e hidrofóbico al incorporar nano-TiO2 y silicona hidrofóbica de polisiloxano (DOWSILTM) en una matriz de cemento blanco. El nano-TiO2 se caracterizó por medio de Difracción de Rayos X (DRX); luego, el mortero se mezcló con adiciones de nano-TiO2 (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0%) y DOWSILTM (0.0, 0.5%). Los morteros se sometieron a irradiación UV, para degradar el colorante orgánico rodamina B, monitoreando su variación de color usando un espectrofotómetro C I E L* a* b*. La eficiencia fotocatalítica del mortero se evaluó utilizando una modificación de la norma italiana Ente Nazionale Italiano di Unificazione 11259:2016 basada en la degradación de la rodamina B (RhB) en el mortero expuesto a la radiación UV. Además, se evaluó la permeabilidad al agua y el ángulo de contacto. Esta investigación demostró que el mortero de cemento con nano-TiO2/ DOWSILTM posee actividad fotocatalítica. Las muestras con 1.0%/0.5% y 3.0%/0.5% nano-TiO2/DOWSILTM mostraron una mayor eficiencia de degradación de RhB para R4 y R26. Por lo tanto, estos materiales tienen potencial para mejorar la calidad de los morteros en construcciones urbanas.

Guía básica para la autoconstrucción de vivienda segura / Basic guide for self-construction of safe housing

En esta guía se describen las recomendaciones para el diseño y la construcción de viviendas hasta de dos niveles, con el objetivo de garantizar que sean seguras, habitables, accesibles, de fácil mantenimiento y reparación, dentro de un entorno urbano, suburbano y rural. Estas recomendaciones toman en cuenta los criterios técnicos actuales contemplados en las Normas Oficiales Mexicanas, en las Normas Técnicas Complementarias y en las buenas prácticas aplicadas en el país. Por otro lado, se hace referencia a las obligaciones y responsabilidades de las autoridades y los involucrados que participan en la construcción de vivienda, con el propósito de asegurar el cumplimiento de la normatividad. El documento brinda recomendaciones aplicables a las regiones del país con mayor peligro ante fenómenos geológicos e hidrometeorológicos, especialmente sismos, huracanes y vientos, con el propósito de proporcionar información clara y adaptable a cada región. Es importante el conocimiento sobre los peligros y riesgos, así como el comportamiento estructural de las edificaciones, por lo que se recomienda ampliamente a los usuarios revisar con regularidad las publicaciones del CENAPRED, en beneficio de los involucrados en la construcción de viviendas y de las personas que las habitan.

Determinación de emisión de dióxido de carbono (Co2) y el impacto económico y medioambiental en la construcción de viviendas de interés social de El Salvador: aplicación en sector construcción / Determination of carbon dioxide (Co2) emission and the economic and environmental impact in the construction of low-income housing in El Salvador: application in the construction sector

El objetivo de este proyecto fue crear un informe técnico del valor económico y el impacto ambiental del dióxido de carbono (CO2), que genera la construcción de las viviendas de interés social en El Salvador. Se procedió a reconocer terminología técnica sobre los diferentes factores que intervienen en el análisis de la relación de costos económicos y medioambientales. Luego se identificaron los modelos de cuantificación de Emisiones de CO2 para construcciones. Finalmente se creó una herramienta para el levantamiento de información de tipo cualitativa y cuantitativa de viviendas y para la obtención de datos técnicos. De acuerdo con lo investigado, se encontró que los materiales de construcción con mayores emisiones de CO2 por kilogramo son el acero y el hormigón armado utilizado en las partes estructurales, así como el vidrio y losas para las envolventes, seguidos de la madera y el cemento, siendo el menor el hormigón premezclado, ladrillos rojos y arena.

The objective of this project was to create a technical report of the economic value and the environmental impact of carbon dioxide (CO2), generated by the construction of social housing in El Salvador. We proceeded to recognize technical terminology on the different factors involved in the analysis of the relationship between economic and environmental costs. Then the quantification models of CO2 Emissions for constructions were identified. Finally, a tool was created to collect qualitative and quantitative information on housing and to obtain technical data. According to what was investigated, it was found that the construction materials with the highest CO2 emissions per kilogram are steel and reinforced concrete used in the structural parts, as well as glass and slabs for the envelopes, followed by wood and cement, the least being pre-mixed concrete, red bricks and sand.

Research progress in spore-based in-situ restoration technology of concrete with microorganisms / 生物工程学报

Concrete is the most widely used modern building material. It is easy to crack under the action of stress, which makes the concrete structure permeable, affecting the durability and integrity of the structure, and thus shortening its service life. Microbial in-situ remediation technology is a low cost, effective and green way for concrete crack repairing. Due to its excellent biocompatibility, service life elongation, economic losses and environmental pollution reduction, microbial in-situ remediation technology has been intensively investigated. Bacillus has attracted much attention because of its excellent biomineralization ability, extremely strong environmental tolerance and long-term survival ability of its spores. In order to promote the research, development and large-scale application of microbial in-situ healing of concrete, the paper reviews the mechanism of spore-based in-situ healing of concrete, the survival of spores exposed in concrete, the influence of spores and external additives on the mechanical properties of concrete, progress in research and development of healing agent as well as healing effects. Moreover, future research focuses such as improving the survival ability of spores in the harsh environment of concrete, reducing the influence of external additives on the mechanical properties of concrete, and strengthening the healing effect of actual field applications are also summarized.

Riesgo en salud y habitabilidad de viviendas en zonas de alta vulnerabilidad en Bogotá, Colombia / Health risk factors associated with housing habitability in high vulnerability areas in Bogotá, Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivos Evaluar las condiciones de habitabilidad de las viviendas y su incidencia sobre la salud en el sector de Mochuelo Bajo, en Bogotá (Colombia), en el marco del proyecto Hábitat Saludable, que es liderado por el Centro de estudios en Vivienda, Hábitat e Innovación Social (CENVIS). Métodos Se elaboró una herramienta de toma de información en campo sobre condiciones socioeconómicas y saludables de la unidad habitacional de familias adscritas al proyecto. Posteriormente, se realizó un análisis cuantitativo de la información recolectada para responder al objetivo de la investigación. Resultados Al aplicar la herramienta, se encontró: a) inadecuado abastecimiento, almacenamiento y manejo del agua potable, b) mala disposición de excretas humanas y desechos sólidos domiciliarios, c) mal manejo en el aprovechamiento del agua lluvia, d) inadecuada convivencia con animales domésticos y de consumo, e) contaminación del aire al interior y; f) sistemas autoconstrucción con materiales no seguros y sin asesoría técnica, además de construcción en terrenos inestables. Conclusiones En el sector de Mochuelo Bajo, existen falencias generalizables relacionadas con un inadecuado abastecimiento, almacenamiento y manejo del agua potable, una mala disposición de excretas humanas y de desechos sólidos domiciliarios. También respecto al manejo del agua lluvia, y la convivencia con animales tanto domésticos como de consumo.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objectives To evaluate the habitability conditions of dwellings and their impact on human health in Mochuelo Bajo, sector in Bogota Colombia, within the framework of the Healthy Habitat project led by the Housing, Habitat and Social Innovation Center (CENVIS). Methods A tool was developed for field data collection about socioeconomic and healthy conditions of housing units and families assigned to the project. After which, a quantitative analysis was performed in order to answer to the stablished objective. Results It was found through the tool application: a) inadequate supply, storage and management of drinking water, b) poor disposal of human excreta and solid household waste, c) poor management of rainwater use, d) inadequate coexistence with domestic and consumption animals, e) interior air pollution and f) self-construction systems with unsafe materials and without technical advice. Conclusions In the Mochuelo Bajo sector there were found generalized shortcomings related to an inadequate supplying and usage of potable water, a wrong disposition of human excreta and of solid household waste. At the same time, there are shortcomings in terms of rainwater and coexistence with animals, both domestic and for consumption.(AU)

Criterios técnicos para una vivienda adecuada / Technical criteria for adequate housing

La vivienda es el núcleo del desarrollo de una persona. Es ahí en donde se desarrollan las habilidades más importantes, los valores, y en donde se forja el sentido de comunidad. Por esta razón, en el Gobierno de México reconocemos que garantizar una vivienda adecuada es un elemento central para la verdadera transformación de nuestro país. A pesar de que el derecho a una vivienda adecuada, incluido en el Pacto Internacional de Derechos Económicos, Sociales y Culturales (ONU, 1966), fue ratificado por México hace casi 40 años, el modelo de vivienda que se siguió en las últimas décadas dejó importantes rezagos en nuestro país. De acuerdo con el Consejo Nacional de Evaluación de la Política de Desarrollo Social (Coneval), existe un rezago habitacional en más de 14 millones de viviendas, 45% del total. Esto quiere decir que prácticamente la mitad de las viviendas en el país presentan carencias en sus materiales o condición de hacinamiento. Para cambiar esta realidad, es necesario entender y concebir a la vivienda como el espacio físico, social y cultural, en el que se construye un hogar; como el núcleo de nuestra sociedad y del desarrollo de la persona. Verla como un producto inmobiliario, una construcción o un mecanismo para activar la economía, lleva al desarrollo de modelos que tienden a alejarse de garantizar el derecho a la vivienda y a un hábitat adecuado. Por esta razón, la encomienda del Presidente Andrés Manuel López Obrador es cambiar la forma en que se han venido haciendo las cosas y no fallar. En apego a un estricto sentido de justicia social, las políticas públicas de vivienda atenderán de forma prioritaria a los segmentos de la población más vulnerables e históricamente olvidados. En conjunto con la Comisión Nacional de Vivienda (Conavi), se ejecutan el Programa de Vivienda Social, el Programa Nacional de Reconstrucción en la modalidad de vivienda y el Programa de Mejoramiento Urbano en la vertiente de Vivienda en Ámbito Urbano. A través de sus diferentes objetivos, se busca dotar de una vivienda adecuada a las familias mexicanas que más lo necesitan. Una pieza esencial de estos programas es el acompañamiento técnico que recibirá directamente la población beneficiaria para el diseño y la construcción de su vivienda. En este sentido, los Criterios Técnicos para una Vivienda Adecuada son una herramienta fundamental para que los asistentes técnicos proporcionen a las personas beneficiarias las opciones para una vivienda que responda a sus necesidades. Estos criterios, adecuándose a las necesidades sociales, culturales, ambientales y de riesgo de cada región, permitirán que la asistencia técnica se otorgue de manera eficiente, organizada y homologada. Extiendo mi reconocimiento a los equipos de la Secretaría de Desarrollo Agrario, Territorial y Urbano (Sedatu), Conavi y el Centro de Investigación para el Desarrollo Sostenible del Infonavit por la elaboración de este importante documento. A las y los asistentes técnicos que harán posible que miles de familias tengan una vivienda adecuada, mi admiración y agradecimiento.

Health effects of exposure to radon: implications of the radon bed mattress incident in Korea / 한국역학회지

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive material formed by the slow decay of uranium and thorium found in the earth's crust or construction materials. Internal exposure to radon accounts for about half of the natural background radiation dose to which humans are exposed annually. Radon is a carcinogen and is the second leading cause of lung cancer following smoking. An association between radon and lung cancer has been consistently reported in epidemiological studies on mine workers and the general population with indoor radon exposure. However, associations have not been clearly established between radon and other diseases, such as leukemia and thyroid cancer. Radiation doses are assessed by applying specific dose conversion coefficients according to the source (e.g., radon or thoron) and form of exposure (e.g., internal or external). However, regardless of the source or form of exposure, the effects of a given estimated dose on human health are identical, assuming that individuals have the same sensitivity to radiation. Recently, radiation exceeding the annual dose limit of the general population (1 mSv/yr) was detected in bed mattresses produced by D company due to the use of a monazite-based anion powder containing uranium and thorium. This has sparked concerns about the health hazards for mattress users caused by radiation exposure. In light of this event, this study presents scientific information about the assessment of radon and thoron exposure and its human implications for human health, which have emerged as a recent topic of interest and debate in society.

Health effects of exposure to radon: implications of the radon bed mattress incident in Korea / 한국역학회지

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive material formed by the slow decay of uranium and thorium found in the earth's crust or construction materials. Internal exposure to radon accounts for about half of the natural background radiation dose to which humans are exposed annually. Radon is a carcinogen and is the second leading cause of lung cancer following smoking. An association between radon and lung cancer has been consistently reported in epidemiological studies on mine workers and the general population with indoor radon exposure. However, associations have not been clearly established between radon and other diseases, such as leukemia and thyroid cancer. Radiation doses are assessed by applying specific dose conversion coefficients according to the source (e.g., radon or thoron) and form of exposure (e.g., internal or external). However, regardless of the source or form of exposure, the effects of a given estimated dose on human health are identical, assuming that individuals have the same sensitivity to radiation. Recently, radiation exceeding the annual dose limit of the general population (1 mSv/yr) was detected in bed mattresses produced by D company due to the use of a monazite-based anion powder containing uranium and thorium. This has sparked concerns about the health hazards for mattress users caused by radiation exposure. In light of this event, this study presents scientific information about the assessment of radon and thoron exposure and its human implications for human health, which have emerged as a recent topic of interest and debate in society.

Bacterial treatment of alkaline cement kiln dust using Bacillus halodurans strain KG1

Abstract This study was conducted to isolate an acid-producing, alkaliphilic bacterium to reduce the alkalinity of cement industry waste (cement kiln dust). Gram-positive isolate KG1 grew well at pH values of 6–12, temperatures of 28–50 °C, and NaCl concentrations of 0–16% and thus was further screened for its potential to reduce the pH of an alkaline medium. Phenotypic characteristics of the KG1 isolate were consistent with those of the genus Bacillus, and the highest level of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity was found with Bacillus halodurans strain DSM 497 (94.7%). On the basis of its phenotypic characteristics and genotypic distinctiveness from other phylogenetic neighbors belonging to alkaliphilic Bacillus species, the isolated strain was designated B. halodurans strain KG1, with GenBank accession number JQ307184 (= NCIM 5439). Isolate KG1 reduced the alkalinity (by 83.64%) and the chloride content (by 86.96%) of cement kiln dust and showed a potential to be used in the cement industry for a variety of applications.

A case of laryngeal cancer induced by exposure to asbestos in a construction site supervisor

BACKGROUND: Construction site supervisors are exposed to many chemicals, dusts, and metals including asbestos. Asbestos is a hazardous chemical that is carcinogenic. Laryngeal cancer is not a rare disease in Korea. The most common causes of this disease are tobacco and alcohol, and representative occupational cause is asbestos. However, up to now, no case of laryngeal cancer induced by asbestos has been reported in Korea. In this study, we report such a case in a construction site supervisor. CASE PRESENTATION: A 60-year-old man who had been experiencing hoarseness for 2 months was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer. The pathologic diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma in situ, based on examination of a biopsy specimen obtained by resection of the lesion. The patient had been exposed to asbestos for 38 years at construction sites where he worked until diagnosed with laryngeal cancer. He had been exposed to asbestos when demolishing buildings and inspecting materials. CONCLUSION: The patient in this case worked with construction materials including asbestos and supervised construction for 38 years, and was thus exposed to asbestos at construction sites. Much of the asbestos was highly concentrated especially during demolition processes. We therefore consider the laryngeal cancer of this patient to be a work-related disease.

Rice straw in building the Egyptian environmental friendly house as a case study

Rice is one of the strategic crops in Egypt. In 2013, 1.42 million feddans [acres] has been grown with an average production of about 4.3 million tons. It is mainly cultivated in the northern east part of the country especially in Kafr El-Sheikh, Al-Sharkia and Al-Dakahlia Governorates. But the processing of that large amount of rice yields approximately 4 million tons of rice straw as an agricultural residue annually. In Egypt, only 20% of the rice straw used for other purposes such as ethanol, paper, fertilizers production and fodders. The remaining part was left on the fields for burning, causing high degrees of environmental pollution known as the Black Cloud, despite the high economic value of these residues if they are recycled and reused. This paper explores the different architectural styles of straw construction worldwide, whether by the rice-cement bricks, straw panels or straw bales. With an aim to reach an economic environmentally adapted system for wide application of straw construction in Egypt. The paper presents an Egyptian environmental example of building a low-cost house which saving about 40% of the direct cost if it built by the traditional cement bricks method, in addition to the indirect cost saving in energy consumption, and thermal insulation

The Application of Compound Tabletop in Medical Imaging Equipment / 中国医疗器械杂志

This paper mainly introduces the material composition and structure of two kinds of compound tabletop which currently used in large medical imaging equipment, also introduces the proper material choosing and production processing, together with the advantage and shortage of this two kinds of tabletop and different application occasion.

Evaluación ambiental asociada a la explotación el yacimiento de materiales de construcción la inagua, Guantánamo, Cuba / Environmntal evaaluation associated withthe construction materials depoosit exploitation in la inagua, guantanamo, Cuba

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo evaluar el impacto ambiental que produce la explotación del yacimiento de calizas La Inagua y elaborar el plan de medidas correctoras para minimizar los efectos negativos y compatibilizar la actividad minera con la protección del medio ambiente. Se utilizó una metodología de evaluación de impacto ambiental que integra distintas propuestas de otros investigadores. Se identificaron los impactos ambientales producidos por las acciones de desbroce, destape y extracción de materia prima, perforación y voladura, excavaciones, transportación, procesamiento de la materia prima y su almacenamiento; así como la interacción entre estas acciones y los componentes del medio (suelo, aire, agua, flora, fauna, paisaje, infraestructura y economía). Se estableció que los impactos más significativos ocurren durante el desbroce y destape, y que los componentes ambientales más afectados son el suelo, el aire, el agua y la economía. Finalmente se proponen medidas correctoras para mitigar las afectaciones ambientales.

This study aims to assess the environmental impact produced by the exploitation of "La Inagua" limestone deposit and to develop the corrective measures plan to minimize the negative effects and to make mining compatible with environmental protection. An environmental impact evaluation methodology was used in this study which integrates different proposals by other researchers. Environmental impacts caused by the actions of clearing, removal of raw material, drilling and blasting, excavations, transportation, processing of the raw material and its storage were identified, as well as the interaction between these actions and the environmental factors (soil, air, water, flora, fauna, landscape, infrastructure and economy). It was established that the most significant impacts occur during the clearing and removal of raw material while the most affected environmental factors are soil, air, water and the economy. Finally, corrective measurements are proposed in order to mitigate the environmental impacts.

Caracterización del ambiente físico en viviendas Petrocasas en el Asentamiento Simón Bolívar de Cienfuegos (2008-2009) / Characterization of the physical environment in petrohouses from the village of Simón Bolívar in the province of Cienfuegos (2008-2009)

En varios asentamientos del país se han construido viviendas Petrocasas de policloruro de vinilo, relleno con hormigón sobre balsa y cubierta de lámina de aluminio revestida de papel asfalto por ambas caras. El policloruro de vinilo como material de construcción resulta controversial en relación a sus efectos en la salud. Con el objetivo de caracterizar desde el punto de vista sanitario el ambiente físico en viviendas Petrocasas de Cienfuegos, fue conducido un estudio descriptivo en dos semanas seleccionadas de las estaciones seca y húmeda de 2008 y 2009. Se monitoreó factores de riesgo físico en una muestra de 6 viviendas seleccionadas según la opinión de expertos, del total de las 104 viviendas del asentamiento según su ubicación en las filas de viviendas: centro, culata de fila y fachada. Se estudió el ruido, componente magnético del campo electromagnético de baja frecuencia, iluminación natural, artificial, microclima y penetración del viento. La evaluación del monitoreo se efectuó por descriptores estadísticos, modelos de regresión, varianza y espectro de potencia bivariado con los paquetes estadísticos: SPSS v. 17,0 y Statistica v. 8,0. Durante la estación seca, la temperatura del aire es mayor en la habitación principal de viviendas con fachada al sur. En ambas estaciones, las temperaturas y humedades relativas de las viviendas son más altas que en la intemperie. Las cubiertas y paredes muestran calentamientos ante el asoleamiento. Los coeficientes de iluminación natural presentan elevadas reflexiones. Los valores del campo electromagnético son bajos. En la estación seca los niveles sonoros reflejan una contaminación acústica moderada. Concluimos que el microclima en el interior de las viviendas durante el día es inconfortable(AU)

Petrohouses have been built in several villages in the country. These houses are made of polyvinyl chloride, filled with raft concrete and covered with aluminum sheets coated with asphalt paper on both sides. The health effects of polyvinyl chloride as a construction material is a matter of controversy. With the purpose of carrying out a health characterization of the physical environment in Cienfuegos petrohouses, a descriptive study was conducted during two weeks selected from the dry and wet seasons of 2008 and 2009. Physical risk factors were monitored in a sample of 6 houses selected on the basis of expert opinion, of the total 104 houses in the village, according to their location in the rows: front, mid and end positions. The variables studied were noise, magnetic component of the low frequency electromagnetic field, natural and artificial lighting, microclimate and wind penetration. Monitoring was evaluated with statistical descriptors, regression models, variance and bivariate power spectrum, with the statistical software SPSS v. 17.0 and Statistica v. 8.0. In the dry season, air temperature is higher in the main room of houses with facades facing the south. In both seasons, temperature and relative humidity values are higher inside the houses than outside. Covers and walls heat up when hit by the sun. Natural lighting coefficients show high reflection values. Electromagnetic field values are low. In the dry season, sound levels show moderate acoustic contamination. It is concluded that the microclimate inside houses during the day is uncomfortable(AU)

Microbiologically induced deterioration of concrete: a review

Microbiologically induced deterioration (MID) causes corrosion of concrete by producing acids (including organic and inorganic acids) that degrade concrete components and thus compromise the integrity of sewer pipelines and other structures, creating significant problems worldwide. Understanding of the fundamental corrosion process and the causal agents will help us develop an appropriate strategy to minimize the costs in repairs. This review presents how microorganisms induce the deterioration of concrete, including the organisms involved and their colonization and succession on concrete, the microbial deterioration mechanism, the approaches of studying MID and safeguards against concrete biodeterioration. In addition, the uninvestigated research area of MID is also proposed.

Allergic contact dermatitis among construction workers detected in a clinic that did not specialize in occupational dermatitis / Dermatite alérgica de contato entre pedreiros, num serviço não especializado em dermatoses ocupacionais

BACKGROUND: Contact dermatitis is one of the common work-related dermatoses. Among bricklayers, cement can cause both allergic contact dermatitis and primary contact irritative dermatitis. The personal protective equipment (rubber gloves) may favor the development of allergic contact dermatitis. OBJECTIVES: 1) to evaluate the frequency of allergic contact dermatitis among construction workers between January 2005 and December 2009; 2) to determine the major sensitizing agents in the study group; and 3) to compare the data obtained from the construction workers to that of a group of patients who were not construction workers. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patch tests. Patients were separated into two groups: 1) bricklayers and 2) non-bricklayers. RESULTS: Of the 525 patch tests analyzed, 466 (90%) were from non-bricklayers and 53 (10%) from bricklayers. The hands were affected in 38 (61%) of them. 13 patients (24%) had irritative contact dermatitis and 40 (76%) had allergic contact dermatitis. The group of construction workers had a high frequency of sensitization to cement, and 29 (54.7%) had sensitization to rubber vulcanizing agents. 23 patients (43.4%) had sensitization to both cement and rubber. CONCLUSIONS: Among the bricklayers the presence of allergic contact dermatitis to rubber and cement in the same patient is common and demonstrates the importance of the patch test.

FUNDAMENTOS: A dermatite de contato é uma das dermatoses comumente relacionadas ao trabalho. Entre os pedreiros o cimento pode causar tanto a Dermatite Alérgica de Contato quanto a Dermatite de Contato por Irritação Primária. Os equipamentos de proteção individual (luvas de borracha) podem favorecer o desenvolvimento de Dermatite Alérgica de Contato. OBJETIVOS: 1) avaliar a freqüência de Dermatite Alérgica de Contato entre os pedreiros entre Janeiro de 2005 e Dezembro de 2009; 2) determinar os principais agentes sensibilizantes; e 3) comparar os resultados obtidos entre o grupo de pedreiros com um grupo sem pedreiros. MÉTODOS: análise retrospectiva de testes de contato. Pacientes foram separados em 2 grupos: 1) pedreiros e 2) não pedreiros. RESULTADOS: dentre os 525 testes de contato analisados, 466 (90%) eram de não pedreiros e 53 (10%) de pedreiros. As mãos foram acometidas em 38 (61%). 13 pacientes (24%) tinham Dermatite de Contato por Irritação Primária e 40 (76%) tinham Dermatite Alérgica de Contato. O grupo de pedreiros apresentou alta freqüência de sensibilização ao cimento, e 29 (54,7%) tinham sensibilização a agentes vulcanizadores da borracha. 23 pacientes (43,4%) pedreiros tinham sensibilização tanto ao cimento quanto à borracha. CONCLUSÕES: entre os pedreiros a presença de Dermatite Alérgica de Contato ao cimento e à borracha no mesmo paciente foi comum e demonstrou a importância do teste de contato.

Analysis on occupational exposure levels and control effectiveness of dust in cement production line of new dry method / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the occupational exposure levels of dust in new suspension preheated dry process (NSP) cement production line and put forward rectification measures for dust-exposed posts, and to provide ideas for the modern cement production enterprises in dust control and occupational health management.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Occupational health field investigation combined with field test were used to measure the time-weighted average concentration (C(TWA)) of the dust in the workplace. Rectification measures were taken for the dust-exposed posts with unqualified dust concentration, and the protective effects of dustproof facilities in the rectified workplace were evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The field investigation revealed incompletely closed dustproof facilities, improperly set dust hoods, excess of dust leakage points, and other problems in the dust-exposed posts of an NSP cement production line before rectification, and the dustproof facilities could hardly exert dust removal effect. The field test showed that the vast majority of dust-exposed posts had the dust concentrations exceeding the occupational exposure limits (OELs), with a qualified rate as low as 31.8%. A series of rectification measures were taken for these posts. After the rectification, the dust-exposed posts demonstrated dramatically dropped C(TWA), and the qualified rate of dust concentration in the dust-exposed posts rose to 90.9%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The dust hazards in NSP cement production line cannot be ignored. Taking appropriate protective measures are critical for curbing dust hazards in modern cement production.</p>

Radiological evidence of a modern 'martyr's crown': suicide by multiple self-inflicted nail gun shots

A man attempted suicide by shooting seven nails into his head with a nail gun; five in the right temporal region and two in the left. He subsequently presented at the emergency department with complaints of headache. He was found to be oriented in space and time, with no focal neurological deficits. The patient handed the nail gun to the doctors and informed them that he had earlier attempted suicide. Radiological studies showed the presence of nails arranged like a 'martyr's crown'. The man died six days after the surgical removal of the nails. Autopsy was refused by Italian authorities. We conclude that imaging techniques are an adjuvant to forensic medical diagnosis and forensic autopsies.