Operational and Analytical Modal Analysis of a Bridge Using Low-Cost Wireless Arduino-Based Accelerometers.

Arduino-based accelerometers are receiving wide attention from researchers to make long-term Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) feasible for structures with a low SHM budget. The current low-cost solutions found in the literature share some of the following drawbacks: (1) high noise density, (2) lack of wireless synchronization, (3) lack of automatic data acquisition and data management, and (4) lack of dedicated field tests aiming to compare mode shapes from Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) with those of a digital model. To solve these problems, a recently built short-span footbridge in Barcelona is instrumented using four Low-cost Adaptable Reliable Accelerometers (LARA). In this study, the automatization of the data acquisition and management of these low-cost solutions is studied for the first time in the literature. In addition, a digital model of the bridge under study is generated in SAP2000 using the available drawings and reported characteristics of its materials. The OMA of the bridge is calculated using Frequency Domain Decomposition (FDD) and Covariance Stochastic Subspace Identification (SSI-cov) methods. Using the Modal Assurance Criterion (MAC), the mode shapes of OMA are compared with those of the digital model. Finally, the acquired eigenfrequencies of the bridge obtained with a high-precision commercial sensor (HI-INC) showed a good agreement with those obtained with LARA.

Low-Cost Wireless Structural Health Monitoring of Bridges.

Nowadays, low-cost accelerometers are getting more attention from civil engineers to make Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) applications affordable and applicable to a broader range of structures. The present accelerometers based on Arduino or Raspberry Pi technologies in the literature share some of the following drawbacks: (1) high Noise Density (ND), (2) low sampling frequency, (3) not having the Internet's timestamp with microsecond resolution, (4) not being used in experimental eigenfrequency analysis of a flexible and a less-flexible bridge, and (5) synchronization issues. To solve these problems, a new low-cost triaxial accelerometer based on Arduino technology is presented in this work (Low-cost Adaptable Reliable Accelerometer-LARA). Laboratory test results show that LARA has a ND of 51 µg/√Hz, and a frequency sampling speed of 333 Hz. In addition, LARA has been applied to the eigenfrequency analysis of a short-span footbridge and its results are compared with those of a high-precision commercial sensor.

Results from a cross-sectional, observational study to assess inadequate pain relief in patients with knee and/or hip osteoarthritis in Mexico / Resultados de un estudio transversal y observacional para valorar el alivio inadecuado del dolor en pacientes de osteoartritis de rodilla y/o cadera en México

Introduction and objectives: There is limited data that characterizes osteoarthritis (OA) patients who experience moderate to severe pain despite analgesic treatment in Mexico. In this study, we estimate the real-world prevalence of inadequate pain relief (IPR) among individuals with knee and/or hip OA who have been prescribed analgesic therapy and characterize this patient population for each country separately. Materials and methods:This is a multinational, multi-site, cross-sectional, observational study. Participating physicians enrolled patients over 50 years of age with diagnosed knee and/or hip OA who had been prescribed topical and/or oral pain medication for at least 30 days prior to study visit, extracted data from their medical charts, and collected patient data using established questionnaires. Results: 301 patients treated by 35 physicians in Mexico were enrolled in the study. More than half of the patients (53%) met the definition of IPR. Patients with IPR were significantly older (66.8 vs. 63.5 years, p=0.002) and were more likely to be obese (24.2% vs. 11.9%, p=0.006). Patients in the IPR group were more likely to report moderate/severe problems across all 5 dimensions of the EQ-5D and reported higher scores, indicating worse outcomes, on all three WOMAC subscales. Patients in the IPR group also reported reduced work productivity and greater treatment dissatisfaction compared to patients without IPR. Discussion and conclusions: IPR is highly prevalent among individuals with knee and/or hip OA in Mexico. Patients with IPR experience decreased health-related quality of life HRQoL and work productivity, impaired function, and poor treatment satisfaction. Health care professionals need to be aware of the high prevalence of IPR, work toward improving OA patient management, and facilitate early intervention or changes in drug and other treatment modalities.(AU)

Introducción y objetivos: Existen datos limitados que caractericen a los pacientes de osteoartritis (OA) que experimentan dolor de moderado a severo a pesar del tratamiento analgésico en México. En este estudio calculamos la prevalencia en el mundo real del alivio inadecuado del dolor (AID) entre individuos con OA de rodilla y/o cadera a quienes se ha prescrito terapia analgésica, y caracterizamos a esta población de pacientes por país, de manera separada. Materiales y métodos: Este estudio es multinacional, multicéntrico, transversal y observacional. Los médicos participantes reclutaron a pacientes mayores de 50años, con diagnóstico de OA de rodilla y/o cadera, a quienes se había prescrito medicación analgésica tópica y/u oral durante al menos 30días previos a la visita del estudio. Dichos facultativos extrajeron datos de sus cuadros médicos y recopilaron los datos de los pacientes utilizando cuestionarios establecidos. Resultados: Se incluyó en el estudio a 301 pacientes tratados por 35 facultativos en México. Más de la mitad de los pacientes (53%) cumplió la definición de AID. Los pacientes con AID eran significativamente mayores (66,8 vs. 63,5años, p=0,002) y con mayor probabilidad de ser obesos (24,2% vs. 11,9%, p=0,006). Los pacientes del grupo AID tenían mayor probabilidad de reportar problemas moderados/severos en las 5 dimensiones de EQ-5D, y reportaron puntuaciones más altas, lo cual es indicativo de peores resultados, en las tres subescalas de WOMAC. Los pacientes del grupo AID reportaron también una reducción de la productividad laboral y mayor insatisfacción con el tratamiento, en comparación con los pacientes sin AID. Discusión y conclusiones: El AID es altamente prevalente entre los individuos con OA de rodilla y/o cadera en México. Los pacientes con AID experimentan una disminución de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (HRQoL) y la productividad laboral, deterioro funcional y mala satisfacción con el tratamiento.(AU)

Results from a cross-sectional, observational study to assess inadequate pain relief in patients with knee and/or hip osteoarthritis in Mexico.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: There is limited data that characterizes osteoarthritis (OA) patients who experience moderate to severe pain despite analgesic treatment in Mexico. In this study, we estimate the real-world prevalence of inadequate pain relief (IPR) among individuals with knee and/or hip OA who have been prescribed analgesic therapy and characterize this patient population for each country separately. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a multinational, multi-site, cross-sectional, observational study. Participating physicians enrolled patients over 50 years of age with diagnosed knee and/or hip OA who had been prescribed topical and/or oral pain medication for at least 30 days prior to study visit, extracted data from their medical charts, and collected patient data using established questionnaires. RESULTS: 301 patients treated by 35 physicians in Mexico were enrolled in the study. More than half of the patients (53%) met the definition of IPR. Patients with IPR were significantly older (66.8 vs. 63.5 years, p=0.002) and were more likely to be obese (24.2% vs. 11.9%, p=0.006). Patients in the IPR group were more likely to report moderate/severe problems across all 5 dimensions of the EQ-5D and reported higher scores, indicating worse outcomes, on all three WOMAC subscales. Patients in the IPR group also reported reduced work productivity and greater treatment dissatisfaction compared to patients without IPR. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: IPR is highly prevalent among individuals with knee and/or hip OA in Mexico. Patients with IPR experience decreased health-related quality of life HRQoL and work productivity, impaired function, and poor treatment satisfaction. Health care professionals need to be aware of the high prevalence of IPR, work toward improving OA patient management, and facilitate early intervention or changes in drug and other treatment modalities.

[Impact of contraception counseling on choice of combined hormonal methods in Colombia]. / Impacto de la asesoría sobre anticoncepción en la selección de métodos hormonales combinados en Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the impact of informed contraceptive counseling on choice of contraceptive method. METHODS: Multicenter descriptive study using before-and-after evaluation in nine cities in Colombia. Women considering use of self-administered combined hormonal methods at the time of consultation were invited to participate. They were asked about contraceptive method use and preference, following signing of informed consent. Later, they were given standardized medical advice on contraception and then asked again about contraceptive preference and reasons for their choice. RESULTS: The study enrolled 858 women. At the beginning of the study, 538 (62.7%) women were using the combined pill and 281 (32.8%) were not using any contraceptive method. Before receiving counseling, women showed a preference for the pill (62.7%), followed by the intravaginal ring (28.4%), and transdermal patch (14%). After counseling, preferences were as follows: pill (40.8%), intravaginal ring (31.5%), and transdermal patch (11.3%). After counseling, 32.5%, 26.8%, and 7.5% of those considering the pill, patch, and ring, respectively, changed their intended choice. Region of origin, employment status, desire to conceive a child in the future, and having a stable relationship showed a statistical relationship to choice of method. However, age, number of children, and level of education were not determining factors. CONCLUSIONS: Medical advice has an impact on choice of self-administered combined hormonal contraceptives, which helps women to use the method of their choice and improves adherence to the method in accordance with its particular conditions.

Impacto de la asesoría sobre anticoncepción en la selección de métodos hormonales combinados en Colombia / Impact of contraception counseling on choice of combined hormonal methods in Colombia

Objetivo. Determinar el impacto de la asesoría anticonceptiva informada sobre la elección de método anticonceptivo. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo multicéntrico de evaluación antes y después en nueve ciudades de Colombia. Se invitó a participar mujeres que consideraban usar métodos hormonales combinados de autoadministración al momento de la consulta. Se indagó sobre el uso y preferencia de método anticonceptivo, previa firma del consentimiento informado. En una etapa posterior, se brindó asesoría médica estandarizada en anticoncepción y, a continuación, se preguntó nuevamente por la preferencia de método anticonceptivo y las motivaciones para su elección. Resultados. Ingresaron 858 mujeres al estudio. Al inicio del estudio, 390 (47,8%) mujeres usaban píldora combinada y 113 (13,2%) no utilizaban ningún método anticonceptivo. Antes de recibir asesoría, las mujeres mostraron una preferencia por la píldora (53,5%), seguida por el anillo intravaginal (14,1%) y el parche transdérmico (6,8%). Luego de la asesoría, la preferencia fue la siguiente: píldora (40,8%), anillo intravaginal (31,5%) y parche transdérmico (11,3%). También luego de la asesoría, 32,5 %, 26,8% y 7,5% de las que consideraban usar píldora, parche y anillo, respectivamente, cambiaron su intención de uso. La región de origen, el estatus laboral, el deseo de concebir un hijo en el futuro y tener una relación estable presentaron una relación estadística con la selección del método, pero la edad, el número de hijos o el grado de escolaridad no fueron factores determinantes. Conclusiones. La asesoría médica tiene impacto en la selección del anticonceptivo hormonal combinado autoadministrado, lo que ayuda a las mujeres a utilizar el método de su preferencia y presentar una mejor adherencia al método acorde a sus condiciones particulares.

Objective. Determine the impact of informed contraceptive counseling on choice of contraceptive method. Methods. Multicenter descriptive study using before-and-after evaluation in nine cities in Colombia. Women considering use of self-administered combined hormonal methods at the time of consultation were invited to participate. They were asked about contraceptive method use and preference, following signing of informed consent. Later, they were given standardized medical advice on contraception and then asked again about contraceptive preference and reasons for their choice. Results. The study enrolled 858 women. At the beginning of the study, 538 (62.7%) women were using the combined pill and 281 (32.8%) were not using any contraceptive method. Before receiving counseling, women showed a preference for the pill (62.7%), followed by the intravaginal ring (28.4%), and transdermal patch (14%). After counseling, preferences were as follows: pill (40.8%), intravaginal ring (31.5%), and transdermal patch (11.3%). After counseling, 32.5%, 26.8%, and 7.5% of those considering the pill, patch, and ring, respectively, changed their intended choice. Region of origin, employment status, desire to conceive a child in the future, and having a stable relationship showed a statistical relationship to choice of method. However, age, number of children, and level of education were not determining factors. Conclusions. Medical advice has an impact on choice of self-administered combined hormonal contraceptives, which helps women to use the method of their choice and improves adherence to the method in accordance with its particular conditions.

Impacto de la asesoría sobre anticoncepción en la selección de métodos hormonales combinados en Colombia / Impact of contraception counseling on choice of combined hormonal methods in Colombia

OBJETIVO: Determinar el impacto de la asesoría anticonceptiva informada sobre la elección de método anticonceptivo. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo multicéntrico de evaluación antes y después en nueve ciudades de Colombia. Se invitó a participar mujeres que consideraban usar métodos hormonales combinados de autoadministración al momento de la consulta. Se indagó sobre el uso y preferencia de método anticonceptivo, previa firma del consentimiento informado. En una etapa posterior, se brindó asesoría médica estandarizada en anticoncepción y, a continuación, se preguntó nuevamente por la preferencia de método anticonceptivo y las motivaciones para su elección. RESULTADOS: Ingresaron 858 mujeres al estudio. Al inicio del estudio, 538 (62,7%) mujeres usaban píldora combinada y 281 (32,8%) no utilizaban ningún método anticonceptivo. Antes de recibir asesoría, las mujeres mostraron una preferencia por la píldora (62,7%), seguida por el anillo intravaginal (28,4%) y el parche transdérmico (14%). Luego de la asesoría, la preferencia fue la siguiente: píldora (40,8%), anillo intravaginal (31,5%) y parche transdérmico (11,3%). También luego de la asesoría, 32,5 %, 26,8% y 7,5% de las que consideraban usar píldora, parche y anillo, respectivamente, cambiaron su intención de uso. La región de origen, el estatus laboral, el deseo de concebir un hijo en el futuro y tener una relación estable presentaron una relación estadística con la selección del método, pero la edad, el número de hijos o el grado de escolaridad no fueron factores determinantes. CONCLUSIONES: La asesoría médica tiene impacto en la selección del anticonceptivo hormonal combinado autoadministrado, lo que ayuda a las mujeres a utilizar el método de su preferencia y presentar una mejor adherencia al método acorde a sus condiciones particulares.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the impact of informed contraceptive counseling on choice of contraceptive method. METHODS: Multicenter descriptive study using before-and-after evaluation in nine cities in Colombia. Women considering use of self-administered combined hormonal methods at the time of consultation were invited to participate. They were asked about contraceptive method use and preference, following signing of informed consent. Later, they were given standardized medical advice on contraception and then asked again about contraceptive preference and reasons for their choice. RESULTS: The study enrolled 858 women. At the beginning of the study, 538 (62.7%) women were using the combined pill and 281 (32.8%) were not using any contraceptive method. Before receiving counseling, women showed a preference for the pill (62.7%), followed by the intravaginal ring (28.4%), and transdermal patch (14%). After counseling, preferences were as follows: pill (40.8%), intravaginal ring (31.5%), and transdermal patch (11.3%). After counseling, 32.5%, 26.8%, and 7.5% of those considering the pill, patch, and ring, respectively, changed their intended choice. Region of origin, employment status, desire to conceive a child in the future, and having a stable relationship showed a statistical relationship to choice of method. However, age, number of children, and level of education were not determining factors. CONCLUSIONS: Medical advice has an impact on choice of self-administered combined hormonal contraceptives, which helps women to use the method of their choice and improves adherence to the method in accordance with its particular conditions.