UNE Standards Research Articles

Nuevas generaciones, nuevos retos: innovando la educación en medicina de urgencias a través de la tecnología

IntroductionThis study examines the unique educational challenges encountered in emergency medicine, which arise from a wide variety of cases and the unpredictability of the emergency setting. We introduce a Digital Learning Resource (DLR) that uses virtual simulation to complement and enhance traditional educational methods. MethodsWe conducted a descriptive study of systematization of experiences, where the DLR design was evaluated on the basis of a questionnaire applied to a group of students and focus groups with students and teachers. ResultsOf the 59 students who participated, 72.8% completed the assessment, resulting in an overall rating for the DLR of 87.11%. The technology and educational content were highly rated (87.3% and 86.3%, respectively), and accessibility was also rated favorably at 85.8%. Feedback from the focus group indicated that students valued the integration of theory and clinical practice in the DLR, but they also suggested improvements in areas such as consistent access and better adaptation for mobile devices. ConclusionThe DLR has proven to be a valuable educational tool, with a satisfaction rate of 87%, and meets the validation requirements of the UNE standards set by the Spanish Standardization Association. The findings point to the necessity for ongoing development and adaptation of the resource to further its educational impact in emergency medicine and to determine its suitability for use in various educational contexts. Future studies should investigate the long-term educational effects and clinical applicability of the DLR.

Face masks against the background of the COVID 19 pandemic: legal considerations about their use

ObjectiveThe objective of this article is to review the quality requirements and recommended uses of the different types of face masks with a view to helping optimize their use and facilitating identification of nonconforming products. MethodA literature search was conducted in PubMed, the Spanish Official State Gazette and Eudralex. The websites of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and of the Ministry of Health, as well as the relevant UNE standards were also reviewed. ResultsThe different types of face masks available on the market meet different regulatory requirements. Community masks are not considered medical devices or personal protective equipment and do not require marketing authorization. They do not carry a CE mark and need not comply with the general regulations applicable to consumer products. Surgical masks, for their part, must meet the quality criteria defined in UNE-EN standard 14683: 2019. According to Regulation (EU) 745/2017 they are class I devices, subject to an EU declaration of conformity, and must bear a CE mark. Filtering masks are considered category III personal protective equipment, regulated by Regulation (EU) 2016/425, and must also bear a CE mark. In spite the abundant regulations in place, market control instruments have detected counterfeit face masks, which means that public authorities and users should ask manufacturers or suppliers for additional information in case of doubt. ConclusionsThe legal and quality requirements of the masks are sufficient for their safe use. It is necessary for the general public to know these requirements to avoid the fraudulent use of high consumption products.

A Methodology to Characterize Structurally the Bonding between Two Parts Made of FDM-3D Printed Dissimilar Materials

Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is a common technique used when rapid prototyping is needed to perform a preliminary evaluation of the suitability of a part. For this purpose, several materials, as PLA, ABS, PET-G and others, are easily available in the market along with a wide range of commercial 3D printers at affordable prices. Prototypes manufactured under this technique are usually made of a single material and, for most of the applications, it is enough to fulfill the required specifications. However, the increasing demand for the manufacturing of parts made of more than one material suggests that prototyping via FDM using two dissimilar materials should be assessed to assure that such technique is still acceptable to perform a preliminary evaluation of a part. For this purpose, a methodology using a commercial FDM 3D printer is proposed to characterize the flexural and shear bonding behavior of two dissimilar materials. This methodology implements four steps: The selection of the applicable UNE standards as main reference, the design and manufacture of the test specimens based on these standards, the execution of the structural tests to characterize the behavior of those specimens and the analysis of the test data along with the conclusions. This methodology has been validated using ABS and PLA as base materials. The coherence and accuracy of the results obtained from this specific case substantiate that it is a valid methodology to evaluate the structural behavior of the bonding of two dissimilar materials, beyond PLA and ABS, using commercial and affordable off-the-shelf 3D printers.

Green filters of Eucalyptus globulus for microalgae harvesting from freshwater reservoir and reuse of biomass harvested for pellet production

Filtration was used for the separation of microalgae from water collected at the reservoir of a Baxe, in north-western Spain, where cyanobacterial blooms are known to occur. The barks of Eucalyptus globulus were used as bed filters. Filters were made with compacted and non-compacted barks of 0.5, 1 and 2 g. Filtration of water with compacted barks showed the best results with yields of 43.12, 76.85 and 63.67 % for the different weights. The microalgae obtained and the vegetation filters were used for the manufacturing of pellets to be used as fuels. Their energy potential was studied according to different parameters such as calorific value, humidity, volatile matter and ash content, to verify the requirements for the use of pellets as fuel in biomass boilers met the criteria according to UNE Standards. These pellets meet the requirements of UNE standards established and could, therefore, be used in boilers as biofuels. Obtaining a high heating value above to 15.00 MJ/kg, greater than 17.00 MJ/kg for all samples except the pellet sample with only microalgal biomass. The samples have a lower ash content of (10 %), with the exception of the microalgae pellet without eucalyptus bark (13.67 %). The use of Eucalyptus bark is a feasible option for the separation of microalgae in aquatic ecosystems. The next step would be to carry out the experiments on a large scale in a reservoir with eutrophication problems, to test if it works correctly under different conditions. Although the aim of obtaining pellets for boilers does not pursue an economic or commercial objective, the results obtained were promising. This would help towards reducing forest waste and as consequence, reducing environmental pollution.

Ground Tire Rubber Recycling in Applications as Insulators in Polymeric Compounds, According to Spanish UNE Standards

In the present research, we investigated the conceivable outcomes of using ground tire rubber (GTR) particle polymeric blends. Special methods of restoring tires that are no longer in use include GTR retreading, GTR blending destined for recycling to attain raw substances utilized in other industrial application production processes, and the valorization of GTR for power/energy generation. The recycling of end-of-life tires enables the recovery of rubber, steel, and fibers, all of which are valid on the market as raw materials to be used for other processes. There are methods to recycle GTRs in a clean and environmentally friendly way. In the present research, several industrial applications of GTR polymer blends were developed and compared with standard values from the Spanish Association for Standardization (UNE) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). In order to analyze the viability in many of the industrial applications selected, certain compounds obtained from the GTR polymer blends were analyzed regarding their use in nine low requirement insulator applications. The research and analysis developed in this manuscript used standard values from the UNE and IEC, and these standard values were compared with the test values. The obtained results were used to provide an application list that could be helpful for industrial applications. In this research, the pre-owned polymers were as follows: polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene-styrene (ABS), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyamide (PA). The filler used was GTR with particle sizes lower than 200 microns. The amounts of GTR particles in the compound materials were 0% (raw polymer), 5%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 50%, and 70% (the latter being found in polymeric blends). We discovered six plausible modern applications of GTR polymer blends as indicated by the UNE and IEC standards.

The use of wastes (organic and inorganic) in land restoration in relation to their characteristics and cost

The great extent of degraded soils in southeast Spain makes it necessary to carry out restoration and rehabilitation strategies. In addition, the great amount of wastes produced need to be properly managed. Several types of wastes and amendments (organic and inorganic) can be applied for soil rehabilitation and land restoration. When large areas must be restored several aspects should be considered, such as availability of the waste, its characteristics, and transport. This research focuses on the characterization and the cost of 12 waste types and amendments (such as sewage sludge compost, brown peat, black peat, fertilized peat, earthworm humus, straw hay, palm tree leaves, pine bark, exfoliated vermiculite, expanded perlite, limestone outcrops, and volcanic crushed stones) obtained from four different sources. All of them were characterized following the UNE standards for soil amendments and the cost was obtained as a mean value of four different sources. The results indicate a great variability of properties between organic and inorganic materials, as was expected. Depending on the type of restoration, the characteristics, and the cost, the materials can be selected for an adequate purpose. Sewage sludge compost is a good alternative for application in large areas related to its characteristics (organic matter content and nutrient availability) and low cost. For inorganic amendments, natural limestone outcrops were the low-cost alternative. The use of both wastes (composted sewage sludge and limestone raw materials) for soil rehabilitation can facilitate the reduction of landfill disposal and add value for these wastes. Moreover, the results are very useful for scientists and engineers who deal with the development of rehabilitation and restoration strategies.

Development of New Eco-Efficient Cement-Based Construction Materials and Recycled Fine Aggregates and EPS from CDW

Background:This research paper presents the results of the characterization and adaptation of the construction product developed by the Experimental Centre of Production of the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Urbanism of the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina (CEP FADU UBA) for Spanish regulations. Additionally, it shows the study of the industrialization of its manufacturing process in Spain. The product consists of a cement-based compound that includes recycled fine ceramic aggregates and EPS from rehabilitation works.Objectives:The aim of this research work is to propose a new eco-efficient construction product adapted to Spanish and European regulations in order to minimize the environmental impact of the construction activity, improve energy efficiency and reduce construction costs. Furthermore, it is presented as a solution to the problem that construction and demolition waste management represents.Method and Results:Samples have been tested to the water absorption and compression resistance tests according to UNE standards. These parameters serve to delimit its use in new sustainable constructive solutions for the design of zero energy consumption buildings (nZEB).Conclusion:Results show that it is possible to obtain certain samples that include recycled ceramic aggregates and EPS which present good response to the mechanical and water absorption tests. In addition, it is obtained that industrializing this product in Spain is complex due to the current waste management system.

Production of Ceramic Material Using Wastes from Brewing Industry

The industrial activities are responsible for the production of large amounts of solid wastes, which, so far, have found scarce reuse alternative. Clay-based materials show a natural forgiveness towards the incorporation of a wide variety of wastes. This study reported the changes in technological properties of clay-based mixture normally used in the production of bricks, due to the additions of a spent diatomite earth (SDE) discarded by the beer filtration process in the brewing industry. Samples containing 0-10 wt % SDE were extruded and sintered in air in an electric furnace (950 °C, for 3 h). SDE thanks to their organic substances content, during their combustion, act as pore forming agent and providing an energy support in the brick firing process. Also, the waste, because of its high silica content can act as a silica carrier. The results obtained showed that SDE, added in a percentage of 3 wt % to a brick formulation, had better influence with respect to control bricks containing only clay, improves the mechanical properties (compressive strength around 45 MPa) with a bulk density reduction of about of 2%. However, the incorporation of waste in percentage of 7 and 10 wt % had a negative effect due to increased porosity fundamentally open pores generated in the clay body by the combustion of SDE waste, leading to water suction, water absorption and compressive strength values that do not fall within the range specified by bricks UNE standards. Therefore, SDE can thus advantageously used in lower amounts (3 wt %) as silica carrier and in lower proportion as pore agent in clay bricks, with the potential to reduce fuel and natural ceramic raw material consumption, as well as, landfill costs.

New Plaster Composite with Mineral Wool Fibres from CDW Recycling

Over the last decade the intense activity of the building sector has generated large quantities of construction and demolition waste (CDW). In particular, in Europe around 890 million tons of CDW is generated every year; however, only 50% of them are recycled. In Spain, over the last years 40 millions of tons of construction and demolition waste have been generated. On the other hand, since the implementation of the Technical Building Code regulation the use of mineral wools as building insulation materials has become a widespread solution in both rehabilitation and new construction works, and because of that, this kind of insulation waste is increasing. This research analyzes the potential of a new composite (gypsum and fiber waste) including several mineral wools waste into a plaster matrix. For this purpose, an experimental plan, characterizing the physical and mechanical behaviour as well as the Shore C hardness of the new composite, was elaborated fulfilling UNE Standards.

Physico-mechanical properties of Spanish juniper wood considering the effect of heartwood formation and the presence of defects and imperfections

Aim of study: Determining the main physical and mechanical properties of Spanish juniper wood from Soria (Spain) considering the effects of heartwood formation and the presence of defects and imperfections; and comparing the resulting characteristics with similar existing data for other regional softwood species of commercial interest. Area of study: Berlanga de Duero (Soria, Castilla y León), Spain.Material and Methods: Wood physico-mechanical performance was determined by Spanish UNE standards in order to provide proper comparisons to other regional softwood species. An individual tree representing average plot characteristics was selected in all eight 10 m radius circular plots that were established well-representing the heterogeneity of this woodland. The age of every tree was determined reading the number of growth rings at the base of each sampled tree. Every physico-mechanical property was assessed at least 4 times for every wood sample type (sapwood and heartwood, whether clear or with the presence of defects) of each tree. Two-way ANOVA was run to assess significant differences in the results. Post hoc all pairwise comparisons were performed using Tukey's test (p < 0.05).Research highlights: Spanish juniper wood resulted harder than other regional commercial conifers, and showed semi-heavyweight heartwood and lightweight sapwood; whereas shrinkage figures remarked its great dimensional stability. The high presence of knots within heartwood made it even heavier, harder, and more resistant to compression parallel to grain. A commercial use of this rare precious wood may contribute to juniper forests preservation in the frame of forest sustainable management plans. Key words: heartwood effect; Juniperus thurifera L.; physico-mechanical wood properties; wood classification; wood defects.

Physico-mechanical characterization of <i>Abies alba</i> Miller wood from the Spanish Pyrenees using clear specimens

This study provides up-to-date, representative values of the physical and mechanical properties of silver fir wood from the Spanish Pyrenees for comparison with other provenances and timber species. Tests were conducted with clear specimens obtained throughout the tree stem and properties were determined following the UNE standards of the corresponding tests. The wood was found to be light ( ρ = 0.48 g/cm 3 ), soft (H = 1.71 mm -1 ) and moderately stable (v = 39.43%). Its bending strength (MOR = 78.70 N/ mm 2 ) is low and its compressive strength (MCS = 44.88 N/mm 2 ) is average. Impact behaviour is average (K = 41.46 N/mm) and cleavage behaviour (C = 19.92 N/ mm) is low, as are tangential and radial tension perpendicular to the grain (1.71 and 1.68 N/mm 2 ). The differences obtained in comparison with other provenances of this species may be the result of the location of the silver firs at the edge of their geographical distribution and thus the specific conditions of the site have a greater effect on the wood properties.

Analysis of Documental Heritage of CETA in Standardization of the Spanish Manufacturing Automotive Industry

Standardization has taken an active role in the development of several main industrial sectors and the automotive sector has been one of them. Current work shows the collection, analysis, revision and management process developed on CETA (Center of Automotive Technical Study) standards related to the manufacturing automotive sector, an unknown element of Spanish standardization heritage. Also, a comparative evaluation between CETA standards and current UNE standards has been performed. The results show that CETA standards have had a positive influence in the evolution of the automotive sector as well as an important contribution to the contents of the UNE standards.

Recycling of ash from biomass incinerator in clay matrix to produce ceramic bricks

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of incorporation of ash from biomass incinerator as raw material on the production of ceramic bricks for their application in construction. So, for the fabrication of bricks, compositions were prepared with addition of increasing amounts of waste ash (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% in wt.) in the clay body. The mixed samples were sintered using conventional powder processing based on powder compaction at 54.5 MPa and firing them at 950 °C without the addition of additives. Effect on apparent density, water absorption and mechanical properties were investigated. The results showed that water absorption increased and apparent density and compressive strength decreased with higher amounts of ash. Bricks with an ash content up to 20% meet the UNE standards compressive strength. As a result, since interesting performances were observed, the potential use of ashes from biomass incinerator up to 20 wt.% in ceramic formulations of industrial interest was confirmed. In this sense, incorporating ashes into clay body reduces environmental problems and total cost of raw material disposition.

Carbon fibre-reinforced, alkali-activated slag mortars

The paper describes the effect of carbon fibre on alkaliactivated slag mortar (AAS) mechanical strength, volume stability and reinforcing steel corrosion, compared to its effect on the same properties in Portland cement (PC) properties. Mechanical strength and volume stability tests were performed as set out in the respective Spanish UNE standards. The corrosion rate of steel embedded in the specimens studied was determined from polarization resistance analysis. One of the findings of the study performed was that carbon fibre failed to improve AAS or CP mortar strength. As far as volume stability is concerned, the inclusion of carbon fibres in AAS with a liquid/solid ratio of 0.5 reduced drying shrinkage by about 50%. The effect of carbon fibre on PC mortars differed from its effect on AAS mortars. Studies showed that in the presence of carbonation, steel corrosion reached higher levels in carbon-fibre reinforced AAS mortars; the inclusion of 1% carbon fibre improved corrosion resistance perceptibly in these same mortars, however, when exposed to chloride attack.

Concrete blocks. Analysis of UNE, ISO en standards and comparison with other international standards

This paper attempts to describe the recently approved UNE standards through a systematic analysis of the main specifications therein contained and the values considered for each of them, as well as the drafts for ISO and EN concrete block standards. Furthermore, the study tries to place the set of ISO standards in the international environment through a comparative analysis against a representative sample of the standards prevailing in various geographical regions of the globe to determine the analogies and differences among them. PALABRAS CLAVE: albanileria, analisis de sistemas, bloque de hormigon, muros de fabrica, normativa KEY WORDS: masonry, system analysis, concrete blocks, masonry walls, standards