Through its teaching and research work, the University contributes to the development of just and sustainable societies, since it trains graduates who will implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Service-Learning (ApS) connects the student with real social problems and in contexts that resemble the reality of their future profession, being an appropriate teaching methodology for achieving SDGs. Hearing loss (PA) is highly prevalent in the elderly population and is closely related to deterioration in their quality of life. In the subject Audiology in Special Populations (4th year) an ApS experience is carried out in which students carry out clinical practice (hearing evaluation tests) with users of AGADEA (Galician Association for assistance to patients with Alzheimer's type dementia). The objectives of the study are: 1) to determine the presence of PA that may affect the quality of life of the users; 2) examine the acquisition of necessary skills to promote sustainable development by students. The hearing assessment of the users by the students is supervised by a tutor teacher and at the end of the experience each student must submit a portfolio of clinical practice evidence. A high percentage of older users of these centers have disabling AP. Most of the students consider that the experience increases their professional motivation, and they specify that the activity is positive and enriching. The detection of PA makes it possible to improve hearing care care for the elderly by family members and caregivers (SDG 3). Experience forms knowledge and drives the development of values, reflective thinking and the creation of a critical mass that will implement SDGs in the future (SDG 4). In addition, it allows establishing agreements for the development of the ApS experience in the long term (SDG 17).
The aim of this research is to use Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to dimension structural elements in regular 6-storey buildings. The necessary data for the training of the algorithm was elaborated manually with the help of the ETABS software, these were 30 buildings of reinforced concrete with a system of structural walls. The configuration and training of the neural network was carried out in the MATLAB software. The validation was carried out in an additional analyzed building in which the concrete savings were calculated, and the requirements of the current regulations were verified. Finally, the dimensioning obtained with the neural network generated a reduction of more than 10% in the total volume of concrete used in a 6-level building and establishes that the algorithm used provides effective results for an optimal design.
Introduction The purpose of this study was to determine the functional vision of a sample of older adults living in nursing homes in Galicia in northwestern Spain. The study is aimed at raising the awareness of clinicians, as well as researchers working in the field of vision and the Spanish Social and Equality Services, regarding the need to develop visual screening protocols in nursing homes, which are currently lacking in Spain (Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality, n.d.). Methods Presenting visual acuity (visual acuity with current eyeglasses or contact lenses, if worn) was assessed to determine the functional vision of a sample of older adults living in nursing homes. We tested monocular and binocular high-contrast visual acuity using the directional-E screening test (3.70 scale) for distance vision, and the Rosenbaum near vision chart for near acuity. Visual impairment (distance and near vision) was defined as a binocular presenting visual acuity of less than 6/18 (20/63). Results The prevalence of visual impairment for distance and near vision reached 23.1% and 16.4%, respectively. We did not find any significant differences in the mean values of presenting visual acuity (far and near vision) between genders. The prevalence of visual impairment for distance vision increased with age (p < 0.01), reaching 25.8% among senior citizens between 80 and 89 years of age, and 50% in the case of nonagenarians. Nevertheless, we did not find any association between age and functional near vision (p > 0.05). Discussion The findings confirm the high prevalence of visual impairment among this population group. Many of the residents we examined have a level of vision that affects their typical daily activities and quality of life, so it is urgent to develop standard visual screening protocols in nursing homes. Implications for practitioners Developing visual screening programs in nursing homes would allow for the early detection of visual impairment and help other professionals working in nursing homes—especially clinicians, nurses, and caregivers—to optimize the care of the residents.
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