Firm demography and location decisions in the United States after 1990

This thesis deals with firm formation and location choice of firms in the manufacturing (and commercial service) sector in the United States after 1990. The topics of firm formation and location choice are part of a wider field that is usually referred to as firm demography.\u27\u27 We start off with a description of the size structure of firms by looking at the evolution of the average size of manufacturing firms in counties in the USA between 1990 and 2011. We hypothesize that the size of manufacturing firms depends on the firm sizes in proximate regions as well as on the region\u27s own average firm size in previous years. Three Markov chain models are proposed to test this hypothesis, a first-order process, a second-order process and a spatially lagged Markov chain models. By means of Likelihood Ratio tests, we show that the first-order Markov chain does not suffice to describe average firm size. We recommend the use of more elaborate space-time modeling to explain the distribution of firm sizes across counties in the US. Exploratory space-time regressions confirm the relevance of spatio-temporal processes in the evolution of the average size of manufacturing firms in the US. The analysis of the second topic is concerned with the location choice of firms, in particular of new firms (or start-ups). We address the question whether the location choice of start-ups over their life cycle follows a theoretical framework that is known as the “nursery city hypothesis.” This hypothesis suggests that firms are initially best located in highly diversified cities, because in their process of innovation towards finding their ideal product specification they benefit substantially from externalities associated with diversity in the city\u27s production structure. Once start-ups have determined what their ideal product is, one can expect moves or the establishment of subsidiary firms in highly specialized areas to be beneficial. These benefits accrue from localization economies. Using information about firm migration between (and the establishment of subsidiary firms in) different counties in the US, two models are proposed to see whether firms draw benefits from diverse areas in the beginning of their product-life-cycle and from specialized regions after migration (or branching out). We use statistical tests based on a theoretical spatial equilibrium model to identify whether the nursery strategy hypothesis holds. First, we use an unbalanced panel with several types of fixed effects (for time, space, sector, and/or establishment) to look at differences in sales between start-ups that moved and did not move between US counties. Hence, a firm\u27s sales are used as a proxy for profitability. The second model uses a location preference modeling strategy to test for location choice preferences among firms that migrated versus those that did not. The empirical results show that the nursery city hypothesis should be rejected on the basis of the sales model. In the location choice model, the nursery city hypothesis only fails to be rejected under specific conditions. Sales proved to be a weak proxy for profit maximization, as only the firm\u27s own employment explained most of the variation in firm sales. Neither specialization nor diversity for movers or non-movers had an impact on sales. The location model confirms the nursery city pattern if we do not allow for heterogeneity across counties through fixed effects. Once county fixed effects are introduced, they strip the advantages of being in a diverse location out of the model for both movers as well as non-mover start-up firms. In sum, we conclude that firm location behavior according to the nursery city hypothesis pattern cannot be detected after accounting for all possible factors explaining heterogeneity across space, time and sectors

Designing Efficient Material Handling Systems Via Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)

[EN] The designing of an efficient warehouse management system is a key factor to improve productivity and reduce costs. The use of Automated Guided Vehicles (AVGs) in Material Handling Systems (MHS) and Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS) can help to that purpose. This paper is intended to provide insight regarding the technical and financial suitability of the implementation of a fleet of AGVs. This is carried out by means of a fuzzy set/qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) by measuring the level of satisfaction of managerial decision makers.Llopis-Albert, C.; Rubio, F.; Valero, F. (2018). Designing Efficient Material Handling Systems Via Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs). Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences. 5(2):97-105. doi:10.4995/muse.2018.10722SWORD9710552Berbegal-Mirabent, J.; Llopis-Albert, C. (2015). Applications of Fuzzy Logic for Determining the Driving Forces in Collaborative Research Contracts. J. Bus. Res., 69 (4), 1446-1451. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2015.10.123Biçer, I., Seifert, R.W., (2017). Optimal Dynamic Order Scheduling under Capacity Constraints Given Demand-Forecast Evolution. Production and Operations Management 26(12), 2266-2286. https://doi.org/10.1111/poms.12759Fazlollahtabar, H., Saidi-Mehrabad, M. (2015). Autonomous Guided Vehicles: Methods and Models for Optimal Path Planning. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-14747-5 ISBN 978-3-319-14747-5.Gourgand, M., Sun, X.C., Tchernev, N., 1995. Choice of the guide path layout for an AGV based material handling system. Emerging Technologies and Factory Automation, 1995. ETFA '95, Proceedings., 1995 INRIA/IEEE Symposium on. https://doi.org/10.1109/ETFA.1995.496688Llopis-Albert, C., Rubio, F., Valero, F. (2015). Improving productivity using a multi-objective optimization of robotic trajectory planning. Journal of Business Research 68, 1429-1431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2015.01.027Llopis-Albert, C., Palacios-Marqués, D. (2016). Applied Mathematical Problems in Engineering. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education 3(2), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2016.6679Llopis-Albert, C., Merigó, J.M., Xu, Y., Liao, H. (2017). Application of Fuzzy Set/Qualitative Comparative Analysis to Public Participation Projects in Support of the EU Water Framework Directive. Water Environment Research, 89.Mendel, J. M.; Korjani, M. M. (2012). Charles Ragin's Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) Used for Linguistic Summarizations. Inf. Sci., 202, 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ins.2012.02.039Mendel, J. M., Korjani, M. M. (2013). Theoretical Aspects of Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA). Inf. Sci., 237, 137-161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ins.2013.02.048Meyer, A. D., Tsui, A.S. and Hinings, C.R. (1993). Configurational approaches to organizational analysis. Academy of Management Journal, 36(6), 1175-1195.Quine, W. V. (1952). The problem of simplifying truth functions. The American Mathematical Monthly, 59(8), 521-531. https://doi.org/10.1080/00029890.1952.11988183Pillac, V., Gendreau, M., Guéret, C., Medaglia, A.L. (2013). A review of dynamic vehicle routing problems. European Journal of Operational Research 225, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2012.08.015Ragin, C. C. (2008). Redesigning social inquiry: Fuzzy sets and beyond. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. https://doi.org/10.7208/chicago/9780226702797.001.0001Sarker, B.R., Gurav, S.S. (2005). Route planning for automated guided vehicles in a manufacturing facility. International Journal of Production Research 43(21), 4659-4683. https://doi.org/10.1080/0020754050014080

Optimization approaches for robot trajectory planning

[EN] The development of optimal trajectory planning algorithms for autonomous robots is a key issue in order to efficiently perform the robot tasks. This problem is hampered by the complex environment regarding the kinematics and dynamics of robots with several arms and/or degrees of freedom (dof), the design of collision-free trajectories and the physical limitations of the robots. This paper presents a review about the existing robot motion planning techniques and discusses their pros and cons regarding completeness, optimality, efficiency, accuracy, smoothness, stability, safety and scalability.Llopis-Albert, C.; Rubio, F.; Valero, F. (2018). Optimization approaches for robot trajectory planning. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences. 5(1):1-16. doi:10.4995/muse.2018.9867SWORD1165

Application of Learning Analytics to Improve Higher Education

[EN] In the digital era, the teacher assumes very diverse roles among which are to be an adviser, a generator of multimedia content, and more recently a data analyst. Big data analytics may play a major role in Higher Education for all the agents involved, the teachers and educators, the students themselves and the managers or heads of university centers. This paper applies learning analytics to the subject of Theory of Machines and Strength of Materials of the bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering at Universitat Politècnica de València (Spain). The aim of analyzing the available information is to improve teachers’ actions and communication, to enhance resource efficiency, to assess classroom procedures, the achievement of transversal competences, the student typology and their results, or the attitudes and commitment they acquire with the subject taught. Results show the existence of niches with competitive advantages, improvements in the quality and performance of the teaching-learning experience.Llopis-Albert, C.; Rubio, F. (2021). Application of Learning Analytics to Improve Higher Education. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences. 8(2):1-18. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2021.16287OJS11882Dollár, A., Steif, P. S. (2012). Web-based Statics Course with Learning Dashboard for Instructors. Computers and Advanced Technology in Education. https://doi.org/10.2316/P.2012.774-025Ferguson, R. (2012). Learning analytics: Drivers, developments and challenges. In International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 4, (5-6), 304-317. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJTEL.2012.051816Llopis-Albert, C., Rubio, F., Valero, F. (2015). Improving productivity using a multi-objective optimization of robotic trajectory planning. Journal of Business Research, 68 (7), 1429-1431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2015.01.027Llopis-Albert, C., Rubio, F., Valero, F. (2018). Optimization approaches for robot trajectory planning. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences, 5(1), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2018.9867Llopis-Albert, C., Rubio, F., Valero, F. (2019). Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis applied to the design of a network flow of automated guided vehicles for improving business productivity. Journal of Business Research, 101, 737-742. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2018.12.076Llopis-Albert, C., Rubio, F., Valero, F., Liao, H., Zeng, S. (2019a). Stochastic inverse finite element modeling for characterization of heterogeneous material properties. Materials Research Express, 6(11), 115806. https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/ab4c72Llopis-Albert, C., Valero, F., Mata, V., Pulloquinga, J.L., Zamora-Ortiz, P., Escarabajal, R.J. (2020). Optimal Reconfiguration of a Parallel Robot for Forward Singularities Avoidance in Rehabilitation Therapies. A Comparison via Different Optimization Methods. Sustainability, 12(14), 5803. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12145803Llopis-Albert, C., Valero, F., Mata, V., Zamora-Ortiz, P., Escarabajal, R.J., Pulloquinga, J.L. (2020a). Optimal Reconfiguration of a Limited Parallel Robot for Forward Singularities Avoidance. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences, 7(1), 113-127. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2020.13352Llopis-Albert, C., Rubio, F. (2021). Methodology to evaluate transversal competences in the master's degree in industrial engineering based on a system of rubrics and indicators. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences, 8(1), 30-44. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2021.15244Llopis-Albert C., Rubio F., Valero F. (2021a). Modelling an industrial robot and its impact on productivity. Mathematics, 9(7):769. https://doi.org/10.3390/math9070769Llopis-Albert, C., Rubio, F., Valero, F. (2021). Impact of digital transformation on the automotive industry. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 162, 120343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2020.120343Llopis-Albert, C., Palacios-Marqués, D., Simón-Moya, V. (2021). Fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) applied to the adaptation of the automobile industry to meet the emission standards of climate change policies via the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs). Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 169, 120843. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2021.120843Llopis-Albert, C., Rubio, F., Valle-Falcones, L.M., Grima-Olmedo, C. (2020). Use of technical computing systems in the context of engineering problems. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences, 7(2), 84-99. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2020.14283OEI (2019). Learning analytics and education. Revista iberoamericana de educación. Organización de Estados Iberoamericanos para la Educación, la Ciencia y la Cultura (OEI). Monográficos, volumen 80(1), 217 pages. https://rieoei.org/RIE/issue/view/Learning%20Analytics/vol%2080%281%29Rubio, F., Llopis-Albert, C., Valero, F., Suñer, J.L. (2015). Assembly Line Productivity Assessment by Comparing Optimization-Simulation Algorithms of Trajectory Planning for Industrial Robots. Mathematical Problems in Engineering, 10 pages. Article ID 931048. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/931048Rubio, F., Llopis-Albert, C., Valero, F., & Suñer, J. L. (2016). Industrial robot efficient trajectory generation without collision through the evolution of the optimal trajectory. Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 86, 106-112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.robot.2016.09.008Rubio, F., Llopis-Albert, C. (2019). Viability of using wind turbines for electricity generation in electric vehicles. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences, 6(1), 115-126. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2019.11743Rubio, F., Valero, F., & Llopis-Albert, C. (2019a). A review of mobile robots: Concepts, methods, theoretical framework, and applications. International Journal of Advanced Robotic Systems, 16(2), 172988141983959. https://doi.org/10.1177/1729881419839596Rubio, F., Llopis-Albert, C., Valero, F., Besa, A.J. (2020). Sustainability and optimization in the automotive sector for adaptation to government vehicle pollutant emission regulations. Journal of Business Research 112, 561-566. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.10.050UPV, 2020. Proyecto institucional competencias transversales. Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV). Valencia. Spain. https://www.upv.es/entidades/ICE/info/Proyecto_Institucional_CT.pdfValera Á., Valero F., Vallés M., Besa A., Mata V., Llopis-Albert C. (2021). Navigation of autonomous light vehicles using an optimal trajectory planning algorithm. Sustainability. 2021; 13(3):1233. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031233Valero, F., Rubio, F., Llopis-Albert, C., Cuadrado, J.I. (2017). Influence of the Friction Coefficient on the Trajectory Performance for a Car-Like Robot. Mathematical Problems in Engineering, 9 pages. Article ID 4562647. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/4562647Valero, F., Rubio, F., Llopis-Albert, C. (2019). Assessment of the Effect of Energy Consumption on Trajectory Improvement for a Car-like Robot. Robotica, 37(11), 1998-2009. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0263574719000407Valero, F., Rubio, F., Besa, A.J. (2019a). Efficient trajectory of a car-like mobile robot. Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, 46(2), 211-222. https://doi.org/10.1108/IR-10-2018-021

Methodology to evaluate transversal competences in the master's degree in industrial engineering based on a system of rubrics and indicators

[EN] This paper presents a methodology to evaluate transversal competences in the context of the subject “Design and application of industrial equipment” in the Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering at Universitat Politècnica de València (Spain). The competency-based education implies several activities, such as a project-based learning that must be eventually defended in public by students in groups. Evidence of learning is collected based on a well-defined system of rubrics and indicators, which are known in advance by students. We have observed that the use of such techniques improves the students learning on the contents of the subject, allows to acquire the transversal competences related to the analysis and problem solving, and enhances the ability to understand concepts intuitively. Moreover, results clearly show a positive influence on the use of such tools for improving the professional and ethical commitment to the issues raised.Llopis-Albert, C.; Rubio, F. (2021). Methodology to evaluate transversal competences in the master's degree in industrial engineering based on a system of rubrics and indicators. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences. 8(1):30-44. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2021.15244OJS304481Eberle, B. (1996). Scamper: Games for Imagination Development. Prufrock Press Inc. ISBN 978-1-882664-24-5.Llopis-Albert, C., Rubio, F., Valero, F. (2015). Improving productivity using a multi-objective optimization of robotic trajectory planning. Journal of Business Research, 68 (7), 1429-1431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2015.01.027Llopis-Albert, C., Rubio, F., Valero, F. (2018). Optimization approaches for robot trajectory planning. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences, 5(1), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2018.9867Llopis-Albert, C., Rubio, F., Valero, F. (2019). Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis applied to the design of a network flow of automated guided vehicles for improving business productivity. Journal of Business Research, 101, 737-742. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2018.12.076Llopis-Albert, C., Rubio, F., Valero, F., Liao, H., Zeng, S. (2019a). Stochastic inverse finite element modeling for characterization of heterogeneous material properties. Materials Research Express, 6(11), 115806. https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/ab4c72Llopis-Albert, C., Valero, F., Mata, V., Pulloquinga, J.L., Zamora-Ortiz, P., Escarabajal, R.J. (2020). Optimal Reconfiguration of a Parallel Robot for Forward Singularities Avoidance in Rehabilitation Therapies. A Comparison via Different Optimization Methods. Sustainability, 12(14), 5803. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12145803Llopis-Albert, C., Valero, F., Mata, V., Zamora-Ortiz, P., Escarabajal, R.J., Pulloquinga, J.L. (2020a). Optimal Reconfiguration of a Limited Parallel Robot for Forward Singularities Avoidance. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences, 7(1), 113-127. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2020.13352Rubio, F., Llopis-Albert, C., Valero, F., Suñer, J.L. (2015). Assembly Line Productivity Assessment by Comparing Optimization-Simulation Algorithms of Trajectory Planning for Industrial Robots. Mathematical Problems in Engineering, 10 pages. Article ID 931048. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/931048Rubio, F., Llopis-Albert, C., Valero, F., & Suñer, J. L. (2016). Industrial robot efficient trajectory generation without collision through the evolution of the optimal trajectory. Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 86, 106-112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.robot.2016.09.008Rubio, F., Llopis-Albert, C. (2019). Viability of using wind turbines for electricity generation in electric vehicles. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences, 6(1), 115-126. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2019.11743Rubio, F., Valero, F., & Llopis-Albert, C. (2019a). A review of mobile robots: Concepts, methods, theoretical framework, and applications. International Journal of Advanced Robotic Systems, 16(2), 172988141983959. https://doi.org/10.1177/1729881419839596Rubio, F., Llopis-Albert, C., Valero, F., Besa, A.J. (2020). Sustainability and optimization in the automotive sector for adaptation to government vehicle pollutant emission regulations. Journal of Business Research 112, 561-566. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.10.050UPV, 2020. Proyecto institucional competencias transversales. Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV). Valencia. Spain. https://www.upv.es/entidades/ICE/info/Proyecto_Institucional_CT.pdfValero, F., Rubio, F., Llopis-Albert, C., Cuadrado, J.I. (2017). Influence of the Friction Coefficient on the Trajectory Performance for a Car-Like Robot. Mathematical Problems in Engineering, 9 pages. Article ID 4562647. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/4562647Valero, F., Rubio, F., Llopis-Albert, C. (2019). Assessment of the Effect of Energy Consumption on Trajectory Improvement for a Car-like Robot. Robotica, 37(11), 1998-2009. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0263574719000407Valero, F., Rubio, F., Besa, A.J. (2019a). Efficient trajectory of a car-like mobile robot. Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, 46(2), 211-222. https://doi.org/10.1108/IR-10-2018-021

Exploiting Wireless Sensors: a gateway for 868MHz sensors

[ANGLÈS] The great interest in monitoring everything around us has increased the number of sensors that we utilize in our daily lives. Furthermore, the evolution of wireless technologies has facilitated their ubiquity. Moreover, is in locations such as homes and offices where exploitation of the data from these sensors has been more important. For example, we want to know if the temperature in our home is adequate, otherwise we want to turn on the heating (or cooling) system automatically and we want to be able to monitor the environment of the home or office remotely. The knowledge from these sensors and the ability to actuate devices, summon human assistance, and adjust contracts for electrical power, heating, cooling, etc. can facilitate a myriad of ways to improve the quality of our life and potentially even reduce resource consumption. This master?s thesis project created a gateway that sniffs wireless sensor traffic in order to collect data from existing sensors and to provide this data as input to various services. These sensors work in the 868 MHz band. Although these wireless sensors are frequently installed in homes and offices, they are generally not connected to any network. We designed a gateway capable of identifying these wireless sensors and decoding the received messages, despite the fact that these messages may use a vendor?s proprietary protocol. This gateway consists of a microcontroller, a radio transceiver (868-915 MHz), and an Ethernet controller. This gateway enables us to take advantage of all the data that can be captured. Thinking about these possibilities, imultaneously acquiring data from these various sensors could open a wide range of alternatives in different fields, such as home automation, industrial controlling? Not only can the received data be interesting by itself; but when different sensors are located in the same environment we can exploit this data using sensor fusion. For example, time differences in arrival and differences in signal strength as measured t multiple receivers could be used to locate objects. The final aim of this thesis project is to support diverse applications that could be developed using the new gateway. This gateway creates a bridge between the information that is already around us and our ability to realize many new potential services. A wide range of opportunities could be realized by exploiting the wireless sensors we already have close to us.[CASTELLÀ] El gran interés en el seguimiento de todo lo que nos rodea ha incrementado el número de sensores que utilizamos en nuestra vida diaria. Por otra parte, la evolución de la tecnología inalámbrica ha facilitado su instalación. Es en lugares como casas y oficinas donde el aprovechamiento de los datos de estos sensores ha sido más importante. Por ejemplo, si queremos saber si la temperatura en casa es la adecuada para activar el sistema de calefacción (o refrigeración) de forma automática. La capacidad para accionar dispositivos externos y ajustar los contratos de energía eléctrica, calefacción, refrigeración, etc. puede facilitar una gran variedad de formas de mejorar la calidad de nuestra vida y, potencialmente, incluso reducir el consumo de recursos. Este proyecto de tesis ha creado una gateway que detecta el tráfico de sensores inalámbricos con el fin de recoger datos de los sensores existentes y proporcionarlos como entrada a varios servicios. Estos sensores funcionan en la banda de 868 MHz. A pesar de que estos sensores inalámbricos son frecuentemente instalados en hogares y oficinas, generalmente no están conectados a ninguna red. Hemos diseñado una gateway capaz de identificar estos sensores inalámbricos y descodificar los mensajes recibidos, aunque estos mensajes pueden utilizar un protocolo exclusivo del propietario. Esta gateway consta de un microcontrolador, un transceptor de radio (868-915 MHz) y un controlador Ethernet. Esta gateway nos permite tomar ventaja de todos los datos que se pueden capturar. Pensando en todas estas posibilidades a la vez, la adquisición de los datos de estos diversos sensores podría abrir una amplia gama de alternativas en diferentes campos, como la automatización del hogar, control industrial ... No sólo los datos recibidos pueden ser interesantes, sino que los diferentes sensores que se encuentran en el mismo entorno pueden explotar estos datos mediante la fusión de sensores. Por ejemplo, las diferencias de tiempo en la llegada y las diferencias en intensidad de la señal, según lo que determina múltiples receptores también podría ser utilizado para localizar objetos. El objetivo final de este proyecto de tesis es dar apoyo a las diversas aplicaciones que pueden ser desarrolladas utilizando la nueva gateway. Esta gateway crea un puente entre la información que ya está a nuestro alrededor y nuestra capacidad de realizar muchos nuevos servicios potenciales. Una amplia gama de posibilidades puede ser generada mediante la explotación red de sensores inalámbricos que ya están presentes en nuestro alrededor.[CATALÀ] El gran interès en el seguiment de tot el que ens envolta ha incrementat el nombre de sensors que utilitzem en la nostra vida diària. D'altra banda, l'evolució de la tecnologia sense fils ha facilitat la seva instal·lació. És en llocs com cases i oficines on l'aprofitament de les dades d'aquests sensors ha estat més important. Per exemple, si volem saber si la temperatura a casa és l'adequada per activar el sistema de calefacció (o refrigeració) de forma automàtica. La capacitat per accionar dispositius externs i ajustar els contractes d'energia elèctrica, calefacció, refrigeració, etc. pot facilitar una gran varietat de formes de millorar la qualitat de la nostra vida i, potencialment, fins i tot reduir el consum de recursos. Aquest projecte de tesi ha creat una gateway que ensuma el tràfic de sensors sense fils amb la finalitat de recollir dades dels sensors existents i proporcionar-les com a entrada de diversos serveis. Aquests sensors funcionen a la banda de 868 MHz. Malgrat aquests sensors sense fils són sovint instal·lats en llars i oficines, generalment no estan connectats a cap xarxa. Hem dissenyat una gateway capaç d'identificar aquests sensors sense fil i descodificar el missatges rebuts, tot i que aquests missatges poden utilitzar un protocol exclusiu del propietari. Aquesta gateway consta d'un microcontrolador, un transceptor de ràdio (868-915 MHz) i un controlador Ethernet. Aquesta gateway ens permet prendre avantatge de totes les dades que es poden capturar. Pensant en totes aquestes possibilitats a la vegada, l'adquisició de les dades d'aquests diversos sensors podria obrir una àmplia gamma d'alternatives en diferents camps, com ara l'automatització de la llar, control industrial ... No només les dades rebudes poden ser interessants, sinó que els diferents sensors que es troben en el mateix entorn poden explotar aquestes dades mitjançant la fusió de sensors. Per exemple, les diferències de temps en l'arribada i les diferències en intensitat del senyal segons el que determina múltiples receptors també podria ser utilitzat per localitzar objectes. L'objectiu final d'aquest projecte de tesi és donar suport a les diverses aplicacions que poden ser desenvolupades utilitzant la nova gateway. Aquesta gateway crea un pont entre la informació que ja està al nostre voltant i la nostra capacitat de realitzar nous serveis potencials . Una àmplia gamma de possibilitats pot ser generada mitjançant l'explotació de la xarxa de sensors sense fils que ja tenim a prop nostre

Els matollars de Doñana, afectats per anomalies climàtiques extremes

L'investigador del CREAF i la UAB Francisco Lloret ha liderat un estudi sobre els efectes d'episodis climàtics extrems en matollars de Doñana. A partir de l'anàlisi d'alguns trets funcionals dels arbustos es podrà fer una millor conservació, gestió i manteniment de les espècies. L'estudi ha comptat amb la col·laboració de l'Institut de Recursos Naturals i Agrobiologia de Sevilla (IRNAS), la Universitat de Còrdova i l'Estació Biològica de Doñana.El investigador del CREAF y la UAB Francisco Lloret ha liderado un estudio sobre los efectos de episodios climáticos extremos en matorrales de Doñana. A partir del análisis de algunos rasgos funcionales de los arbustos se podrá hacer una mejor conservación, gestión y mantenimiento de las especies. El estudio ha contado con la colaboración del Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla (IRNA), la Universidad de Córdoba y la Estación Biológica de Doñana

Enseñando sociología de las emociones en el deporte

El artículo hace una propuesta de cómo enseñar sociología de las emociones en el deporte. Empieza justificando la importancia del tema en el mundo profesional de la actividad física y el deporte. A continuación, se trata el concepto de emoción desde una perspectiva sociológica, la comunicación de las emociones, los contextos socioculturales e históricos de las emociones, el trabajo emocional y el tratamiento de las emociones en las clases de educación física y deporte. En cada apartado se proponen fotos, ejemplos y gráficas que pueden ser empleados como herramientas didácticas

Physical activity in and out-of-school and academic performance in Spain

[EN] Background: Academic performance in school stems from an interaction of factors associated with students, families and schools. Among these factors, physical activity could play a very relevant role. Objective: The goal of this study was to determine whether students' physical activities in and outside school were related to their academic performance. Design, setting and method: We used the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2015 database for Spain using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models to answer our research questions. Results: Results suggest a positive association between the number of days per week doing moderate physical activities and academic performance in science, reading and mathematics. However, a higher number of days per week doing vigorous physical activities was associated with lower scores in reading and science. We also find a negative association between exercising or practising sports before going to school and the scores achieved in the three competences evaluated. Conclusions: Our results show that physical activity can play an important role in academic performance and that the effects of physical activity on children and teenagers should be further investigated.The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. Nerea Gomez-Fernandez is grateful to the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities for financial support under grant FPU16/04571.Gómez-Fernández, N.; Albert, J. (2020). Physical activity in and out-of-school and academic performance in Spain. Health Education Journal. 79(7):788-801. https://doi.org/10.1177/001789692092974378880179