High-Frequency Electrinic Design Optimization Using Simulated Annealing

This thesis presents a methodology for improving the performance of the Simulated Annealing (SA) algorithm to optimize high-frequency electronic circuits. It starts by introducing the algorithm together with the fundamental concepts that support its functionality. Then, a set of new features are added to the SA algorithm to control its behavior, which include: knobs for controlling the step-size, search-space limits, and the functions that govern the evolution of the algorithm. The introduction of such features is accompanied by a set of experiments to demonstrate the functionality of the modified SA, and compare its performance against Nelder-Mead and Conjugated Gradients Fletcher-Reeves methods. This is followed by the definition and application of a methodology to configure the algorithm and improve its consistency and efficiency, accompanied by a test (optimization of a simple high-frequency filter) to verify its effectivity. Next, SA is configured to optimize a more complex circuit, consisting of a microstrip low-pass filter implemented in the full-wave electromagnetic simulator Sonnet. Finally, such optimization problem is solved by using other optimization algorithms (Nelder-Mead, Sequential Quadratic Programming, and Genetic Algorithm) to make an overall assessment of the proposed SA algorithm, identifying what kind of problems may take advantage of the features and improvements added to SA, or may expose its caveats

High-Frequency Electronic Design Optimization Using Simulated Annealing

This thesis presents a methodology for improving the performance of the Simulated Annealing (SA) algorithm to optimize high-frequency electronic circuits. It starts by introducing the algorithm together with the fundamental concepts that support its functionality. Then, a set of new features are added to the SA algorithm to control its behavior, which include: knobs for controlling the step-size, search-space limits, and the functions that govern the evolution of the algorithm. The introduction of such features is accompanied by a set of experiments to demonstrate the functionality of the modified SA, and compare its performance against Nelder-Mead and Conjugated Gradients Fletcher-Reeves methods. This is followed by the definition and application of a methodology to configure the algorithm and improve its consistency and efficiency, accompanied by a test (optimization of a simple high-frequency filter) to verify its effectivity. Next, SA is configured to optimize a more complex circuit, consisting of a microstrip low-pass filter implemented in the full-wave electromagnetic simulator Sonnet. Finally, such optimization problem is solved by using other optimization algorithms (Nelder-Mead, Sequential Quadratic Programming, and Genetic Algorithm) to make an overall assessment of the proposed SA algorithm, identifying what kind of problems may take advantage of the features and improvements added to SA, or may expose its caveats

Study of the magnetic disaccommodation in La doped YIG

The relaxation of the initial magnetic permeability of La doped yttrium iron garnet (YIG) samples with nominal composition Y3-xLaxFe5O12 (0< x <0.6) is analysed in this work. The results show a very different behaviour depending on the sintering atmosphere used for the fabrication of the samples. Concretely, for the samples sintered in air, it just have been detected the usual relaxation peak found in YIG at 130 K. However, a new relaxation peak appears around room temperature for the samples sintered in CO2 atmosphere when the La content is at least of 0.3. These results have been interpreted in terms of the formation of a secondary perovskite phase when the La solubility limit is reached. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim

Influence of continuous illumination at increasing light intensities on the growth and survival of early stage Snubnose Pompano, Trachinotus blochii

The study investigated the influence of continuous illumination at increasing light intensities on feeding, growth, and survival of early-stage snubnose pompano,Trachinotus blochii, larvae from 1 to 10 days post-hatching (DPH). Fish larvae were exposed to 5 treatments with 3 replicates [T1 - natural indoor 12 hours light (hL): 12 hours dark (hD), T2 - 300-500 lux (lx), T3 - 300-1000 lx, T4 - 300-2000 lx, and T5 - 300-3000 lx]. Newly hatched larvae were stocked at 15 ind. /L density and fed with enriched rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis; 50-250 µm) at 30 ind. /ml starting from 2 DPH. The number of rotifers in the digestive organ, feeding incidence, and total length of larvae were examined at 3-hour intervals from 0400 to 2200 hours (H) on 3 DPH, at 6-hour intervals from 4 to 5 DPH, and once on 8 DPH at 1000 H. The results justified that snubnose pompano was a visual feeder and exhibited diel rhythm within 24 hours of light, while larvae at natural photoperiod usually underwent diurnal rhythms. However, changing light intensity conditions from low to high levels altered the feeding behavior of the fish larvae. Better and consistent feeding and survival of larvae were obtained at moderate continuous illumination at increasing light intensities (300-500 lx). While higher light treatments (300-1000, 300-2000) can yield more remarkable fish growth, they adversely affect larval survival after 5 DPH. In conclusion, moderate continuous illumination (300–500 lx) promotes consistent feeding, resulting in a positive growth response and improved survival in early-stage snub nose pompano

A922 Sequential measurement of 1 hour creatinine clearance (1-CRCL) in critically ill patients at risk of acute kidney injury (AKI)

Meeting abstrac

Women, literacy and health: comparing health and education sectoral approaches in Nepal

Functional adult literacy interventions have been regarded for many decades by policy makers as an effective way of imparting health knowledge. Supported by research on the statistical relationships between women’s literacy rates and health indicators, this dominant policy discourse is based on assumptions that non-literate women lack understanding and confidence, and that formal programmes and institutions constitute the main sites of learning. Proposing a broader conceptualisation of literacy as a social practice and of health as connected with social justice, this article draws on policy analysis and the authors’ earlier research in Nepal to re-examine the relationship between gender, literacy and health. By comparing health and literacy approaches used within the education and health sectors and taking account of new and indigenous informal learning practices, the article points to ways of investigating the complex interaction of factors that influence inequalities in gender and health at community level

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Camptocormia como principal manifestación de mutación en el gen POLG

El término camptocormia hace referencia a la flexión marcada de la columna toraco- lumbar que desaparece en posición supina, sin existencia de deformidad fija1. Su presencia se ha asociado con diversas etiologías como síndromes parkinsonianos, miopatías paraespinales, distonías, enfermedades de neurona motora y trastornos funcionales1, 2, 3. De un modo excepcional puede verse asociada a mutaciones del gen POLG. Varón de 52 años, con antecedente de retraso psicomotor leve desde la infancia e historia familiar de padre con enfermedad de Parkinson de inicio tardío y madre con temblor esencial. Tiene dos hermanos mayores asintomáticos. Fue remitido por un cuadro de cuatro años de evolución de antero-flexión progresiva del tronco, que le dificulta a la marcha, asociado a torpeza y lentitud de movimientos de predominio en extremidades derechas, llegando a ser muy incapacitante. No presentaba disautonomía, salvo estreñimiento..

Roman frequentation of the Los Toriles cave (Carrizosa, Ciudad Real): first testimonies and implications

Agradecemos la colaboración del propietario de la finca, del Ayuntamiento de Carrizosa y de cuantos trabajaron en la cueva o nos han brindado apoyo bibliográfico (M. Almagro-Gorbea, J.C. Guisado y J.A. Hierro). También a los mecenas vía Experiment.com y la Sociedad Española de Paleontología. Este trabajo se enmarca en el proyecto Corpus Vasorum Hispanorum. Analisis tipológico, cronológico y prosopográfico de los sigilla en terra sigillata hispánica a partir de los centros consumidores. Parte I: Lusitania (PGC2018-093478-A-I00 – Convocatoria Proyectos de Excelencia – Plan Estatal de Generación de Conocimiento – Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades – España). A. Suárez-Bilbao es receptora de un contrato de doctores recientes hasta su integración en programas de formación postdoctoral en la UPV/ EHU (DOKBERRI), código: DOCREC20/01.Se dan a conocer los primeros testimonios de frecuentación romana de la cueva de Los Toriles (Carrizosa, Ciudad Real), una gruta con una larga ocupación animal y humana, cuanto menos desde el Pleistoceno y hasta nuestros días. Aunque en la primera campaña de excavación de la cueva sólo se han podido constatar algunos fragmentos de cerámica, estos son lo suficientemente relevantes como para confirmar el conocimiento y entrada a la cavidad durante la Antigüedad. Además del análisis tipológico y arqueométrico de las cerámicas, esta novedosa cronología permite reflexionar sobre estos y otros casos similares de época romana, acerca de la infrarrepresentación del fenómeno en la meseta Sur, así como sobre el contexto inmediato del ager laminitanus.This paper presents the first testimonies of Roman frequentation of the Los Toriles cave (Carrizosa, Ciudad Real), a cave with a continued animal and human occupation, at least since the Middle Pleistocene and up to the present day. Although in the first campaign of excavation of the cave only a few ceramic fragments have been found, these are relevant enough to confirm the knowledge and occupation of the cavity during Antiquity. In addition to the typological and archaeological analysis of the ceramics, this unexpected chronology allows us to reflect on these and other similar cases from the Roman period, on the underrepresentation of the phenomenon in the Southern Plateau, as well as on the immediate context of the ager laminitanus.PGC2018-093478-A-I00 – Convocatoria Proyectos de Excelencia – Plan Estatal de Generación de Conocimiento –Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades – EspañaUPV/ EHU (DOKBERRI), código: DOCREC20/0