A survey on low-thrust trajectory optimization approaches

In this paper, we provide a survey on available numerical approaches for solving low-thrust trajectory optimization problems. First, a general mathematical framework based on hybrid optimal control will be presented. This formulation and their elements, namely objective function, continuous and discrete state and controls, and discrete and continuous dynamics, will serve as a basis for discussion throughout the whole manuscript. Thereafter, solution approaches for classical continuous optimal control problems will be briefly introduced and their application to low-thrust trajectory optimization will be discussed. A special emphasis will be placed on the extension of the classical techniques to solve hybrid optimal control problems. Finally, an extensive review of traditional and state-of-the art methodologies and tools will be presented. They will be categorized regarding their solution approach, the objective function, the state variables, the dynamical model, and their application to planetocentric or interplanetary transfers

Sistema De Administración De Riesgo

La investigación tiene como propósito crear una herramienta que logre automatizar los proceso antes mencionados, y por lo tanto, mejorando la función de control que ejerce sobre éstos la Oficina de Control Interno, y agilizando los tiempos de respuesta para ciertos requerimientos de la institución. El sistema de información para la Oficina de Control Interno de la Universidad del Magdalena, se establece como una herramienta de ayuda para el manejo de las políticas de riesgo de dicha institución, de una forma más óptima cada proceso de valoración, manejo y evaluación de los riesgos

Can long-range PCR be used to amplify genetically divergent mitochondrial genomes for comparative phylogenetics?: a case study within spiders (Arthropoda: Araneae)

The development of second generation sequencing technology has resulted in the rapid production of large volumes of sequence data for relatively little cost, thereby substantially increasing the quantity of data available for phylogenetic studies. Despite these technological advances, assembling longer sequences, such as that of entire mitochondrial genomes, has not been straightforward. Existing studies have been limited to using only incomplete or nominally intra-specific datasets resulting in a bottleneck between mitogenome amplification and downstream high-throughput sequencing. Here we assess the effectiveness of a wide range of targeted long-range PCR strategies, encapsulating single and dual fragment primer design approaches to provide full mitogenomic coverage within the Araneae (Spiders). Despite extensive rounds of optimisation, full mitochondrial genome PCR amplifications were stochastic in most taxa, although 454 Roche sequencing confirmed the successful amplification of 10 mitochondrial genomes out of the 33 trialled species. The low success rates of amplification using long-Range PCR highlights the difficulties in consistently obtaining genomic amplifications using currently available DNA polymerases optimised for large genomic amplifications and suggests that there may be opportunities for the use of alternative amplification methods

Gamification as a Service for Formative Assessment E-Learning Tools

Formative assessment tools can benefit from the addition of gamification elements, as stronger engagement may generate further learning opportunities. However, adding gamification elements to such tools may require a significant development effort and leads to few opportunities for re-use, e.g. among different e-learning tools within the same course or degree. In this paper, we describe a platform for offering gamification elements as a service to any formative assessment tool. We describe our experience in an introductory course for Digital Circuit Design in a Computer Science Degree

Estudio y planificación de contenidos, materiales y metodologías docentes según el EEES:Itin. Gest. Contenidos. 4º Ingeniería Multimedia

La red pretende servir de plataforma para la coordinación de las asignaturas de cuarto curso que constituyen el itinerario de Gestión de Contenidos correspondiente al grado de Ingeniería Multimedia para la ejecución de una metodología basada en proyectos. La red ha detectado los problemas de coordinación asociados a gestionar simultáneamente proyectos de naturaleza variada y las posibilidades de conexión de estos mismos con las asignaturas de Prácticas de empresa I y II y la elaboración del Trabajo de Fin de Grado. Se proponen soluciones para paliar estos problemas y se explica el alcance de los objetivos a conseguir

Monitoring HIV viral load in resource limited settings: still a matter of debate?

Introduction Consequences of lack of viral monitoring in predicting the effects of development of HIV drug resistance mutations during HAART in resource-limited settings (RLS) is still a matter of debate. Design To assess, among HIV+ patients receiving their first-line HAART, prevalence of virological failure and genotypic resistance mutations pattern in a Médécins Sans Frontières/Ministry of Health programme in Busia District (Kenya). Methods Patients with HAART treatment for ≥12 months were eligible for the study and those with HIV-RNA ≥5000 copies/ml underwent genotypic study. Total HIV-1 RNA from Dried Blood Spots was extracted using Nuclisens method. Results 926 patients were included. Among 274 (29.6%) patients with detectable viral load, 55 (5.9%) experienced treatment failure (viral load >5.000 copies/ml); 61.8% were female and 10 (18.2%) had clinical failure. Median CD4 cell count was 116 cell/mm3 (IQR: 54-189). Median HIV-RNA was 32,000 copies/ml (IQR: 11000-68000). Eighteen out of 55 (33%) samples could be sequenced on PR and RT genes, with resistance associated mutations (RAMs) in 15 out of 18 samples (83%). Among patients carrying RAMs, 12/15 (81%) harboured RAMs associated to thymidine analogues (TAMs). All of them (100%) showed M184V resistance associated mutation to lamivudine as well as NNRTI's RAMS. Conclusions Virological failure rate in resource-limited settings are similar to those observed in developed countries. Resistance mutation patterns were concordant with HAART received by failing patients. Long term detectable viral load confers greater probability of developing resistance and as a consequence, making difficult to find out a cost-effective subsequent treatment regimen

Improving landslide inventories by combining satellite interferometry and landscape analysis: the case of Sierra Nevada (Southern Spain)

An updated and complete landslide inventory is the starting point for an appropriate hazard assessment. This paper presents an improvement for landslide mapping by integrating data from two well-consolidated techniques: Differential Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) and Landscape Analysis through the normalised channel steepness index (ksn). The southwestern sector of the Sierra Nevada mountain range (Southern Spain) was selected as the case study. We first propose the double normalised steepness (ksnn) index, derived from the ksn index, to remove the active tectonics signal. The obtained ksnn anomalies (or knickzones) along rivers and the unstable ground areas from the DInSAR analysis rapidly highlighted the slopes of interest. Thus, we provided a new inventory of 28 landslides that implies an increase in the area affected by landslides compared with the previous mapping: 33.5% in the present study vs. 14.5% in the Spanish Land Movements Database. The two main typologies of identified landslides are Deep-Seated Gravitational Slope Deformations (DGSDs) and rockslides, with the prevalence of large DGSDs in Sierra Nevada being first revealed in this work. We also demonstrate that the combination of DInSAR and Landscape Analysis could overcome the limitations of each method for landslide detection. They also supported us in dealing with difficulties in recognising this type of landslides due to their poorly defined boundaries, a homogeneous lithology and the imprint of glacial and periglacial processes. Finally, a preliminary hazard perspective of these landslides was outlined.Universidad de Granada/CBUAMarie Curie Actions B-RNM-305-UGR18 A-RNM-508-UGR20 P18-RT-3632ERDF through the project RISKCOAST' of the Interreg SUDOE Programme SOE3/P4/E0868Project MORPHOMED' from the Spanish Ministry of Science (MCIN)/State Research Agency (SRA) PID2019-107138RB-I00Ramon y Cajal' Programme of the Spanish Ministry of Science RYC-2017-23335NoR 6373

Evaluation of Clinical and Immunological Markers for predicting Virological Failure in a HIV/AIDS treatment cohort in Busia, Kenya

In resource-limited settings where viral load (VL) monitoring is scarce or unavailable, clinicians must use immunological and clinical criteria to define HIV virological treatment failure. This study examined the performance of World Health Organization (WHO) clinical and immunological failure criteria in predicting virological failure in HIV patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART)