Space Race: An Interactive Digital Tool in the Classroom. Are You Ready?

This document presents an interdisciplinary teaching experience based on Game-based Learning as an educational methodology complementary to the Flipped Classroom pedagogical approach in higher education. The tool used was the Space Race application integrated into the free Socrative software. A more active and meaningful learning has been promoted in the student with its implementation. Likewise, it has allowed the face-to-face classes to be energized, creating a relaxed atmosphere. The reflective and critical use of technological applications and mobile devices in the classroom has also been encouraged. The use of the Space Race has increased the participation of students in the classroom, their motivation and interest, collaborating in the development of skills and abilities. This tool has been very useful to obtain bidirectional teacher-student feedback in real time. As a result, a more cooperative, reflective and meaningful learning has been obtained

Analytical Optimal Design of a Two-Phase Axial-Gap Transverse Flux Motor

Transverse flux motors (TFMs) are being investigated to be used in vehicle traction applications due to their high torque density. In this paper, a two-phase axial-gap transverse flux motor is designed for an electric scooter, proposing a novel analytical design method. First, the dimensioning equations of the motor are obtained based on the vehicle requirements, and the stationary dq model is calculated. Then, the motor is optimized using a multiobjective genetic algorithm, and finally a 3D-FEM verification is made. Both the motor structure and the design method aim to have a low complexity, in order to favor the sizing and manufacturing processes through a low computation time and simple core shapes. This approach has not yet been explored in axial-gap TFMs

Flipped teaching and interactive tools. A multidisciplinary innovation experience in higher education

[EN] Nowadays learning methods in higher education are under a constant review process. Applications focused on Blended-Learning allow to speed-up the learning process; this facilitates the design and implementation of interactive resources in the classroom. The present study shows an experience developed with engineering master students. Flipped Teaching approach has achieved significant mention in academic circles in recent years. Undoubtedly, the implementation of this educational methodology improves students’ motivation and increases their participation in the classroom. In this paper different Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) tools and multimedia resources that facilitate the teaching sessions are presented. Its use has been simple and intuitive. These educational tools increase the skills, abilities and competences acquired by students. The objective is to achieve more interactive learning. Students positively value this activities related to the Flipped Learning. In addition, students prefer teaching-learning procedures more dynamic, flexible, creative, participatory and with continuous evaluation. Although the general impression is that they need more effort and more dedication, compared to the Traditional Teaching. Every time there is a greater number of educational tools and electronic devices for higher education. However, its use must be correct so that it can be useful in training students.Artal-Sevil, JS.; Gargallo-Castel, AF.; Valero-Gracia, MS. (2020). Flipped teaching and interactive tools. A multidisciplinary innovation experience in higher education. En 6th International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd'20). Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. (30-05-2020):103-112. https://doi.org/10.4995/HEAd20.2020.10990OCS10311230-05-202

A Comprehensive Analytical Sizing Methodology for Transverse and Radial Flux Machines

Transverse flux machines have the potential to offer high torque density in direct-drive vehicle traction applications. Besides, sizing equations are a wide-spread technique for transverse flux machines design, as their computational cost is much lower than the finite element method. In this paper a novel analytical sizing methodology for transverse and radial flux machines is presented, focusing on the current load and the pole length factor as the main design parameters. The motor specifications are intended for a light-duty electric vehicle application. As transverse flux machines have a single, hoop-shaped coil per phase that embraces the flux of all the pole pairs, their principle of operation and therefore their sizing equations differ from radial flux machines. The proposed analytical method allows to compare transverse and radial flux machines easily through a similarity analysis and a parametric study. Furthermore, the discrepancies between the analytical model and the finite element method are quantified and then included in previous equations. Then the analytical model is optimized with a multiobjective genetic algorithm in the final stage. According to the sizing methodology presented here, transverse flux machines have a superior performance than radial flux machines in terms of torque density and efficiency

Estudio, modelado y verificación de arquitecturas no aisladas de procesamiento parcial de potencia.

El trabajo se centra en el estudio de topologías de procesado parcial de potencia para analizar los beneficios de esta tecnología frente a topologías clásicas. Además, se realizan modelados promediados de varios convertidores, análisis de su rendimiento y verificación experimental para finalmente establecer una serie de conclusiones acerca de qué topologías presentan mejoras.<br /

Modelado y control de una prótesis robótica mediante sensores EMG y la plataforma Raspberry-Pi.

Los objetivos principales de este proyecto son entonces, el rediseño, impresión y montaje de una prótesis 3D OpenSource, el estudio e implementación de diferentes sensores para dotar a la prótesis de mayor capacidad de interacción con el entorno, el diseño e implementación del control de diferentes tipos de agarre y el diseño del control de la prótesis mediante redes neuronales.<br /

Day-ahead optimal battery operation in islanded hybrid energy systems and its impact on greenhouse gas emissions

This paper proposes a management strategy for the daily operation of an isolated hybrid energy system (HES) using heuristic techniques. Incorporation of heuristic techniques to the optimal scheduling in day-head basis allows us to consider the complex characteristics of a specific battery energy storage system (BESS) and the associated electronic converter efficiency. The proposed approach can determine the discharging time to perform the load peak-shaving in an appropriate manner. A recently proposed version of binary particle swarm optimization (BPSO), which incorporates a time-varying mirrored S-shaped (TVMS) transfer function, is proposed for day-ahead scheduling determination. Day-ahead operation and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are studied through different operating conditions. The complexity of the optimization problem depends on the available wind resource and its relationship with load profile. In this regard, TVMS-BPSO has important capabilities for global exploration and local exploitation, which makes it a powerful technique able to provide a high-quality solution comparable to that obtained from a genetic algorithm

Dispositivos móviles y Flipped Classroom. Una experiencia multidisciplinar del profesorado universitario.

Se presenta una experiencia multidisciplinar de innovación educativa y renovación metodológica cuyo objetivo ha sido la incorporación del enfoque pedagógico Flipped Classroom en el aula. La implementación de nuevas herramientas TIC durante el proceso educativo ha permitido garantizar el éxito de la experiencia. Se fundamenta en un proceso de investigación-acción en equipo docente interdisciplinar aplicado durante el curso 2015/16 sobre estudiantes de la Escuela de Ingeniería y Arquitectura y de la Facultad de Educación de la Universidad de Zaragoza. En las asignaturas se maneja diferente software y herramientas gratuitas mediante smartphones, tablets y ordenadores portátiles, analizando su repercusión. La actuación desarrollada resulta muy positiva para el alumnado, el profesorado y las asignaturas implicadas, siendo aplicables a diferentes contextos educativos

Partial state-of-charge mitigation in standalone photovoltaic hybrid storage systems

Energy Storage in photovoltaic installations has increased in popularity in recent years due to the improvement in solar panel technology and energy storage systems. In several places where the grid is not available, in remote isolated rural locations or developing countries, isolated photovoltaic installations are one of the main options to power DC micro-grids. In these scenarios, energy storage elements are mandatory due to the natural day-night cycles and low irradiation periods. Traditionally, lead-acid batteries have been responsible for this task, due to their availability and low cost. However, the intermittent features of the solar irradiance patterns and load demand, generate multiple shallow charge–discharge cycles or high power pulses, which worsen the performance of these batteries. Some Hybrid Energy Storage Systems (HESSs) have been reported in the literature to enhance the lifetime and power capabilities of these storage elements, but they are not intended to overcome the Partial State of Charge (PSoC) issue caused by daily cycles, which has an e ect on the short and mid-term performance of the system. This paper studies the impact of the already proposed HESSs on PSoC operation, establishing the optimal hybrid ratios, and implementing them in a real installation with a satisfactory outcome

Clonal chromosomal mosaicism and loss of chromosome Y in elderly men increase vulnerability for SARS-CoV-2

The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19) had an estimated overall case fatality ratio of 1.38% (pre-vaccination), being 53% higher in males and increasing exponentially with age. Among 9578 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the SCOURGE study, we found 133 cases (1.42%) with detectable clonal mosaicism for chromosome alterations (mCA) and 226 males (5.08%) with acquired loss of chromosome Y (LOY). Individuals with clonal mosaic events (mCA and/or LOY) showed a 54% increase in the risk of COVID-19 lethality. LOY is associated with transcriptomic biomarkers of immune dysfunction, pro-coagulation activity and cardiovascular risk. Interferon-induced genes involved in the initial immune response to SARS-CoV-2 are also down-regulated in LOY. Thus, mCA and LOY underlie at least part of the sex-biased severity and mortality of COVID-19 in aging patients. Given its potential therapeutic and prognostic relevance, evaluation of clonal mosaicism should be implemented as biomarker of COVID-19 severity in elderly people. Among 9578 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the SCOURGE study, individuals with clonal mosaic events (clonal mosaicism for chromosome alterations and/or loss of chromosome Y) showed an increased risk of COVID-19 lethality