Thread Counting in Plain Weave for Old Paintings Using Semi-Supervised Regression Deep Learning Models

In this work, the authors develop regression approaches based on deep learning to perform thread density estimation for plain weave canvas analysis. Previous approaches were based on Fourier analysis, which is quite robust for some scenarios but fails in some others, in machine learning tools, that involve pre-labeling of the painting at hand, or the segmentation of thread crossing points, that provides good estimations in all scenarios with no need of pre-labeling. The segmentation approach is time-consuming as the estimation of the densities is performed after locating the crossing points. In this novel proposal, we avoid this step by computing the density of threads directly from the image with a regression deep learning model. We also incorporate some improvements in the initial preprocessing of the input image with an impact on the final error. Several models are proposed and analyzed to retain the best one. Furthermore, we further reduce the density estimation error by introducing a semi-supervised approach. The performance of our novel algorithm is analyzed with works by Ribera, Vel\'azquez, and Poussin where we compare our results to the ones of previous approaches. Finally, the method is put into practice to support the change of authorship or a masterpiece at the Museo del Prado.Comment: 21 page

High conversion of palm olein to ethyl esters using a strong anion exchange resin: study of the operational parameters

Biodiesel, known as a mixture of fatty acid ethyl/methyl esters, is seen as an alternative, ecofriendly, biodegradable and renewable non-fossil fuel. The use of heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel synthesis can solve several problems associated with the homogeneous alkaline catalyzed-transesterification. Therefore, this work reports the evaluation of the commercial resin Amberlyst A26OH, a strong anion exchange resin, as a heterogeneous catalyst for the batch transesterification of refined palm olein with ethanol. It was studied the effects of the main operational parameters, considering the molar ratio of the reaction mixture (MRRM), namely the molar ratio of ethanol to olein taking into account only the ethanol added to the reaction system, and the total molar ratio (TMR), in this case considering also the amount of ethanol carried by the resin after its pretreatment. It was determined an optimal range of operational conditions by response surface methodology, guaranteeing conversion to ethyl esters higher than 96% with a catalyst amount corresponding to a range from 10.4 to 11.4% of the oil quantity, a temperature within the range of 55 to 60 ºC and a MRRM within the range from 3.5:1 to 6.0:131714011412CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQCOORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPESFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP406963/2016-9; 406856/2013-3; 429873/2018-2; 305870/2014-9Sem informação2014/21252-0; 2016/10636-

Perfil de concentración en una pastilla catalítica cilíndrica

En este articulo se presenta y desarrolla una propuesta numérica para la evaluación del perfil de concentración en una pastilla catalitica cilíndrica, la cual permite simultáneamente el cálculo del factor de efectividad. La técnica numérica es convalidada para aquella situación en la cual se dispone de una solución matemáticamente exacta y puede extenderse a situaciones para las cuales no existen soluciones analíticas. La técnica de cálculo resulta relativamente rápida, versátil y numéricamente estable

Single-Site Root Inoculations on Eggplant with Microsclerotia of Verticillium dahliae

¿ For many soilborne plant pathogens, disease results from multiple root infections. Studying the infection dynamics of single or multiple propagules of these pathogens applied at one site of the root system may be the basis for understanding the development of disease caused by multiple root infections. The effect of single-site inoculations of roots of eggplant seedlings with microsclerotia of the wilt-causing fungus Verticillium dahliae, was studied. Experiments were conducted using specially designed pots which enabled the incorporation and removal of inoculum in the soil. Inoculations were carried out by placing microsclerotia, firmly embedded in small sections of polypropylene screen filter, directly below the growing tip of the main root of young eggplant seedlings. Three to 4 days after inoculation, the root had grown over the screen filter, and the filter was removed. Root platings showed high infection levels at the inoculation site, but also several (discrete) root infections were noted some distance above and below the site of inoculation. Exposure of the root to the lowest number of microsclerotia (26/inoculation site) was sufficient to lead to up to 65% root infections. Number of plants with root infections declined over time, ranging from a maximum of 65-100% 2-4 wk after inoculation, to 10-29% at 6-7 wk after inoculation. Apparently, V. dahliae died in nonsystemic infections after some time

Retinal nerve fiber layer atrophy is associated with physical and cognitive disability in multiple sclerosis

Studying axonal loss in the retina is a promising biomarker for multiple sclerosis (MS). Our aim was to compare optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Heidelberg retinal tomography (HRT) techniques to measure the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in patients with MS, and to explore the relationship between changes in the RNFL thickness with physical and cognitive disability. We studied 52 patients with MS and 18 proportionally matched controls by performing neurological examination, neuropsychological evaluation using the Brief Repetitive Battery-Neuropsychology and RNFL thickness measurement using OCT and HRT. RESULTS: We found that both OCT and HRT could define a reduction in the thickness of the RNFL in patients with MS compared with controls, although both measurements were weakly correlated, suggesting that they might measure different aspects of the tissue changes in MS. The degree of RNFL atrophy was correlated with cognitive disability, mainly with the symbol digit modality test (r=0.754, P<0.001). Moreover, temporal quadrant RNFL atrophy measured with OCT was associated with physical disability. CONCLUSION: In summary, both OCT and HRT are able to detect thinning of the RNFL, but OCT seems to be the most sensitive technique to identify changes associated with MS evolution

Propiedades mecánicas y tribológicas de recubrimientos duros: Uso de la técnica de nanoindentación

Se describe la fabricación y la caracterización mecánica y tribológica de recubrimientos duros (CrN, ZrN, AITiN), depositados sobre acero HSS utilizando Ia técnica PVD - Evaporación por Arco, para la caracterización mecánica y tribológica, se utilizó la técnica de nanoindentación.

Obtaining of repair lime mortars by mixing aerial lime and nanosilica

This work deals with the effect of the nanosilica addition on the performance of aerial lime mortars. Several lime mortars were prepared and modified upon the addition of 3, 6, 10 and 20 wt.% of nanosilica. The presence of nanosilica increased the water demand of the fresh mixtures and reduced the appearance of superficial cracks after the spreading of the mortars onto a porous stone. Setting time underwent a delay when the amount of nanosilica ranged from 3 to 10 wt.%. However, samples with 20 wt.% of nanosilica showed a shortened setting time compared to plain lime mortars. Nanosilica reacted with Ca(OH)2 particles, yielding C-S-H compounds and, acting as a nanofiller, nanosilica also caused a pore blockage in the mesoporous range. These facts resulted in an increase in both compressive strength and durability after undergoing freezing-thawing processes. Overall, the addition of nanosilica clearly improves several characteristics of the aerial lime mortars in order to prepare enhanced mixtures to be used for restoration works

Treatment of a submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor (SAnMBR) effluent by an activated sludge system: the role of sulphide and thiosulphate in the process

This work studies the use of a well-known and spread activated sludge system (UCT configuration) to treat the effluent of a submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor (SAnMBR) treating domestic waste-water. Ammonia, phosphate, dissolved methane and sulphide concentrations in the SAnMBR effluent were around 55 mg NH4-N L-1, 7 mg PO4-P L-1, 30 mg non-methane biodegradable COD L-1, and 105 mg S2- L-1 respectively. The results showed a nitrification inhibition caused by the presence of sulphur compounds at any of the solids retention time (SRT) studied (15,20 and 25 days). This inhibition could be overcome increasing the hydraulic retention time (HRT) from 13 to 26 h. Among the sulphur compounds, sulphide was identified as the substance which caused the nitrification inhibition. When the nitrification was well established, removal rates of nitrogen and phosphorus of 56% and 45% were reached respectively. The sulphide present in the influent was completely oxidised to sulphate, contributing this oxidation to the denitrification process. Moreover, the presence of methanotrophic bacteria, detected by FISH technique, could also contribute to the denitrification. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.This research project has been supported by Ministry of Science and Innovation (project CTM2011-28595-C02-01/02) and University of Valencia (precompetitive project UV-INV-AE11-40539) which is gratefully acknowledged.Sánchez Ramírez, JE.; Seco Torrecillas, A.; Ferrer, J.; Bouzas Blanco, A.; García Usach, MF. (2015). Treatment of a submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor (SAnMBR) effluent by an activated sludge system: the role of sulphide and thiosulphate in the process. Journal of Environmental Management. 147:213-218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2014.04.043S21321814