A Parameter-free approach for solving combinatorial optimization problems through biased randomization of efficient heuristics

This paper discusses the use of probabilistic or randomized algorithms for solving combinatorial optimization problems. Our approach employs non-uniform probability distributions to add a biased random behavior to classical heuristics so a large set of alternative good solutions can be quickly obtained in a natural way and without complex conguration processes. This procedure is especially useful in problems where properties such as non-smoothness or non-convexity lead to a highly irregular solution space, for which the traditional optimization methods, both of exact and approximate nature, may fail to reach their full potential. The results obtained are promising enough to suggest that randomizing classical heuristics is a powerful method that can be successfully applied in a variety of casesPeer ReviewedPreprin

Latín y vernáculo en los corpora documentales del Reino de Valencia

Estudio descriptivo de la lengua latina en contacto con el romance en el Reino de Valencia entre los siglos XIII y XV.Este trabajo forma parte del proyecto financiado por la Generalitat Valenciana “Corpus Documentale Latinum Valencie: de los orígenes a 1336” (GV04B-687)

Applications of discrete-event simulation to reliability and availability assesment in civil engineering structures

This paper discusses the convenience of predicting, quantitatively, time-dependent reliability and availability levels asso-ciated with most building or civil engineering structures. Then, the paper reviews different approaches to these problems and proposes the use of discrete-event simulation as the most realistic way to deal with them, specially during the design stage. The paper also reviews previous work on the use of both Monte Carlo simulation and discrete-event simulation in this area and shows how discrete-event simulation, in particular, could be employed to solve uncertainty in time-dependent structural reliability problems. Finally, a case study is developed to illustrate some of the concepts previously covered in the paper.Postprint (published version

A parameter-free approach for solving combinatorial optimization problems through biased randomization of efficient heuristics

This paper discusses the use of probabilistic or randomized algorithms for solving combinatorial optimization problems. Our approach employs non-uniform probability distributions to add a biased random behavior to classical heuristics so a large set of alternative good solutions can be quickly obtained in a natural way and without complex con guration processes. This procedure is especially useful in problems where properties such as non-smoothness or non-convexity lead to a highly irregular solution space, for which the traditional optimization methods, both of exact and approximate nature, may fail to reach their full potential. The results obtained are promising enough to suggest that randomizing classical heuristics is a powerful method that can be successfully applied in a variety of cases

An Elliptic Curve Based Homomorphic Remote Voting System

A remote voting system allows participants to cast their ballots through the Internet. Remote voting systems based on the use of homomorphic public key cryptography have proven to be a good option for carrying out simple elections with a reduced amount of candidates. In this paper, we present a new system that makes use of the additive homomorphic capabilities of the Elliptic Curve ElGamal (EC-ElGamal) cryptosystem. All the stages of the system are described together with an experimental analysis section which provides an assessment on the type of election our system would be suitable for.Research of the authors was supported in part by grants MTM2010-21580-C02-01 (Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación), 2014SGR-1666 (Generalitat de Catalunya) and IPT-2012-0603-430000 (Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad)

Experimental investigations on the influence of ice floating in an internal melt ice-on-coil tank

In this paper, the discharge of an experimental ice-storage tank is analyzed. The storage tank is an internal melt-ice-on-coil system. The discharge process has been studied for different mass flow rates and supply temperatures in the range from 10 ºC to 15 ºC. The results indicate that once the ice breaks and floats toward the top of the tank, convection in the ice/water mixture is enhanced and the heat transfer fluid in the top coils becomes colder than in the bottom coils. Thus, an increase of the cooling power is generally observed around the ice-breaking point. Two correlations have been developed to reproduce the effect of the mass flow rate and supply temperature on the discharge duration and the mean cooling power.The authors gratefully acknowledge ACCIONA Infraestructuras for the financing support and collaboration.López Navarro, A.; Biosca Taronger, J.; Torregrosa Jaime, B.; Corberán Salvador, JM.; Bote García, J.; Payá Herrero, J. (2013). Experimental investigations on the influence of ice floating in an internal melt ice-on-coil tank. Energy and Buildings. 57:20-25. doi:10.1016/j.enbuild.2012.10.040S20255

REVIEW OF THE EUROPEAN DWELLING STOCK AND ITS POTENTIAL FOR RETROFIT INTERVENTIONS USING SOLAR-ASSISTED HEATING AND COOLING

This study provides a characterization of the existing European stock of residential buildings, with a specific focus on their energy performance. Eight countries with different characteristics and climates have been selected as a representative sample. After identifying relevant parameters, data has been compiled from several sources, including national statistical bodies and European datasets from official and unofficial bodies, as well as previous research projects. Based on those projects as initial source of information, the study is complemented with energy efficiency related regulations as well as with external climate data. The collected information has been subject to a critical review and analysed to identify insights and trends related to the energy performance of European dwellings. The information gathered is intended to provide a general view about the current status for each of the assessed countries and by extension a global picture of the European stock. The outcomes of this study will constitute a realistic baseline scenario for identifying needs, potentials and constraints for renewable energy technologies, and will assist the development of a novel software tool for planning energy-efficient retrofits of residential buildings.This study has been partially developed within the HEAT4COOL research project. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement No 723925. This document reflects only the authors’ view and the Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains. The work has also been supported by the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) under Contract No. 16.0082

Pilot study into the executive functions of children aged 8-9 BAPNE method

This study aims to generate interest in matters regarding executive functions in children in primary education, and to increase our understanding as to whether the development of these functions in pupils in their third year of primary school can be improved using rhythm and body percussion through the BAPNE method. The study was based on a research protocol with a total of n=51 subjects, divided between an experimental group and a control group in the province of Valencia (Spain). The two groups were similar in nature and were of average sociocultural and economic levels. The methodology used was experimental and used measurements and collection of pre- and post-test sample measurements, before and after the BAPNE method was used with the experimental group. Subsequently, statistical analysis was carried out which was factorial in design and analysed the measurements taken before and after the intervention. The results obtained show that BAPNE sessions has a significant positive effects on the executive functions

Metástasis tardías de carcinoma renal de células claras

The renal clear-cell carcinoma is a tumor with the ability of producing late metastases, and in pretty uncommon locations, so it should be included on the diferential diagnosis of those tumoral lesions that may suggest metastases on patients with previous history of this neoplasm. We report a case of a multiple metastatic recurrence of a renal clear cell carcinoma many years after being treated with nephrectomy.El carcinoma renal de células claras es un tumor capaz de producir metástasis tardías, así como en localizaciones poco habituales, por lo que debe incluirse en el diagnóstico diferencial ante el hallazgo de lesiones sugestivas de metástasis en pacientes con antecedentes de este tipo de neoplasia. Se presenta un caso de recidiva metastásica múltiple de un carcinoma renal de células claras tras varios años de haber realizado tratamiento con nefrectomía

Brenneria quercina and Serratia spp. isolated from Spanish oak trees: molecular characterization and PCR development

Brenneria quercina has been reported as one of the causal agents of oak decline in Spain. To investigate the bacterial variability of this pathogen from different Spanish oak forests, a collection of 38 bacterial isolates from seven geographic locations and from different oak species was analysed by sequencing 16S rDNA and rep-PCR fingerprinting. All Spanish isolates of B. quercina were grouped by rep-PCR into a homogenous cluster that differed significantly from B. quercina reference strains from California. 16S rDNA analysis revealed that 34 out of 38 isolates were Brenneria . However, four isolates belonged to the genus Serratia , suggesting that this bacterium could cause cankers in oak trees. The information obtained by rep-PCR fingerprint analysis was used to develop PCR primers for the sensitive and specific detection of B. quercina from infected plant tissues. Pathogenicity tests performed with Brenneria and Serratia isolates showed that both were able to grow and cause cankers in oak trees