A learning algorithm concept for updating look-up tables for automotive applications

Look-up tables are commonly used in the automotive field for handling operating point variations. However, constant maps cannot cope with systems variations and ageing. Methods, such as Kalman filter or Extended Kalman filter for non-linear cases, can be used for table adaptation providing an optimal solution to the problem. But these methods are computationally intensive, making difficult to implement them on commercial engine control units. The current paper proposes a learning method for online updating of look-up tables or maps. This algorithm uses precalculated membership functions based on a standard Kalman filter observer for weighting the adaptation. The main contribution of the method is the derivation of a steady-state Kalman filter observer that lowers the calculation burden and simplifies the implementation against the standard Kalman filter implementation that requires higher computational cost. As far as table is updated online while engine runs, this allows correcting drift errors and the unit-to-unit dispersion. The method is illustrated for mapping engine variables such as λ−1 and NOx in a Diesel engine by using an adaptive look-up table, and its characteristics make it suitable for implementing in commercial engine electronic control units for online purposes.Guardiola García, C.; Plá Moreno, B.; Blanco Rodriguez, D.; Cabrera López, P. (2013). A learning algorithm concept for updating look-up tables for automotive applications. Mathematical and Computer Modelling. 57(7-8):1979-1989. doi:10.1016/j.mcm.2011.02.001S19791989577-

Considerations on the low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation system control in turbocharged diesel engines

Although high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation has been commonly used in turbocharged diesel engines for controlling the NOx formation, recent advances in after-treatment and material technology make possible using a low-pressure architecture, which recirculates the exhaust gas upstream the compressor. This brief article presents a basic study of control aspect related to the low-pressure architecture, emphasising the similarities and differences with the highpressure system. Data from experimental tests with both configurations and from a one-dimensional wave action model simulations are combined for the analysis of the input–output paring, linearity and the transient performance of both systems.This research has been partially financed by the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad, through project IPT-370000-2010-022 'Investigacion y desarrollo de tecnologias de EGR adaptadas a las nuevas arquitecturas y requerimientos de refrigeracion en motores diesel sobrealimentados para automocion (HIREFIRE)'.Lujan Martinez, JM.; Guardiola García, C.; Plá Moreno, B.; Cabrera López, P. (2014). Considerations on the low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation system control in turbocharged diesel engines. International Journal of Engine Research. 15(2):250-260. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468087413485209S25026015

Force–velocity profiles in CrossFit athletes: A cross-sectional study considering sex, age, and training frequency

Introduction: The force–velocity profile has been analysed previously in different sports modalities; nevertheless, it has not been analysed in CrossFit. Objective: The aim of this study was to report neuromuscular characteristics of CrossFit athletes using their individual force-velocity profile, investigating differences according to sex, age, and training frequency. Materials and Meth-ods: 72 males (33.17 ± 6.86 years; BMI: 25.93 ± 3.64 kg/m2) and 18 females (30.11 ± 6.92 years; BMI: 23.53 ± 3.98 kg/m2) participated in this study. The force-velocity profile was calculated using Samo-zino’s method. Furthermore, neuromuscular characterization was completed with a squat jump and three drop jumps (20, 30, and 40 cm). Results: Regarding sex, significant differences in all analysed mechanical variables (p < 0.001) were found except for the theoretical maximal force (p = 0.944). No significant differences were found between age groups. Considering training frequency, athletes who train more than 5 days per week showed higher performance in all analysed mechanical variables (p < 0.05). Conclusion: CrossFit athletes have a force-velocity profile more oriented towards velocity than force. Males and females have different neuromuscular characteristics, also neuromus-cular improvements can be achieved at any age. Moreover, higher neuromuscular performance is developed with a training frequency of 5 days or more per week

Status of the Izaña BSRN Station

Póster presentado en: Twelfth BSRN Scientific Review and Workshop, celebrado del 1 al 3 de agosto de 2012 en Potsdam, Alemania.Financial supports from the Spanish MICIIN for projects CGL2009-09740, CGL2011-23413 and CGL2010-09480E, CGL2011-13085-E are gratefully acknowledged

Caracterización zootécnica del lagarto callopistes flavipunctatus de Mórrope

This study to characterize zootechnically to the lizard C. flavipunctatus as a food source and natural resource cooperating for its preservation and sustainable exploitation was done. From January to April 2015, in the countryside Mórrope specimen of both sexes was collected, in which the body weight, weight and carcass yield, acceptance of meat flavor was evaluated. The results indicate that the lizard evaluated should be considered as a quality meat suitable source. It is suggest to continue with the investigation of the species to determine if any real effect on the qualities assumed by popular culture, rule out the presentation of zoonoses and the possibility to create protected or exclusion zones to allow the best reproduction of the species to avoid predation and repopulate the forest.Se realizó el presente trabajo para caracterizar zootécnicamente al lagarto C. flavipunctatus como fuente de alimento y recurso natural cooperando para su preservación y explotación sostenible. De enero a abril del año 2015, en la campiña de Mórrope se colectó ejemplares de ambos sexos, en los que se evaluó el peso vivo, el peso y rendimiento de carcasa, la aceptación del sabor de la carne. Los resultados indican que el lagarto estudiado puede ser considerado como adecuado aprovisionador de carne de calidad. Se recomienda continuar con la investigación de la especie para determinar si existe efecto real sobre las cualidades asumidas por la cultura popular, descartar la posibilidad de la presentación de zoonosis y la posibilidad de poder generar zonas protegidas o de exclusión para permitir la mejor reproducción de la especie, para evitar la depredación y repoblar el bosque

Associations of persistent organic pollutants in human adipose tissue with retinoid levels and their relevance to the redox microenvironment

This work was supported by research grants from CIBER de Epidemiologia y Salud Publica (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Junta de Andalucia, European Regional Development Fund-FEDER (PI16/01858, PI16/01812, PI20/01568 and PI-13/02406) and Generalitat Valenciana. Dr. G Cakmak is awarded a grant by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK-2219). Dr. JP Arrebola is under contract within the Ramón y Cajal Program (RYC-2016-20155, Ministerio de Economia, Industria y Competitividad, Spain).These results would not have been achieved without the selfless collaboration of the staff from Santa Ana and San Cecilio Hospitals and the participants who took part in the study.Humans are exposed to a myriad of chemical substances in both occupational and environmental settings. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have drawn attention for their adverse effects including cancer and endocrine disruption. Herein, the objectives were 1) to describe serum and adipose tissue retinol levels, along with serum retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) concentrations, and 2) to assess the associations of adipose tissue POP levels with these retinoid parameters, as well as their potential interaction with the previously-observed POP-related disruption of redox microenvironment. Retinol was measured in both serum and adipose tissue along with RBP4 levels in serum samples of 236 participants of the GraMo adult cohort. Associations were explored by multivariable linear regression analyses and Weighted Quantile Sum regression. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) 180, 153 and 138 were related to decreased adipose tissue retinol levels and increased serum RBP4/retinol ratio. Dicofol concentrations > limit of detection were associated with decreased retinol levels in serum and adipose tissue. Additionally, increased adipose tissue retinol levels were linked to an attenuation in previously-reported associations of adipose tissue PCB-153 with in situ superoxide dismutase activity. Our results revealed a suggestive link between retinoids, PCBs and redox microenvironment, potentially relevant for both mechanistic and public health purposes.CIBER de Epidemiologia y Salud Publica (CIBERESP)Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Junta de AndaluciaEuropean Commission PI16/01858 PI16/01812 PI20/01568 PI-13/02406Generalitat ValencianaEuropean CommissionTurkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK) TUBITAK-2219Ramon y Cajal Program (Ministerio de Economia, Industria y Competitividad, Spain) RYC-2016-2015

Pharmacological Preservation of Peritoneal Membrane in Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an established renal replacement therapy for renal disease. It is based on the capacity of the peritoneum to act as a semipermeable membrane for the exchange of toxic solutes and water, which is called ultrafiltration capacity. Peritoneal membrane (PM) is lined by a monolayer of mesothelial cells (MCs), which lay on an extracellular matrix bed where other cell types and blood and lymphatic vessels can be found. Long-term exposure to hyperosmotic PD fluids (PDFs), peritonitis or hemoperitoneum causes peritoneal injury by the generation of an inflammatory state. Inflammatory cells and their mediators initiate a cascade of reactions promoting alterations in peritoneal cells, loss of MCs, fibrosis, vasculopathy, and angiogenesis, leading to ultrafiltration failure. Recent studies support that the so-called “mesothelial to mesenchymal transition” process of the MCs runs parallel to the anatomical and functional ridging of PM, which suggests that its inhibition might slow down or stop the PM damage. The fight against PM damage begins with the improvement in PDF biocompatibility. Complementary to this, an alternative approach to preserve the PM might be the use of pharmacological agents or molecular strategies. Here, we explain the existing research models for the development of new therapies and analyze several therapeutic options tested with them

Mineral dust radiative forcing and efficiency at the BSRN Izaña Station

Resumen de la comunicación oral presentada en: 1st Iberian Meeting on Aerosol Science and Technology – RICTA 2013, celebrado del 1 al 3 de julio de 2013 en Évora, Portugal

Maíz de alto contenido proteínico (Zea mays l.) en hogares rurales marginados del estado de Puebla

El déficit en ingesta diaria de proteínas y calorías registrado en la población infantil mexicana, se muestra de modo extremo en áreas rurales. El déficit se agudiza por la problemática económica y sanitaria actual, lo que se constituye en un problema alimentario de naturaleza nacional. En este trabajo se estudió el nivel de aceptabilidad del maíz de alta calidad proteínica (ACP) con el cálculo de un índice de aceptabilidad, con información de 78 productores, del sur del estado de Puebla, que participan en un programa de la SDR, caracterizados por IDH bajo y alto índice de desnutrición. Se aplicó un cuestionario de 51 preguntas a una muestra por muestreo aleatorio simple, con grado de confiabilidad de 95%. Se encontró que la semilla del maíz ACP se distribuye con sus atributos proteínicos, pero con una deficiente transferencia de tecnología; con índice de aceptabilidad del 60%, que muestra buena aceptación para ser sembrado por los productores. Lo siembran uno, dos o tres años, valorando sus circunstancias para repetirlo en ciclos siguientes, ignorando sus propiedades proteínicas. El consumo, del maíz ACP se incorpora al forraje para animales de traspatio y esporádicamente en la dieta de la familia