Single-layer economic model predictive control for periodic operation

In this paper we consider periodic optimal operation of constrained periodic linear systems. We propose an economic model predictive controller based on a single layer that unites dynamic real time optimization and control. The proposed controller guarantees closed-loop convergence to the optimal periodic trajectory that minimizes the average operation cost for a given economic criterion. A priori calculation of the optimal trajectory is not required and if the economic cost function is changed, recursive feasibility and convergence to the new periodic optimal trajectory is guaranteed. The results are demonstrated with two simulation examples, a four tank system, and a simplified model of a section of Barcelona's water distribution network.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author’s final draft

Effect of Supervised Resistance Training on Arm Volume, Quality of Life and Physical Perfomance Among Women at High Risk for Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (STRONG-B)

The study is funded by ANID+FONDEF/XVII Concurso Nacional de Proyectos de Investigacion y Desarrollo en Salud, Fonis (SA20I0060).Objectives: To determine the preventive effects of supervised resistance training on arms volume, quality of life, physical performance, and handgrip strength in Chilean women at high risk for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) undergoing chemotherapy. Design: Randomized control trial. Participants: One hundred and six women at high risk for breast cancer-related lymphedema aged 18 to 70 years. Interventions: Participants will be randomized into two groups: [a] intervention, who will receive 12 weeks of supervised resistance training (STRONG-B) during adjuvant chemotherapy; and [b] control, who will receive education to promote lymphatic and venous return, maintain range of motion, and promote physical activity. Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome will be arms volume measured with an optoelectric device (perometer NT1000). Secondary outcomes will be quality of life, handgrip strength, and physical performance. Primary and secondary outcomes will be measured at baseline, just after the intervention, and 3 and 6 months after. Statistical analysis will be performed following intention-to-treat and per-protocol approaches. The treatment effect will be calculated using linear mixed models. Discussion: The STRONG-B will be a tailored supervised resistance training that attempts to prevent or mitigate BCRL in a population that, due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, will commonly suffer from BCRL.ANID+FONDEF/XVII Concurso Nacional de Proyectos de Investigacion y Desarrollo en Salud, Fonis SA20I006

The landscape as a palliative resource for the conditions derived from home confinement by COVID-19.

During the weeks of confinement in Spain due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the population that was locked up stopped feeling, living and shaping their daily landscape. This abnormal situation generated lack of well-being and discomfort in frequent cases and even states of stress, mental fatigue, etc. The hypothesis put forward is that the two-level connection with the landscape that was left outside the walls of the houses helped to alleviate the deficits in physical and mental well-being; either through contact with the basic biophysical elements: direct light, air, vegetation, etc., (through different kinds of openings and windows on the façade), or through the observation of the extrinsic landscape through those same openings.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Confident methods for the evaluation of the hydrogen content in nanoporous carbon microfibers

Abstract Nanoporous carbon microfibers were grown by chemical vapor deposition in the vapor-liquid solid mode using different fluid hydrocarbons as precursors in different proportions. The as-grown samples were further treated in argon and hydrogen atmospheres at different pressure conditions and annealed at several temperatures in order to deduce the best conditions for the incorporation and re-incorporation of hydrogen into the microfibers through the nanopores. Since there are some discrepancies in the results on the hydrogen content obtained under vacuum conditions, in this work, we have measured the hydrogen content in the microfibers using several analytical methods in ambient conditions: surface tension, mass density, and Raman measurements. A discussion on the validity of the results obtained through the correlation between them is the purpose of the present work.Peer Reviewe

Citizen science as a resource to define threats to bathing on beaches. The case of jellyfish in Malaga.

Study that characterizes the threat due to visits by swarms of jellyfish on the coast of the province of Malaga, Spain, one of the most touristic in Spain. To achieve this objective, it uses the data collected by the Infomedusa and Medusapp applications, in addition to the historical data collected in the jellyfish layer provided by the Andalusian regional government. A Geographic Information System is used for the geolocation and compilation of the data provided by the three sources. The result is maps where you can see the areas of the province most exposed to the arrival of jellyfish based on recorded historical data. The information generated is very useful and could be combined with beach carrying capacity maps for better risk management due to the arrival of jellyfish in the provinceUniversidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Effects of Gamma Irradiation on the Kinetics of the Adsorption and Desorption of Hydrogen in Carbon Microfibres

In this study, three types of carbon fibres were used, they were ex-polyacrylonitrile carbon fibres with high bulk modulus, ex-polyacrylonitrile fibres with high strength, and vapour grown carbon fibres. All the samples were subjected to a hydrogen adsorption process at room temperature in an over-pressured atmosphere of 25 bars. The adsorption process was monitored through electrical resistivity measurements. As conditioning of the fibres, a chemical activation by acid etching followed by ¿-ray irradiation with 60Co radioisotopes was performed. The surface energy was deter-mined by means of the sessile drop test. Both conditioning treatments are supplementary; the chemical activation works on the outer surface and the ¿-irradiation works in the bulk material as well. Apparently, the most significant parameter for hydrogen storage is the crystallite size. From this point of view, the mostPeer Reviewe

Acute Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplements on Resistance Training: A Randomized Double-Blind Crossover

The ingestion of beetroot juice (BJ) has been associated with improvements in physical performance in endurance sports, however the literature on resistance training (RT) is scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of BJ compared to a placebo (PLA) on muscular endurance and movement concentric velocity during RT. Twelve healthy men performed an incremental RT test (back squat and bench press) with three sets, at 60%, 70%, and 80% of their repetition maximum (1-RM). Movement velocity variables, total number of repetitions performed until concentric failure, blood lactate, and ratings of perceived effort post-training were measured. A higher number of repetitions were recorded with BJ compared to those with PLA (13.8 ± 14.4; p 0.05). Acute supplementation of BJ improved muscular endurance performance in RT

Metodología para evaluar la exposición de playas en espacios turísticos frente a amenazas marinas. Aplicación en la Costa del Sol (Málaga, España).

En la presente investigación se categoriza la magnitud de la exposición de usuarios de cada una de las playas que componen la Costa del Sol (Málaga, España). La metodología, que se desarrolla a escala de detalle, parte del conteo visual de los usuarios presentes en fotografías aéreas. El total de usuarios registrados se extrapola al pico vacacional, ajustando por tanto la exposición al máximo anual previsible, y se clasifica por intervalos de severidad. Los resultados, aunque advierten una distribución de los mayores intervalos en las playas de la capital provincial y de sus colindantes occidentales, así como en las inmediaciones de los principales núcleos turísticos, se extienden puntualmente a puntos alejados de los circuitos urbanos, lo que invita a reflexionar acerca de la intervención de factores de exposición ajenos a los únicamente derivados de la ubicación anexa a áreas metropolitanasUniversidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

El impacto de las medusas en el uso recreativo de las playas. Un enfoque desde la perspectiva del riesgo

This research analyses and maps, from the perspective of risk management analysis, the problem of the increasingly common visit of jellyfish swarms on the Costa del Sol (Málaga, Spain). The analysis deals with a separate characterisation of the different risk components. On the one hand, the hazard is studied using as a source the information obtained through the Infomedusa App, which offers daily records of sightings by the users of the application, and allows classifying the beaches according to the frequency of jellyfish occurrence. On the other hand, exposure is categorised, i.e. the higher or lower concentration of users on the different beaches. Finally, using indicators obtained from surveys of beach users, vulnerability to jellyfish is assessed. The results show different levels of severity: the highest danger is observed in Málaga and Marbella, stretches of coastline that also stand out in exposure, at the same level as Torrox. Vulnerability is uniformly high but with nuances if one looks at the factors that compose it. The results suggest that the analysis should be extended to the rest of the coastline in order to improve the management of this type of risk.Se analiza y cartografía, desde la perspectiva del análisis de la gestión del riesgo, la problemática de la aparición, cada vez más habitual, de enjambres de medusas en la Costa del Sol (Málaga, España). El análisis aborda una caracterización separada de los distintos componentes del riesgo. Por una parte, se estudia la peligrosidad utilizando como fuente la información obtenida a través de la App Infomedusa, que ofrece registros diarios de avistamientos registrados por los usuarios de la aplicación, y permite clasificar las playas en función de la frecuencia de aparición de medusas. Asimismo, se categoriza la exposición, esto es, la mayor o menor concentración de usuarios en las distintas playas. Finalmente, mediante indicadores obtenidos a partir de encuestas a los usuarios de las playas, se evalúa la vulnerabilidad frente a la afectación por medusas. Los resultados muestran diferentes niveles de gravedad: la mayor peligrosidad se observa en Málaga y Marbella, tramos de costa que también destacan en la exposición, al mismo nivel que Torrox. La vulnerabilidad es uniformemente alta pero con matices si se atiende los factores que la componen. Los resultados invitan a extender el análisis al resto del litoral para mejorar la gestión de este tipo de riesgo