Student academic performance stochastic simulator based on the Monte Carlo method

In this paper, a computer-based tool is developed to analyze student performance along a given curriculum. The proposed software makes use of historical data to compute passing/failing probabilities and simulates future student academic performance based on stochastic programming methods (MonteCarlo) according to the specific university regulations. This allows to compute the academic performance rates for the specific subjects of the curriculum for each semester, as well as the overall rates (the set of subjects in the semester), which are the efficiency rate and the success rate. Additionally, we compute the rates for the Bachelors degree, which are the graduation rate measured as the percentage of students who finish as scheduled or taking an extra year and the efficiency rate (measured as the percentage of credits of the curriculum with respect to the credits really taken). In Spain, these metrics have been defined by the National Quality Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (ANECA). Moreover, the sensitivity of the performance metrics to some of the parameters of the simulator is analyzed using statistical tools (Design of Experiments). The simulator has been adapted to the curriculum characteristics of the Bachelor in Engineering Technologies at the Technical University of Madrid(UPM)

El registro del arrendamiento

The register of leasing contracts is practically the same in general (PGC) and SMEs' accounting Spanish norms. The NRV 8 of PGC is entirely devoted to this register. The PGC also treats some issues related to leases in NRV 3, 6, 9 and 19. Since 2007, when general and SMEs' PGCs were approved, the ICAC has had to respond publicly to almost twenty queries related to leasing contracts. ICAC had also regulated, in RICAC dated May 28, 2013, certain leases implicit in administrative concessions and franchise agreements. Despite this, there remain some gaps and concepts without definition in Spanish standards dealing with accounting for leases. For this reason, IAS 17 (the international standard that inspired the Spanish lease standards) needs to be applied in some cases. In this article we systematically address these problems.El registro de los arrendamientos está regulado de forma prácticamente idéntica en el PGC y en el PGC de Pymes. El PGC le dedica en exclusiva la NRV 8.ª, aunque también trata cuestiones relacionadas con ellos en las NRV 3.ª, 6.ª, 9.ª y 19.ª Desde 2007, fecha de aprobación del PGC y del PGC de Pymes, el ICAC ha debido responder públicamente a casi una veintena de consultas relacionadas con contratos de arrendamiento y ha normalizado, en la RICAC de 28 de mayo de 2013, algunos arrendamientos implícitos en concesiones administrativas y contratos de franquicia. A pesar de ello, aún subsisten lagunas y conceptos jurídicamente indeterminados en las normas españolas que tratan el registro del arrendamiento, por lo que ha de acudirse, en no pocos casos, a las normas internacionales que las han inspirado. En este artículo abordamos de forma sistemática los problemas que plantea

Stochastic Monte Carlo simulations of the pantograph-catenary dynamic interaction to allow for uncertainties introduced during catenary installation

"This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis inVehicle System Dynamics on APR 3 2019, available online: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00423114.2018.1473617."[EN] The simulation of the pantograph-catenary dynamic interaction is at present mainly based on deterministic approaches. However, any errors made during the catenary stringing process are sources of variability that can affect the dynamic performance of the system. In this paper, we analyse the influence of dropper length, dropper spacing and support height errors on the current collection quality by applying a classic Monte Carlo method to obtain the probability density functions of several output quantities. The effects of installation errors are also studied for a range of train speeds. Finally, the pre-sag that, on average, produces the best behaviour of the system is identified, allowing for the uncertainty in the catenary installation. The results obtained show the convenience to consider variability in pantograph-catenary dynamic simulations.The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support received from the FPU program offered by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports (Ministerio de Educacion, Cultura y Deportes) [grant number FPU13/04191]. The funding provided by the Regional Government of Valencia (Generalitat Valenciana) [PROMETEO/2016/007] and the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (Ministerio de Economia, Industria y Competitividad) [TRA2017-84736-R] is also acknowledged.Gregori Verdú, S.; Tur Valiente, M.; Tarancón Caro, JE.; Fuenmayor Fernández, F. (2019). Stochastic Monte Carlo simulations of the pantograph-catenary dynamic interaction to allow for uncertainties introduced during catenary installation. Vehicle System Dynamics. 57(4):471-492. https://doi.org/10.1080/00423114.2018.1473617S471492574Bruni, S., Ambrosio, J., Carnicero, A., Cho, Y. H., Finner, L., Ikeda, M., … Zhang, W. (2014). The results of the pantograph–catenary interaction benchmark. Vehicle System Dynamics, 53(3), 412-435. doi:10.1080/00423114.2014.953183Gregori, S., Tur, M., Nadal, E., & Fuenmayor, F. J. (2017). An approach to geometric optimisation of railway catenaries. Vehicle System Dynamics, 56(8), 1162-1186. doi:10.1080/00423114.2017.1407434Collina, A., & Bruni, S. (2002). Numerical Simulation of Pantograph-Overhead Equipment Interaction. Vehicle System Dynamics, 38(4), 261-291. doi:10.1076/vesd.38.4.261.8286Shabana, A. A. (1998). Nonlinear Dynamics, 16(3), 293-306. doi:10.1023/a:1008072517368Tur, M., García, E., Baeza, L., & Fuenmayor, F. J. (2014). A 3D absolute nodal coordinate finite element model to compute the initial configuration of a railway catenary. Engineering Structures, 71, 234-243. doi:10.1016/j.engstruct.2014.04.015Ambrósio, J., Pombo, J., Antunes, P., & Pereira, M. (2014). PantoCat statement of method. Vehicle System Dynamics, 53(3), 314-328. doi:10.1080/00423114.2014.969283Herrador, M. Á., Asuero, A. G., & González, A. G. (2005). Estimation of the uncertainty of indirect measurements from the propagation of distributions by using the Monte-Carlo method: An overview. Chemometrics and Intelligent Laboratory Systems, 79(1-2), 115-122. doi:10.1016/j.chemolab.2005.04.010Dudley, R. M. (1978). Central Limit Theorems for Empirical Measures. The Annals of Probability, 6(6), 899-929. doi:10.1214/aop/1176995384Bonett, D. G. (2006). Approximate confidence interval for standard deviation of nonnormal distributions. Computational Statistics & Data Analysis, 50(3), 775-782. doi:10.1016/j.csda.2004.10.003Efron, B., & Tibshirani, R. J. (1994). An Introduction to the Bootstrap. doi:10.1201/9780429246593Cho, Y. H., Lee, K., Park, Y., Kang, B., & Kim, K. (2010). Influence of contact wire pre-sag on the dynamics of pantograph–railway catenary. International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 52(11), 1471-1490. doi:10.1016/j.ijmecsci.2010.04.00

Carbon Emission Evaluation of CO2 Curing in Vibro-Compacted Precast Concrete Made with Recycled Aggregates

The objective of the present study was to explore three types of vibro-compacted precast concrete mixtures replacing fine and coarse gravel with a recycled/mixed concrete aggregate (RCA or MCA). The portlandite phase found in RCA and MCA by XRD is a “potential” CO2 sink. CO2 curing improved the compressive strength in all the mixtures studied. One tonne of the mixtures studied could be decarbonised after only 7 days of curing 13,604, 36,077 and 24,635 m3 of air using natural aggregates, RCA or MCA, respectively. The compressive strength obtained, XRD, TGA/DTA and carbon emission evaluation showed that curing longer than 7 days in CO2 was pointless. The total CO2 emissions by a mixture using CO2 curing at 7 days were 221.26, 204.38 and 210.05 kg CO2 eq/m3 air using natural aggregates, RCA or MCA, respectively. The findings of this study provide a valuable contribution to carbon emission evaluation of CO2 curing in vibro-compacted precast concrete with recycled/mixed concrete aggregates (RCA or MCA). The technology proposed in this research facilitates carbon capture and use and guarantees enhanced compressive strength of the concrete samples

Tuning the properties of penetrating peptides by oxime conjugation

We here describe the application of oxime bond formation between a peptide scaffold and different aldehydes to modify the transporting capabilities of penetrating peptides. We show that bonds such as oximes offer a great synthetic advantage for the modification of the properties of model penetrating peptides. We believe that this approach will allow the development of improved intracellular delivery vehiclesThis work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitivity (MINECO) [CTQ2014-59646-R], the Xunta de Galicia (ED431G/09) and the ERDF. J.P. received an F.P.I. fellowship from MINECO. J.M. received a Ramon y Cajal (RYC-2013-13784) and an ERC Starting Investigator Grant (DYNAP-677786)S

The Effect of Acanthocardia tuberculata Shell Powder as Filler on the Performance of Self-Compacting Mortar

In this research, the feasibility of using Acanthocardia tuberculata shell waste from the canning industry in the manufacturing of self-compacting mortar (SCM) was tested. The seashells were finely ground to be used as filler instead of the limestone filler normally used in this type of SCM. First, a physicochemical and microstructural characterisation of all raw materials was carried out, including the particle size distribution of both fillers. Subsequently, the self-compactability properties in the fresh state of SCM were evaluated using a total substitution by volume of limestone filler for seashell powder, using different self-compactiblity parameters. The mineralogical phases of all the SCM tested were identified once hardened by means of X-ray diffraction technique, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis. In addition, the mechanical properties, water absorption capacity, dry bulk density and accessible porosity of water of hardened mortars at 28 days of curing were analysed. The effect of replacing limestone filler by Acanthocardia tuberculata filler resulted in a decrease in compressive strength of 29.43, 16.84 and 2.29%, respectively. The results indicate that it is possible to completely replace natural limestone filler with Acanthocardia tuberculata shell filler without significantly affecting the mechanical properties of SCM

The concept of death in children aged from 9 to 11 years: Evidences through inductive and deductive analysis of drawings

The objective of the research was to analyze children’s conceptualization of death through drawings, using a mixed approach, which combines deductive and inductive qualitative analysis. The sample consisted of 99 children aged 9–11 years, who were asked to elaborate a drawing about their idea of death and to explain it to the researchers. Drawings were coded basing on Tamm and Granqvist’s model (deductive analysis) and codes and categories were created and modified (inductive analysis). Three main categories were identified in the analysis and four sub-categories were modified and/or created: causes of death, good death, anxiety-fear and symbolization

Functions and current situation of the intervention of psychologist in palliative care

Los psicólogos tienen un papel crucial en los procesos de fin de vida. Dentro de éstos, los cuidados paliativos son una de las áreas con más desarrollo en los últimos años, proponiendo un cuidado holístico e integral. Sin embargo, las funciones y roles de los psicólogos no están del todo claros. Por ello, se ha realizado una revisión teórica, buscando los estudios que ponen de relevancia su papel, funciones, así como la formación específica que deberían tener los psicólogos que trabajen en esta área. La mayoría subrayan la triple intervención con el paciente, la familia y el equipo sanitario. Funciones de evaluación e intervención psicológica, así como de prevención del burnout y del duelo aparecen como destacadas. La formación no está reglada aunque se está intentando buscar un currículum común.Psychologists have a crucial role in end-of-life processes. Within them, palliative care is one of the most developed areas and it is based on an holistic approach. However, the role of psychologists in this area is not clear. In order to clarify their function, a theoretical review has been carried out. The objective was to identify and integrate into a narrative the roles and functions of psychologist working in palliative care, as well as topics related to specific formation. Most of the articles reviewed outlined an intervention based on three axis: the patient, the family and the health care team. Functions such as psychological assessment, prevention of burnout and intervention on bereaved people appears as central. Specialized training and formation is not regulated, although recent proposals are trying to elaborate a common curriculum

Impact of maternal dietary supplementation in the prevention of neuropediatric diseases

Motivation: A balanced maternal diet during pregnancy is crucial for the proper development of the embryo. In this project, we will study the impact of maternal dietary supplementation in the prevention of the development of neonatal strokes and neural tube defects (NTDs) using two mouse models.1. Neonatal stroke is a pathology with a heterogeneous etiology, leading to important sequelae. Currently, hypothermia is the only clinical intervention used in full-term newborns with perinatal asphyxia. However, the influence of diet has recently begun to be considered relevant in reducing brain damage in possible future injuries. Thus, maternal diet supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids as a tool for neuroprotection has been proposed. In order to test this, we will start with the development of a neonatal mouse model of hypoxia-ischemia (HI) and characterize the type and severity of brain injury.2. Neurulation refers to the neural tube formation process. When neural tube fails to close completely, NTDs are originated, including craniorachischisis or spina bifida. While 70% of NTDs can be prevented with folic acid supplementation during pregnancy, the rest remains resistant. Loop-tail mouse is a folic acid resistant model of NTDs who carries a mutation for the Vangl2 gene (which is involved in the Wnt-PCP pathway). Previous studies have shown that inositol prevents NTDs in folate-resistant models. Preliminary studies of our group have suggested that maternal supplementation with D-chiro-inositol during embryonic days (E)8.5-E10.5 has a positive effect on the dorsal fusion of the neural folds and on the distribution of actin present in these. Therefore, we propose to extend the period of supplementation (E1.5-E11.5) to determine whether such effect is more pronounced.Methods: We used the Rice-Vannucci model of HI modified to postnatal day (P)8 CD1 mice. Pups were subjected to unilateral left carotid artery ligation and subsequently exposed to 9% O2 for 45’. Infarct size measurement was done 24h post HI, evaluation of brain damage was done 3 days post-HI and behavioural outcomes were assessed at P8, P9 and P12. To assess the impact of maternal dietary supplementation in the prevention of NTD we provided water supplemeted with D-chiro-inositol to pregnant mice Vangl2+/Lp from E1.5 to E11.5. Embryos were obtained and genotyped at E12.5 for later phenotype analysis. In addition, in situ hybridization studies and fluorescent phalloidin stainings were performe