Optimisation of Multilayer Perceptrons Using a Distributed Evolutionary Algorithm with SOAP

Abstract. SOAP (simple object access protocol) is a protocol that al-lows the access to remote objects independently of the computer archi-tecture and the language. A client using SOAP can send or receive ob-jects, or access remote object methods. Unlike other remote procedure call methods, like XML-RPC or RMI, SOAP can use many different transport types (for instance, it could be called as a CGI or as sockets). In this paper an approach to evolutionary distributed optimisation of multilayer perceptrons (MLP) using SOAP and language Perl has been done. Obtained results show that the parallel version of the developed programs obtains similar or better results using much less time than the sequential version, obtaining a good speedup. Also it can be shown that obtained results are better than those obtained by other authors using different methods.

Trichuris dolichotis Morini, Boero & Rodriguez, 1955 (Nematoda: Trichuridae) en Dolichotis patagonum (Zimmermann, 1780) (Rodentia: Caviidae) del centro para la conservación de fauna silvestre, San Juan, Argentina

In Argentina, there is one record of the nematode Trichuris dolichotis Morini, Boero & Rodriguez, 1955 (Nematoda: Trichuridae) parasitizing the mara Dolichotis patagonum (Zimmermann, 1780), which corresponds to its original description in 1955. In June 2023, at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, San Juan province, a specimen of mara male D. patagonum died and the necropsy´s results are under investigation at the moment. The post-mortem identified (n= 5) female nematodes of T. dolichotis in the intestine. In the present study we present the second record after 58 years of not reporting its presence, being the first record for the province of San Juan and the second for Argentina. The present work contributes to the knowledge of the mammalian parasite fauna of Argentina.En Argentina existe un registro del nemátodo Trichuris dolichotis Morini, Boero y Rodriguez, 1955 (Nematoda: Trichuridae) parasitando la mara Dolichotis patagonum (Zimmermann, 1780), la cual corresponde a su descripción original del año 1955. En junio del 2023, en el Centro de Rehabilitación de Fauna Silvestre, provincia de San Juan, un ejemplar de mara macho D. patagonum murió por causas que se investigan. Se procedió a realizar la necropsia correspondiente, identificando durante el proceso a nemátodos hembras (n= 5) de T. dolichotis en intestino. Nosotros en el presente estudio presentamos un segundo registro luego de 58 años de no reportar su presencia, siendo el primer registro para la provincia de San Juan y el segundo para Argentina. El presente trabajo contribuye al conocimiento de la fauna de parásitos de mamíferos de Argentina

Contribución al conocimiento de nemátodos parásitos en mamíferos de la provincia de San Juan, Argentina

The endoparasitic fauna of four mammal species was analyzed: Puma concolor (Linnaeus, 1771) (cougar), Lycalopex gymnocercus (Fischer, 1814) (grey fox), Myocastor coypus (Molina 1782) (coipus) and Tolypeutes matacus (Linnaeus, 1758) (armadillo). These specimens entered the Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation, Environmental Education and Responsible Recreation located in the province of San Juan, Argentina. Out of the four mammal species, three died on the spot. The necropsy of L. gymnocercus, M. coypus and T. matacus was carried out, and it was evidenced the presence of three species of parasitic nematodes: Physaloptera clausa Rudolphi, 1819 (Physalopteridae) in L. gymnocercus; Trichuris myocastoris Enigk, 1933 (Trichuridae) in M. coypus; and adult females of Aspidodera sp. Railliet & Henry, 1912 in T. matacus. Regarding P. concolor, the expulsion of nematodes was orally, determining the presence of Toxascaris sp. Linstow, 1902 larvae (Toxocaridae). Metric and morphological data of the evidenced nematodes are presented. The present work mentions four new parasite-host interactions for Argentina, and the first records for the province of San Juan, thus contributing to the knowledge of parasites in mammals.Analizamos la fauna endoparasitaria de cuatro especies de mamíferos; Puma concolor (Linnaeus, 1771) (puma), Lycalopex gymnocercus (Fischer, 1814) (zorro gris), Myocastor coypus (Molina, 1782) (coipus) y Tolypeutes matacus (Linnaeus, 1758) (armadillo de tres bandas) del Centro de Rehabilitación de Vida Silvestre, Educación Ambiental y Recreación Responsable en la provincia de San Juan, Argentina. De las cuatro especies de mamíferos que ingresaron al Centro de Rehabilitación, tres fallecieron en el lugar, posteriormente se procedió a realizar la necropsia. El análisis post mortem de L. gymnocercus, M. coypus y T. matacus evidencio la presencia de tres especies de nemátodos parásitos; Physaloptera clausa Rudolphi, 1819 (Physalopteridae) en L. gymnocercus, Trichuris myocastoris Enigk, 1933 (Trichuridae) en M. coypus, y hembras adultas de Aspidodera sp. Railliet & Henry, 1912 en T. matacus. Con respecto al P. concolor, expulsó los nemátodos por vía oral, determinándose la presencia de larvas de Toxascaris sp. Linstow, 190 (Toxocaridae). Se presentan datos métricos y morfológicos de los nemátodos. Nuestro trabajo menciona cuatro nuevas interacciones parásitos- hospedadores para Argentina y los primeros registros para la provincia de San Juan, contribuyendo de esta forma al conocimiento parasitario en mamíferos

Indoor/outdoor relationships and mass closure of quasi-ultrafine, accumulation and coarse particles in Barcelona schools

Altres ajuts: MAGRAMA/CGL2011-26574Altres ajuts: MAGRAMA/UCA2009020083The mass concentration, chemical composition and sources of quasi-ultrafine (quasi-UFP, PM0.25), accumulation (PM0.25−2.5) and coarse mode (PM2.5−10) particles were determined in indoor and outdoor air at 39 schools in Barcelona (Spain). Quasi-UFP mass concentrations measured (25.6 μgm−3 outdoors, 23.4 μgm−3 indoors) are significantly higher than those reported in other studies, and characterised by higher carbonaceous and mineral matter contents and a lower proportion of secondary inorganic ions. Results suggest that quasi-UFPs in Barcelona are affected by local sources in the schools, mainly human activity (e.g. organic material from textiles, etc., contributing 23-46% to total quasi-UFP mass) and playgrounds (in the form of mineral matter, contributing about 9% to the quasi-UFP mass). The particle size distribution patterns of toxicologically relevant metals and major aerosol components was characterised, displaying two modes for most elements and components, and one mode for inorganic salts (ammonium nitrate and sulfate)and elemental carbon (EC). Regarding metals, Ni and Cr were partitioned mainly in quasi-UFPs and could thus be of interest for epidemiological studies, given their high redox properties. Exposure of children to quasi-UFP mass and chemical species was assessed by comparing the concentrations measured at urban background and traffic areas schools. Finally, three main indoor sources across all size fractions were identified by assessing indoor / outdoor ratios (I / O) of PM species used as their tracers: human activity (organic material), cleaning products, paints and plastics (Cl− source), and a metallic mixed source (comprising combinations of Cu, Zn, Co, Cd, Pb, As, V and Cr). Our results support the need to enforce targeted legislation to determine a minimum "safe" distance between major roads and newly built schools to reduce exposure to traffic-derived metals in quasi-UFPs

Afectaciones en la producción de cerdos en una granja comercial en el noreste de México

ESPAÑOL: Al evaluar la productividad de cerdas de una granja comercial en el noreste de México para el número de parto, solamente se presentó un efecto (P< 0.05) sobre el intervalo destetecelo. Se presentó un efecto significativo (P <0.05) de la línea materna sobre el intervalo destete-celo y el intervalo entre partos. El grupo de año influyó sobre el intervalo destetecelo, y se obtuvieron los valores más bajos en los grupos 1992 -1994, 1995-1997 y 2004-2006. En cuanto a la época de servicio, no se encontraron efectos significativos para las variables estudiadas. Con relación a los factores ambientales es importante considerarlos desde el punto de vista reproductivo en este tipo de granja comercial. ENGLISH: In assessing the productivity of sows from a commercial farm in northeastern Mexico for parity number, only the effect on the interval from weaning to estrus was significant (P <0.05). There was a significant effect (P <0.05) in the maternal line on weaning-estrus interval and calving interval. Year group influenced the weaning-estrus interval, obtaining the lowest values in the groups 1992 -1994, 1995-1997, and 2004-2006. As for the time of service, no significant effects were found for the variables studied. With regard to environmental factors it is important to consider them from the point of view in this kind of commercial farms

Primer registro de infestación en un reptil por larvas de <i>Amblyomma parvitarsum</i> (Acari: Ixodidae) en Argentina

El parasitismo es una de las formas de vida más comunes en el reino animal, sin embargo, no debe ser visto solamente desde el punto de vista económico o de la salud. Los parásitos son excelentes indicadores ecológicos y aportan información de la relaciones filogenéticas con sus hospedadores. Dentro de la familia Ixodidae, el género Amblyomma está representado por aproximadamente 135 especies en todo el mundo. Estas garrapatas presentan un ciclo de vida de tres hospedadores, donde cada uno de los estadios parasíticos (larva, ninfa y adulto) utiliza hospedadores diferentes que pueden pertenecer o no a la misma especie. El presente trabajo menciona, por primera vez para Argentina, la presencia de larvas de Amblyomma parvitarsum parasitando al lagarto Liolaemus eleodori (Iguania: Liolaemidae) en una localidad de la provincia de San Juan. Párrafo extraído del texto a modo de resumenFacultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

Optimization of the efficiency in an induction machine drive by algorithm based on the interior point method

[EN] This work optimizes the efficiency of the squirrel cage type Inverter-Induction Machine (IM) system, using an algorithm based on the Interior Point Method (IPM), where the input variables are the electromagnetic torque and the rotor speed at steady state,and as outputs the optimal efficiency and slip values are obtained. The optimum rotor flux value is calculated, which is used as a reference in the flux control loop, in the direct control vector method of the IM. Simulation results are obtained where the increase in efficiency is observed in low load states. The experimental installation used in the implementation of the vector control with maximum system efficiency is described, and the experimental results obtained are shown. A discussion is carried out on the results and the use of the Interior Point Optimization Method.[ES] En este trabajo se realiza la optimización de la eficiencia del sistema  Inversor-Máquina de Inducción (MI) del tipo jaula de ardilla, utilizando un algoritmo basado en el Método de Punto Interior (MPI), donde las variables de entrada son el par electromagnético y la velocidad del rotor en estado estacionario, y como salidas se obtienen los valores de la eficiencia óptima y del deslizamiento. Se calcula el valor del flujo óptimo del rotor que se utiliza como referencia en el lazo de control del flujo, en el control vectorial método directo de la MI. Se obtienen resultados de simulación donde se observa el incremento de la eficiencia en estados de baja carga. Se describe la instalación experimental usada en la implementación del control vectorial con máxima eficiencia del sistema, y se muestran los resultados experimentales obtenidos. Se realiza una discusión sobre los resultados y la utilización del Método de Optimización de Punto Interior.Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), proyecto multidisciplinario registro número 1995.Pacheco-Montiel, J.; Badaoui, M.; Rodríguez-Rivas, J.; Alvarado-Farías, JM.; Carranza-Castillo, O.; Ortega-González, R. (2021). Optimización de la eficiencia en el accionamiento de una máquina de inducción mediante algoritmo basado en el método de punto interior. Revista Iberoamericana de Automática e Informática industrial. 18(4):336-346. https://doi.org/10.4995/riai.2020.13418OJS336346184Andréasson, N., Evgrafov, A., Patriksson, M, 2020. An Introduction to Continuous Optimization Fundations & Fundamental Algorithms. Dover Publications.Benson, H. Y., Shanno, D. F, 2014. Interior-point methods for nonconvex nonlinear programming: cubic regularization. Comput Optim Appl, 58:323-346. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10589-013-9626-8Borisevich, A., and Schullerus, G, 2016. Energy Efficient Control of an Induction Machine Under Torque Step Changes. IEEE Trans. on Energy Conv., vol. 31, no. 4, pp. 1295-1303, December. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEC.2016.2561307Capitanescu, F., Wehenkel, L., 2013. Experiments with the interior-point method for solving large scale optimal power flow problems. Electric Power Systems Research, vol. 95, pp. 276-283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsr.2012.10.001Casacio, L., Lyra, C., Oliveira, A.R.L, 2019. Interior point methods for power flow optimization with security constraints. Intl. Trans. in Op. Res. 26 (2019) 364-378. https://doi.org/10.1111/itor.12279Colín, E. A. O., González, I. H. G., Rivas, J. J. R., Castillo, O. C., González, R. O., Caporal, R. M., 2017. Implementación del Algoritmo Sünter-Clare en un Convertidor Matricial 3x3. Revista Iberoamericana de Automática e Informática Industrial (RIAI), vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 446-454, Oct.-Dic. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.riai.2017.06.002De Almeida, A. T., Ferreira, F. J. T. E., Duarte, A. Q, 2014. Technical and Economical Considerations on Super High-Efficiency Three-Phase Motors. IEEE Trans. on Ind. App., vol. 50, no. 2, pp. 1274-1285, March/April. https://doi.org/10.1109/TIA.2013.2272548Eftekhari, S. R., Davari, S. A., Naderi, P., García C., Rodriguez, J, 2020. Robust Loss Minimization for Predictive Direct Torque and Flux Control of an Induction Motor With Electrical Circuit Model. IEEE Trans. on Power Electronics, vol. 35, no. 5, pp. 5417-5426, May. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPEL.2019.2944190Farhat, I. A., El-Hawary, M. E, 2009. Interior point methods application in optimum operational scheduling of electric power systems. IET Generation, Transmission & Distribution, vol. 3, Iss. 11, pp. 1020-1029. https://doi.org/10.1049/iet-gtd.2008.0573IEA International Energy Agency. World Energy Outlook, 2018. IEA, Paris 2018. 01/2020. https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2018.IEC 60034-30-1, 2014. Efficiency classes of line operated AC motors (IE-code), Edition 1.0.Mallik, S., Mallik, K., Barman, A., Maiti, D., Biswas, S. K., Deb, N. K., Basu, S, 2017. Efficiency and Cost Optimized Design of an Induction Motor Using Generic Algorithm. IEEE Trans. on Ind. Appl., vol. 64, no. 12, pp. 9854-9863, December. https://doi.org/10.1109/TIE.2017.2703687McElveen, R., Melfi, M., McFarland, J, 2019. Improved Characterization of Polyphase Induction Motor Losses: Test Standards Must Be Modified to Improve Efficiency Optimization. IEEE Ind. Appl. Magazine., pp. 61-68, Nov./Dec. https://doi.org/10.1109/MIAS.2018.2875208Rao, N., and Chamund, D, 2014. Calculating Power Losses in an IGBT Module. Application Note. DYNEX Power Control through Innovation.Rathore, A. K., Holtz, J., Boller, T, 2013. Generalized Optimal Pulsewidth Modulation of Multilevel Inverters for Low-Switching-Frequency Control of Medium-Voltage High-Power Industrial AC Drives. IEEE Trans. on Ind. Electronics, vol. 60, no. 10, pp. 4215-4224, Oct. https://doi.org/10.1109/TIE.2012.2217717Seung-Ki, S, 2011. Control of Electric Machine Drive Systems. IEEE Press & Wiley. Printed in the USA.Salomon, C. P., Sant'Ana, W. C., Borges da Silva, L. E., Torres, G. L., Bonaldi, E. L., Olveira, L. E. L., Borges da Silva, J. G, 2015. Induction Motor Efficiency Evaluation Using a New Concept of Stator Resistance. IEEE Trans. on Inst. and Meas., vol. 64, no. 11, pp. 2908-2917, November. https://doi.org/10.1109/TIM.2015.2437632Santos, V. S., Felipe, P. R. V, Sarduy, J. R. G., Lemozy, N. A. L., Jurado, A., Quispe, E. C, 2015. Procedure for Determining Induction Motor Efficiency Working Under Distorted Grid Voltages. IEEE Trans. on Energy Conv., vol. 30, no. 1, pp. 331-339, March. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEC.2014.2335994Shukla, S., and Singh, B, 2017. Solar Powered Sensorless Induction Motor Drive with Improved Efficiency forWater Pumping. IET Power Electronics, vol. 11, issue 3, pp. 1-11, March. https://doi.org/10.1049/iet-pel.2017.0452Stumper, J. F., Dötlinger, A., Kennel, R, 2013. Loss Minimization of Induction Machines in Dynamic Operation. IEEE Trans. on Energy Conv., vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 726-735, September. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEC.2013.2262048Sul, S. K., 2011. Control of Electric Machine Drive Systems. IEEE Press-Wiley & Sons. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470876541Taheri, A., Rahmati, A., Kaboli, S, 2012. Efficiency Improvement in DTC of Six-Phase Induction Machine by Adaptive Gradient Descent of Flux. IEEE Trans. on Power Electronics, vol. 27, no. 3, pp. 1552-1562, March. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPEL.2011.2163420Vanderbei, R. J., Shanno, D. F, 1999. Interior-point methods for nonconvex nonlinear programming. Computational Optimization and Applications, 13, 31-252. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008677427361Vural, A. M, 2015. Interior point-based slack-bus free-power flow solution for balanced islanded microgrids. Int. Trans. Electr. Energ. Syst, 26:968-992. https://doi.org/10.1002/etep.2117Xu, W., Hu, D., Lei, G., Zhu, J, 2019. System-Level Efficiency Optimization of a Linear Induction Motor Drive System. IEEE Trans. on Electrical Machines and Systems, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 285-291, Sept. https://doi.org/10.30941/CESTEMS.2019.00037Xu, W., Xiao, X., Du, G., Zou, J, 2020. Comprehensive Efficiency Optimization of Linear Induction Motors for Urban Transit. IEEE Trans. on Vehicular Tech., vol. 69, no. 1, pp. 131-139, January. https://doi.org/10.1109/TVT.2019.295395

Significado pronóstico y evolución a largo plazo de la frecuencia cardiaca en los pacientes con trasplante cardiaco

[Abstract] Introduction and objectives. The aim of the present study was to examine the prognostic significance of heart rate and its trend in heart transplantation. Methods. This observational study enrolled 170 patients who received a bicaval heart transplant between 1995 and 2005; all were in sinus rhythm. The resting heart rate was determined via electrocardiography at the end of the first posttransplant year and annually until the tenth year. Cox analysis was used to evaluate the incidence of adverse events with a mean (standard deviation) follow-up of 8.9 (3.1) years. The primary study end point was the composite outcome of death or graft dysfunction. Results. The resting heart rate at the end of the first posttransplant year was an independent predictor of the primary composite end point (hazard ratio = 1.054; 95% confidence interval, 1.028-1.080; P < .001) and was significantly associated with total mortality (hazard ratio = 1.058; 95% confidence interval, 1.030-1.087; P < .001) and mortality from cardiac causes (hazard ratio = 1.069; 95% confidence interval, 1.026-1.113; P = .001), but not with graft dysfunction (hazard ratio = 1.028; 95% confidence interval, 0.989-1.069; P = .161). For patients with a heart rate ≥ 105 or < 90 bpm vs those with 90-104 bpm, the hazard ratios of the primary end point were 2.233 (95% confidence interval, 1.250-3.989; P = .007) and 0.380 (95% confidence interval, 0.161-0.895; P = .027), respectively. Heart rate tended to decrease in the first 10 years after transplantation (P = .001). Patients with a net increase in heart rate during follow-up showed a higher incidence of adverse events. Conclusions. An elevated heart rate is an adverse prognostic marker after heart transplantation.[Resumen] Introducción y objetivos. Estudiar la evolución y el significado pronóstico de la frecuencia cardiaca tras el trasplante cardiaco. Métodos. Estudio observacional de 170 pacientes que recibieron un trasplante cardiaco bicavo entre 1995 y 2005; todos estaban en ritmo sinusal. La frecuencia cardiaca en reposo se determinó a partir de electrocardiogramas al final del primer año tras el trasplante y anualmente hasta el décimo año. Mediante análisis de Cox, se evaluó la incidencia de eventos adversos en un seguimiento medio de 8,9 ± 3,1 años. El evento principal del estudio fue la variable combinada muerte o disfunción del injerto. Resultados. La frecuencia cardiaca en reposo, medida al final del primer año tras el trasplante, fue un predictor independiente del evento combinado principal (hazard ratio = 1,054; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,028-1,080; p < 0,001). Se observó una asociación estadísticamente significativa con la mortalidad total (hazard ratio = 1,058; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,030-1,087; p < 0,001) y con la mortalidad por causas cardiacas (hazard ratio = 1,069; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,026-1,113; p = 0,001), pero no con la disfunción del injerto (hazard ratio = 1,028; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 0,989-1,069; p = 0,161). Para los pacientes con frecuencia cardiaca ≥ 105 y < 90 lpm frente a aquellos con 90-104 lpm, las hazard ratio del evento principal fueron, respectivamente, 2,233 (intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,250-3,989, p = 0,007) y 0,380 (intervalo de confianza del 95%, 0,161-0,895; p = 0,027). Este parámetro presentó una tendencia decreciente en los primeros 10 años del trasplante (p = 0,001). Los pacientes con incremento neto de frecuencia cardiaca en el seguimiento mostraron mayor incidencia de eventos adversos. Conclusiones. La frecuencia cardiaca elevada es un marcador pronóstico adverso tras el trasplante cardiaco