Analog integrated neural-like circuits for nonlinear programming

A systematic approach for the design of analog neural nonlinear programming solvers using switched-capacitor (SC) integrated circuit techniques is presented. The method is based on formulating a dynamic gradient system whose state evolves in time towards the solution point of the corresponding programming problem. A neuron cell for the linear and the quadratic problem suitable for monolithic implementation is introduced. The design of this neuron and its corresponding synapses using SC techniques is considered in detail. An SC circuit architecture based on a reduced set of basic building blocks with high modularity is presented. Simulation results using a mixed-mode simulator (DIANA) and experimental results from breadboard prototypes are included, illustrating the validity of the proposed technique

Analog Neural Programmable Optimizers in CMOS VLSI Technologies

A 3-μm CMOS IC is presented demonstrating the concept of an analog neural system for constrained optimization. A serial time-multiplexed general-purpose architecture is introduced for the real-time solution of this kind of problem in MOS VLSI. This architecture is a fully programmable and reconfigurable one exploiting SC techniques for the analog part and making extensive use of digital techniques for programmability

The relationship between public and private saving in Spain : does Ricardian equivalence hold?

This paper aims to test the validity of the Ricardian proposition for the Spanish economy from three different approaches: a) by testing its theoretical implications on the stability of national saving and the relationship between fiscal and current account balances, b) by carrying a number of tests on different structural consumption equations and, c) by testing this hypothesis in consumption functions stemming from the Euler equations derived from a consumer’s maximization problem. Our results lean toward rejection of the Ricardian proposition, although some degree of substitution between public and private saving is detected. In terms of policy implications, these results would suggest that there is some room for fiscal policy to exert its countercyclical role in the case of Spain. However, the effectiveness of such a policy might be limited in a context of rising debt ratios that trigger sustainability concerns and make consumers increasingly Ricardia

Visualization of 3-dimensional bargaining problems

This paper presents a visualization in three dimensions of the classical solutions of the bargaining problem for 3 agents. It provides a helpful tool for game theorists, economists and other researchers and professionals in these areas in order to visualize and compare the solutions over a wide family of bargaining problems and gain intuition about general results. The theory of bargaining, a branch of the Cooperative Game Theory, tries to find reasonable solutions when two or more agents have to decide over a wide variety of possible agreements among a family of conflictive situations. There are a lot of parameters entering in the description of the problem and also a large number of appealing solutions that have been defined in the literature. In order to compare and analize the behavior of different solutions for the different situations, is very important to have a visualization tool.Eje: Computación gráficaRed de Universidades con Carreras en Informática (RedUNCI

A Supplemental computer-assisted intervention to prevent early reading difficulties in spanish learners: a randomised controlled trial

Difficulties implementing effective instruction for at-risk students arise from two challenges: evidence-based knowledge transfer and lack of economic resources. Computer-assisted programs can offer a suitable solution, providing quality instruction with low cost resources. Thirty first grade students with learning difficulties were identified and paired on at least four pretest reading measures (reading efficiency of monosyllabic and disyllabic items, words, pseudowords, and texts). Each pair was assigned to two different intervention programs: a computer-assisted instructional program (CAP) focused on developing phonological route versus to the Spanish public school assistance services (AS). Computer-assisted instruction consisted of four individual 12-15 minute sessions per week focused on syllable decoding plus a collective comprehension session per week of 1 hour. CAP was delivered by university students. The assistance services typically consisted of one hour per week, individually or in small groups, delivered by trained teachers. Both programs were applied during eleven weeks. 9 of 15 subjects from the AS condition showed resistance to treatment, while only 5 of 15 subjects were treatment resisters on the CAP condition.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Analog neural networks for real-time constrained optimization

Architectures and circuit techniques for implementing general piecewise constrained optimization problems using VLSI techniques are explored. Discrete-time analog techniques are considered due to their inherent accuracy, programmability, and reconfigurability. A general architecture for minimizing piecewise functions by using gradient schemes is introduced. Switched-capacitor (SC) building blocks featuring improved characteristics in terms of area occupation and operation speed are presented. The implementation of the architectures by using the newest switched-current techniques is discussed. The layout of a 3-μm CMOS SC prototype for a quadratic optimization problem with linear constraints is given

Acciones Contraterroristas del Componente Aéreo y su Impacto en el Desarrollo del VRAEM, 2018

This research had the general objective of demonstrating the impact of the counter-terrorist actions of the air component on the development of the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro rivers (VRAEM) for the period 2018. The methodology was under the quantitative approach. It was a basic type of research that is located at the explanatory level, using a non-experimental and cross-sectional design, and was correlational in scope. The population was made up of 551,000 inhabitants of the VRAEM, while to select the sample, a statistical calculation was performed considering a finite universe of the population, obtaining a sample of 51 people. The survey was used as a technique and two duly validated and reliable questionnaires as an instrument. The data processing was carried out with the SPSS software (version 23), making the descriptive and inferential analysis by means of ordinal logistic regression, regarding the validation of the hypotheses, the Pearson chi-square test was performed. It was concluded that the counter-terrorist actions of the air component significantly influence the development of the VRAEM, period 2018, due to the likelihood ratio that indicates that the logistics model is significant (p <0.05); it fits the data well (deviation with p <0.05), and explains 64.9% of the dependent variable (development of the VRAEM).Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo general demostrar el impacto de las acciones contraterroristas del componente aéreo en el desarrollo del Valle de los ríos Apurímac, Ene y Mantaro (VRAEM) para el periodo 2018. La metodología estuvo bajo el enfoque cuantitativo. Fue una investigación de tipo básica que se ubica en el nivel explicativo, utilizando un diseño no experimental y transversal, y fue de alcance correlacional. La población estuvo conformada por 551 000 habitantes del VRAEM, mientras que, para seleccionar la muestra, se realizó un cálculo estadístico considerando un universo finito de la población, obteniéndose una muestra de 51 personas. Se empleó como técnica la encuesta y como instrumento dos cuestionarios debidamente validados y confiables. El procesamiento de datos se realizó con el software SPSS (versión 23), haciendo el análisis descriptivo y el inferencial mediante regresión logística ordinal, en cuanto a la validación de las hipótesis, se realizó la prueba chi-cuadro de Pearson. Se concluyó que las acciones contraterroristas del componente luyen significativamente en el desarrollo del VRAEM, periodo 2018, debido a la razón de verosimilitud que señala que el modelo logístico es significativo (p<0,05); se ajusta bien a los datos (desviación con p<0,05), y explica el 64,9 % de la variable dependiente (desarrollo del VRAEM

Smart-Pixel Cellular Neural Networks in Analog Current-Mode CMOS Technology

This paper presents a systematic approach to design CMOS chips with concurrent picture acquisition and processing capabilities. These chips consist of regular arrangements of elementary units, called smart pixels. Light detection is made with vertical CMOS-BJT’s connected in a Darlington structure. Pixel smartness is achieved by exploiting the Cellular Neural Network paradigm [1], [2], incorporating at each pixel location an analog computing cell which interacts with those of nearby pixels. We propose a current-mode implementation technique and give measurements from two 16 x 16 prototypes in a single-poly double-metal CMOS n-well 1.6-µm technology. In addition to the sensory and processing circuitry, both chips incorporate light-adaptation circuitry for automatic contrast adjustment. They obtain smart-pixel densities up to 89 units/mm2, with a power consumption down to 105 µW/unit and image processing times below 2 µs

Actividad física y autoconcepto en centros bilingües y no bilingües: Un análisis mediante ecuaciones estructurales

The aim of this study is to analyse, define and contrast a model that explains the concept of self-awareness and teenagers’ attitudes towards Physical Education (P.E.). Using multi-group structural equations, the study also delves deeper into the links between the concept of self and attitudes of learners toward the physical education teacher according to the type of school (bilingual or non-bilingual). The total sample was made up of 2,388 teenage students aged between 11 and 17 (1,151 bilingual and 1,237 non-bilingual). The students responded to a socio-demographic questionnaire, a self-concept test, and a test dealing with Attitude toward Physical Education, to analyse the level of teaching of the foreign language in addition to aspects pertaining to the subject of physical education and the degree of concept of self or self-awareness. The results indicate higher levels of influence of the academic aspect in PE training in bilingual schools, whereas in non-bilingual contexts, it is the physical dimension that is rated more positively. Similarly, the data points to a positive and direct link between the overall concept of self in teenagers, with sense of empathy toward the teacher and value placed on the subject of physical education in students attending bilingual schools.El presente estudio tiene como objetivos analizar, definir y contrastar un modelo explicativo sobre el autoconcepto y la actitud hacia la educación física en adolescentes. Utilizando análisis de ecuaciones estructurales multigrupo, el estudio también analiza las relaciones existentes entre el autoconcepto y la actitud hacia el profesor de educación física en base al tipo de centro en donde estudian los adolescentes (bilingüe o no). La muestra está formada por 2.388 adolescentes de entre 11 y 17 años (1.151 bilingües y 1.237 de centros no bilingües). Se aplicó un cuestionario de tipo sociodemográfico, el test de autoconcepto y un cuestionario de actitud hacia la Educación Física con el fin de analizar el nivel de enseñanza de lengua extranjera, aspectos relacionados con la asignatura de educación física y el nivel de autoconcepto. Los resultados depararon una alta influencia del aspecto académico de los adolescentes en los centros bilingües, mientras que, en el caso de los no bilingües, es la dimensión física la más valorada. Asimismo, los datos establecen una asociación positiva y directa entre el autoconcepto general de los adolescentes, la empatía con el profesor y la valoración hacia la asignatura de educación física en los alumnos que estudian en centros educativos bilingües