Characterising epithelial tissues using persistent entropy

In this paper, we apply persistent entropy, a novel topological statis- tic, for characterization of images of epithelial tissues. We have found out that persistent entropy is able to summarize topological and geomet- ric information encoded by -complexes and persistent homology. After using some statistical tests, we can guarantee the existence of signi cant di erences in the studied tissues.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad MTM2015-67072-

Persistent entropy: a scale-invariant topological statistic for analyzing cell arrangements

In this work, we develop a method for detecting differences in the topological distribution of cells forming epithelial tissues. In particular, we extract topological information from their images using persistent homology and a summary statistic called persistent entropy. This method is scale invariant, robust to noise and sensitive to global topological features of the tissue. We have found significant differences between chick neuroepithelium and epithelium of Drosophila wing discs in both, larva and prepupal stages. Besides, we have tested our method, with good results, with images of mathematical tesselations that model biological tissues

Analysis of Lateral Displacements in Large Railway Viaducts Under Traffic Loads. Impact on Ride Safety and Passenger Comfort.

The increasing design speed of the new high speed lines and the stringent requirements on track alignment parameters are leading to a sustained increase of the number of railway viaducts. The relevant standards impose limiting values on lateral vibrations. Both the Spanish and European standards establish a minimum value for the first natural frequency of lateral vibration of a span, that should not be lower than fh0 = 1,2 Hz. This limit was originally proposed by ERRI committee D181, which assessed the lateral forces in railway bridges. This limit was proposed in order to avoid lateral resonance in railway vehicles going across the structure, taking into account that the frequencies of lateral vibration of railway vehicles are, in general, not greater than 1,0 Hz. In the case of large continuous viaducts with high piers, the lateral deformations occurring during a train pass-by can be significant and the natural frequencies of the first mode of vibration of the deck can be very low. In these cases it is not clear whether the required verifications must be applied to spans considered independently, to several successive spans or to the whole viaduct. There is currently no analysis methodology allowing to assess this situation and check the viaduct design against the requirements of ride safety and passenger comfort. This paper analyzes the lateral deformations of a large continuous viaduct and the infrastructure vehicle interaction effects due to the circulation of freight trains and several types of high speed train sat different speeds. The application of this methodology will allow an optimized design of viaducts with significant lateral deformations that cannot be justified only by using the simplified criteria of the current applicable standards. In such cases, the compliance with standards may lead to over dimensioning or in other cases to neglect the limits without the adequate verification of the proper infrastructure behavior once it has been commissioned. As it is the case for vertical deformations, for which the European standards require the assessment of dynamic effects, we stress the need for a dynamic analysis of the effects of lateral deformations in large railway viaducts

Analiziranje pozicioniranja glazbenih usluga putem kvalitativnog istraživanja

Information technologies have produced new ways of distributing and consuming music, mainly by youth, in relation to both goods and services. In the case of goods, there has been a dramatic shift from traditional ways of buying and listening to music to new digital platforms. There has also been an evolution in relation to music services. In this sense, live music concerts have been losing their audiences over the past few years, as have music radio stations, in favor of streaming platforms. Curious about this phenomenon, we conducted an exploratory research in order to analyze how all these services, both traditional and new ones were perceived. Specifically, we aimed to study youth´s assessment of the three most relevant music service categories: music radio stations, digital streaming platforms, and pop-rock music festivals. To do so, we used the projective technique of image association to gather information. The population of the study consisted of individuals between 18 and 25 years of age. Our results, after using content analysis, were poor due to spontaneous recall. Therefore, we duplicated the study, but in a more focus-oriented way. Information gathered this time allowed us not only to better know how all these organizations are positioned but also to obtain a list of descriptors to be used in a subsequent descriptive research study.Informacijske tehnologije stvaraju nove načine distribucije i konzumiranja glazbe, pretežno od strane mladih, po pitanju i proizvoda i usluga. Kod proizvoda događa se dramatična promjena od tradicionalnih načina kupovine i slušanja glazbe prema novim digitalnim platformama. Isto se tako razvijaju i glazbene usluge. Tako tijekom proteklih nekoliko godina koncerti žive glazbe gube publiku, isto kao i radio postaje,a u korist digitalnih platformi za slušanje glazbe. Zbog te smo pojave proveli eksplorativno istraživanje kako bi analizirali percepcije svih tih usluga, i tradicionalnih i novih. Konkretno, želimo istražiti procjene mladih o tri najrelevantnije kategorije glazbenih usluga: radio postaja, digitalnih platformi za slušanje glazbe i pop rock-festivala. U tu svrhu koristili smo projektivne tehnike slikovnih asocijacija za prikupljanje informacija. Populacija u istraživanju bili su pojedinci u dobi od 18 do 25 godina. Nakon korištenja analize sadržaja,rezultati su bili slabi uslijed spontanog prisjećanja. Stoga smo ponovili istraživanje na više fokusiran način. Tako prikupljene informacije omogućile su nam da saznamo ne samo kako su te organizacije pozicionirane, već smo tako dobili i popis opisnih karakteristika za korištenje u sljedećem deskriptivnom istraživanju

Physical disease in schizophrenia: a population-based analysis in Spain

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Physical disease remains a challenge in patients with schizophrenia. Our objective was to determine the epidemiological characteristics and burden of physical disease in hospitalized patients with schizophrenia.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We analyzed the 2004 Spanish National Hospital Discharge Registry, identified records coded for schizophrenia (295.xx) and characterized the physical diseases using the ICD-9 system and the Charlson Index. We also calculated standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) versus the general population adjusted by age and calendar time.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 16, 776 cases (mean age: 43 years, 65% males) were considered for analysis. Overall, 61% of cases had at least one ICD-9 physical code and 32% had more than one ICD-9 code. The Charlson index indicated that 20% of cases had a physical disease of known clinical impact and prognostic significance. Physical disease appeared early in life (50% of cases were 15-31 years of age) and increased rapidly in incidence with age. Thus, for patients aged 53 years or more, 84% had at least one physical ICD-9 code. Apart from substance abuse and addiction, the most prevalent diseases were endocrine (16%), circulatory (15%), respiratory (15%), injury-poisoning (11%), and digestive (10%). There were gender-related differences in disease burden and type of disease. In-hospital mortality significantly correlated with age, the Charlson Index and several ICD-9 groups of physical disease. Physical disease was associated with an overall 3.6-fold increase in SMRs compared with the general population.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study provides the first nationally representative estimate of the prevalence and characteristics of physical disease in hospitalized patients with schizophrenia in Spain. Our results indicate that schizophrenia is associated with a substantial burden of physical comorbidities; that these comorbidities appear early in life; and that they have a substantial impact on mortality. This information raises concerns about the consequences and causes of physical disorders in patients with schizophrenia. Additionally, it will help to guide the design and implementation of preventive and therapeutic programs from the viewpoint of clinical care and in terms of health-care service planning.</p

La gestión de las emociones en la docencia universitaria

En el ámbito de la Psicología existe amplio consenso acerca de la estrecha relación entre emoción y motivación. A su vez, la motivación del estudiante ejerce una influencia positiva sobre los resultados de la actividad académica. Sin embargo, hasta la fecha se ha prestado escasa atención al rol de las emociones en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Más concretamente, cabría plantearse si las emociones pueden interferir en el recuerdo y, por ende, en la valoración de las actividades realizadas en el curso. Por ello, asumiendo las hipótesis derivadas del modelo de red asociativa de la emoción, que predice que el estado de ánimo tiende a producir un efecto de recuerdo congruente con dicho estado de ánimo, el objetivo del presente trabajo es examinar la posible interferencia de las emociones en la valoración de las actividades realizadas en una asignatura del Grado de Turismo. Como resultado se obtiene, en general, la ausencia de efecto de recuerdo congruente con el estado de ánimo. De ello se derivan una serie de conclusiones acerca de la gestión de las emociones en el aula y de la creación de entornos que favorezcan la implicación emocional del estudiante y, con ello, su motivación por la asignatura

Auditoría de calidad a la empresa Fasnet Cía. Ltda., de Riobamba, periodo 2021

El presente trabajo de investigación se basó en realizar una Auditoría de Calidad aplicando la Norma ISO 9001:2015 a la Empresa Fasnet Cía. Ltda., de la ciudad de Riobamba, provincia de Chimborazo, periodo 2021, con el fin de evaluar cómo se desarrollan los procesos en la empresa. Para el desarrollo de la investigación se aplicaron métodos, técnicas y herramientas de investigación, en primera instancia se aplicó observación directa, donde se fueron visibilizando los primeros problemas de la empresa, a continuación, se aplicó una entrevista al gerente general, encuestas y cuestionarios a la entidad, por último se realizó el respectivo check list aplicando la Norma ISO 9001:2015, lo cual permitió recopilar datos e información consistente, pertinente, relevante y suficiente. Una vez culminado el check list, se determinó un cumplimiento de la norma del 35% y un 65% de incumplimiento, en base a los resultados obtenidos se plantearon acciones correctivas, además por cada no conformidad encontrada se explicó el por qué acompañado de su respectiva acción preventiva o correctiva. En general se recomienda realizar un control interno para proveer seguridad en los procesos que se llevan a diario, tomando en cuenta normas, procedimientos, leyes, reglamentos, proyectos y metas de la empresa, con el objeto de proteger sus recursos y prevenir no conformidades que se puedan desarrollar en los procesos que se desarrollan en la empresa, además, se necesita establecer objetivos y estándares de calidad, por lo cual es necesario implementar un manual de calidad, además, permite la mejora en los procesos internos, comprensión correcta sobre requisitos legales, un control continuo e identificación de necesidades de las partes interesadasThe main purpose of this research was to develop a Quality Audit applying the ISO 9001:2015 Standard to the Company Fasnet Cía, Ltda., of Riobamba city, Chimborazo province, in 2021. The Quality Audit seeks to evaluate the performance of the procedures in the company. The methodology used in this research involved direct observation in identifying the first problems of the company. Regarding techniques, a survey and an interview with the general manager were necessary using questionnaires. Finally, the ISO 9001:2015 Standard was the basis for collecting consistent, pertinent, relevant, and sufficient data and information and carrying out the respective checklist. After getting the checklist, it was possible to determine 35% compliance with the standard and 65% non-compliance. Based on these findings, corrective actions were proposed. Each non-conformity detected was explained with its respective reason and preventive or corrective action. Carrying out an internal control to provide security in the processes performed daily in the company is essential. This internal control must consider the company's norms, procedures, laws, regulations, projects, and goals to protect its resources and prevent possible non-conformities in its functions. In addition to this final recommendation, it is necessary to set objectives and quality standards, for which it is crucial to implement a quality manual to improve the internal procedures, correct understanding of legal requirements, continuous control, and identification of the needs of the interested partie

Programas de formación en reconocimiento de niveles comunes de referencia para profesores de centros bilingües

This paper presents the design of a training programme for secondary education teachers in bilingual schools. The goal of this programme was to train participants to recognise the common reference levels (CRLs), as established in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), in oral performances. The programme, based on North et al. (2009), consisted of two phases: familiarisation with the CEFR and standardisation/rating of oral samples. The conclusions are that, firstly, the participants’ ability to identify and redistribute CRL descriptors depends on the number of both the descriptors and the communicative language activities they deal with. Secondly, there exists a direct relation between the number of recognition tasks and the degree of accuracy in CRL recognition. Thirdly, when classifying oral performances, the participants employed, apart from CRLs, additional criteria. Fourthly, the CRL recognition process was statistically controlled. The study shows that the majority of the sample of teachers needs further familiarisation with the CEFR and additional training in CRL recognition. Finally, several suggestions concerning CRL recognition training are made to educational authorities and teacher trainers.Este artículo presenta el diseño de un programa de formación dirigido a profesores de educación secundaria en centros bilingües. El objetivo del programa era conseguir que los participantes reconocieran los niveles comunes de referencia (NCR), establecidos en el Marco Común Europeo de Referencia (MCER), en actuaciones orales. El programa, basado en North et al. (2009), constó de dos fases: familiarización con el MCER y estandarización/valoración de muestras orales. Se concluye, en primer lugar, que la capacidad de los participantes de identificar y reordenar los descriptores de los NCR depende del número de descriptores y de las actividades lingüísticas comunicativas con las que tenían que operar. En segundo lugar, existe una relación directa entre el número de actividades de reconocimiento y el grado de precisión en el reconocimiento del NCR. En tercer lugar, cuando clasificaban actuaciones orales, los participantes emplearon, además de los NCR, algún otro criterio. En cuarto lugar, el proceso de reconocimiento de los NCR estuvo estadísticamente controlado. El estudio indica que la mayoría de la muestra de profesores necesita más familiarización con el MCER y formación adicional en el reconocimiento de los NCR. Finalmente, se presentan varias sugerencias acerca de la formación en el reconocimiento de los NCR dirigidas a las autoridades educativas y los formadores de profesores

Envy and habits : panel data estimates of interdependent preferences

We estimate the importance of preference interdependence from consumption choices. Our strategy follows the literature that tests the constraints imposed by optimality in the evolution of individual consumption. We derive a Euler equation from a preference specifi cation that allows for non-separabilities across households and across time. The introduction of habits and envy places additional restrictions on the evolution of the optimal consumption path. We use a unique data set that follows a sample of 3,200 households for up to eight consecutive quarters to test these restrictions. Our estimates suggest that, if one defi nes utility over consumption services, a large fraction of these services is relative, with one-quarter of the weight placed in the consumption of the reference group and more than one-third of the weight placed in the agent’s past consumptionEste trabajo analiza el efecto de los hábitos y la envidia en las decisiones de consumo del hogar, con la fi nalidad de contrastar la importancia de los supuestos de separabilidad intertemporal y entre hogares admitidos tradicionalmente en la literatura de consumo. Para ello, derivamos una ecuación de Euler bajo una estructura de preferencias que no incorpora el supuesto de separabilidad intertemporal y entre familias. Los resultados, obtenidos a partir de los datos de panel de la Encuesta Continua de Presupuestos Familiares, muestran que una cuarta parte de la utilidad del consumo se obtiene como resultado de comparar el consumo presente con el del grupo de referencia y más de un tercio de dicha utilidad se deriva de la relación con el consumo del periodo anterio

Especificaciones para una prueba de comprensión auditiva y de expresión e interacción orales en un entorno escolar

Se presenta un procedimiento para desarrollar la estructura de las subpruebas de comprensión auditiva y de expresión e interacción orales de una prueba de aprovechamiento estandarizada de inglés para el alumnado del segundo curso de E.S.O. Sevilla (España). Este procedimiento está basado en un estudio observacional de las actividades de aprendizaje en las clases de inglés del segundo curso de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria en Sevilla, en una revisión del currículo de inglés para este curso y en pruebas similares de lengua extranjera. Al contrario de los métodos tradicionales de recoger evidencias basadas en el contenido para las pruebas educativas, este procedimiento se realiza antes de escribir los ítems y las tareas de la prueba