Uso de técnicas de soft computing en problemas energéticos en edificios inteligentes

Este Trabajo de Fin de Grado (TFG) explora el proceso de predicción del consumo de energía en edificios inteligentes en función del consumo de los dispositivos y aparatos. Para ello, se generan modelos de predicción empleando técnicas de Aprendizaje Automático (AA), teniendo en cuenta que se trabaja con series temporales, ya que el consumo en cierto momento puede estar relacionado con el consumo en momentos anteriores. El trabajo detalla los pasos del proceso de predicción, presentando en primer lugar los conceptos teóricos necesarios, para luego aplicarlos a un conjunto de datos reales.This Final Degree project (TFG) explores the process of prediction of energy consumption in Smart Buildings based on the devices’ consumption. To do so, forecasting models are generated using Machine Learning (ML) techniques, taking into consideration that we are working with time series since the consumption at a given time could be related to the consumption at previous times. The project details each step of the prediction process, presenting first the necessary theoretical concepts, so then, they are applied to a real dataset.Grado en Ingeniería Informátic

Grading of oligodendroglioma in dogs based on magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND Oligodendroglioma (OG) accounts for 22% of primary brain tumors in dogs. Oligodendroglioma in dogs is graded as low-grade (II) or high-grade (III), based on the presence of microvascular proliferation and necrosis. OBJECTIVE To investigate if magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features differ between OG II and III in dogs. ANIMALS Thirty-two dogs with histological diagnosis of intracranial OG and MRI. METHODS Retrospective descriptive study. Histology was reviewed to grade OG according to the revised classification. Brain MRI results were reviewed following criteria including contrast enhancement (CE) pattern, presence of cystic structures, gradient-recalled-echo (GRE) signal voids, and necrosis based on signal intensity, as well as diffusion-weighted imaging characteristics. The MRI features were compared between OG II and III using Fisher's exact tests and logistic regression models. RESULTS Histology identified 8 dogs with OG II (25%) and 24 with OG III (75%). All OG III showed moderate-to-marked CE including 18/24 (75%) with a ring pattern. These features were not seen in OG II. Heterogeneity, cystic structures, GRE signal voids, and necrosis were associated with OG III. No difference in diffusion characteristics was detected between OG II and III. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Moderate-to-marked CE and ring pattern were present in dogs with OG III but not in OG II. The presence of cystic structures, GRE signal voids, and necrosis was strongly associated with OG III. Although the importance of brain tumor grading in dogs with regard to prognosis and treatment options remains unknown, the results indicate that MRI reflects the histological features used for grading OG in dogs

Effect of NDP-a-MSH on PPAR-c and –b Expression and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokine Release in Rat Astrocytes and Microglia

Brain inflammation plays a central role in numerous brain pathologies. Microglia and astrocytes are the main effector cells that become activated when an inflammatory process takes place within the central nervous system. a-melanocytestimulating hormone (a-MSH) is a neuropeptide with proven anti-inflammatory properties. It binds with highest affinity to the melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R), which is present in astrocytes and upon activation triggers anti-inflammatory pathways. The aim of this research was to identify anti-inflammatory mediators that may participate in the immunomodulatory effects of melanocortins in glial cells. Since peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) have recently been implicated in the modulation of inflammation, we investigated the effect of an a-MSH analog, [Nle4 , D-Phe7]- a-MSH (NDP-a-MSH), on PPAR-b and PPAR-c gene and protein expression in rat primary astrocytes and microglia. We initially demonstrated that rat primary microglia express MC4R and showed that treatment with NDP-a-MSH increases PPAR-c protein levels and strongly decreases PPAR-b levels in both astrocytes and microglia. We also showed that extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2)–mediated signaling is partially involved in these effects in a cell-specific fashion. Finally, we showed that NDP-a-MSH stimulates the release of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-b from microglia and astrocytes, respectively. The presented data suggest a role for IL-10 and TGF-b in the protective action of melanocortins and a connection between MC4R pathway and that of the nuclear receptor PPAR-c. This is the first report providing evidence that MC4R is expressed in rat primary microglia and that melanocortins modulate PPAR levels in glial cells. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the activation of glial MC4R and open perspectives for new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of inflammation-mediated brain diseases.Fil: Carniglia, Lila. INSTITUTO DE INVESTIGACIONES BIOMEDICAS;Fil: Durand, Daniela Elizabeth. INSTITUTO DE INVESTIGACIONES BIOMEDICAS;Fil: Caruso, Carla Mariana. INSTITUTO DE INVESTIGACIONES BIOMEDICAS;Fil: Lasaga, Mercedes Isabel. INSTITUTO DE INVESTIGACIONES BIOMEDICAS

Surface induced selective delamination of amphiphilic ABA block copolymer thin films

This is the result of an ongoing collaboration with Dr. N. Sommerdijk’s Biomaterials group at the University of Eindhoven (the Netherlands) and illustrates the close collaboration that exists in pursuing the design and application of novel polymeric materials between the two groups. This details work on a physical phenomenon (selective delamination) and key materials (amphiphilic block copolymers) that have subsequently been applied in the design of novel biomaterials. These results have appeared in a larger body of work including Advanced Materials, Angewandtie Chemie International Edition and the Journal of Materials Chemistry

Astrocytes: New Targets of Melanocortin 4 Receptor Actions

Astrocytes exert a wide variety of functions with paramount importance in brain physiology. After injury or infection, astrocytes become reactive and they respond by producing a variety of inflammatory mediators that help maintain brain homeostasis. Loss of astrocyte functions as well as their excessive activation can contribute to disease processes; thus, it is important to modulate reactive astrocyte response. Melanocortins are peptides with well-recognized anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activity. Although melanocortin efficacy was shown in systemic models of inflammatory disease, mechanisms involved in their effects have not yet been fully elucidated. Central anti-inflammatory effects of melanocortins and their mechanisms are even less well known, and, in particular, the effects of melanocortins in glial cells are poorly understood. Of the five known melanocortin receptors (MCRs), only subtype 4 is present in astrocytes. MC4R has been shown to mediate melanocortin effects on energy homeostasis, reproduction, inflammation, and neuroprotection and, recently, to modulate astrocyte functions. In this review, we will describe MC4R involvement in anti-inflammatory, anorexigenic, and anti-apoptotic effects of melanocortins in the brain. We will highlight MC4R action in astrocytes and discuss their possible mechanisms of action. Melanocortin effects on astrocytes provide a new means of treating inflammation, obesity, and neurodegeneration, making them attractive targets for therapeutic interventions in the CNS.Fil: Caruso, Carla Mariana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; ArgentinaFil: Carniglia, Lila. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología. Centro de Investigación en Reproducción; ArgentinaFil: Durand, Daniela Elizabeth. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; ArgentinaFil: Scimonelli, Teresa Nieves. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico - CONICET - Córdoba. Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; ArgentinaFil: Lasaga, Mercedes Isabel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; Argentin

Plan de Marketing Digital para incrementar la intención de compra en la especialidad de Pediatría en la Clínica La Luz

Hoy en día, el sector privado de salud se encuentra asociado con las grandes clínicas, compañías de seguros y laboratorios, los cuales son demandados por la población peruana cada día más a raíz del COVID 19. Asimismo, el panorama de la salud infantil en el Perú está cobrando más importancia, por lo que el servicio de pediatría dentro del rubro debe implementar distintas estrategias para poder hacer frente a la demanda, por ejemplo, el uso debido de redes sociales, un feed y una parrilla de contenidos correctamente enfocada al target o un plan de marketing digital bien estructurado que podrá ayudar e impulsar a que las personas concreten una cita dentro de la clínica de su preferencia. Por lo mencionado, la presente investigación tiene como objetivo estudiar a la Clínica La Luz, compañía perteneciente al Grupo La Luz, para poder verificar que estrategias están implementando a nivel digital y offline dentro del área de pediatría y que nuevas estrategias digitales se podrían realizar para aumentar las ventas y la intención de agendar consultas ambulatorias en el último bimestre del año. Asimismo, para el presente proyecto, se realizó un estudio cualitativo, donde la herramienta escogida fue un Focus Group con clientes potenciales para la clínica, lo cual contribuyó para proponer una estrategia correcta para el aumento de la intención de agendar una cita ambulatoria en el turno tarde del área de pediatría.Nowadays, the private health sector is partnered with big clinics, insurance companies and laboratories, which have an increasingly high demand by the Peruvian population as a result of COVID-19. In addition, children's health in Peru is becoming more relevant, so the Pediatric specialty service must put into action different strategies to cope with the target audiences. For instance, the proper use of social network platforms and its tools, such as a feed, useful content rightly focused on the market segment, well designed Ads and exactly as a whole, an efficient digital marketing plan than can give a boost and encourage people to make an appointment at the health center of their choice. Therefore, the goal of this research is to study Clinic La Luz, a company from the Grupo La Luz, to validate what strategies are being implemented at a digital level within the Pediatric field and what digital approach could be implemented to increase sales and the intention of the target to schedule a consult for outpatient care in the last bimester of 2023. Moreover, a qualitative study was conducted for this project, where the chosen method was a Focus Group with the target audience of the clinic. This provided support to propose an accurate strategy to increase the intention to schedule an appointment in the afternoon shift of the pediatrics service.Trabajo de Suficiencia Profesiona

Factores que determinan la satisfacción laboral y sus efectos en la atractividad del empleo y la retención del talento humano, en los millennials egresados de la Universidad Católica San Pablo, de 23 a 30 años en Arequipa Metropolitana, 2016

El objetivo principal de esta tesis es establecer, cómo influyen los factores que determinan la satisfacción laboral en la atractividad del empleo y en la retención del talento humano de los millennials egresados de la Universidad Católica San Pablo. La presente tesis se ha desarrollado de acuerdo a las pautas de la investigación cualitativa y cuantitativa; a partir de una investigación exploratoria como entrevistas a expertos y focus group se profundizó en la temática de este problema sobre la satisfacción laboral de los millennials. Todo esto con la finalidad de canalizar mejor el modelo del millennial en el trabajo y de esta manera se planteen conjeturas para una investigación cuantitativa. En la investigación cualitativa, se agregaron los valores obtenidos de la parte exploratoria que cumplieron con los objetivos que pretendía esta tesis. Asimismo esto sirvió para afinar mejor aquellos factores que le suman más valor a la labor de un millennial y de qué manera estos factores laborales impactan en la atractividad del empleo y la retención del talento humano. En la investigación cuantitativa, a través de una investigación de tipo no experimental con un corte transversal de carácter descriptivo-correlacional. Se emplearon escalas para medir estas variables de acuerdo a ítems, indicadores y sub-indicadores; que fueron empleadas a través de una encuesta aplicada a 384 egresados de la Universidad Católica San Pablo de todas las carreras profesionales. Por ello, al determinar cómo influyen estos factores, el Centro de Colocaciones; podrá utilizar esta información como fuente secundaria para derivarla en una investigación más profunda y encontrar oportunidades de mejora, tanto en sus procesos, como en su metodología para la selección y el reclutamiento de nuevos talentos, de tal manera que estas oportunidades sean accionables y escalables en un largo plazo, con miras a la evolución del servicio que brinda actualmente a todos los alumnos y ex alumnos de la Universidad Católica San Pablo. Así mismo, esta tesis ayudará a los gerentes a gestionar la diversidad generacional en sus organizaciones ya que podrán identificar qué aspectos deberían desarrollar más en sus colaboradores, hacer planes de desarrollo focalizado y, por lo tanto, anticipar conductas laborales que permitan el logro de objetivos estratégicos en la organización.Tesi

Astrocytes from cortex and striatum show differential responses to mitochondrial toxin and BDNF: Implications for protection of striatal neurons expressing mutant huntingtin

Background: Evidence shows significant heterogeneity in astrocyte gene expression and function. We previously demonstrated that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exerts protective effects on whole brain primary cultured rat astrocytes treated with 3-nitropropionic acid (3NP), a mitochondrial toxin widely used as an in vitro model of Huntington’s disease (HD). Therefore, we now investigated 3NP and BDNF effects on astrocytes from two areas involved in HD: the striatum and the entire cortex, and their involvement in neuron survival. Methods: We prepared primary cultured rat cortical or striatal astrocytes and treated them with BDNF and/or 3NP for 24 h. In these cells, we assessed expression of astrocyte markers, BDNF receptor, and glutamate transporters, and cytokine release. We prepared astrocyte-conditioned medium (ACM) from cortical and striatal astrocytes and tested its effect on a cellular model of HD. Results: BDNF protected astrocytes from 3NP-induced death, increased expression of its own receptor, and activation of ERK in both cortical and striatal astrocytes. However, BDNF modulated glutamate transporter expression differently by increasing GLT1 and GLAST expression in cortical astrocytes but only GLT1 expression in striatal astrocytes. Striatal astrocytes released higher amounts of tumor necrosis factor-α than cortical astrocytes in response to 3NP but BDNF decreased this effect in both populations. 3NP decreased transforming growth factor-β release only in cortical astrocytes, whereas BDNF treatment increased its release only in striatal astrocytes. Finally, we evaluated ACM effect on a cellular model of HD: the rat striatal neuron cell line ST14A expressing mutant human huntingtin (Q120) or in ST14A cells expressing normal human huntingtin (Q15). Neither striatal nor cortical ACM modified the viability of Q15 cells. Only ACM from striatal astrocytes treated with BDNF and ACM from 3NP + BDNF-treated striatal astrocytes protected Q120 cells, whereas ACM from cortical astrocytes did not.Conclusions: Data suggest that cortical and striatal astrocytes respond differently to mitochondrial toxin 3NP and BDNF. Moreover, striatal astrocytes secrete soluble neuroprotective factors in response to BDNF that selectively protect neurons expressing mutant huntingtin implicating that BDNF modulation of striatal astrocyte function has therapeutic potential against neurodegeneration.Fil: Saba, Julieta. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; ArgentinaFil: López Couselo, Federico. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; ArgentinaFil: Turati, Juan. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; ArgentinaFil: Carniglia, Lila. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; ArgentinaFil: Durand, Daniela Elizabeth. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; ArgentinaFil: de Laurentiis, Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos; ArgentinaFil: Lasaga, Mercedes Isabel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; ArgentinaFil: Caruso, Carla Mariana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; Argentin