SWE bridge: software interface for plug & work instrument integration into marine observation platforms

The integration of sensor systems into marine observation platforms such as gliders, cabled observatories and smart buoys requires a great deal of effort due to the diversity of architectures present in the marine acquisition systems. In the past years important steps have been taken in order to improve both standardization and interoperability, i.e. the Open Geospatial Consortium’s Sensor Web Enablement. This set of standards and protocols provide a well -defined framework to achieve standardized data chains. However a significant gap is still present in the lower -end of the data chain, between the sensor systems and the acquisition platforms. In this work a standard s -based architecture to bridge this gap is proposed in order to achieve plug & work, standardized and interoperable acquisition systems.Award-winningPostprint (published version

Cell Concentration Systems for Enhanced Biosensor Sensitivity

Concentration processes for analytical systems based on different types of biosensors are very important for many applications. The sample conditioning is oriented to enhance the sensitivity or directly to make the detection or analysis possible. Processes that may be used for concentration and conditioning of original samples are very diverse, depending on applications that may range from clinical diagnostics to industrial processes control, and there are different strategies to achieve the final goal

Flow interaction of three-dimensional self-propelled flexible plates in tandem

Tandem configurations of two self-propelled flexible flappers of finite span are explored by means of numerical simulations. The same sinusoidal vertical motion is imposed on the leading edge of both flappers, but with a phase shift (φ). In addition, a vertical offset, H, is prescribed between the flappers. The configurations that emerge are characterized in terms of their hydrodynamic performance and topology. The flappers reach a stable configuration with a constant mean propulsive speed and a mean equilibrium horizontal distance. Depending on H and φ, two different tandem configurations are observed, namely compact and regular configurations. The performance of the upstream flapper (i.e. the leader) is virtually equal to the performance of an isolated flapper, except in the compact configuration, where the close interaction with the downstream flapper (i.e. the follower) results in higher power requirements and propulsive speed than an isolated flapper. Conversely, the follower’s performance is significantly affected by the wake of the leader in both regular and compact configurations. The analysis of the flow shows that the follower’s performance is influenced by the interaction with the vertical jet induced by the vortex rings shed by the leader. This interaction can be beneficial or detrimental for the follower’s performance, depending on the alignment of the jet velocity with the follower’s vertical motion. Finally, a qualitative prediction of the performance of a hypothetical follower is presented. The model is semi-empirical, and it uses the flow field of an isolated flapper.This work was supported by the State Research Agency of Spain (AEI) under grant DPI2016-76151-C2-2-R including funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The computations were partially performed at the supercomputer Caesaraugusta from the Red Española de Supercomputación in activity IM-2020-2-000

Experimental evidence of a hard transition to chaos

A generic, sudden transition to chaos has been experimentally verified using electronic circuits. The particular system studied involves the near resonance of two coupled oscillators at 2:1 frequency ratio when the damping of the first oscillator becomes negative. We identified in the experiment all types of orbits described by theory. We also found that a theoretical, ID limit map fits closely a map of the experimental attractor which, however, could be strongly disturbed by noise. In particular, we found noisy periodic orbits, in good agreement with noise theory

Religion and Workers’ Associations for Decent Work in Spain

[EN] This paper analyzes the role of Catholic religious organizations and worker groups in their commitment to achieve the promotion of decent working conditions. Methodologically, critical discourse analysis (CDA) and the valuation of social anthropology applied to social and political regulations are used. The results show that defending decent work means putting people at the heart of matters and considering work a fundamental right for the dignity of human life. Conclusions show that actions such as guaranteeing workers’ rights, extending social protections, and promoting social dialogue are seen as essential in achieving the aim of decent work

La influencia de las rutas de vuelos de bajo coste en la elección del destino turístico

Influence exerted by low-cost flights availability between East Midlands and Reus airports on English tourists’ decision to visit a coastal mature destination as Costa Dorada (Northeastern Spain) has been analyzed by means of the Causal Chain Approach. The results show the uplift in the probability of the visit created by the presence of the low-cost flights is 28.4%. Probability is higher in the case of those staying in a hotel in Salou (33.9%).Mediante la aplicación del método conocido como Causal Chain Approach, se ha analizado la influencia en la llegada de turistas ingleses a la Costa Dorada y al conjunto de la provincia de Tarragona ejercida por la existencia de una ruta de vuelos de bajo coste entre los aeropuertos de East Midlands y Reus. Los resultados muestran que el incremento en la probabilidad que los turistas hayan venido al destino escogido debido a la disponibilidad de dichos vuelos es del 28,4%. Esta probabilidad aumenta en el caso de aquellos que estuvieron alojados en un hotel de Salou (33,9%)

Alteraciones ejecutivas en el Trastorno Obsesivo Compulsivo: una revisión sistemática con paradigmas emocionales y no emocionales

Precedent: Impairments in executive functioning may be associated with compulsive symptoms in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control and working memory in OCD patients. using emotional and non-emotional paradigms. Method: we reviewed research published in PubMed, Web of Science, PsychInfo, Scopus, Scielo, and ProQuest Psychology databases, from January 2008 to April 2019. The review followed a two-stage process. In the first stage, we selected only studies using neutral stimuli paradigms, while in the second we selected executive-emotional paradigms. Results: The first stage of the review provided 16 final results, while the second stage, with emotional stimuli, provided 3 results. Conclusions: There is some initial evidence for the existence of executive impairments in OCD, as expressed in the performance and/or processing of working memory inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. There is also initial evidence that these latter two could be modulated by the presentation or mental representation of negative valence stimuli or images, as well as the presence of aversive contingencies.Antecedentes: las alteraciones en el funcionamiento ejecutivo podrían estar asociadas a los síntomas compulsivos del Trastorno Obsesivo Compulsivo (TOC). El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar una revisión sistemática en fl exibilidad cognitiva, control inhibitorio y memoria de trabajo en pacientes con TOC, empleando paradigmas emocionales y no emocionales. Método: revisamos investigaciones publicadas en PubMed, Web of Science, PsychInfo, Scopus, Scielo y ProQuest Psychology databases, desde enero de 2008 hasta abril de 2019. La revisión siguió un proceso de dos etapas: la primera centrada en estudios con paradigmas ejecutivos neutros y la segunda con paradigmas ejecutivos emocionales. Resultados: la primera etapa de búsqueda arrojó un resultado de 16 estudios, mientras que la segunda, con paradigmas emocionales, arrojó tres resultados. Conclusiones: a pesar de la escasa cantidad de investigación, existen evidencias de alteraciones ejecutivas en TOC que se expresan en la ejecución o en el procesamiento de memoria de trabajo, control inhibitorio y fl exibilidad cognitiva. También hay evidencias de que estos dos últimos componentes podrían estar modulados por la presentación o representación mental de estímulos negativos, así como por la presencia de contingencias aversivas.M.T.F. acknowledges Xunta de Galicia-GAIN for the Principia research grant. This work was supported by Fundacion Maria Jose Jove. O.F.G and S.C. were supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology and the Portuguese Ministry of Science, through national funds and co-financed by FEDER through COMPETE2020 under the PT2020 Partnership Agreement (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007653) and along with J.L. were also funded through the grants: P2020-PTDC/MHC; PCN/3950/2014; PTDC/PSI-ESP/30280/2017 and PTDC/PSI-ESP/29701/2017), S.C. was also funded by the individual grant IF/00091/2015

Nanotechnology Approaches in Chronic Wound Healing

Significance: The incidence of chronic wounds is increasing due to our aging population and the augment of people afflicted with diabetes. With the extended knowledge on the biological mechanisms underlying these diseases, there is a novel influx of medical technologies into the conventional wound care market. Recent Advances: Several nanotechnologies have been developed demonstrating unique characteristics that address specific problems related to wound repair mechanisms. In this review, we focus on the most recently developed nanotechnology-based therapeutic agents and evaluate the efficacy of each treatment in in vivo diabetic models of chronic wound healing. Critical Issues: Despite the development of potential biomaterials and nanotechnology-based applications for wound healing, this scientific knowledge is not translated into an increase of commercially available wound healing products containing nanomaterials. Future Directions: Further studies are critical to provide insights into how scientific evidences from nanotechnology-based therapies can be applied in the clinical setting