Latent variable based model predictive control: Ensuring validity of predictions

This paper presents a methodology to constrain the optimisation problem in LV-MPC so that validity of predictions can be ascertained. LV-MPC is a model-based predictive control methodology implemented in the space of the latent variables and is based on a linear predictor. Provided real processes are non-linear, there is model-process mismatch, and under tight control, the predictor can be used for extrapolation. Extrapolation leads to bad predictions which deteriorates control performance, hence the interest in validity of predictions. In the proposed approach first two validity indicators on predictions are defined. The novelty in the two indicators proposed is they neglect past data, and so validity of predictions is ascertained in terms of future moves which are actually the degrees of freedom in the optimisation. Second, the indicators are introduced in the optimisation as constraints. Provided the indicators are quadratic, recursive optimisation with linearised constraints is implemented. A MIMO example shows how ensuring validity of predictions neglecting past data can improve closed-loop performance, specially under tight control outside the identification region. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.The first author is recipient of a fellowship from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (FPU AP2007-04549). This paper is partially funded by projects DPI2008-02133/DPI, TIN2011-28082 and PROMETEO/2012/028. The authors gratefully acknowledge reviewers' comments.Laurí Pla, D.; Sanchís Saez, J.; Martínez Iranzo, MA.; Hilario Caballero, A. (2013). Latent variable based model predictive control: Ensuring validity of predictions. Journal of Process Control. 23(1):12-22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jprocont.2012.11.001S122223

The role of neo-tectonics in the sedimentary infilling and geomorphological evolution of the Guadalquivir estuary (Gulf of Cadiz, SW Spain) during the Holocene.

Spain) has yielded new evidence regarding the sedimentary infilling and geomorphological evolution of the Guadalquivir estuary during the Holocene. The sedimentation and geomorphological disposition have been strongly conditioned by neotectonic activity along a set of SW-NE alignments, interrupted by other alignments that follow E-W and NW-SE directions. The most conspicuous of the SW-NE alignments is the Torre Carbonero-Marilópez Fault (TCMF). South of this fault, the estuary experienced a marked subsidence from about 4000 to 2000 cal. yr BP through a series of sedimentary sequences of retrogradation and aggradationwithin the context of relative sea-level rise. From c. 2000 cal. yr BP to the present the subsidence has remained relatively dormant, with progradation of the littoral systems and infilling of the marshland progressing within a context of sea-level stability. Our results reveal that neotectonic activity is a critical factor thatmust also be reckonedwith in any attempt to understand the Holocene geomorphological evolution in the Guadalquivir estuary

Reading Encouragement from the School Library: Operating Protocols and Action Strategies

Nuestro proyecto se centró en familiarizar a estudiantes de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación (UCO) con uno de los ámbitos esenciales del que será su entorno laboral, las bibliotecas de los Centros de Educación Infantil y Primaria (CEIP) cordobeses. La idea era ponerlos en contacto, e iniciarlos, en sus protocolos de funcionamiento y sus múltiples posibilidades como incentivo de animación a la lectura. Como futuros profesionales de la educación, los estudiantes deben concienciarse de la importancia que posee la lectura en la formación del alumnado, así como reconocer las herramientas y estrategias para acercársela de un modo eficaz. Antes y después de la visita, núcleo de nuestra propuesta, se realizaron actividades complementarias: previamente se introdujo en clase un módulo teórico-práctico destinado a poner en contacto a los estudiantes con los presupuestos teóricos, y ejemplos reales, de proyectos de fomento de la lectura realizados desde las bibliotecas de los CEIP y desde otras instituciones educativas. Tras la visita, realizaron un trabajo en el que reflexionaron sobre la lectura como pilar fundamental básico de la formación académica y dieron sus impresiones y valoraciones sobre los distintos proyectos presentados en el centro visitado.Our project focused on students of the School for Educational Science (UCO). The aim is to get students acquainted with one of the main areas of their future work environment, i.e. the libraries in the Children School Centers and Primary Education Centers (CEIP) in Córdoba. The main objective was to put students in contact and provide initial steps in the CEIP environment, while using these centers as a tool to encourage reading. In their ability as future education professionals, our students must understand the key importance of reading in training processes, and get to know the tools and strategies instrumental to an effective educational approach. Before and after the visits, some supplementary activities were included. Before the visit, a theoretical-practical module was included in the lessons, so that the students would get used to the theoretical assumptions involved. In addition, realistic case studies were discussed, describing reading promotion projects previously organized in CEIP libraries and other educational institutions. Following the visit, the students were invited to write a report dealing with the role of reading as a basic pillar in academic careers, and to comment on the different projects presented in the center hosting the visit

Casos de estudio en México y Latinoamérica

Ante la presencia de conflictos sociales y territoriales, las comunidades organizadas buscan estrategias de solución y confrontación. Es el estudio de dichos movimientos, lo que motiva a la publicación de éste libro: Respuestas comunitarias ante conflictos ambientales. Casos de estudio en México y Latinoamérica, reúne catorce textos que analizan las respuestas sociales y documentan la acción colectiva de comunidades que se han organizado para autogestionar soluciones ante conflictos territoriales, económicos y ambientales, en su propio entorno. Las aportaciones de investigadores y activistas, desde enfoques teóricos y metodológicos particulares, exponen casos de estudio sobre organizaciones formales e informales que se han conformado para afrontar los retos que representan proyectos productivos como fábricas cementeras, mineras, puertos, productores de energía, entre otros. Los enfoques analíticos tocan también temas nodales en el estudio de la acción colectiva como la ética, el despojo, los derechos humanos y las estrategias de comunicación y visibilización. Este material, que reúne estudios hechos en distintos lugares de México y Latinoamérica, es un compendio de métodos de investigación y un acercamiento al estudio de los movimientos sociales.UAEMEX, CONACyT, SE

Control and Optimization of Batch Chemical Processes

A batch process is characterized by the repetition of time-varying operations of finite duration. Due to the repetition, there are two independent “time” variables, namely, the run time during a batch and the batch index. Accordingly, the control and optimization objectives can be defined for a given batch or over several batches. This chapter describes the various control and optimization strategies available for the operation of batch processes. These include online and run-to-run control on the one hand, and repeated numerical optimization and optimizing control on the other. Several case studies are presented to illustrate the various approaches

Networkmetrics: Multivariate Big Data Analysis in the Context of the Internet

Multivariate problems are found in all areas of knowledge. In chemistry and related disciplines, the chemometric community was developed in a joint effort to understand and solve problems mainly from a multivariate and exploratory perspective. This perspective is, indeed, of broader applicability, even in areas of knowledge far from chemistry. In this paper, we focus on the Internet: the net of devices that allow an interconnected world where all types of data can be shared and unprecedented communication services can be provided. Problems in the Internet, or in general in networking, are not very different from chemometric problems. Building on this parallelism, we review four classes of problems in networking: estimation, anomaly detection, optimization and classification. We present an illustrative set of problems and show how a multivariate perspective may lead to significant improvements from stateof-the-art techniques. In absence of a better name we call the approach of treating these problems from that multivariate perspective networkmetrics. Networkmetric problems have their own specificities, mainly their typical Big Data nature and the presence of unstructured data. We argue that multivariate analysis is, indeed, useful to tackle these specificities

Anti-tumour necrosis factor discontinuation in inflammatory bowel disease patients in remission: study protocol of a prospective, multicentre, randomized clinical trial

Background: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease who achieve remission with anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) drugs may have treatment withdrawn due to safety concerns and cost considerations, but there is a lack of prospective, controlled data investigating this strategy. The primary study aim is to compare the rates of clinical remission at 1?year in patients who discontinue anti-TNF treatment versus those who continue treatment. Methods: This is an ongoing, prospective, double-blind, multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled study in patients with Crohn?s disease or ulcerative colitis who have achieved clinical remission for ?6?months with an anti-TNF treatment and an immunosuppressant. Patients are being randomized 1:1 to discontinue anti-TNF therapy or continue therapy. Randomization stratifies patients by the type of inflammatory bowel disease and drug (infliximab versus adalimumab) at study inclusion. The primary endpoint of the study is sustained clinical remission at 1?year. Other endpoints include endoscopic and radiological activity, patient-reported outcomes (quality of life, work productivity), safety and predictive factors for relapse. The required sample size is 194 patients. In addition to the main analysis (discontinuation versus continuation), subanalyses will include stratification by type of inflammatory bowel disease, phenotype and previous treatment. Biological samples will be obtained to identify factors predictive of relapse after treatment withdrawal. Results: Enrolment began in 2016, and the study is expected to end in 2020. Conclusions: This study will contribute prospective, controlled data on outcomes and predictors of relapse in patients with inflammatory bowel disease after withdrawal of anti-TNF agents following achievement of clinical remission. Clinical trial reference number: EudraCT 2015-001410-1