Nanometric displacement measurement based on interference fringes deflection

A hybrid method to obtain nanometric displacements based on interference fringes movement by optical beam deflection is proposed. A proof-of-principle experiment is described as a new method for real-time detection and measurement of small vibrations, experimental results shows an increase in the resolution compared with a simply optical beam deflection read out. Also, there is minimum detectable displacement in an assumed noise environment

Reassessing the LIS approach to traditional knowledge: learning from Xochimilco, Mexico city

Purpose – The study aims to understand the nature of traditional knowledge by examining how it is used and reinvented in the context of Xochimilco in Mexico City. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on field site visits and focus group interviews. Findings – Traditional knowledge was being reinvented in two contrasting ways. One was based on heritage tourism drawing on syncretism between Aztec and Spanish culture in the formation of Xochimilco. The other was agro-ecological focussed on traditional farming practices on the chinampas, their productivity, their ability to sustain biodiversity and their link to social justice. There were some common elements, such as a passionate concern with retaining a valued past in the face of growing threat. Research limitations/implications – Traditional knowledge is often seen as a static heritage, under threat. But it also has the potential to be a fertile source of strong identities and sustainable practices. Originality/value – The paper helps to conceptualise the dynamic character of traditional knowledge

Analyse von Funktionen des prä-B-Zell-Rezeptors anhand induzierbarer Expression von Immunglobulin-Schweren-Ketten

In this paper, we investigate the loss of asymptotic efficiency of semiparametric and quasi-maximum-likelihood estimators relative to maximum-likelihood estimators in models with generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH). For a general time-varying location}scale model, the factors that contribute to differences in efficiency among the estimators can be divided in two categories. One pertains to the parametric speci"cations of the conditional mean and the conditional variance. The other corresponds to the shape characteristics of the conditional density of the standardized errors, summarized in the coefficients of skewness and kurtosis together with the Fisher information for location and scale. The quantification of these factors has practical implications since it can help to decide if the more complex semiparametric estimator provides sufficient efficiency gains with respect to the simplest quasi-maximum-likelihood estimator. We also prove that there is no probability density function, with the exception of the normal, for which the asymptotic efficiency of the three estimators is the same. Particular models are also considered, for which the efficienc

Marchitez por Fusarium oxysporum Schlthl en masaguaro (Pseudosamanea guachapele) (Kunth).

Wilting by Fusarium oxysporum Schlthl in masaguaro (Pseudosamanea guachapele) (Kunth).Introducción: El masaguaro (Pseudomanea Guachapele) fue utilizado en la reforestación por la ”Fundación Orinoquia Biodiversa” en Arauca y presentó un marchitamiento desconocido.Objetivo. Caracterizar la enfermedad y su agente causal, y evaluar el posible control químico y biológico de la enfermedad.Metodología: La investigación se realizó en el barrio Campo Alegre Arauquita, Arauca, Colombia. Las muestras se analizaron en el laboratorio de microbiología de la Universidad de Pamplona. Se caracterizó la enfermedad y su agente causal, se determinó la incidencia y severidad de la enfermedad y se estimaron las pérdidas monetarias considerando las plantas muertas. Se realizó un experimento de control de marchitez utilizando benomyl y Bacillus subtilis, comparándolos con un control sin tratamiento. Resultados: Fusarium oxysporum fue identificado como agente causal de la enfermedad. El marchitamiento alcanzó entre el 13 y el 54% de incidencia. Las pérdidas económicas se estimaron en más de 19 millones de pesos / ha. Conclusión: Se verificó la acción preventiva y erradicativa de benomyl y solo acción preventiva de B. subtilis

Implementation of an Artificial Neural Network on the Test Barcelona Workstation As a Predictive Model for the Classification of Normal, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease Subjects Using the Neuronorma Battery

Objective: To develop and implement an online Artificial Neural Network (ANN) that provides the probability of a subject having mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Method: Different ANNs were trained using a sample of 350 controls (CONT), 75 MCI and 93 AD subjects. The ANN structure chosen was the following: (1) an input layer of 33 cognitive variables from the Neuronorma battery plus two sociodemographic variables, age and education. This layer was reduced to a 15 features input vector using Multiple Discriminant Analysis method, (2) one hidden layer with 8 neurons, and (3) three output neurons corresponding to the 3 expected cognitive states. This ANN was defined in a previous study [28]. The ANN was implemented on the web site www.test-barcelona.com (Test Barcelona Workstation) [9]. Results: When comparing CONT, MCI and AD participants, the best ANN correctly classifies up to 94,87% of the study participants. Conclusions: The online implemented ANN, delivers the probabilities (%) of belonging to the CONT, MCI and AD groups of a subject assessed using the 35 characteristics (variables) of the Neuronorma profile. This tool is a good complement for the interpretation of cognitive profiles. This technology improves clinical decision making. Keywords: Artificial Neural Network, Probability, Alzheimer disease, Test Barcelona Workstation

Strain driven migration of In during the growth of InAs/GaAs quantum posts

Using the mechano-optical stress sensor technique, we observe a counter-intuitive reduction of the compressive stress when InAs is deposited on GaAs (001) during the growth of quantum posts. Through modelling of the strain fields, we find that such anomalous behaviour can be related to the strain-driven detachment of In atoms from the crystal and their surface diffusion towards the self-assembled nanostructures.We acknowledge the financial support by Spanish MINECO through Grant Nos. ENE2012-37804-C02-02 and TEC2011-29120-C05-04, and by Spanish CAM through Grant Nos. S2009/ESP-1503 and S2009/ENE-1477.Peer Reviewe

DETERMINACIÓN DE LA PRESENCIA DE TUBERCULOSIS BOVINA EN LA PROVINCIA DE CANTA, LIMA

La presencia de tuberculosis bovina fue determinada en 503 bovinos mayores de 4 semanas de edad en la provincia de Canta, departamento de Lima, con la prueba de tuberculina (PPD). La lectura de la prueba fue realizada 72 horas después de la inyección intradérmica. Once de 503 bovinos (2.2%) fueron reactores positivos a la prueba de tuberculina. Estos resultados fueron analizados por la técnica de evaluación de riesgos por simulación Monte Carlo (programa @Risk) indicando que la probabilidad de encontrar un animal infectado en los bovinos de la provincia de Canta; Lima, es mayor al 1% y menor al 3.2%.The presence of bovine tuberculosis was determined in 503 cattle older than four weeks from Canta province, Lima by the tuberculin skin test (PPD). Lecture of the test was performed 72 hours after intradermal injection. Eleven out of 503 animals (2.2%) were positive to cutaneous tuberculin stimuli. These results were analyzed by the risk evaluation technique using Monte Carlo simulation (@ Risk Program) and the probability of finding the infection in cattle from Canta province resulted greater than 1% and less than 3.2%