Combining gene expression data and prior knowledge for inferring gene regulatory networks via Bayesian networks using structural restrictions

Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad y Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER), proyectos TEC2015-69496-R y TIN2016-77902-C3-2-

Estudio transversal sobre la relación entre la actividad física y la calidad de la dieta mediterránea en estudiantes de Bachillerato de Murcia (España)

Introduction: The aim was to determine the relationship between the level of physical activity and the quality of the Mediterranean diet in baccalaureate schoolchildren. Material and method: Cross-sectional study carried out with 119 schoolchildren from Murcia (Spain) with an age range of 16-17 years. These schoolchildren were selected by non-probabilistic purposive sampling. The quality of the Mediterranean diet (QD) was assessed through the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index in children and adolescents questionnaire and physical activity (PA) through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents. Statistical analysis was carried out using Pearson's chi-square statistical tests, Student's T, One-way ANOVA and a linear regression analysis. Results: The results of the analyses showed significant differences in the average of PA, where men showed higher values ​​than women (p <0.001). Among women, those with a lower level of PA showed a greater use of olive oil and a regular breakfast of industrial pastries (p <0.005). Among men, those with a higher PA level showed a higher consumption of fresh vegetables, pasta or rice, and nuts (p <0.005). Considering the total, regarding the differences in the level of PA as a function of QD, differences were found between a high level of QD and its homologous pairs with a low level (p <0.001). Finally, an association was found between PA and QD (p <0.001) with a value of R2 = 0.275. Conclusions: Increased physical activity is related to higher average diet quality in baccalaureate students.  The development of these constructs is of particular interest in guiding towards adherence to healthy lifestyles that will last into adulthood.  Training programmes must also be created that are appropriate to the needs and characteristics of 21st century society.Introducción: El objetivo fue determinar la relación existente entre el nivel de actividad física y la calidad de la dieta mediterránea en escolares de Bachillerato.  Material y método: Estudio transversal realizado con 119 escolares de Murcia (España) con un rango de edad comprendido entre los 16-17 años. Estos escolares fueron seleccionados mediante muestreo no probabilístico intencional. Se valoró la calidad de la dieta mediterránea (CD) a través del cuestionario Mediterranean Diet Quality Index in children and adolescents y la actividad física (AF) a través del cuestionario International Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents. El análisis estadístico ha sido llevado a cabo mediante las pruebas estadísticas ji al cuadrado de Pearson, T Student, One-way ANOVA y un análisis de regresión lineal. Resultados: Los resultados de los análisis mostraron diferencias significativas en el promedio de la actividad física, donde los varones mostraron valores más elevados que las mujeres (p < 0.001). Entre las mujeres, aquellas con un menor nivel de AF mostraron un mayor uso de aceite de oliva y desayunar habitualmente bolleria industrial (p<0,005). Entre los varones, aquellos con un nivel de AF mayor mostraron un mayor consumo de verduras frescas, de pasta o arroz y, frutos secos (p<0,005). Considerando el total, respecto a las diferencias en el nivel de AF en función de la CD, se encontraron diferencias entre un nivel alto de CD y sus pares homólogos con un nivel bajo (p< 0,001). Por último, se halló una asociación entre la AF y la CD (p < 0,001) con un valor de R2 = 0,275. Conclusiones: Una mayor actividad física se relaciona con una mayor calidad de la dieta media en escolares de Bachillerato. Estos resultados son de interés para el contexto sanitario y educativo ya que un correcto desarrollo de ambos constructos resulta de especial interés para orientarse hacia la adherencia de estilos de vida saludables. Asimismo, se deben crear programas formativos adecuados a las necesidades y características que presenta la sociedad del siglo XXI

Value‐based potentials: Exploiting quantitative information regularity patterns in probabilistic graphical models

This study was jointly supported by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science under projects PID2019-106758GB-C31 and TIN2016-77902-C3-2-P, and the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER). Funding for open access charge from Universidad de Granada/CBUA.When dealing with complex models (i.e., models with many variables, a high degree of dependency between variables, or many states per variable), the efficient representation of quantitative information in probabilistic graphical models (PGMs) is a challenging task. To address this problem, this study introduces several new structures, aptly named value‐based potentials (VBPs), which are based exclusively on the values. VBPs leverage repeated values to reduce memory requirements. In the present paper, they are compared with some common structures, like standard tables or unidimensional arrays, and probability trees (PT). Like VBPs, PTs are designed to reduce the memory space, but this is achieved only if value repetitions correspond to context‐specific independence patterns (i.e., repeated values are related to consecutive indices or configurations). VBPs are devised to overcome this limitation. The goal of this study is to analyze the properties of VBPs. We provide a theoretical analysis of VBPs and use them to encode the quantitative information of a set of well‐known Bayesian networks, measuring the access time to their content and the computational time required to perform some inference tasks.Spanish Government PID2019-106758GB-C31 TIN2016-77902-C3-2-PEuropean Commissio

Comparación y validación de formulaciones aplicadas a cimentaciones monopilotadas en eólica marina

Las estructuras monopilotadas son la tipología de cimentación más común en eólica marina, con un porcentaje de centrales del 80 % en Europa, y con diámetros de hasta 8 metros. La tendencia en las construcciones offshore futuras parece estar encaminada al desarrollo de este tipo de estructuras, con lo cual los monopilotes seguirán siendo la principal cimentación en eólica marina, quedando aun mucho margen de evolución en esta tipología y avanzando cada vez hacia mayores diámetros y profundidades. Los objetivos perseguidos en la elaboración del trabajo están relacionados con el dimensionamiento de estas estructuras pilotadas. Para verificar si los modelos de cálculo de longitudes de monopilotes orientados a cimentaciones onshore pueden ser aplicadas en situaciones offshore. Además, se ha querido establecer una relación entre tipologías de suelo y longitudes de los pilotes

Analysis and implementation of the Buck-Boost Modified Series Forward converter applied to photovoltaic systems

The mismatching phenomenon is one of the main issues in photovoltaic (PV) applications. It could reduce the generated power of a string when a PV panel has different performances from the other PV panels connected to the same string. Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking (DMPPT) architectures are one of the most promising solutions to overcome the drawbacks associated with mismatching phenomena in PV applications. In this kind of architectures, a DC-DC module integrated converter (MIC) manages each PV panel, isolating it from the rest of the PV panels, for harvesting the maximum available power from the Sun. Due to the high number of DCDC converters used in a grid-tied PV installation, the most desired MIC requirements are high efficiency, low cost and the capability of voltage step-up and step-down. This paper proposes the Buck-Boost Modified Forward (BBMSF) converter as a good candidate to be applied in DMPPT architectures. A complete analysis of the BBMSF converter is carried out, including the steady-state analysis as well as the small signal analysis in continuous conduction mode. The main advantages of the BBMSF converter are its step-up and step-down voltage transfer function; a higher simplicity, since it only includes a single controlled switch; the soft switching characteristics in all the diodes and MOSFET, reaching in some cases ZVS and ZCS, and yielding high efficiencies; the use of an autotransformer, with better performances than a typical Forward transformer; and the good dynamic performance, like the Forward converter ones. The theoretical analyses are validated through the experimental results in a 225 W BBMSF prototype designed and built under the requirements of a 100 kW grid-tied PV installation, achieving an efficiency up to 93.6%.This work has been supported by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and FEDER funds through the research project "Storage and Energy Management for Hybrid Electric Vehicles based on Fuel Cell, Battery and Supercapacitors" - ELECTRICAR-AG- (DPI2014-53685-C2-1-R)

Analysis, design, and implementation of the AFZ converter applied to photovoltaic systems

Grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) installations with Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking (DMPPT) architectures include a DC-DC Module Integrated Converter (MIC) for managing each PV panel, isolating it from the others, reducing the mismatching effect and maximizing the harvested power. In this paper, the Autotransformer Forward converter with type-Zeta resonant reset (AFZ) is proposed as a DMPPT architecture’s MIC candidate. The main characteristics of the AFZ converter are the high versatility due to its voltage step-up and step-down capability; the use of an optimized autotransformer with only two windings, reducing the complexity and power losses of this component; the good dynamic performances, like the Forward converter ones; the low number of components and the simplicity and high feasibility associated to the use of just one active switch. Besides, soft switching transitions are achieved thanks to the autotransformer type-Zeta resonant reset. The steady-state theoretical analysis, considering the effect of the autotransformer leakage inductance, is presented. The converter is also studied in the frequency domain, obtaining the small-signal transfer functions. A design procedure based on the requirements of a 100 kW grid-tied photovoltaic installation is described, yielding in a 225 W prototype with efficiencies up to 95.6 %. Experimental results validate the theoretical analysis.This work was supported in part by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and FEDER funds through the research project “Storage and Energy Management for Hybrid Electric Vehicles based on Fuel Cell, Battery and Supercapacitors” ELECTRICAR-AG under Grant DPI2014-53685-C2-1-R, in part by the research project CONEXPOT under Grant DPI2017-84572-C2-2-R, and in part by the research project EPIIOT under Grant DPI2017-88062-R

Analysis and implementation of the autotransformer forward-flyback converter applied to photovoltaic systems

The Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking (DMPPT) architecture is employed to overcome the mismatching phenomena in grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) installations. In this kind of architecture, a DC-DC module integrated converter (MIC) manages each PV panel. Thanks to the DC-DC converters, the differences between PV panels do not influence others, maximizing the amount of harvested power. The MIC requirements to make this kind of solutions profitable are voltage step-down and step-up capability, low cost and high efficiency. This paper analyses the Autotransformer Forward-Flyback (AFF) converter. This converter is considered as a MIC candidate for fulfilling the requirements above. The study of the AFF converter includes the steady-state analysis and the small signal analysis in continuous conduction mode. The advantages of the AFF converter are the capability of voltage step-down and step-up; the simplicity since it only includes a single controlled switch; the use of an autotransformer; good dynamic performances and the soft switching characteristics in all the diodes. The paper includes a detailed AFF converter step-by-step design procedure, applied to 100 kW grid-tied PV installation, in which the effect of shadows has been considered. A 225 W AFF converter prototype validates the theoretical analyses, achieving an efficiency up to 94.5%.This work has been supported by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and FEDER funds through the research project "Storage and Energy Management for Hybrid Electric Vehicles based on Fuel Cell, Battery and Supercapacitors" - ELECTRICAR-AG- (DPI2014-53685-C2-1-R

After-school leisure time: physical activity and estimated caloric expenditure in schoolchildren from southeast Spain

Introduction: The after-school period is commonly used by schoolchildren to do physical activities; however, the level of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and caloric expenditure achieved during that period of time is unknown.Objective: To analyze the physical activity levels and the estimated caloric expenditure during the after-school period.Materials and methods: 408 schoolchildren enrolled in the Spanish education system and aged between 11 and 12 years were included in the study, of whom 205 were females (11,21±0,41) and 203 males (11,20±0,40). This is a descriptive, relational and cross-sectional study. Schoolchildren reported their physical activity by means of the Previous Day Physical Activity Recall (PDPAR) instrument. Physical activity was analyzed through the average minutes involved in MVPA (3METs) and the caloric expenditure taken from the MET levels.Results: The results showed a higher average of MVPA (p0.05) and caloric expenditure (p0.001) in males than in females.Conclusions: The average MVPA minutes estimated by schoolchildren meet the recommendations of daily physical activity established by the World Health Organization (WHO). Special attention is required for the female gender and the beginning of adolescence.Introducción. Por lo general, el periodo de ocio extraescolar es empleado por los escolares para realizar actividades físicas; sin embargo, se desconoce el nivel de actividad física de moderada a vigorosa intensidad (AFMV) y de gasto calórico registrados en ese periodo.Objetivo. Analizar los niveles de actividad física y gasto energético estimado durante el periodo de ocio extraescolar.Materiales y métodos. Participaron 408 escolares, con un rango de edad entre 11 y 12 años, siendo 205 niñas (11.21±0.41) y 203 niños (11.20±0.40) del sistema educativo español. Se siguió un diseño de tipo descriptivo relacional y de carácter transversal. Los escolares registraron la actividad física con el instrumento Previous Day Physical Activity Recall y su análisis se hizo a través del promedio de minutos realizando AFMV (3 MET) y el gasto calórico extraído de los niveles de MET.Resultados. Se encontraron medias superiores para los hombres respecto a las mujeres, tanto en los minutos de AFMV (p0.05) como en el gasto calórico (p0.001) registrado.Conclusiones. El promedio de minutos de AFMV estimada por los escolares estudiados cumple con los valores diarios recomendados por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se debe prestar especial atención al género femenino y a la entrada a la adolescencia

Relacionamento entre a intenção de ser ativo e a atividade física fora da escolar

The aim of this study was to observe the relationship between the intention to be physically active and the after-school physical activity among 408 schoolchildren. The Previous Day Physical Activity Recall (PDPAR) was administered to measure physical activity, while the Intention to be Physically Active Scale (MIFA) was administered to measure the intention to be physically active. The results showed a significant association between the intention to be active and the average time involved in after-school physical activity from moderate to vigorous intensity in males and females. Physical activity levels increase as the intention to be active increases.El objetivo del presente estudio fue relacionar la intención de ser activo y la práctica de actividad física extraescolar en 408 escolares. Para la medición de la actividad física extraescolar se empleó el instrumento de recordatorio de la actividad física extraescolar (PDPAR) y para la intención de ser activo el instrumento de Medición de la Intencionalidad de Ser Activo (MIFA). Los resultados mostraron asociaciones significativas entre la intención de ser activo y las medias de minutos de actividad física extraescolar de moderada a vigorosa intensidad en varones y en mujeres. Se observa como los niveles de actividad física aumentan conforme se incrementa la intencionalidad de ser activo.L’objectif de la présente étude était d’observer la relation entre l’intention d’être actif et la pratique de l’activité physique extrascolaire chez 408 écoliers. Pour la mesure de l’activité physique extraescolaire a été utilisé l’instrument de rappel de l’activité physique après l’école (PDPAR) et pour l’intention d’être l’instrument de mesure de l’intentionnalité de l’être actif (MIFA). Les résultats ont montré des associations significatives entre l’intention d’être actif et les minutes moyens d’activité physique extraescolaire d’intensité modérée à vigoureuse chez les hommes et chez les femmes. On observe comment les niveaux d’activité physique augmentent à mesure que l’intentionnalité de l’activité physique augmente.O objetivo deste estudo foi relacionar a intenção de ser ativo e a prática de atividade física fora da escola em 408 escolares. Para a medição da atividade física fora da escola foi utilizado o instrumento de lembrete de atividade física fora da escola (PDPAR) e para a intenção de ser ativo o instrumento de Medição da Intencionalidade do Ser Ativo (MIFA). Os resultados mostraram associações significativas entre a intenção de ser ativo e os minutos de atividade física fora da escola de intensidade moderada a vigorosa em homens e em mulheres.Observa-se como os níveis de atividade física aumentam à medida que a intencionalidade de ser ativo aumenta

Impacto social y económico de la incorporación del óptico-optometrista en Atención Primaria

La incorporación del óptico-optometrista al Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), en España, es una reivindicación mayoritaria que viene reclamándose desde hace tiempo. La presencia en nuestro país de profesionales legal y altamente capacitados para determinadas funciones específicas en salud visual, justifica que aspiren legítimamente a integrarse profesionalmente en aquellas tareas concretas para las que han sido formados. Pero además, la incorporación en Atención Primaria para asumir las derivaciones a oftalmología relacionadas con la agudeza visual, supondría una mejora cualitativa de la atención prestada a los ciudadanos e implicaría una reducción del gasto sanitario y una mejora de la eficiencia del sistema. Más aún, ante las consecuencias derivadas de pandemia COVID-19