Optimization of Energy Distribution in Solar Panel Array Configurations by Graph Theory and Minkowski’s Paths

Nowadays, the development of the photovoltaic (PV) technology is consolidated as a source of renewable energy. The research in the topic of maximum improvement on the energy efficiency of the PV plants is today a major challenge. The main requirement for this purpose is to know the performance of each of the PV modules that integrate the PV field in real time. In this respect, a PLC communications based Smart Monitoring and Communications Module, which is able to monitor at PV level their operating parameters, has been developed at the University of Malaga. With this device you can check if any of the panels is suffering any type of overriding performance, due to a malfunction or partial shadowing of its surface. Since these fluctuations in electricity production from a single panel affect the overall sum of all panels that conform a string, it is necessary to isolate the problem and modify the routes of energy through alternative paths in case of PV panels array configuration.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Phases Dynamic Balancer

Most of the current domestic installations are single phase, with contracted power equal to or less than 15 kW and with a potential difference of 230 V. When consumption is expected to be higher you choose to use three different alternating currents with a difference voltage of 400 V between them, which are called phases. This enables the subdivision of the installation in different single-phase circuits, fed independently with the neutral installation. These couples have, in turn, a difference in voltage of 230 V. The neutral is common for all three phases so that, if the system is balanced, no current flows through it. The problem with these installations is that they are designed to work in an offset manner, using phase loads, and simultaneously an equal amount of energy consumed by the three phases of the network. Connection to each of the phases makes independent single-phase loads or disturbance of the operation of the original phase circuit and, consequently, the corresponding increases in consumption, heating of engines, etc.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

A discrete-time queueing system with feedback and optional service

Queueing systems constitute a central tool in modeling and performance analysis. These types of systems are in our everyday life activities, and the theory of queueing systems was developed to provide models for forecasting behaviors of systems subject to random demand. The practical and useful applications of the discrete-time queues make the researchers to con- tinue making an e ort in analyzing this type of models. Thus the present contribution relates to a discrete-time Geo/G/1 queue in which some messages may need a second service time in addition to the rst essential service. In day-to-day life, there are numerous examples of queueing situations in general, for example, in manufacturing processes, telecommunication, home automation, etc, but in this paper a particular application is the use of video surveil- lance with intrusion recognition where all the arriving messages require the main service and only some may require the subsidiary service provided by the server with di erent types of strategies. We carry out a thorough study of the model, deriving analytical results for the stationary distribution. The generating functions of the number of messages in the queue and in the system are obtained. The generating functions of the busy period as well as the sojourn times of a message in the server, the queue and the system are also provided.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Metadomotic Optimization Using Genetic Algorithms

New technologies applied in domotic allow us to extract plenty of data about the usual behavior of occupants in any installation. Discipline that works with these data for the pursuit of new knowledge is called Metadomotic. To achieve this learning and relationships between different data, we make use of the tools provided by artificial intelligence. Today the use of these techniques in solving problems is fully extended. Among the best known we will focus on the application of genetic algorithms, technical halfway between biology and mathematics, to try to resolve the issues raised in this paper. This article proposes the classification of domotic parameters to optimize an objective function. In a nutshell we will try two possible applications: 1. The minimization of energy consumption through the classification of the parameters of use and consumption coefficients, inherent to each user and device 2. The maximization of industrial production through the influence of environment parameters Once established several basic suboptimal solutions, they will be combined randomly, through the crossover, mutation and cloning, to try to find the optimal.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Smart Sensorization Using Propositional Dynamic Logic

The current high energy prices pose a serious challenge, especially in the domestic economy. In this respect, one of the main problems is obtaining domestic hot water. For this reason, this article develops a heating system applied to a conventional water tank in such a way as to minimize the necessary energy supply by converting it, under certain circumstances, into atmospheric. For this purpose, the domotic system has been equipped with sensors that automate the pressurization of the compartment and solenoid valves that regulate the external water supply. This design, to which different level sensors are applied, sends the information in real time to an artificial intelligence system, by means of deductive control, which recognizes the states of the system. This work shows the introduction of an extension of propositional dynamic logic in the field of energy efficiency. Thanks to this formalism, a qualitative control of the program variables is achieved by incorporating qualitative reasoning tools. On the other hand, it solves preventive maintenance systems through the early detection of faults in the installation. This research has led to the patenting of an intelligent domestic hot water system that considerably reduces energy consumption by setting disjointed heating intervals that, powered by renewable or non-renewable sources, are controlled by a propositional dynamic logic.This research received no external funding. Partial funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málaga

Emotional intelligence as a mediator of craving and the risk of relapse in adults in treatment for alcohol consumption

Objetivos: Analizar el efecto de craving sobre el riesgo de recaída en adultos en tratamiento por alcohol, considerando la Inteligencia Emocional Percibida (IEP) como mediador. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal, predictivo, de comprobación de modelo con análisis de mediación. La muestra fue de 274 adultos internos en Centros de Rehabilitación contra las Adicciones ( CRCA). Los instrumentos utilizados fueron una Cédu- la de Datos Sociodemográficos, Cuestionario de Craving por Alcohol, Inventario de Cociente Emocional y Cuestionario de Variables Predictoras de Abandono y Adhesión al Tratamiento. Resultados: Existe una relación inversa entre la IEP, el riesgo de recaída (r = -,381, p <,001) y el craving (r = -,354, p <,001). El craving y el riesgo de recaída se relacionaron positiva- mente (r = ,218, p <,001). Se reporta un efecto total significativo del craving sobre el riesgo de recaída cuando es mediado por la IE, el cual explica el 11 % de la varianza (B = ,1389; t = 5,688; p <,001). Conclusiones: Los resultados de este estudio indican que IEP se asocia inversamente con el craving y el riesgo de recaída, además de que la IEP desempeña un papel significativo como mediador en esta relación. Esto sugiere que las personas con altos niveles de IEP disponen de más recursos para gestionar sus emociones, lo que podría ayudar a reducir las conductas de craving y, consecuentemente, sufrir un menor riesgo de recaída en el consumo de alcohol.Objectives: To analyze the effect of craving on the risk of relapse in adults undergoing alcohol treatment, considering the Perceived Emotional Intelligence (PEI) as a mediator. Materials and methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional, predictive study, model checking with mediation analysis. The sample consisted of 274 adults interned in Rehabilitation Centers against Addictions ( CRCA). The instruments used were a Sociodemographic Data Card, Alcohol Craving Questionnaire, Emotional Quotient Inventory and Questionnaire of Variables Predictors of Abandonment and Adherence to Treatment. Results: There is an inverse relationship between PEI, the risk of relapse (r = -, 381, p <,001) and craving (r = -, 354, p <,001). Craving and risk of relapse were positively related (r = ,218, p <,001). A significant total effect of craving on the risk of relapse is reported when mediated by EI, which explains 11% of the variance (B = ,1389; t = 5,688; p <,001). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that PEI is inversely associated with craving and risk of relapse, and that PEI plays a significant role as a mediator in this relationship. This suggests the notion that people with high PEI levels have more resources to manage their emotions, which could help reduce craving behaviors and consequently, suffer a lower risk of relapse into alcohol consumption

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Micromechanical Properties of Injection-Molded Starch–Wood Particle Composites

The micromechanical properties of injection molded starch–wood particle composites were investigated as a function of particle content and humidity conditions. The composite materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction methods. The microhardness of the composites was shown to increase notably with the concentration of the wood particles. In addition,creep behavior under the indenter and temperature dependence were evaluated in terms of the independent contribution of the starch matrix and the wood microparticles to the hardness value. The influence of drying time on the density and weight uptake of the injection-molded composites was highlighted. The results revealed the role of the mechanism of water evaporation, showing that the dependence of water uptake and temperature was greater for the starch–wood composites than for the pure starch sample. Experiments performed during the drying process at 70°C indicated that the wood in the starch composites did not prevent water loss from the samples.Peer reviewe

Search for Supersymmetry with Gauge-Mediated Breaking in Diphoton Events with Missing Transverse Energy at CDF II

accepted to Phys. Rev. LettWe present the results of a search for supersymmetry with gauge-mediated breaking and \NONE\to\gamma\Gravitino in the $\gamma\gamma$+missing transverse energy final state. In 2.6$\pm$0.2 \invfb of $p{\bar p}$ collisions at $\sqrt{s}$$=$1.96 TeV recorded by the CDF II detector we observe no candidate events, consistent with a standard model background expectation of 1.4$\pm$0.4 events. We set limits on the cross section at the 95% C.L. and place the world's best limit of 149\gevc on the \none mass at $\tau_{\tilde{\chi}_1^0}$$We present the results of a search for supersymmetry with gauge-mediated breaking and χ˜10→γG˜ in the γγ+missing transverse energy final state. In 2.6±0.2  fb-1 of pp̅ collisions at √s=1.96  TeV recorded by the CDF II detector we observe no candidate events, consistent with a standard model background expectation of 1.4±0.4 events. We set limits on the cross section at the 95% C.L. and place the world’s best limit of 149  GeV/c2 on the χ˜10 mass at τχ˜10≪1  ns. We also exclude regions in the χ˜10 mass-lifetime plane for τχ˜10≲2  ns.Peer reviewe

Measurements of branching fraction ratios and CP asymmetries in B+/- ->D_CP K+/- decays in hadron collisions

We reconstruct B+/- -> D K+/- decays in a data sample collected by the CDF II detector at the Tevatron collider corresponding to 1 fb-1 of integrated luminosity. We select decay modes where the D meson decays to either K- pi+ (flavor eigenstate) or K- K+, pi- pi+ (CP-even eigenstates), and measure the direct CP asymmetry A_CP+ = 0.39 +/- 0.17(stat) +/- 0.04(syst), and the double ratio of CP-even to flavor eigenstate branching fractions R_CP+ = 1.30 +/- 0.24(stat) +/- 0.12(syst). These measurements will improve the determination of the CKM angle gamma. They are performed here for the first time using data from hadron collisions.We reconstruct B±→DK± decays in a data sample collected by the CDF II detector at the Tevatron collider corresponding to 1  fb-1 of integrated luminosity. We select decay modes where the D meson decays to either K-π+ (flavor eigenstate) or K-K+, π-π+ (CP-even eigenstates), and measure the direct CP asymmetry ACP+=0.39±0.17(stat)±0.04(syst), and the double ratio of CP-even to flavor eigenstate branching fractions RCP+=1.30±0.24(stat)±0.12(syst). These measurements will improve the determination of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa angle γ. They are performed here for the first time using data from hadron collisions.Peer reviewe