Higher-order finite element methods for elliptic problems with interfaces

We present higher-order piecewise continuous finite element methods for solving a class of interface problems in two dimensions. The method is based on correction terms added to the right-hand side in the standard variational formulation of the problem. We prove optimal error estimates of the methods on general quasi-uniform and shape regular meshes in maximum norms. In addition, we apply the method to a Stokes interface problem, adding correction terms for the velocity and the pressure, obtaining optimal convergence results.Comment: 26 pages, 6 figures. An earlier version of this paper appeared on November 13, 2014 in http://www.brown.edu/research/projects/scientific-computing/reports/201

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

Randomized controlled trial evaluating adeno-MOMP and MOMP DNA vaccines against chlamydophila psittaci challenge in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus)

Chlamydophila psittaci causes severe disease in birds and humans, and important economical losses in the avian companion and poultry industry. Vaccines are the most cost-effective measure to control and help prevent infectious diseases, but to date there is no commercial vaccine available. A randomized clinical trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of two recombinant DNA vaccines against C. psittaci in Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus). The first recombinant DNA vaccine has a gene encoding MOMP and the immunostimulant chitosan (MOMP DNA vaccine). The second recombinant DNA vaccine, contained the gene encoding MOMP that was vectored by a replication defective human adenovirus (adeno-MOMP vaccine). Forty adult cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) were used for this study, and divided into each of the vaccinated groups (n=10), positive control (n=10) and a negative control (n=10). The animals were vaccinated on days 0 and 21 with the corresponding vaccine (DNA MOMP vaccine group, adeno-MOMP vaccine group, negative control group) or placebo (positive control group), and both vaccine groups and the positive control were challenged on day 42 Receiving 0.1 ml of inoculum IN containing approximately 106 C. psittaci live organisms. The negative control group was not challenged with any live organisms. The animals were monitored daily for the presence of rhinitis, conjunctivitis, dyspnea, diarrhea and depression. On days 46, 49, 52, 55, 70 and 82, combined choanal and cloacal swabs were taken and submitted for C. psittaci PCR. The surviving birds were tested on day 82 for antichlamydial antibodies (IFA) and for the presence of C. psittaci (PCR) from whole blood and combined choanal-cloacal swabs, and then humanely euthanized. The birds were submitted for necropsy and examined for the presence of macroscopic lesions on conjunctiva, lungs, airsacs, heart, spleen and liver. Individual samples from each of those tissues were taken for histopathology and pooled samples were submitted for C. psittaci culture. There was a failure to detect antibody response by indirect immunofluorescent assay. The cockatiels developed mild clinical signs and minimal mortality after challenge. The necropsy and histopathologic evaluation of the tissues revealed mild to moderate lesions and no significant difference with positive control. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of the vaccines

Flexible Learning, Anxiety And Academic Performance Of Pre-Service Teachers: Input To Curriculum Adjustment

This descriptive-correlational study was conducted among randomly selected pre-service teachers of Isabela State University-Echague, Isabela. The purpose of which is to assess their attitude on blended learning, anxiety level and academic performance as an input to curriculum adjustment. Most of the participants of the study were female, user of cellular phone, messenger, and prepaid data. Also, the respondents are receiving financial and moral support from their parents while receiving help for their academics in their friends. In terms of their anxiety level, most of the respondents were suffering from moderate to severe level while they are performing on the average level. Generally speaking, the respondents have a positive attitude on blended learning. Data shows that there is a higher probability that male respondents, user of FaceBook and prepaid data and those who do have someone to support their financial needs have higher level of anxiety. Statistically, the anxiety level of the respondents affects negatively the academic performance of the respondents. Furthermore, there is also a higher possibility that the respondents’ academic performance get better when they have unlimited access to learning materials, with conducive place for learning, with organize time management, and comfortable with the use of laptops and technology-based materials. On the other hand, it was statically proven that when students get bored over the online learning and develop the feeling of being isolated, there is a probability that their grades will be affected negativel

Intelligent Agents: A Physics Education Opportunity in Latin-America

Intelligent Agents are being applied in a wide range of processes and everyday applications. Their development is not new, in recent years they have had an increased attention and design in learning and as mentoring tools. In this paper we discuss the definition of what an intelligent agent is; how they are applied; how thy look like; recent implementations of agents; agents as support in learning process; their state in Latin-American countries and future developments and trends that will permit a better communication between people and agents.Comment: 6 page

Wine routes in Spain: A case study

Spain is a country with an enormous wine-growing tradition and with a huge tourist industry, although it has not made the importance of wine tourism profitable. Thus, it was not until 2000 that different official wine routes seemed to appear, with the main objective, amongst others, being to help develop rural areas where wine production is of crucial importance and to offer alternatives to traditional sun and beach tourism. In this paper, we will present an analysis of wine tourism in Spain based on the premise that wine (and regional cuisine) may be, and very frequently is, the main reason for visiting a certain area. To investigate this, we will present the results of an empirical study carried out in one of the official wine routes of Andalusia, a Spanish region where sun and beach tourism and cultural tourism represent a highly significant part of tourist activity. We have analysed how this tourist route is bringing about significant socioeconomic changes to the geographical area. To achieve this aim, we have conducted a survey of the companies involved in the wine route in order to ascertain their opinions on the impact and influence of the route. The main results of the study demonstrate the need to consolidate the development of such routes through collaboration between public institutions, ensuring the participation of all the different social actors involved