QRS Detection Optimization in Stress Test Recordings Using Evolutionary Algorithms

QRS detection in exercise stress test recordings remains a challenging task because they are highly non-stationary and contaminated with noise. An algorithm to find the optimal set of parameters for QRS detection in these recordings is proposed. The performance improves up to 10.46 % in noisy recordings

RACMA o cómo dar vida a un mapa mudo en el Museo de América

La Realidad Aumentada es una tecnología que permite aumentar el mundo real que percibimos con elementos virtuales interactivos. En este artículo describimos el uso de esta tecnología en el Museo de América de Madrid, sobre un mapa mudo del continente americano en el que, gracias a la Realidad Aumentada creamos personajes que dan vida al mapa y proporcionan información sobre las culturas presentes en el museo

Paternity and cultural difference : historical-anthropological reflections for discussion

ABSTARCT: This paper asks for paternity, from a historical-anthropologic approach based on the concept of cultural diversity, proposing it like a social construction that can be re-elaborated for other familiarity modes not considered. Thus, it must be clear that those modes are not included in this work, because doing that will imply the prescription of specific types of family experiences. Avoiding prescriptions, this work present the need of keeping paternity open for different possible ways of social articulation.RESUMEN: Este trabajo aborda la pregunta por la paternidad desde una aproximación histórico-antropológica y, a partir del concepto de diferencia cultural, la plantea como un una construcción social que puede ser reelaborada para efectos de otros modos de familiaridad no contemplados. Así, debe aclararse que dichos modos no son señalados en este trabajo porque, si así fuera, se estarían prescribiendo formas específicas de experiencia familiar. Lejos de prescribirla, el presente trabajo postula la necesidad de mantener abierta la paternidad a distintas formas posibles de articulación social

Intracellular inflammatory and antioxidant pathways in postmortem frontal cortex of subjects with major depression: effect of antidepressants

Background: Studies show that Toll-like receptors (TLRs), members of the innate immune system, might participate in the pathogenesis of the major depressive disorder (MDD). However, evidence of this participation in the brain of patients with MDD has been elusive. Methods: This work explores whether the protein expression by immunodetection assays (Western blot) of elements of TLR-4 pathways controlling inflammation and the oxidative/nitrosative stress are altered in postmortem dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of subjects with MDD. The potential modulation induced by the antidepressant treatment on these parameters was also assessed. Thirty MDD subjects (15 antidepressant-free and 15 under antidepressant treatment) were matched for gender and age to 30 controls in a paired design. Results: No significant changes in TLR-4 expression were detected. An increased expression of the TLR-4 endogenous ligand Hsp70 (+ 33%), but not of Hsp60, and the activated forms of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) p38 (+ 47%) and JNK (+ 56%) was observed in MDD. Concomitantly, MDD subjects present a 45% decreased expression of DUSP2 (a regulator of MAPKs) and reduced (- 21%) expression of the antioxidant nuclear factor Nrf2. Antidepressant treatment did not modify the changes detected in the group with MDD and actually increased (+ 25%) the expression of p11, a protein linked with the transport of neurotransmitters and depression. Conclusion: Data indicate an altered TLR-4 immune response in the brain of subjects with MDD. Additional research focused on the mechanisms contributing to the antidepressant-induced TLR-4 pathway modulation is warranted and could help to develop new treatment strategies for MDD.This work was supported by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III and Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (MINECO) through the Plan Estatal de I+D+i 2013-2016 (FIS-PI13/01102 and SAF2016-75500-R to JCL), the Agencia Estatal de Investigacion (AEI) and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) (SAF2017-83053-R to JRC), the Basque Government (IT-616-13), CIBERSAM and the EDR Funds. JRC and BGB are Ramon y Cajal fellows (MINECO)

Deactivation and regeneration of solid acid and base catalyst bodies used in cascade for bio-oil synthesis and upgrading

The modes of deactivation -and the extent to which their properties can be restored- of two catalyst bodies used in cascade for bio-oil synthesis have been studied. These catalysts include a solid acid granulate (namely ZrO2/desilicated zeolite ZSM-5/attapulgite clay) employed in ex-situ catalytic fast pyrolysis of biomass, and a base extrudate (K-exchanged zeolite USY/attapulgite clay) for the subsequent bio-oil upgrading. Post-mortem analyses of both catalyst bodies with Raman spectroscopy and confocal fluorescence microscopy revealed the presence of highly poly-aromatic coke distributed in an egg-shell manner. Deactivation due to coke adsorption onto acid sites affected the zeolite ZSM-5-based catalyst, while for the base catalyst it is structural integrity loss, resulting from KOH-mediated zeolite framework collapse, the main deactivating factor. A hydrothermal regeneration process reversed the detrimental effects of coke in the acid catalyst, largely recovering catalyst acidity (∼80%) and textural properties (∼90%), but worsened the structural damage suffered by the base catalyst

Desenvolvimento de um ambiente virtual para a simulação de manobras elétricas em subestações: um caso prático: un caso práctico

Introduction: This is the result of a research project that intends to show the importance of including the electrical substation simulator in the course that bears the same name (School of Engineering, Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas). We propose an improved version of the simulator that includes all existing configurations and design modules. Method: Sample surveys were used to find out the students’ perception of the electric substation simulator as a learning methodology and its effect on course repetition figures. A summary of how the software was developed and its validation through a simulation that allows to show the advantages of its use for electrical maneuvers, along with recent modifications, is provided. Results: The potentiality of the tool is shown by the simulation of an electric maneuver. Through the sample surveys, it was obtained that more than 80 % of the students affirm that the simulator was a useful tool for electrical maneuvers, since this topic was very difficult to learn; therefore, it can contribute to reduce course repetition rates. Conclusions: The inclusion of the simulator demonstrated the usefulness of this virtual tool for understanding the operation and maintenance of high and extra high voltage installations (electrical substations). This is framed by the concept of virtual laboratories and is valid for the training of science and engineering students, thus contributing to improve their performance in different subjects.Introducción: resultado de una investigación que pretende mostrar la importancia de la inclusión del simulador de subestaciones eléctricas en la asignatura que lleva el mismo nombre (Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas). Se propone una versión mejorada del simulador que incluya todas las configuraciones existentes y los módulos de diseño. Metodología: se emplearon encuestas muestrales para conocer la percepción de los estudiantes frente al simulador de subestaciones eléctricas, como metodología de aprendizaje y su incidencia en las cifras de repitencia. Se realiza una síntesis de la forma en que se desarrolló el software y su validación mediante una simulación que permite mostrar las ventajas de su uso para el tema de maniobras eléctricas, junto con las modificaciones recientes. Resultados: se muestra la potencialidad de la herramienta mediante la simulación de una maniobra eléctrica. A través de las encuestas muestrales, se obtuvo que más de un 80 % de los estudiantes encuestados afirman que el simulador fue una herramienta útil en el tema de maniobras eléctricas, ya que presentaba mayor dificultad de aprendizaje entre los estudiantes; por ello, puede contribuir a reducir los índices de repitencia. Conclusiones: la inclusión del simulador permitió demostrar la utilidad de esta herramienta virtual para la comprensión de procesos de operación y mantenimiento de instalaciones de alta y extra alta tensión (subestaciones eléctricas), enmarcado en el concepto de laboratorios virtuales, válido para la formación de estudiantes de ciencias e ingenierías, de manera que contribuya a mejorar su desempeño en diferentes asignaturas. Introdução: este artigo é resultado de uma pesquisa que pretende mostrar a importância da inclusão do simulador de subestações elétricas na disciplina com o mesmo nome, da Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas. Propõe-se uma versão melhorada do simulador que inclua todas as configurações existentes e os módulos de desenho. Metodologia: foram empregados questionários amostrais para conhecer a percepção dos estudantes ante o simulador de subestações elétricas, como metodologia de aprendizagem e sua incidência nas cifras de reprovação. Realiza-se uma síntese da forma em que o software foi desenvolvido e sua validação mediante uma simulação que permite mostrar as vantagens de seu uso para o tema de manobras elétricas, junto com as modificações recentes. Resultados: mostra-se a potencialidade da ferramenta mediante a simulação de uma manobra elétrica. Por meio de questionários amostrais, obteve-se que mais de 80% dos estudantes questionados afirmam que o simulador foi uma ferramenta útil no tema de manobras elétricas, já que apresentava maior dificuldade de aprendizagem entre os estudantes; por isso, pode contribuir para reduzir os índices de reprovação. Conclusões: a inclusão do simulador permitiu demonstrar a utilidade dessa ferramenta virtual para a compreensão de processos de operação e manutenção de instalações de alta e extra-alta tensão (subestações elétricas), delimitada no conceito de laboratórios virtuais, válido para a formação de estudantes de ciências e engenharias, de maneira que contribua para melhorar seu desempenho em diferentes disciplinas

Development and implementation of a virtual laboratory for training process improvement in the mechanics of continuous media

The project arises from the need to develop improved teaching methodologies in field of the mechanics of continuous media. The objective is to offer the student a learning process to acquire the necessary theoretical knowledge, cognitive skills and the responsibility and autonomy to professional development in this area. Traditionally the teaching of the concepts of these subjects was performed through lectures and laboratory practice. During these lessons the students attitude was usually passive, and therefore their effectiveness was poor. The proposed methodology has already been successfully employed in universities like University Bochum, Germany, University the South Australia and aims to improve the effectiveness of knowledge acquisition through use by the student of a virtual laboratory. This laboratory allows to adapt the curricula and learning techniques to the European Higher Education and improve current learning processes in the University School of Public Works Engineers -EUITOP- of the Technical University of Madrid -UPM-, due there are not laboratories in this specialization. The virtual space is created using a software platform built on OpenSim, manages 3D virtual worlds, and, language LSL -Linden Scripting Language-, which imprints specific powers to objects. The student or user can access this virtual world through their avatar -your character in the virtual world- and can perform practices within the space created for the purpose, at any time, just with computer with internet access and viewfinder. The virtual laboratory has three partitions. The virtual meeting rooms, where the avatar can interact with peers, solve problems and exchange existing documentation in the virtual library. The interactive game room, where the avatar is has to resolve a number of issues in time. And the video room where students can watch instructional videos and receive group lessons. Each audiovisual interactive element is accompanied by explanations framing it within the area of knowledge and enables students to begin to acquire a vocabulary and practice of the profession for which they are being formed. Plane elasticity concepts are introduced from the tension and compression testing of test pieces of steel and concrete. The behavior of reticulated and articulated structures is reinforced by some interactive games and concepts of tension, compression, local and global buckling will by tests to break articulated structures. Pure bending concepts, simple and composite torsion will be studied by observing a flexible specimen. Earthquake resistant design of buildings will be checked by a laboratory test video

Innovar para el fomento de la igualdad y la inclusión en la UCM

Depto. de Ciencias de la Comunicación AplicadaFac. de Ciencias de la InformaciónFALSEsubmitte

Propuesta en Supply Chain Management y Logística en la Empresa ALFA CO S.A.S

El presente trabajo se orientará en la aplicación del supply chain management y logística en cada uno de los procesos y actividades desarrolladas por la empresa ALFA CO S.A.S, la cual cuenta con una línea de actividad comercial que es la importación y comercialización de productos geosintéticos (Geomembrana HDPE) utilizadas en las diferentes industrias agropecuarias, mineras y de construcción; considerando así la articulación logística que está presente en los eslabones de la cadena de esta forma para que funcione como un sistema homogéneo. La geomembrana hdpe posee alta resistencia a esfuerzos de tensión, resistente a la radiación UV, a la acción de químicos, además de propiedades de baja temperatura para el almacenamiento de líquidos y sólidos; su utilización principal en las industrias tiene que ver como elemento fundamental de estanqueidad, depósitos, el revestimiento de lixiviación, estanques de contención, entre otros. Por lo cual se analiza la gestión y administración logística del suministro de la geomembrana hdpe, se visualiza la configuración de la red de la empresa, se describe los procesos según enfoque del global supply chain fórum (GSCF), además de contar con el enfoque de apics-scor, a continuación se analiza la posición de Colombia en términos de logística según el banco mundial, la gestión de inventarios de la empresa, se analiza el layout y los modos y medios de transporte, se visualiza la estrategia de aprovisionamiento y los beneficios al implementar estrategias de DRP y TMS y al final se presentan las megatendencias que hay en supply chain management y logística derivadas del estudio realizado.The present work will be oriented to the application of supply chain management and logistics in each of the processes and activities developed by ALFA CO S.A.S., which has a line of commercial activity that is the import and marketing of geosynthetic products (HDPE Geomembrane) used in the different agricultural, mining and construction industries; thus considering the logistic articulation that is present in the links of the chain in this way so that it works as a homogeneous system. The hdpe geomembrane has high resistance to tensile stress, resistant to UV radiation, to the action of chemicals, in addition to low temperature properties for the storage of liquids and solids; its main use in the industries has to do with the fundamental element of watertightness, tanks, the leaching lining, containment ponds, among others. Therefore, the logistic management and administration of the supply of the hdpe geomembrane is analyzed, the configuration of the company's network is visualized, the processes are described according to the approach of the global supply chain forum (GSCF), in addition to the apics-scor approach, the position of Colombia in terms of logistics according to the world bank is analyzed below, the company's inventory management, the layout and the modes and means of transport are analyzed, the procurement strategy and the benefits of implementing DRP and TMS strategies are visualized and at the end the mega-trends in supply chain management and logistics derived from the study are presented

Engineering the acidity and accessibility of the zeolite ZSM-5 for efficient bio-oil upgrading in catalytic pyrolysis of lignocellulose

The properties of the zeolite ZSM-5 have been optimised for the production and deoxygenation of the bio-oil∗ (bio-oil on water-free basis) fraction by lignocellulose catalytic pyrolysis. Two ZSM-5 supports possessing high mesopore/external surface area, and therefore enhanced accessibility, have been employed to promote the conversion of the bulky compounds formed in the primary cracking of lignocellulose. These supports are a nanocrystalline material (n-ZSM-5) and a hierarchical sample (h-ZSM-5) of different Si/Al ratios and acid site concentrations. Acidic features of both zeolites have been modified and adjusted by incorporation of ZrO2, which has a significant effect on the concentration and distribution of both Brønsted and Lewis acid sites. These materials have been tested in the catalytic pyrolysis of acid-washed wheat straw (WS-ac) using a two-step (thermal/catalytic) reaction system at different catalyst/biomass ratios. The results obtained have been assessed in terms of oxygen content, energy yield and composition of the produced bio-oil∗, taking also into account the selectivity towards the different deoxygenation pathways. The ZrO2/n-ZSM-5 sample showed remarkable performance in the biomass catalytic pyrolysis, as a result of the appropriate combination of accessibility and acidic properties. In particular, modification of the zeolitic support acidity by incorporation of highly dispersed ZrO2 effectively decreased the extent of secondary reactions, such as severe cracking and coke formation, as well as promoted the conversion of the oligomers formed initially by lignocellulose pyrolysis, thus sharply decreasing the proportion of the components not detected by GC-MS in the upgraded bio-oil∗