Prediction of the yield of grains through artificial intelligence

Grass turns out to be an appropriate food for cattle, mainly in tropical climate countries such as Latin American countries. This is due to the high number of species that can be used, the possibility of growing them year-round, the ability of the ruminant to use fibrous supplies and be an economic source (Sánchez et al., Data mining and big data. DMBD 2018. Lecture notes in computer science, vol 10943. Springer, Cham, 2018, [1]). In this work, an application of neural networks was carried out in the forecasting of more accurate values of production and quality of grasslands

de Branges-Rovnyak spaces: basics and theory

For $S$ a contractive analytic operator-valued function on the unit disk ${\mathbb D}$, de Branges and Rovnyak associate a Hilbert space of analytic functions ${\mathcal H}(S)$ and related extension space ${\mathcal D(S)}$ consisting of pairs of analytic functions on the unit disk ${\mathbb D}$. This survey describes three equivalent formulations (the original geometric de Branges-Rovnyak definition, the Toeplitz operator characterization, and the characterization as a reproducing kernel Hilbert space) of the de Branges-Rovnyak space ${\mathcal H}(S)$, as well as its role as the underlying Hilbert space for the modeling of completely non-isometric Hilbert-space contraction operators. Also examined is the extension of these ideas to handle the modeling of the more general class of completely nonunitary contraction operators, where the more general two-component de Branges-Rovnyak model space ${\mathcal D}(S)$ and associated overlapping spaces play key roles. Connections with other function theory problems and applications are also discussed. More recent applications to a variety of subsequent applications are given in a companion survey article

Development of a sensitive enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) for specific identification of Lachesis acrochorda venom

The snake genus Lachesis provokes 2 to 3% of snakebites in Colombia every year. Two Lachesis species, L. acrochorda and L. muta, share habitats with snakes from another genus, namely Bothrops asper and B. atrox. Lachesis venom causes systemic and local effects such as swelling, hemorrhaging, myonecrosis, hemostatic disorders and nephrotoxic symptoms similar to those induced by Bothrops, Portidium and Bothriechis bites. Bothrops antivenoms neutralize a variety of Lachesis venom toxins. However, these products are unable to avoid coagulation problems provoked by Lachesis snakebites. Thus, it is important to ascertain whether the envenomation was caused by a Bothrops or Lachesis snake. The present study found enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) efficient for detecting Lachesis acrochorda venom in a concentration range of 3.9 to 1000 ng/mL, which did not show a cross-reaction with Bothrops, Portidium, Botriechis and Crotalus venoms. Furthermore, one fraction of L. acrochorda venom that did not show crossreactivity with B. asper venom was isolated using the same ELISA antibodies; some of its proteins were identified including one Gal-specific lectin and one metalloproteinase. This test may be useful to physicians, since it could be applicable for tracking the kinetic distribution of antigens in patients or experimentally envenomed animals

The Goal Programming as a Tool for Measuring the Sustainability of Agricultural Production Chains of Rice

Agricultural activity is characterized by an intensive use of capital and a considerable dependence on external financing. Access to credit is often limited by the scarcity of resources and lack of guarantees, seriously affecting the productivity and economic performance of agricultural exploitations. The objective of this paper is to assess the sustainability of agricultural production chain of rice in Latin America using multi-criteria analysis tools to facilitate decision-making through a benchmarking process to contribute to their economic sustainability. The implementation of the model in an exploitation typy depending on financing sources (conservative, intermediate, and innovative) has revealed the conflict between the goals, being the intermediate exploitation, which gets the best results. The conclusions show that the flexibilization of financing options positively affects the economic performance

Optimization of flow shop scheduling through a hybrid genetic algorithm for manufacturing companies

A task scheduling problem is a process of assigning tasks to a limited set of resources available in a time interval, where certain criteria are optimized. In this way, the sequencing of tasks is directly associated with the executability and optimality of a preset plan and can be found in a wide range of applications, such as: programming flight dispatch at airports, programming production lines in a factory, programming of surgeries in a hospital, repair of equipment or machinery in a workshop, among others. The objective of this study is to analyze the effect of the inclusion of several restrictions that negatively influence the production programming in a real manufacturing environment. For this purpose, an efficient Genetic Algorithm combined with a Local Search of Variable Neighborhood for problems of n tasks and m machines is introduced, minimizing the time of total completion of the tasks. The computational experiments carried out on a set of problem instances with different sizes of complexity show that the proposed hybrid metaheuristics achieves high quality solutions compared to the reported optimal cases

Evaluación y rehabilitación neuropsicológica en oncología pediátrica.

Objetivo. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo el estudio de los efectos neuropsicológicos a largo plazo del cáncer infantil y sus tratamientos así como plantear propuestas para la rehabilitación cognitiva. Método. El método ha consistido en una revisión sistemática de los resultados en la literatura científica acerca de los efectos de la quimioterapia y la radioterapia sobre el SNC y en las funciones cognitivas y conductuales detectados a través de estudios de neuroimagen como calcificaciones y cambios en la sustancia blanca. Presentamos, además, el protocolo de evaluación neuropsicológica ejemplificado con un diagnóstico frecuente que presenta deterioro generalizado. Proponemos un programa de rehabilitación neuropsicológica basado en el Attention Process Training (APT) de Mateer y Sohlberg. Resultado. La radioterapia craneal y el metotrexato producen alteraciones generalizadas que se reflejan en déficit neuropsicológicos: CI, atención, memoria, habilidades académicas y motoras. Conclusiones. El avance en los tratamientos ha supuesto la disminución del número e intensidad de las secuelas. No obstante, sigue siendo frecuente que en los tumores del SNC y en las leucemias aparezcan alteraciones cognitivas y conductuales. La evaluación neuropsicológica continua y los modelos de sustancia blanca nos ayudan a entender estos efectos a largo plazo. Asimismo, esta evaluación es fundamental para diagnosticar los déficit evitando falsas atribuciones y expectativas inadecuadas. Destacamos la necesidad de una unidad de seguimiento y del trabajo interdisciplinario para promover la calidad de vida de los niños con cáncer

Synergy between magneto-rheological fluids and aluminum foams. Prospective alternative for seismic damping

This is the accepted manuscript. Access to the published article can be gained at: http://jim.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/1045389X15596624v1.pdf?ijkey=SyFHNQwE4XMQqBF&keytype=finiteThis article presents the experimental study of a preliminary investigation of a seismic damper device aimed at improving the behavior of structures when subjected to earthquakes. The damper is the result of a binomial material formed by aluminum foam with pores 1 mm in diameter, wetted by a magnetorheological fluid (MRF). The objective of the present work is to explore the synergy between the two components in a magnetorheological test, and to evaluate the effect of the Al foam pores in the structure buildup of the fluid. The analysis is completed with a compressive test carried out on the MRF-filled foam in the presence of a magnetic field. This kind of test demonstrates that the deformation of the foam for very small loads is limited by the hardening of the fluid because of its MR response. The results of this research suggest that there is a mutual benefit between the components of the device, presumably leading to an enhanced dissipation of vibration energy.Proyectos PE2012-FQM694 (Junta de Andalucía, Spain), FIS2013-47666-C3-1-R (MINECO, Spain), SENER-CONACYT "151496" (UNAM Mexico), CONACYT National Quality Graduate Progra

Radiofrequency cardiac ablation with catheters placed on opposing sides of the ventricular wall: Computer modelling comparing bipolar and unipolar modes

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of bipolar (BM) vs. unipolar (UM) mode of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in terms of creating transmural lesions across the interventricular septum (IVS) and ventricular free wall (VFW). Materials and methods: We built computational models to study the temperature distributions and lesion dimensions created by BM and UM on IVS and VFW during RFA. Two different UM types were considered: sequential (SeUM) and simultaneous (SiUM). The effect of ventricular wall thickness, catheter misalignment, epicardial fat, and presence of air in the epicardial space were also studied. Results: Regarding IVS ablation, BM created transmural and symmetrical lesions for wall thicknesses up to 15 mm. SeUM and SiUM were not able to create transmural lesions with IVS thicknesses >= 12.5 and 15 mm, respectively. Lesions were asymmetrical only with SeUM. For VFW ablation, BM also created transmural lesions for wall thicknesses up to 15 mm. However, with SeUM and SiUM transmurality was obtained for VFW thicknesses <= 7.5 and 12.5 mm, respectively. With the three modes, VFW lesions were always asymmetrical. In the scenario with air or a fat tissue layer on the epicardial side, only SiUM was capable of creating transmural lesions. Overall, BM was superior to UM in IVS and VFW ablation when the catheters were not aligned. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that BM is more effective than UM in achieving transmurality across both ventricular sites, except in the situation of the epicardial catheter tip surrounded by air or placed over a fat tissue layer.This work received financial support from the Spanish 'Plan Nacional de I+D+I del Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion' (TEC2011-27133-C02-01), and from the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia (PAID-06-11 Ref. 1988). A. Gonzalez-Suarez is the recipient of a Grant VaLi+D (ACIF/2011/194) from the Generalitat Valenciana, Spain. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.González Suárez, A.; Trujillo Guillen, M.; Koruth, J.; D'avila, A.; Berjano, E. (2014). Radiofrequency cardiac ablation with catheters placed on opposing sides of the ventricular wall: Computer modelling comparing bipolar and unipolar modes. International Journal of Hyperthermia. 30(6):372-384. https://doi.org/10.3109/02656736.2014.949878S372384306SIVAGANGABALAN, G., BARRY, M. A., HUANG, K., LU, J., POULIOPOULOS, J., THOMAS, S. P., … KOVOOR, P. (2010). Bipolar Ablation of the Interventricular Septum is More Efficient at Creating a Transmural Line than Sequential Unipolar Ablation. Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology, 33(1), 16-26. doi:10.1111/j.1540-8159.2009.02602.xNagashima, K., Watanabe, I., Okumura, Y., Ohkubo, K., Kofune, M., Ohya, T., … Hirayama, A. (2011). Lesion Formation by Ventricular Septal Ablation With Irrigated Electrodes. Circulation Journal, 75(3), 565-570. doi:10.1253/circj.cj-10-0870D’ Avila, A., Houghtaling, C., Gutierrez, P., Vragovic, O., Ruskin, J. N., Josephson, M. E., & Reddy, V. Y. (2004). Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Epicardial Tissue. Circulation, 109(19), 2363-2369. doi:10.1161/01.cir.0000128039.87485.0bDukkipati, S. R., d’ Avila, A., Soejima, K., Bala, R., Inada, K., Singh, S., … Reddy, V. Y. (2011). Long-Term Outcomes of Combined Epicardial and Endocardial Ablation of Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia Related to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, 4(2), 185-194. doi:10.1161/circep.110.957290Sosa, E., Scanavacca, M., d’ Avila, A., Oliveira, F., & Ramires, J. A. F. (2000). Nonsurgical transthoracic epicardial catheter ablation to treat recurrent ventricular tachycardia occurring late after myocardial infarction. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 35(6), 1442-1449. doi:10.1016/s0735-1097(00)00606-9Nagashima, K., Watanabe, I., Okumura, Y., Sonoda, K., Kofune, M., Mano, H., … Hirayama, A. (2012). Epicardial Ablation With Irrigated Electrodes. Circulation Journal, 76(2), 322-327. doi:10.1253/circj.cj-11-0984Berjano, E. J. (2006). BioMedical Engineering OnLine, 5(1), 24. doi:10.1186/1475-925x-5-24Abraham, J. P., & Sparrow, E. M. (2007). A thermal-ablation bioheat model including liquid-to-vapor phase change, pressure- and necrosis-dependent perfusion, and moisture-dependent properties. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 50(13-14), 2537-2544. doi:10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2006.11.045Jo, B., & Aksan, A. (2010). Prediction of the extent of thermal damage in the cornea during conductive keratoplasty. Journal of Thermal Biology, 35(4), 167-174. doi:10.1016/j.jtherbio.2010.02.004HAINES, D. E., & WATSON, D. D. (1989). Tissue Heating During Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation: A Thermodynamic Model and Observations in Isolated Perfused and Superfused Canine Right Ventricular Free Wall. Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology, 12(6), 962-976. doi:10.1111/j.1540-8159.1989.tb05034.xZhao, G., Zhang, H.-F., Guo, X.-J., Luo, D.-W., & Gao, D.-Y. (2007). Effect of blood flow and metabolism on multidimensional heat transfer during cryosurgery. Medical Engineering & Physics, 29(2), 205-215. doi:10.1016/j.medengphy.2006.03.005Chang, I. A., & Nguyen, U. D. (2004). BioMedical Engineering OnLine, 3(1), 27. doi:10.1186/1475-925x-3-27Whitney, J., Carswell, W., & Rylander, N. (2013). Arrhenius parameter determination as a function of heating method and cellular microenvironment based on spatial cell viability analysis. International Journal of Hyperthermia, 29(4), 281-295. doi:10.3109/02656736.2013.802375Pearce, J. A. (2013). Comparative analysis of mathematical models of cell death and thermal damage processes. International Journal of Hyperthermia, 29(4), 262-280. doi:10.3109/02656736.2013.786140Doss, J. D. (1982). Calculation of electric fields in conductive media. Medical Physics, 9(4), 566-573. doi:10.1118/1.595107Watanabe, I., Nuo, M., Okumura, Y., Ohkubo, K., Ashino, S., Kofune, M., … Hirayama, A. (2010). Temperature-Controlled Cooled-Tip Radiofrequency Ablation in Left Ventricular Myocardium. International Heart Journal, 51(3), 193-198. doi:10.1536/ihj.51.193Yokoyama, K., Nakagawa, H., Wittkampf, F. H. M., Pitha, J. V., Lazzara, R., & Jackman, W. M. (2006). Comparison of Electrode Cooling Between Internal and Open Irrigation in Radiofrequency Ablation Lesion Depth and Incidence of Thrombus and Steam Pop. Circulation, 113(1), 11-19. doi:10.1161/circulationaha.105.540062Kumar, P., Mounsey, J. P., Gehi, A. K., Schwartz, J. D., & Chung, E. H. (2013). Use of a closed loop irrigated catheter in epicardial ablation of ventricular tachycardia. Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology, 38(1), 35-42. doi:10.1007/s10840-013-9799-1Schutt, D., Berjano, E. J., & Haemmerich, D. (2009). Effect of electrode thermal conductivity in cardiac radiofrequency catheter ablation: A computational modeling study. International Journal of Hyperthermia, 25(2), 99-107. doi:10.1080/02656730802563051Gopalakrishnan, J. (2002). A Mathematical Model for Irrigated Epicardial Radiofrequency Ablation. Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 30(7), 884-893. doi:10.1114/1.1507845Suárez, A. G., Hornero, F., & Berjano, E. J. (2010). Mathematical Modeling of Epicardial RF Ablation of Atrial Tissue with Overlying Epicardial Fat. The Open Biomedical Engineering Journal, 4(1), 47-55. doi:10.2174/1874120701004020047Haemmerich, D., Chachati, L., Wright, A. S., Mahvi, D. M., Lee, F. T., & Webster, J. G. (2003). Hepatic radiofrequency ablation with internally cooled probes: effect of coolant temperature on lesion size. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 50(4), 493-500. doi:10.1109/tbme.2003.809488Koruth, J. S., Dukkipati, S., Miller, M. A., Neuzil, P., d’ Avila, A., & Reddy, V. Y. (2012). Bipolar irrigated radiofrequency ablation: A therapeutic option for refractory intramural atrial and ventricular tachycardia circuits. Heart Rhythm, 9(12), 1932-1941. doi:10.1016/j.hrthm.2012.08.001González-Suárez, A., Trujillo, M., Burdío, F., Andaluz, A., & Berjano, E. (2012). Feasibility study of an internally cooled bipolar applicator for RF coagulation of hepatic tissue: Experimental and computational study. International Journal of Hyperthermia, 28(7), 663-673. doi:10.3109/02656736.2012.716900Agah, R., Gandjbakhche, A. H., Motamedi, M., Nossal, R., & Bonner, R. F. (1996). Dynamics of temperature dependent optical properties of tissue: dependence on thermally induced alteration. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 43(8), 839-846. doi:10.1109/10.508546Haines, D. E. (2011). Letter by Haines Regarding Article, «Direct Measurement of the Lethal Isotherm for Radiofrequency Ablation of Myocardial Tissue». Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, 4(5). doi:10.1161/circep.111.965459Wood, M., Goldberg, S., Lau, M., Goel, A., Alexander, D., Han, F., & Feinstein, S. (2011). Direct Measurement of the Lethal Isotherm for Radiofrequency Ablation of Myocardial Tissue. Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, 4(3), 373-378. doi:10.1161/circep.110.961169Jain, M. K., & Wolf, P. D. (2000). A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Model of Radiofrequency Ablation with Blood Flow and its Experimental Validation. Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 28(9), 1075-1084. doi:10.1114/1.131021