Transfer learning or design a custom CNN for tactile object recognition

International Workshop on Robotac: New Progress in Tactile Perception and Learning in RoboticsNovel tactile sensors allow treating pressure lectures as standard images due to its highresolution. Therefore, computer vision algorithms such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) can be used to identify objects in contact. In this work, a high-resolution tactile sensor has been attached to a robotic end-effector to identify objects in contact. Moreover, two CNNs-based approaches have been tested in an experiment of classification of pressure images. These methods include a transfer learning approach using a pre-trained CNN on an RGB images dataset and a custom-made CNN trained from scratch with tactile information. A comparative study of performance between them has been carried out.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech. Spanish project DPI2015-65186-R, the European Commission under grant agreement BES-2016-078237, the educational project PIE-118 of the University of Malag

CONTROL DE UN PÉNDULO DE FURUTA. UNA REVISIÓN DEL ESTADO DEL ARTE.

This work shows a state of art about the different modeling and control strategies for the inverted rotational Pendulum. A brief description of each of them from the creation of the Furuta Pendulum to the present day was made, we pay great interest of Friction phenomena in the control strategies, highlighting the whole world, include Colombia.Se realiza una descripcion de algunos trabajos reportados en la comunidad de control a nivel internacional y nacional sobre PENDULOS INVERTIDOS. Este trabajo abarca desde la creacion del pendulo de Furuta hasta la actualidad

SIMULTANEOUS DETERMINATION OF KETOPROFEN AND ACETAMINOPHEN IN FIXED-DOSE COMBINATION FORMULATIONS BY FIRST-ORDER DERIVATIVE SPECTROSCOPY: APPLICATION TO DISSOLUTION STUDIES

Objective: To develop and validate a new and easy zero-crossing derivative method for the simultaneous determination of ketoprofen and acetaminophen in fixed-dose combination formulations and to demonstrate its application in dissolution studies.Methods: Measurement was achieved using the first derivative signals at 243.2 nm for ketoprofen and at 260.5 nm for acetaminophen. The method was validated according to ICH guidelines. The proposed method was applied for the simultaneous quantification of both drugs in samples taken during the study of dissolution profiles (USP Apparatus 2, 75 rpm and 900 ml of 0.1 M phosphate buffer pH 7.4) of Bifebral® reference product (100/300 mg ketoprofen and acetaminophen, respectively). Samples were also analyzed by a previously validated HPLC-PDA method. Dissolution profiles were compared by similarity factor f2. Additionally values of: t50%, t85%, dissolution efficiency and mean dissolution time, obtained for ketoprofen and acetaminophen using UV and HPLC-PDA methods, were compared by Student's t-test.Results: The first derivative spectrophotometric method was linear in the range of 25–200 µg/ml for ketoprofen and 25–150 µg/ml for acetaminophen (R2>0.99, *P<0.05). The within-day and between-day precision and accuracy were within the acceptable criteria (RSD<3.4% and 100±3%). Similarity factor f2 was 85.85 and 88.49 for ketoprofen and acetaminophen, respectively. No significant differences between data obtained with UV and HPLC-PDA methods were found (*P>0.05).Conclusion: The proposed method can be used for the simultaneous determination of ketoprofen and acetaminophen, from fixed-dose combination formulations, in dissolution studies. The method is rapid, simple, accurate, and precise without the need of high-cost investment.Keywords: Ketoprofen, Acetaminophen, Derivative spectroscopy, Zero-crossing method, Dissolution studies.Â

Education 2.0: Student Generated Learning Materials through Collaborative Work

AbstractThe Inside-Outside strategy pushes students to be more involved in their learning. As shown by the Integrated Learning Processes model this improves learning. A course on operating systems was redesigned in such a way that students would generate most of their learning materials as well a significant part of their evaluation exams. This new approach resulted in a statistical significant improvement of student's grade as measured by a standardized exam compared with a previous student intake

IN VITRO EVALUATION OF NAPROXEN SODIUM AND ACETAMINOPHEN FROM FIXED-DOSE COMBINATION GENERIC DRUGS USING THE FLOW-THROUGH CELL METHOD

Objective: The aim of this study was the in vitro evaluation of naproxen sodium and acetaminophen from fixed-dose combination generic drugs based on the hydrodynamic environment generated by the flow-through cell method (USP Apparatus 4).Methods: Dissolution studies were carried out using a USP Apparatus 4 Sotax CE6 with 22.6 mm cells, laminar flow at 16 ml/min, and 0.1 M phosphate buffer pH 7.4 at 37.0±0.5 °C as dissolution medium. Both drugs were identified and quantified by a validated first-order derivative spectrophotometric method. Measurements were achieved at 243.26 and 297.0 nm for naproxen sodium and acetaminophen, respectively. Dissolution profiles of generic drugs were compared with similarity factor f2, t50%, t85%, t90% values as well as model-dependent and independent methods.Results: According to f2 values, dissolution profiles of all generic drugs were considered dissimilar to the dissolution profiles of the reference product (f2<50). Significant differences in t50%, t85%, t90%, mean dissolution time and dissolution efficiency values were found (*P<0.05). Dissolution data better adjusted to Makoid-Banakar and Weibull's kinetic models.Conclusion: The flow-through cell method was adequate for the in vitro evaluation of fixed-dose combination generic drugs containing naproxen sodium and acetaminophen. It should be necessary to evaluate the in vivo performance of fixed-dose generic formulations that contain naproxen sodium and acetaminophen in order to assure bioequivalence.Keywords: Naproxen sodium, Acetaminophen, Flow-through cell method, Fixed-dose combination generic drugs, First-order derivative spectrophotometry. 1.        Ruiz ME, Gregorini A, Talevi A, Volonté MG. Dissolution studies of generic medications: new evidence of deviations from the transitivity principle. Dissol Technol 2012;19:13−24.2.        Shokin IE, Ramenskaya GV, Vasulenko GF, Malalshenko EA. Assessment of the possibility of using comparative in vitro dissolution kinetics (biowaiver) instead of in vitro bioequivalence evaluation for establishing the inter-changeability of generic drugs. Pharm Chem J 2011;45:107−9.3.        Jayasheel BG. Regulatory requirements for marketing fixed dose combinations. Perspect Clin Res 2010;1:120−3.4.        Mitra A, Wu Y. Challenges and opportunities in achieving bioequivalence for fixed-dose combination products. AAPS J 2012;14:646−55.5.        Faasen F, Vromans H. Biowaivers for oral immediate-release products. Clin Pharmacokinet 2004;45:1117−26.6.        Kalantzi L, Reppas C, Dressman JB, Amidon GL, Junginger HE, Midha KK, et al. Biowaiver monographs for immediate release solid oral dosage forms: acetaminophen (paracetamol). J Pharm Sci 2006;95:4−14.7.        Palma-Aguirre JA, Villalpando-Hernández J, Novoa-Heckel G, Oliva I, Cariño L, López-Bojórquez E, et al. Bioavailability of two oral tablet and two oral suspension formulations of naproxen sodium/paracetamol (acetaminophen): single dose, randomized, open-label, two-period crossover comparisons in healthy Mexican adult subjects. Clin Ther 2009;31:399−410.8.        Kasim NA, Whitehouse M, Ramachandran C, Bermejo M, Lennernäs H, Hussain AS, et al. Molecular properties of the WHO essential drugs and provisional biopharmaceutical classification. Mol Pharm 2004;1:85–96.9.        United States Pharmacopeia and National Formulary USP 38-NF 33: The United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. Rockville, MD; 2015.10.     US FDA. Dissolution methods. Available from URL: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/dissolution/. [Last accessed on 24 Sep 2015].11.     Medina JR, López-Tableros CA, Hernández-Altamirano G, Alarcón-Ãngeles G, Hurtado M, Domínguez-Ramírez AM. Simultaneous determination of naproxen sodium and acetaminophen in fixed-dose combinations formulations by first-order derivative spectroscopy: application to dissolution studies. Int J Pharm Pharm Sci 2015;7:183−8.12.     Chevalier E, Viana M, Artaud A, Chomette L, Haddouchi S, Devidts G, et al. Comparison of three dissolution apparatuses for testing calcium phosphate pellets used as ibuprofen delivery systems. AAPS PharmSciTech 2009:10:597−605.13.     Greco K, Bergman TL, Bogner R. Design and characterization of a laminar flow-through dissolution apparatus: comparison of hydrodynamic conditions to those of common dissolution techniques. Pharm Dev Technol 2011;16:75−87.14.     Shiko G, Gladden LF, Sederman AJ, Connolly PC, Butler JM. MRI studies of the hydrodynamics in a USP 4 dissolution testing cell. J Pharm Sci 2011;100:976−91.15.     Szymanska E, Winnicka K. Comparison of flow-through cell and paddle methods for testing vaginal tablets containing a poorly water-soluble drug. Trop J Pharm Res 2013;12:39–44.16.     Emara LH, Emam MF, Taha NF, El-Ashmawy AA, Mursi NM. In-vitro dissolution study of meloxicam immediate release products using flow-through cell (USP apparatus 4) under different operational conditions. Int J Pharm Pharm Sci 2014;6:254−60.17.     Jinno J, Kamada N, Miyake M, Yamada K, Mukai T, Odomi M, et al. In vitro-in vivo correlation for a wet-milled tablet of poorly water-soluble cilostazol. J Controlled Release 2008;130:29−37.18.     Jantratid E, De Maio V, Ronda E, Mattavelli V, Vertzoni M, Dressman JB. Application of bio-relevant dissolution tests to the prediction of in vivo performance of diclofenac sodium from an oral modified-release pellet dosage form. Eur J Pharm Sci 2009;37:434−41.19.     Hurtado M, Vargas Y, Domínguez-Ramírez AM, Cortés AR. Comparison of dissolution profiles for albendazole tablets using USP apparatus 2 and 4. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2003;29:777-83.20.     Medina JR, Salazar DK, Hurtado M, Cortés AR, Domínguez-Ramírez AM. Comparative in vitro dissolution study of carbamazepine immediate-release products using the USP paddles method and the flow-through cell system. Saudi Pharm J 2014;22:141−7.21.     Relación de Medicamentos de Referencia. Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios. México. Available from: URL: http://www.cofepris.gob.mx/AS/Documents/ Registro Sanitario Medicamentos/Rel_med_de_ref_15-08-2013. pdf. [Last accessed on 21 Nov 2015].22.     ICH, Q2B Validation of Analytical Procedures: Methodology, International Conference on Harmonization; 1996. Available from: URL: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/drugs/ guidance-complianceregulatoryinformation/guidances/ucm073384.pdf. [Last accessed on 24 Oct 2015].23.     Singh I, Aboul-Enein HY. Advantages of USP Apparatus IV (flow-through cell apparatus) in dissolution studies. J Iran Chem Soc 2006;3:220–2.24.     Gao Z. In vitro dissolution testing with the flow-through method: a technical note. AAPS Pharm Sci Tech 2009;10:1401–5.25.     Qui S, Wang K, Li M. In vitro dissolution studies of immediate-release and extended release formulations using flow-through cell apparatus 4. Dissolution Technol 2014;21:6−15.26.     Yuksel N, Kanik AE, Baykara T. Comparison of dissolution profiles by ANOVA-based, model-dependent and independent methods. Int J Pharm 2000;209:57−67.27.     Zhang Y, Huo M, Zhou J, Zou A, Li W, Yao C, et al. DD Solver: an add-in program for modeling and comparison of drug dissolution profiles. AAPS J 2010;12:263−71.28.     Langenbucher F, Benz D, Kurth W, Moller H, Otz M. Standardized flow-cell method as an alternative to existing pharmacopoeial dissolution testing. Pharm Indian 1989; 51:1276−81.29.     Steffansen B, Brodin B, Und Nielsen C. editors. Molecular Biopharmaceutics. ULLA Pharmacy Series. Pharmaceutical Press; 2010.30.     Sunesen VH, Pedersen BL, Kristensen HG, Müller A. In vitro in vivo correlations for a poorly soluble drug, danazol, using the flow-through dissolution method with relevant dissolution media. Eur J Pharm Sci 2005;24:305−13.31.     Demirtürk E, Öner L. In vitro-in vivo correlations. FABAD J Pharm Sci 2003;28:215−24.32.     Anderson NH, Bauer M, Boussac N, Khan-Malek R, Munden P, Sardaro M. An evaluation of fit factors and dissolution efficiency for the comparison of in vitro dissolution profiles. J Pharm Biomed Anal 1998;17:811−22.33.     Anand O, Yu LX, Conner DP, Davit BM. Dissolution testing of generic drugs: and FDA perspective. AAPS J 2011;13:328−35

Effect of Static Magnetic Field Exposure of Salvia Seeds on Germination Characteristics (Salvia officinalis, L.)

The main objective of this study is to determine the effects of magnetic treatment, in addition to the geomagnetic field, on germination of salvia officinalis L. seeds. This objective has a practice application in agriculture science: to obtain an early growth of salvia. A great development of crops of medicinal, condimentary and aromatic plants crops is taking place in Mediterranean countries due to their high added value as consequence of the Fitotherapy reappearance among other reasons. In recent decades magnetic treatment of seeds became very popular in agricultural sector. Salvia seeds were exposed to 125 mT stationary magnetic field generated by magnets for different time: 10 minutes (A1), 20 minutes (A2), 1hour (A3), 24 hours (A4) and chronic exposure (A5). Other group of seeds were subjected to a magnetic pretreatment (P1). Not exposed seeds were used as control (C). Germination tests were performed at temperature 20-22ºC under laboratory conditions. The selected germination parameters were: time for the first seed to germinate (T1), time to reach 10, 25% etc. germination (T10, T25, T50 and T75), number of germinated seeds (Gmax) and the mean germination time (MGT), all of them were provided by the Seedcalculator software package. Results indicate that magnetic field application enhanced the seed performance in terms of laboratory germination, rate and percentage of germination compared to unexposed (C). The germination parameters recorded for salvia seeds and for each treatment and pretreatment were lower than corresponding control value. Among the various treatments, chronic exposure to 125mT (A5) gave best results. Data obtained for salvia treated seeds showed that MGT was significantly reduced compared to control ones (79.68 h for A3, 81.84 h for A4, 75.60 h for A5, and 81.60 h for P1 vs. 95.28 h for control). Parameters (T1-T50) and MGT were also significantly reduced for treatments A2, A3, A4, A5 and P1

Sistema de información para el registro y control de los procesos de mantenimiento e inventario en los equipos de carga del operador portuario Granportuaria S.A. SIMAN 1.0

La investigación tiene como propósito desarrollar un sistema de información en el Departamento Técnico del operador portuario GRANPORTUARIA S.A. para los procesos de registro, control de inventario y de mantenimiento de los equipos utilizados para la movilización de carga en el Terminal de Contenedores de Cartagena CONTECAR. En busca de lograr su pleno desarrollo en el manejo y transporte de mercancías ha aumentado la cantidad de equipos de carga, donde el departamento técnico de la compañía tiene la responsabilidad de mantener la mayor cantidad de equipos disponibles, haciendo que el volumen de información referente a los procesos de mantenimiento y el control sobre el inventario de repuestos y materiales de consumo crezca rápidamente; por lo cual se requiere de un Sistema de Información que controle estos procesos y genere reportes de los mismos en forma oportuna y actualizada. Frente a lo cual el siguiente proyecto desarrolla e implementa SIMAN 1.0. Este sistema de Información está desarrollado bajo el sistema operativo Microsoft Windows 2000 NT Proffesional en donde la base de datos está montada sobre el motor de bases de datos Oracle V 9.2.0.1.0, el cual tiene la capacidad de almacenar gran volumen de información y la interfaz está desarrollada en Oracle Developer 6i Release 2 (6.0.8.11). El sistema es manejado en su totalidad en ambiente cliente/servidor, permitiendo de esta forma el acceso de diferentes usuarios a la base de datos en forma simultánea

Modelling Cost-Effectiveness of Biologic Treatments Based on Disease Activity Scores for the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Spain

Background. The objective of this simulation model was to assess the cost-effectiveness of different biological treatment strategies based on levels of disease activity in Spain, in patients with moderate to severe active RA and an insufficient response to at least one anti-TNF agent. Methods. Clinically meaningful effectiveness criteria were defined using DAS28 scores: remission and Low Disease Activity State (LDAS) thresholds. Monte-Carlo simulations were conducted to assess cost-effectiveness over 2 years of four biological sequential strategies composed of anti-TNF agents (adalimumab, infliximab), abatacept or rituximab, in patients with moderate to severe active RA and an insufficient response to etanercept as first biological agent. Results. The sequential strategy including etanercept, abatacept and adalimumab appeared more efficacious over 2 years (102 days in LDAS) compared to the same sequence including rituximab as second biological option (82 days in LDAS). Cost-effectiveness ratios showed lower costs per day in LDAS with abatacept (427 €) compared to rituximab as second biological option (508 €). All comparisons were confirmed when using remission criteria. Conclusion. Model results suggest that in patients with an insufficient response to anti-TNF agents, the biological sequences including abatacept appear more efficacious and cost-effective than similar sequences including rituximab or cycled anti-TNF agents