Automatic detection of specular reflectance in colour images using the MS diagram

In this paper we present a new method for the identification of specular reflectance in colour images. We have developed a bi-dimensional histogram which allows the exploitation of the relations between the signals of intensity and saturation of a colour image. Once the diagram has been constructed, it is possible to verify that the pixels of the specular reflectance are located in a well-defined region. The brightness is automatically identified by means of the extraction of pixels present in this region of the diagram, independently of their hue values. The effectiveness of the method in a variety of real chromatic images has been proven

A facile Shape-Controlled Synthesis of highly photoactive Fluorine containing TiO2 nanosheets with high {001} facet exposure

Surface fluorinated TiO2 materials with high {001} facet exposure were prepared by a simple and high yield preparation procedure. Faceted/fluorinated samples showed a high photocatalytic performance not only in oxidation processes, tested inphenol and Methyl Orange degradation, but also in a reduction process as Cr(VI) photoreduction. Reaction rates for these materials greatly exceeded the ones obtained for materials prepared without Fluorine addition and for commercial TiO2 Degussa (Evonik) P25 used as reference photocatalyst. A broad characterisation of the samples allowed us to estimate the percentages of different facets and the amount and form in which the fluorine is found on the surfaces. Good photocatalytic behavior can be ascribed to both high {001} facet exposure and adsorbed fluorine on the photocatalysts surfacesMinisterio de Economía y Competitividad CTQ2015-64664-C2-2-

±0.3V Bulk-Driven Fully Differential Buffer with High Figures of Merit

A high performance bulk-driven rail-to-rail fully differential buffer operating from ±0.3V supplies in 180 nm CMOS technology is reported. It has a differential–difference input stage and common mode feedback circuits implemented with no-tail, high CMRR bulk-driven pseudo-differential cells. It operates in subthreshold, has infinite input impedance, low output impedance (1.4 kΩ), 86.77 dB DC open-loop gain, 172.91 kHz bandwidth and 0.684 μW static power dissipation with a 50-pF load capacitance. The buffer has power efficient class AB operation, a small signal figure of merit FOMSS = 12.69 MHzpFμW−1, a large signal figure of merit FOMLS = 34.89 (V/μs) pFμW−1, CMRR = 102 dB, PSRR+ = 109 dB, PSRR− = 100 dB, 1.1 μV/√Hz input noise spectral density, 0.3 mVrms input noise and 3.5 mV input DC offset voltage.Junta de Andalucía - Consejería de Economía, Conocimiento, Empresas y Universidades P18-FR-4317Agencia Estatal de Investigación - FEDER PID2019-107258RB-C3

Efeito dos fatores protetores sobre os estilos de vida saudáveis em pacientes com risco cardiovascular: uma análise do caminho crítico

The aim of this study was to verify the influence of individual factors such as age, sex, socioeconomic status, and protective factors like resilience, generalized self-efficacy, and social support perceived on healthy lifestyles in people with cardiovascular risk in addition to their possible interactions. We used a sample of 290 people, consisting of 140 men and 150 women, aged between 35 and 65 years. Through path analysis, we found that the most predictive variables on the healthy lifestyle were perceived social support, specifically friends’ and resilience. We also found that self-efficacy significantly influences resilience, and perceived social support is a significant predictor of the former. In conclusion, the psychological content variables can predict a healthy lifestyle, directly and indirectly. It can also be differentiated depending on the specific dimension of the predicted variable and the number of variables that relate jointly.El objetivo de la presente investigación fue verificar la influencia de factores individuales como la edad, el sexo, el nivel socioeconómico, y factores protectores como la resiliencia, la autoeficacia generalizada y el apoyo social percibido sobre los estilos de vida saludable, en personas con riesgo cardiovascular, además de sus posibles interacciones. Se utilizó una muestra de 290 personas, compuesta por 140 hombres y 150 mujeres, con edades comprendidas entre 35 y 65 años. A través de un análisis de ruta, se obtuvo que las variables con mayor predicción sobre el estilo de vida saludable fueron el apoyo social percibido, específicamente de amigos, y la resiliencia. Así mismo, se encontró que la autoeficacia influye significativamente sobre la resiliencia, y el apoyo social percibido es un predictor relevante para la primera. En conclusión, el estilo de vida saludable se puede predecir en gran medida por variables de contenido psicológico, de forma directa e indirecta. Además, puede verse diferenciado dependiendo de la dimensión específica de la variable predicha y el número de variables que se relacionen en conjunto.O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi verificar a influência dos fatores individuais como a idade, o sexo, o nível socioeconômico e os fatores protetores como a resiliência, a auto-eficácia generalizada e o apoio so- cial percebido sobre os estilos de vida saudável, em pessoas com risco cardiovascular, para além de suas possíveis interações. Utilizou-se uma amostra de 290 pessoas, composta por 140 homens e 150 mulheres, com idades compreendidas entre 35 e 65 anos. Através de uma análise do caminho crítico, obtivera-se que as variáveis com maior predição sobre o estilo de vida saudável foram o apoio social percebido, especificamente o apoio de amigos, e a resiliência. Igualmente, encontrou-se que a auto-eficácia inclui significativamente sobre a resiliência, e o apoio social percebido é um preditor significativo para a auto-eficácia. Em conclusão, o estilo de vida saudável pode-se predizer em grande medida por variáveis de conteúdo psicológico, de forma direta e indireta. Para além disso, pode se ver diferenciado dependendo da dimensão específica da variável predita e o número de variáveis que se relacionem em conjunto

Clinical Implications of (Pro)renin Receptor (PRR) Expression in Renal Tumours

(1) Background: Renal cancer is one of the most frequent malignancies in Western countries, with an unpredictable clinical outcome, partly due to its high heterogeneity and the scarcity of reliable biomarkers of tumour progression. (Pro)renin receptor (PRR) is a novel receptor of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) that has been associated with the development and progression of some solid tumours by RAS-dependent and -independent mechanisms. (2) Methods: In this study, we analysed the immunohistochemical expression of PRR at the centre and border in a series of 83 clear-cell renal cell (CCRCCs), 19 papillary (PRCC) and 7 chromophobe (ChRCC) renal cell carcinomas, and the benign tumour renal oncocytoma (RO, n = 11). (3) Results: PRR is expressed in all the tumour subtypes, with higher mean staining intensity in ChRCCs and ROs. A high expression of PRR at the tumour centre and at the infiltrative front of CCRCC tissues is significantly associated with high grade, tumour diameter, local invasion and stage, and with high mortality risk by UCLA integrated staging system (UISS) scale. (4) Conclusions: These findings indicate that PRR is associated with the development and progression of renal tumours. Its potential as a novel biomarker for RCC diagnosis/prognosis and as a promising therapeutic target should be taken into account in the future.The work was funded by the Basque Government (ELKARTEK KK2018-00090 and KK-2020/00069)

Loyola Economic Outlook: proyecciones macroeconómicas (Invierno 2021) 

Previsiones macroeconómicas para la economía internacional, española y andaluza realizada por el equipo del Departamento de Economía de la Universidad Loyola