GAMES: A new Scenario for Software and Knowledge Reuse

Games are a well-known test bed for testing search algorithms and learning methods, and many authors have presented numerous reasons for the research in this area. Nevertheless, they have not received the attention they deserve as software projects. In this paper, we analyze the applicability of software and knowledge reuse in the games domain. In spite of the need to find a good evaluation function, search algorithms and interface design can be said to be the primary concerns. In addition, we will discuss the current state of the main statistical learning methods and how they can be addressed from a software engineering point of view. So, this paper proposes a reliable environment and adequate tools, necessary in order to achieve high levels of reuse in the games domain

Insights on the acting role of Martian atmosphere in the fragmentation pathways of organic and C-containing inorganic compounds using LIBS

In the present work, a preliminary fundamental study about the influence of background gas in Martian surface conditions (CO2, P=7 mbar) on the formation of emitting species in laser-induced plasmas of ablated C-containing compounds was performed. Results were compared with those obtained using ambient air as surrounding gas of irradiated samples. Energy thresholds were evaluated for excited atomic and molecular species of interest resulting in the plasma using a home-made LIBS system coupled to a pressure chamber for simulating Martian environment during the analysis of samples. Inorganic salts as calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate besides pyrene as organic reference compound were analyzed in order to discern the origin of C-containing species coexisting in the plasma plume (C, C2 and CN, mainly). Results from acquired emission spectra shed light on the different carbon sources of emitting species as a function of energetic and pressure conditions.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Effect of feed evaluation system on the cost of rations for dairy cows

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue comparar la valoración de las necesidades y los aportes de energía calculados según sistemas históricos y modernos de alimentación para vacas lecheras -unidades alimenticias escandinavas (UA), energía neta grasa (ROSTOCK), energía metabolizable (MAFF), energía neta de lactación (NRC) y unidades forrajeras leche (INRA)- con el fin de investigar la repercusión de aquella en el coste de la ración diaria. Las necesidades energéticas se expresaron como energía neta de lactación (ENL) y se calcularon a intervalos de 30 días en leche (DEL) para una vaca Holstein adulta de 680 kg de peso vivo con una producción de 10000 kg de leche en 305 días y un intervalo entre partos de un año. El aporte de ENL según cada sistema se calculó a partir de diez raciones optimizadas con el programa CPMDairy 1.0 para satisfacer las necesidades nutritivas de la vaca modelo cada 30 DEL. Exceptuando los valores obtenidos con el sistema de unidades alimenticias y el comienzo inmediato de la lactación, las diferencias entre las necesidades de ENL calculadas según los distintos sistemas fueron relativamente bajas (entre 1,1 y 7,5%) y achacables fundamentalmente a la valoración energética del cambio de peso. El aporte calculado de energía mostró diferencias importantes entre los sistemas, oscilando de 19,1 a 25,2%. A lo largo de la lactación, los aportes calculados fueron inferiores a las necesidades en todos los sistemas, con la excepción de NRC y MAFF a 30 y 270 DEL, respectivamente, y UA desde 90 DEL. La diferencia promedio estuvo comprendida entre -1,4 ± 1,1 Mcal d-1 (4,5 ± 2,9%; MAFF) y -5,5 ± 1,7 Mcal d-1 (15,6 ± 4,5%; INRA). El coste unitario de la Mcal varió notablemente entre sistemas (de 18,7 a 25,5%) al igual que el coste de satisfacer los requerimientos diarios de energía (de 13,5 a 50,2%). Se concluyó que, independientemente de cual sea la precisión real, el sistema de valoración de energía empleado en la formulación tiene una importante repercusión sobre el coste de las raciones para vacas lecherasThe objective of the present work was to compare energy requirements and supply calculated according to old and modern feed evaluation systems for dairy cattle - Scandinavian feed units (UA), net energy fat (ROSTOCK), metabolizable energy (MAFF), net energy of lactation (NRC) and milk fodder units (INRA) - to assess the differences in the cost of the ration. The energy requirements were expressed as net energy of lactation (NEL) and were calculated every 30 days in milk (DIM) for a mature Holstein cow weighing 680 kg, producing 10000 kg of milk in 305 days, and calving every year. Ten rations optimized with CPM-Dairy 1.0 to satisfy the nutritional requirements of the model cow every 30 DIM were used to compare the calculated NEL supply according to the systems being evaluated. Except for the values obtained according to the feed units system and the onset of lactation, the differences between the systems in the calculated energy requirements were relatively low (from 1.1% to 7.5%) and mainly attributable to the energy value assigned to the live weight change. The differences between the systems in the NEL supply of the rations were high and oscillated between 19.1% and 25.2%. The calculated supplies were smaller than the requirements in all the systems throughout lactation, except for UA from 90 DIM and NRC and MAFF at 30 and 270 DIM, respectively. The average differences were in the range from -1.4 ± 1.1 Mcal d-1 (4.5 ± 2.9%; MAFF) to -5.5 ± 1.7 Mcal d-1 (15.6 ± 4.5%; INRA). The cost of the Mcal differed between the systems (from 18.7% to 25.5%) and the same was true for the cost of satisfying the daily energy requirements (from 13.5% to 50.2%). It was concluded that, without taking into account the real accuracy, the energy evaluation system used in the formulation affects considerably the cost of rations for lactating dairy cattle

Compact forms of reduced density matrices

10 págs.; 3 tabs.; PACS number~s!: 31.15.Hz, 31.10.1zThe necessary and sufficient minimum information carried by reduced density matrices (RDM) are discussed. A method is reported for obtaining the same information as a p-RDM although in compact form, from which all the redundant information is omitted. The algebra operations and basic properties of these compact-form matrices are obtained. ©2003 The American Physical SocietyWe are greatly indebted to the Spanish Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte for its support under Project No. BQU2000-1158Peer Reviewe

Compact convex sets in 2-dimensional asymmetric normed lattices

[EN] In this note, we study the geometric structure of compact convex sets in 2-dimensional asymmetric normed lattices. We prove that every q-compact convex set is strongly q-compact and we give a complete geometric description of the compact convex set with non empty interior in (R-2, q), where q is an asymmetric lattice norm.The first author has been supported by CONACYT (Mexico) under Grant 204028. The second author has been supported by the Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (Spain) under Grant MTM2012-36740-C02-02.Jonard-Perez, N.; Sánchez Pérez, EA. (2016). Compact convex sets in 2-dimensional asymmetric normed lattices. Quaestiones Mathematicae. 39(1):73-82. https://doi.org/10.2989/16073606.2015.1023864S738239

Diet digestibility and production performance in dairy goats consuming plant oils

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of differently unsaturated vegetable oils added to dairy goat diets on apparent digestibility and performance traits. Twelve Malagueña goats were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: no oil (CONTROL), 48 g/d of high oleic sunflower oil (GAO), regular sunflower oil (RSFO) or linseed oil (LIN). The basal diet was made of alfalfa hay and a pelleted concentrate, which included the respective oil and chromium as indicator. The experimental period lasted 21 days. The digestibility of dietary components, except for fat, did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05). Oil inclusion in the diet significantly (P < 0.05) increased fat digestibility. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in dry matter intake, milk yield and milk composition between treatments. It was concluded that moderate amounts of unsaturated plant oils can be added to dairy goat diets without negative effects on diet digestibility or performance traits

Lipid metabolism in ruminants

El objetivo de este trabajo fue revisar algunos aspectos del metabolismo lipídico y características relevantes de la grasa de la carne y la leche de los rumiantes. Los ácidos grasos disponibles para la absorción en el intestino delgado de los rumiantes proceden de los alimentos y los microorganismos ruminales, y son mayoritariamente ácidos grasos saturados y no esterificados debido a la digestión microbiana ruminal. Los ácidos grasos absorbidos que tienen menos de 12 carbonos son vertidos directamente a la vena porta y transportados al hígado unidos a la albúmina sérica; el resto son esterificados e incorporados a lipoproteínas de muy baja densidad y quilomicrones que se transportan por vía linfática hasta el torrente sanguíneo para su distribución a los tejidos. El hígado de los rumiantes tiene menor importancia en el metabolismo lipídico que el de los monogástricos, pero adquiere especial relevancia en situaciones de balance energético negativo en las que la alteración del metabolismo hepático de los lípidos puede provocar graves patologías. Los depósitos grasos distintos de la musculatura están constituidos casi exclusivamente por triglicéridos y son la principal reserva de energía del organismo. Por el contrario, la grasa intramuscular posee distintas proporciones de fosfolípidos y triglicéridos en función del grado de engrasamiento. Los fosfolípidos de las membranas celulares son el lugar preferente de deposición de los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados disponibles. La composición de la grasa láctea varía en función del origen de los ácidos grasos: ácidos grasos de cadena larga de origen alimentario o movilizados desde el tejido adiposo, o ácidos grasos de cadena corta y media sintetizados in situ a partir de acetato y betahidroxibutirato. La mayor parte de los ácidos grasos incorporados a los triglicéridos lácteos son captados de la sangre. La importante contribución de los ácidos grasos de la dieta consumida por los rumiantes a los lípidos de sus productos ofrece la posibilidad de modificar el contenido de los ácidos grasos de la carne y, sobre todo, la leche en un sentido favorable para la salud de los consumidores.In this paper, key aspects of lipid metabolism and characteristics of ruminants’ meat and milk fat were reviewed. Fatty acids available for absorption in the small intestine of ruminants are from dietary and microbial origin and, because of microbial digestion in the rumen, are mainly nonsterified saturated fatty acids. Short chain fatty acids (less than 12 carbon atoms) are absorbed into the bloodstream, bound to serum albumin and transported to the liver through the portal vein. Medium and long chain fatty acids are esterified upon their absorption and transported via lymph to the bloodstream as chylomicrons and very low density lipoproteins, to be used by the different tissues. In ruminants, the liver has a minor role in lipid metabolism compared with monogastrics, but it is especially relevant in situations of intense negative energy balance when the hepatic metabolism of lipids may be altered causing severe pathologies. Fat depots other than intramuscular depots are composed mainly of triglycerides and are the major energy reserve of the body. However, the proportion of phospholipids and triglycerides in the intramuscular fat depends on the degree of fatness. The cell membrane phospholipids are the preferred site of deposition of available polyunsaturated fatty acids. Milk fat composition depends on the origin of the fatty acids: long chain fatty acids from dietary origin or mobilized from adipose tissue, or medium and short chain fatty acids synthesized in situ from acetate and betahydroxybutyrate. Most fatty acids incorporated into milk triglycerides are taken from the blood. The major contribution of dietary fatty acids to meat and, specially, milk fatty acids offers the possibility of changing the fatty acid profile of ruminant products to promote human consumer health

Límites nutricionales para dietas de cabras lecheras en crecimiento

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue revisar el consumo de materia seca y las necesidades nutritivas de cabras lecheras de reposición estabuladas para establecer límites nutricionales aplicables a la formulación de dietas por programación lineal a mínimo coste. El diseño de dietas nutricionalmente adecuadas y económicas requiere que el nutricionista estime correctamente el consumo de materia seca y forraje y los aportes y las necesidades de nutrientes. La bibliografía revisada sugiere que el consumo total de materia seca de las cabras oscila entre los límites físico y fisiológico impuestos por la capacidad del tracto digestivo y las necesidades energéticas diarias. El efecto de llenado digestivo puede relacionarse con los carbohidratos estructurales de la dieta, mientras la saciedad metabólica se relaciona con la concentración energética de la dieta. El consumo mínimo de forraje necesario para mantener la salud ruminal es bajo, mientras que el consumo máximo de forraje está determinado probablemente por el contenido de fibra neutrodetergente de la dieta. Los aportes y las necesidades de energía y proteína calculadas según los dos sistemas de valoración más modernos son similares, por lo que es indistinto usar cualquiera de ambos para optimizar dietas. Las propuestas recientes para el cálculo de los aportes y las necesidades de calcio y fósforo ofrecen una mayor precisión

Effect of fat sources on fiber digestion in ruminants

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue revisar el efecto de la inclusión de fuentes de grasa no protegidas sobre la digestión de la fibra en los rumiantes. Es bien conocido que el aporte de grasa extra en forma de fuentes de grasa no protegidas a la dieta puede afectar negativamente a los microorganismos del rumen y, en consecuencia, a la digestión microbiana de la dieta. La bibliografía revisada indica que la fibra es el único componente de la dieta cuya digestibilidad es reducida en ocasiones. Este efecto es menos frecuente cuando el contenido de grasa extra en la dieta no supera el 4% con independencia del grado de insaturación, forma de presentación y procesado de la fuente de grasa. En los trabajos en que se observó reducción de la digestibilidad de la fibra aunque la inclusión de grasa extra en la dieta fue inferior al 4%, el forraje mayoritario aportado fue ensilado, o se utilizaron fuentes de grasa ricas en ácidos grasos poliinsaturados de más de 20 carbonos. Cuando la grasa extra se incluye por encima del 4% en la dieta, la reducción de la digestibilidad de la fibra es más frecuente pero no existe una relación clara entre los resultados observados y las características de la fuente de grasa o de la dieta. En ocasiones, la ausencia de efectos negativos de la grasa extra sobre la digestibilidad total de la fibra puede ser explicada porque la disminución de la digestión ruminal es compensada totalmente por la digestión en los tramos posteriores del tracto digestivo. El efecto negativo de las fuentes de grasa no protegidas sobre la digestibilidad de la fibra se relaciona con el efecto tóxico que los ácidos grasos insaturados de cadena larga tienen sobre las bacterias fibrolíticas y los protozoos ruminales, aunque el mecanismo de acción no ha sido aclarado.The aim of this paper was to review the effect of unprotected dietary lipid sources on fiber digestion in ruminants. It is well known that extra fat included in the diet in the form of unprotected fat sources sometimes can negatively affect rumen microorganisms and alter the microbial digestion of the diet. Reviewed literature points out fiber is the only dietary component whose digestibility can be decreased. This effect is less common when extra fat is included in the diet up to 4% regardless of unsaturation degree, and type or processing of the fat source. Decreased fiber digestibility observed in some studies where extra fat was lower than 4% could be due to the inclusion of silage as the main forage in the diet, or the use of fat sources rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids over 20 carbons. When extra fat is included in the diet above 4%, decreased fiber digestibility is more common but there is not clear relationship between the observed effect and the characteristics of the fat source or the diet. In some studies, the lack of negative effects of extra fat on total fiber digestibility could be explained because digestion in the lower digestive tract completely compensated for the decrease of rumen digestion. Decreased fiber digestibility when unprotected fat sources are included in ruminant diets is related to the toxic effect that long chain unsaturated fatty acids have on rumen fibrolytic bacteria and protozoa, although the exact mechanism of action has not been determined ye

Late Quaternary tectono-sedimentary processes on an isolated offshore high marginal platform (NW Iberian Continental Margin)

Studies of the most surficial sedimentary record from passive continental margins provide crucial knowledge about sedimentary dynamics and its changes through recent geological times. These studies allow understanding in detail the influence of both tectonic activity and long-term bottom-current circulation over the Late Quaternary sedimentary dynamics. Using a large dataset of multibeam bathymetry, chirp and multi-channel seismic (MCS) records, ROV seabed direct observations and a magneto-chemical facies characterisation, we provide a well-dated record of the tectono-sedimentary processes on an isolated high marginal platform over the Late Quaternary. Our results display several structural and geomorphological features and tectonic pulses that indicate intense faulting, folding, and deformation of the most recent sedimentary cover. Furthermore, we document four main sedimentary systems acting at the study area and controlled by different water masses (MOW, LSW and NADW): the (hemi)pelagic, bottom current-controlled (hemi)pelagic, contourite and downslope sedimentary systems; as well as a new typology of contourite associated to giant depressions, named as pockmarks-related drift. The record also shows erosive features and extremely low sedimentation rates for the last 172 cal ka BP. Results suggest that the topographic configuration of the high marginal platform and reorganizations of the water masses associated to climate changes causes a constriction of the water masses that induce an enhancement of the bottom-current activity, favouring erosion, winnowing and redistribution of sediments. Therefore, this study provides new insight into the tectonic control and bottom current activity effect over the Late Quaternary sedimentary cover from an isolated and elevate offshore morphostructural province, located at the Galician Continental Margin.publishe