Numerical Non-Linear Modelling Algorithm Using Radial Kernels on Local Mesh Support

Estimation problems are frequent in several fields such as engineering, economics, and physics, etc. Linear and non-linear regression are powerful techniques based on optimizing an error defined over a dataset. Although they have a strong theoretical background, the need of supposing an analytical expression sometimes makes them impractical. Consequently, a group of other approaches and methodologies are available, from neural networks to random forest, etc. This work presents a new methodology to increase the number of available numerical techniques and corresponds to a natural evolution of the previous algorithms for regression based on finite elements developed by the authors improving the computational behavior and allowing the study of problems with a greater number of points. It possesses an interesting characteristic: Its direct and clear geometrical meaning. The modelling problem is presented from the point of view of the statistical analysis of the data noise considered as a random field. The goodness of fit of the generated models has been tested and compared with some other methodologies validating the results with some experimental campaigns obtained from bibliography in the engineering field, showing good approximation. In addition, a small variation on the data estimation algorithm allows studying overfitting in a model, that it is a problematic fact when numerical methods are used to model experimental values.This research has been partially funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, grant number RTI2018-101148-B-I00

Adapting RRI public engagement indicators to the Spanish scientific and innovation context: a participatory methodology based on AHP and content analysis

The paradigm proposed by Responsible Research and Innovation in the European Commission policy discourse identifies Public Engagement as a key area for exchange and dialogue among multiple actors following an inclusive and participatory process. Two definite set of indicators have already arisen at European level to monitor Public Engagement activities in the Science and Innovation realm. Our study aims to propose a deliberative participatory process, which involves selected stakeholders, for the adaptation of the European indicators to the specific Spanish scientific and innovation context. The methodological procedure is of exploratory nature and will be based in a combination of, on the one hand, qualitative content analysis techniques for the in-depth study of the deliberative process and the generation of indicators; and, on the other hand, a multi-criteria decision analysis technique such as the Analytic Hierarchy Process for the prioritization of the indicators. The discussion will focus on the procedure to articulate stakeholders' values and use them as the basis for creating a context-based improved list of indicators. Two types of research questions arise: (i) Is the proposed methodology adequate for the adaptation of the European indicators to the Spanish context? (ii) What are the main indicators to monitor and to expand reflection on the public engagement in the Spanish science and innovation

Long-path averaged mixing ratios of O3 and NO2 in the free troposphere from mountain MAX-DOAS

A new approximation is proposed to estimate O3 and NO2 mixing ratios in the northern subtropical free troposphere (FT). The proposed method uses O4 slant column densities (SCDs) at horizontal and near-zenith geometries to estimate a station-level differential path. The modified geometrical approach (MGA) is a simple method that takes advantage of a very long horizontal path to retrieve mixing ratios in the range of a few pptv. The methodology is presented, and the possible limitations are discussed. Multi-axis differential optical absorption spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) high-mountain measurements recorded at the Izaña observatory (28° 18' N, 16° 29' W) are used in this study. The results show that under low aerosol loading, O3 and NO2 mixing ratios can be retrieved even at very low concentrations. The obtained mixing ratios are compared with those provided by in situ instrumentation at the observatory. The MGA reproduces the O3 mixing ratio measured by the in situ instrumentation with a difference of 28%. The different air masses scanned by each instrument are identified as a cause of the discrepancy between the O3 observed by MAX-DOAS and the in situ measurements. The NO2 is in the range of 20–40 ppt, which is below the detection limit of the in situ instrumentation, but it is in agreement with measurements from previous studies for similar conditions.We acknowledge the support of AMISOC (Atmospheric Minor Species relevant to the Ozone Chemistry at both sides of the Subtropical jet, contract number CGL2011-24891), and NORS (Demonstration Network of Ground-Based Remote Sensing Observations in support of the GMES Atmospheric Service) integrated project under the 7th Framework Programme (contract number FP7-SPACE-2011-284421)

Intercomparison of the NO2 vertical column densities measured over Izaña with two ground-based remote sensing techniques: DOAS and FTIR

Ponencia presentada en: XV Congreso de la Asociación Española de Teledetección celebrado en Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid), del 22 al 24 de octubre de 2013.[ES]En el marco del proyecto NORS se ha realizado una intercomparación de medidas de NO2 con dos técnicas de detección remota desde superficie: DOAS y FTIR. Las columnas verticales de NO2 medidas en Izaña por dos espectrómetros de alta calidad como son el RASAS basado en la técnica DOAS y el instrumento comercial BRUKER-120 basado en la técnica FTIR, han sido comparadas. Debido a la fuerte variación fotoquímica del NO2, las medidas realizadas con el FTIR han sido corregidas con un Box-model fotoquímico para referenciarlas a la hora de medida del RASAS. Los resultados de ambos instrumentos se comparan bien, dando unas diferencias medias de 7±18%.[EN]In the frame of the NORS Project, an intercomparison exercise of two ground-based remote sensing techniques is presented: DOAS and FTIR. Results form two high quality spectrometers located at the Izaña Atmospheric Observatory are shown and compared. DOAS based instruments are two RASAS, developed at INTA, working in the UV-VIS part of the spectrum. FTIR based instrument is a Bruker-120 that measures in the IR. To account for the NO2 strong photochemical variation a Box-model has been used to refer the FTIR data to the DOAS measurement time. Results show a good agreement in the NO2 concentrations. Mean differences are of 7±18%.The work described in this paper is partially supported by the NORS project under the funding of the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme ([FP7/2007-2013]) under grant agreement n°284421 and by the AMISOC project (CGL2011-24891) under the funding of the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO)

Development of phonological awareness abilities on mexican spanish-speaking preschoolers aged between 2;06 to 5;11 years

El objetivo de este estudio es conocer el efecto de la edad, tipo de escuela y sexo de preescolares mexicanos así como escolaridad de la madre en la realización de una prueba de conciencia fonológicaque forma parte de la Evaluación Neuropsicológica Infantil- Preescolar (ENI-P). Ésta incluye tres subpruebas: Segmentación Silábica, Detección de Rima y Detección del Sonido Inicial. Se evaluaron 411 niños mexicanos con edades comprendidas entre los 2 años y 6 meses a 5 años 11 meses. Se demostró adecuada consistencia interna y confiabilidad Test-Retest. Los resultados mostraron que la edad y la escolaridad de la madre tuvieron un efecto positivo en las tres subpruebas. No se encontró efecto del tipo de escuela o el sexo. Se discuten las implicaciones de los hallazgos sobre el desarrollo de la conciencia fonológica

Usuario mapuche: significado hipertensión arterial, Temuco, 2016

Objetivo: Conocer el significado que otorga el usuario mapuche, adscrito al Programa Salud Cardiovascular 2016, Consultorio Makewe, Temuco, Chile, a la hipertensión arterial. Metdología: Investigación bajo el paradigma cualitativo, con base en la teoría fundamentada. La muestra fue conformada por veintidós usuarios, no probabilística, intencionada de casos por criterios y conveniencia, de acuerdo con criterios de inclusión. La recolección de información se hizo mediante dos grupos focales y ocho entrevistas en profundidad, hasta llegar al punto de saturación, previa firma de consentimiento informado. El análisis se caracterizó por ser dinámico y creativo, basado en la estrategia de método comparativo constante, realizando codificación y análisis simultáneo. La validez se comprobó con criterios de rigor y fue triangulada por investigadores. La investigación fue autorizada por el Comité Ético Científico de la Universidad de La Frontera. Resultados: Para hipertensión arterial emergieron cuatro categorías: “Significado” (definición del concepto), “Causa” (percepción), “Convivir” (cambios) y “Tratamiento” (farmacológico, herbolaria, machi —curandera o consejera—). Conclusiones: Sin haber definido la patología, los mapuches la asocian a signos, síntomas y causas; confían en tratamientos otorgados por un equipo de salud, pero no en las/los machis, reconociendo algunas de ellas como buenas, las que por alta demanda y costo son inaccesibles. En general, se ha descuidado la Ley Indígena 19253 de 1993, que da lugar a la institucionalización del Programa de Salud con Población Mapuche (promap), dependiente del Servicio de Salud Araucanía

Effect of Size, Shape, and Composition on the Interaction of Different Nanomaterials with HeLa Cells

The application of nanomaterials in the fields of medicine and biotechnology is of enormous interest, particularly in the areas where traditional solutions have failed. Unfortunately, there is very little information on how to optimize the preparation of nanomaterials for their use in cell culture and on the effects that these can trigger on standard cellular systems. These data are pivotal in nanobiotechnology for the development of different applications and to evaluate/compare the cytotoxicity among the different nanomaterials or studies. The lack of information drives many laboratories to waste resources performing redundant comparative tests that often lead to partial answers due to differences in (i) the nature of the start-up material, (ii) the preparation, (iii) functionalization, (iv) resuspension, (v) the stability/dose of the nanomaterial, etc. These variations in addition to the different analytical systems contribute to the artefactual interpretation of the effects of nanomaterials and to inconsistent conclusions between different laboratories. Here, we present a brief review of a wide range of nanomaterials (nanotubes, various nanoparticles, graphene oxide, and liposomes) with HeLa cells as a reference cellular system. These human cells, widely used as cellular models for many studies, represent a reference system for comparative studies between different nanomaterials or conditions and, in the last term, between different laboratories.This work has been supported by the Spanish MINECO and European FEDER under Project ref. PI16/000496, the NanoBioApp Network Ref. MINECO-17-MAT2016-81955-REDT. We thank IDIVAL for INNVAL15/16, INNVAL 17/11, PREVAL 16/03, 16/02, 17/04, and the Raman4clinics BMBS COST Actions BM1401 and TD1402. We also thank Débora Muñoz for her technical assistance. We are grateful to the Nikon A1R Laser Microscopy Unit and the TEM Unit of the IDIVAL Institute

Intercomparison of stratospheric nitrogen dioxide columns retrieved from ground-based DOAS and FTIR and satellite DOAS instruments over the subtropical Izana station

The comparison of observations performed by different techniques and satellite instruments is important. An intercomparison of the stratospheric NO2 derived from ground-based and satellite instruments has been carried out over the Izaña subtropical site. The importance of the use of the effective solar zenith angle when comparing noon measurements with twilight measurements of photochemically active species is highlighted. All instruments show positive trends in NO2 stratospheric column.This publication has been funded by the AVATAR project of the Spanish national funding Agency (MINECO: CGL2014-55230-R ). This work has been carried out in the frame of the NORS (Demonstration Network of Ground-Based Remote Sensing Observations in support of the Copernicus Atmospheric Service) project (funded by the European Community’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007–2013) under grant agreement no. 284421; http://nors.aeronomie.be/) and has been partially supported by AMISOC project funded by the Spanish national funding Agency (CGL2011-24891)