Use of tire derived aggregate in tunnel cut-and-cover

A case-history is reported in which tire derived aggregate (TDA) was successfully applied to reduce the weight of fill upon a cut-and-cover railway tunnel. Subsequent 3D numerical analyses are used to explore the effect of different assumptions about the constitutive model of the TDA material. Alternative dispositions of TDA around the tunnel section are also examined. Reductions of up to 60% in lining bending moment may be achieved. For the case analyzed the elastic description of the TDA has little influence on tunnel lining loads, although is important for fill settlement estimates.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Transexualidad y transgénero desde una visión de género

Presentamos el diseño y los primeros resultados de una investigación que desde una perspectiva antropológica y con metodología cualitativa, estamos realizando para conocer aspectos psicosociales de la construcción de género de las personas transexuales. De este modo pretendemos abarcar la problemática del colectivo transexual de manera global. Para seleccionar la muestra para la realización de las entrevistas en profundidad hemos tenido en cuenta: Un marco de edad suficientemente amplio; El nivel de estudios ;Lugar de nacimiento ; Tipo de transexualidad ; La ocupación ; Haber sido víctima o no de malos tratos. El análisis de las entrevistas a transexuales nos está permitiendo conocer que entre las transexuales de hombre a mujer existen diferencias significativas con los de mujer a hombre. Además entre el colectivo hay una gran heterogeneidad tanto en sus vivencias como en sus objetivos de vida, aunque hay que resaltar el alto grado de sufrimiento que ambos grupos padecen

Simulation of a biorefinery process as learning tool in chemical engineering degree

Currently, the search for alternative biomass to be used as renewable sources for energy production is one of the most important challenges to achieve a sustainable growth based on a bioeconomy strategy (Mendes et al., 2009). In this context, lignocellulosic waste are a renewable, clean, inexpensive and with high availability for the manufacture of biofuels. In this sense, the main objective of this study was the simulation and design of engineering processes that allows the valorization of lignocellulosic waste and the obtaining of biofuels as alternative to fossil fuels. This goal implies the practical application of the theoretical knowledge acquired by the student during the chemical engineering degree. Specifically, the students designed and simulated a biorefinery process that consisted of a Kraft pulping process as starting point of two main lines of production: (1) Process I: production of bioethanol and (2) Process II: direct and indirect production of dimethylether (DME), both from lignocellulosic biomass (Fig.1). Two commercial simulation packages, ASPEN HYSYS® and UNISIM were used to simulate the production of dimethylether and bioethanol, respectively. The first step was determining a strategic situation for the installation of the biorefinery. The central area of Andalusia (between the municipalities of Lucena and Antequera) was considered the most adequate area to develop the installation of the biorefinery plant after evaluating the biomass available inside of 100 kms of distance around this place. Specifically, different biomass mixtures were considered in order to ensure the viability of a constant inlet flow of biomass in the biorefinery. In function of this inlet flow of biomass, the installations were designed and dimensioned in each stage of the process. The student carried out a wide revision of state of the art to decide the most adequate processes among different alternatives to obtain dimethylether and bioethanol. The different stages selected as the most adequate in each line of the process can be observed in Fig.1. Moreover, the students evaluated the different alternatives for the valorisation and optimization of the by-products generated in each stage of the process in order to minimize the consuming of chemical compounds and energy requirements. Therefore, the students learnt to develop a real engineering process more sustainable and friendly with the environment. To sum up, the used of programs to simulate the transformation of lignocellulosic biomass in biofuels, such as, bioethanol or dimethylether, which is a process with several social, environmental and economic advantages, was an interesting learning tool for students of chemical engineering degree. Keywords Bioethanol, design, dimethylether, Kraft pulping process, simulations. References Mendes, C.V.T., Carvalho, M.G.V.S., Baptista, C.M.S.G., Rocha, J.M.S., Soares, B.I.G., Sousa, G.D.A., 2009. Valorisation of hardwood hemicelluloses in the kraft pulping process by using an integrated biorefinery concept. Food Bioproduct Process 87:197–207.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech MINECO: Proyecto CTQ2015-68654-

Mapping the Viability, Time, and Cost of Manual Borehole Drilling in Developing Regions

While access to water remains an issue in arid and semiarid regions across the world, aquifers have the potential to help millions of people out of poverty by providing a reliable source of drinking and irrigation water. Manual boreholes are increasingly advocated as a safe and cost-effective substitute to mechanized drilling, as well as to traditional excavation methods. This research banks on the assumption that field and remote sensing data can be integrated within a geospatial database in order to map the viability of manual boreholes based on factors such as rock type, water table depth, landforms, or water quality. The approach presents three main novelties in relation to methodological precedents: (1) outcomes are not only expressed in terms of technical feasibility, but also as a function of drilling time and cost; (2) maps refer to a specific drilling technique; and (3) results take into account borehole diameter, as this constrains both drilling time and cost. The method provides univocal outcomes that can be immediately useful for non-experts, donors, planners, or practitioners and that can be readily exported to other catchment-scale settings. Results were validated against geophysical data

Applicability of SDN and NFV techniques for a virtualization-based roaming solution

Part of a collection: Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) for a Hyperconnected World: Challenges, Applications, and Major Advancements.Network programming and virtualization are technological trends being incrementally introduced in operational networks. This creates an environment where new innovations can be incorporated, facilitating also the evolution of the way in which existing services are delivered. These changes, however, are not only motivated by technical reasons. External factors, such as regulation, can trigger the evolution of existing services. Roaming services are an example of this two-sided situation. From the technical perspective, roaming users typically experiment worst performance than local users on the same network, since their traffic is usually routed through the home network. Besides that, due to recent regulation changes introduced in Europe for roaming services, known as Roam Like at Home (RLAH), roaming is charged at domestic prices. Both aspects are severely challenging the current mode of operation of roaming services as delivered nowadays by mobile operators. This paper presents the design of a virtualized based roaming solution, including an experimental assessment, as well as an economic insight of the concept.This work has been supported by the European Community through the 5GEx project within the H2020 programme (Grant agreement no. 671636). Special thanks to the teams of Deutsche Telekom and BISDN involved in H2020 EU 5GEx project that were part of the design and execution of this use case

Maternal Dietary Patterns during Pregnancy and Their Association with Gestational Weight Gain and Nutrient Adequacy

Several epidemiologic studies have shown an association between GestationalWeight Gain (GWG) and o spring complications. The GWG is directly linked to maternal dietary intake and women’s nutritional status during pregnancy. The aim of this study was (1) to assess, in a sample of Spanish pregnant women, the association between maternal dietary patterns and GWG and (2) to assess maternal dietary patterns and nutrient adequate intake according to GWG. A retrospective study was conducted in a sample of 503 adult pregnant women in five hospitals in Eastern Andalusia (Spain). Data on demographic characteristics, anthropometric values, and dietary intake were collected from clinical records by trained midwives. Usual food intake was gathered through a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and dietary patterns were obtained by principal component analysis. Nutrient adequacy was defined according to European dietary intake recommendations for pregnant women. Regression models adjusted by confounding factors were constructed to study the association between maternal dietary pattern and GWG, and maternal dietary patterns and nutritional adequacy. A negative association was found between GWG and the Mediterranean dietary pattern (crude = -0.06, 95% CI: -0.11, -0.04). Independent of maternal dietary pattern, nutrient adequacy of dietary fiber, vitamin B9, D, E, and iodine was related to a Mediterranean dietary pattern (p < 0.05). A Mediterranean dietary pattern is related to lower GWG and better nutrient adequacy. The promotion of healthy dietary behavior consistent with the general advice promoted by the Mediterranean Diet (based on legumes, vegetables, nuts, olive oil, and whole cereals) will o er healthful, sustainable, and practical strategies to control GWG and ensure adequate nutrient intake during pregnancy.National Institute of Health Carlos III PI11/0219

Knowledge pipeline in freight pipeline industry: competence- based model for open innovation

There is growing concern over the challenges for innovation in Freight Pipeline industry. Since the early works of Chesbrough a decade ago, we have learned a lot about the content, context and process of open innovation. However, much more research is needed in Freight Pipeline Industry. The reality is that few corporations have institutionalized open innovation practices in ways that have enabled substantial growth or industry leadership. Based on this, we pursue the following question: How does a firm’s integration into knowledge networks depend on its ability to manage knowledge? A competence-based model for freight pipeline organizations is analysed, this model should be understood by any organization in order to be successful in motivating professionals who carry out innovations and play a main role in collaborative knowledge creation processes. This paper aims to explain how can open innovation achieve its potential in most Freight Pipeline Industries

Metodología para la estimación de carbono en bosque mediterráneo chileno mediante imágenes hiperespectrales

El problema del cambio climático, se debe en parte al aumento de emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero (GEI), uno de ellos en particular, especialmente el CO2. Los ecosistemas forestales intervienen en la lucha contra el cambio climático a través de la absorción de grandes cantidades de CO2 gracias a la fotosíntesis. Chile participa en el llamado 'Mercado de bonos de Carbono' como emisor de éstos, por lo que está desarrollando políticas de gestión, a través de las cuales, disminuyan las emisiones de carbono asociadas a la deforestación, haya un manejo forestal mejorado y se valoricen los productos maderables. Por otro lado, en multitud de estudios científicos se demuestra que las imágenes hiperespectrales son una buena herramienta para estimar variables biofísicas de las cubiertas vegetales. Dentro de este marco, este proyecto pretende desarrollar una metodología para estimar la cantidad de carbono capturado en los bosques nativos chilenos de la región mediterránea a través de una imagen de alta resolución espectral. A partir de la información de esta imagen se generan 8 índices de vegetación, los cuales se correlacionan con el contenido de carbono capturado de muestras medidas en terreno. El objetivo es generar un algoritmo que permita estimar el contenido de carbono en este tipo de bosque. La zona de estudio está cercana a la ciudad de Santiago de Chile, en el paraje de San Carlos de Apoquindo, donde se encuentra una buena representación del bosque mediterráneo chileno. El vuelo para la captura de la imagen se realizó en enero del 2013 mediante el sensor Hyspex VNIR-1600 HS, el cual tiene una resolución espacial de 32 cm, y una resolución espectral de 160 bandas distribuidas en el espectro del visible y del infrarrojo cercano. En el mes de octubre se recoge información de campo, esta información consiste en medidas dendrométricas de las especies localizadas en la zona de estudio, que posteriormente se implementa en la funciones alométricas, desarrolladas por la empresa Oterra, para el cálculo de carbono en campo

Class B greenhouse model with double layer for Nordic European countries

[EN] This paper presents functional and structural possibilities of Class B greenhouses, which has a film covered, for areas with extreme winter temperatures and heavy snow loads, which are typical of a Class A model (glass or rigid film covered). This greenhouse study covers from its analysis in the design phase to its correct operation after construction, breaking patterns set by European standard, due to the structural design of the greenhouse, providing new possibilities for this type B, restricted to a specific geographical area so far.We gratefully acknowledge INVERCA S.A for work and technical assistance, and provide data and information necessary after construction of the greenhouse.Rovira Soler, JA.; Martín Concepcion, PE.; Almerich Chulia, AI.; Molines Cano, JM. (2014). Class B greenhouse model with double layer for Nordic European countries. Advanced Materials Research. 1065-1069:1046-1051. doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.1065-1069.1046S104610511065-1069K. Berna. Structural analysis of greenhouse: a case study in Turkey. Building and Environment Vol. 41 (2006), pp.864-871.J. Nebot, J. Rovira, J. Garro, J. Martin, A. Aguado, A. Bonilla, A. Alonso, A. Committee technical CEN nº 284 (1998).J. Bosco. Horticultura. Revista de Hortaliza, Flores y Plantas Ornamentales Vol. 6. (1992).EN13031-1. Greenhouse: Design and construction - Part 1: Commercial production greenhouses (2002).P. Martin. Invernaderos de cubierta flexible: modelización de la acción del viento. Thesis. Editorial UPV (2003).O. Yekutieli, L. Dubinski, I. Kleinmann. Analysis of forces acting due to strong wind loads on structure and cover of walk-in tunnel. International Conference and British-Israeli workshop on greenhouse technologies (1997), pp.53-61.A. Mistriotis, D. Briassoulis. Numerical estimation of the internal and external aerodynamic coefficients of a tunnel greenhouse structure with openings. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture Vol. 34 (2002), pp.191-205.D. Briassoulis. Mechanical design requirements for low tunnel biodegradable and conventional films. Biosystems Engineering Vol. 87 (2) (2004), pp.209-223.A. Robertson, P. Roux, J. Gratraud, G. Scarascia, S. Castellano, M. Dufresne de Virel, P. Palier. Wind pressures on permeably and impermeably-clad structures. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics Vol. 90 (4-5) (2002)

Use of Tablet Pcs in Higher Education: A new Strategy for Training Engineers in European Bachelors and Masters Programmes

The use of technology in classrooms in Spanish universities has been following an upward path, and in many cases technological devices are substituting other materials that until now have been used, such as books, notebooks and so on. Step by step in higher education, more of these latest generationdevices are being used, and are providing significant improvements in training. Nowadays, there are Spanish universities that use tablets, a device with multiple applications for teaching as well as for students to study differently. They are definitely a notable innovation that will gradually become incorporated into university life. Tablet PCs make teaching more dynamic and available to students through the use of up to date digital materials, something which is key in training engineers. This paper presents their different functions employed in three Spanish universities to support teachingin engineering degrees and masters using the tablet PC, and their impact on the training process. Possible uses in specific programs like the Erasmus Masters Programmes are also assessed. The main objective of using tabletsis to improve the academic performance of students through the use of technology.This work has been developed in the framework of the RECLAND Project. It has been funded by the European Union under Lifelong Learning Programme, Erasmus Programme: Erasmus Multilateral Projects, 526746-LLP-1-2012-1-ES-ERASMUS-EMCR, MSc Programme in Climate Change and Restoration of Degraded Land