ConnectedFood

Treballs Finals de Grau d'Enginyeria Informàtica, Facultat de Matemàtiques, Universitat de Barcelona, Any: 2015, Director: Àlex Pardo FernándezNowadays, we have fewer time to dedicate to cooking. A good diet requires an effort in preparing the plates. Fast food or pre-cooked foods are not the best option. Because of that, we need some help that allows us to save a precious time. There are several websites to find recipes from different criteria (e.g. AllRecipes 1 ), or even to know about the possible substitutes of an ingredient (e.g. MyRecipes 2 ). But they are simply a large database of recipes or ingredients. ConnectedFood is an application that lets you find ingredient substitutes and similar recipes depending on the similarity of its ingredients. It is based on an ingredients net built from several sources. It means this application adds the new feature to find ingredient alternatives to your recipes or to help you create recipe variants

Estrategias para aumentar la producción de alimentos

Una de las preocupaciones vigentes de gobernantes, técnicos, científicos, desde hace algunas décadas es la creciente demanda de alimentos y de su precio de mercado, en un contexto de incremento sostenido de la población mundial. Uno de los motivos de preocupación radica en que la tasa de incremento de la población no es acompañada por un incremento similar de la producción de alimentos, lo cual genera un desbalance entre demanda y oferta que pone en riesgo la provisión futura de alimentos.Fil: Miralles, Daniel Julio. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía. Departamento de Producción Vegetal. Cátedra de Cerealicultura; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura; Argentin

VLT/VIMOS integral field spectroscopy of luminous and ultraluminous infrared galaxies: 2D kinematic properties

We present and discuss the 2D kinematic properties of the ionized gas (Halpha) in a sample of 38 local (ultra) luminous infrared galaxies [(U)LIRGs] (31 LIRGs and 7 ULIRGs) observed with VIMOS at the VLT using integral field spectroscopy. This sample covers well the less studied LIRG luminosity range and includes isolated disks, interacting systems, and mergers. The majority of the galaxies have two main kinematically distinct components. One component (i.e., narrow or systemic) extends over the whole line-emitting region and is characterized by small to intermediate velocity dispersions (i.e., sigma from 30 to 160 km s^-1). It traces the overall velocity field. The second component (broad) has in general a larger velocity dispersion (up to 320 km s^-1), mainly found in the inner regions and generally blueshifted with respect to the systemic component. Most of the objects (76%) are dominated by rotation, more relevant in LIRGs than in ULIRGs. Isolated disks, interacting galaxies, and merging systems define a sequence of increasing mean velocity dispersion, and decreasing velocity field amplitude.The LIRGs classified as isolated disks have similar velocity amplitudes but larger mean velocity dispersions (44 vs. 24 km s^-1) than local spirals, implying a larger turbulence and thicker disks. Interacting systems and mergers have values closer to those of low velocity dispersion ellipticals/lenticular galaxies (E/SOs). The (U)LIRGs classified as mergers have kinematic properties similar to those shown by the Lyman break analogs (LBAs). The dynamical masses range from \sim 0.04 m* to 1.4 m* (i.e., m* = 1.4x10^{11} Msun), with ULIRGs (M{dyn} sim 0.5 +/- 0.2 m*) being more massive than LIRGs by, on average, a factor of about 2. The mass ratio of individual pre-coalescence galaxies is <2.5 for most of the systems, confirming that most (U)LIRG mergers involve sub-m* galaxies of similar mass.Comment: 66 pages, 5 figures plus 45 figures in App. A; accepted for publication in A&

Stochastic inflation in the Constant Roll regime

Màster Oficial d'Astrofísica, Física de Partícules i Cosmologia, Facultat de Física, Universitat de Barcelona. Curs: 2022-2023. Tutor: Cristiano GermaniWe investigate the inhomogeneities generated during the inflationary epoch from the point of view of the stochastic formalism, which attempts to transform a problem of quantum fluctuations into a statistical one. The formalism, that we derive in the text, is based on the use of the Arnowitt-Deser-Misner (ADM) equations, which are convenient to describe inhomogeneities in the context of inflation, as well as gradient expansion, which works at zeroth order in spatial gradients but at all orders in the amplitudes of the fluctuations, and is therefore intended to capture non-perturbative effects. Finally, the perturbations are split into long- and short-wavelength modes, where the latter act as a stochastic noise for the former when crossing a certain scale. We demonstrate that the use of certain approximations in the derivation of this formalism, which are intended to make the system of stochastic differential equations (SDEs) Markovian and described with white noises, causes the method to become restricted to the reproduction of Linear Perturbation Theory (LPT). This framework, nonetheless, is still useful since it can be used as a test for the validity of the linear approximation, signalling the coming into play of non-perturbative effects. Specifically, we solve the system of SDEs numerically for the Constant Roll (CR) inflationary scenario, and show that this regime is in accordance with LPT

Optically Selected Compact Stellar Regions and Tidal Dwarf Galaxies in (Ultra)-Luminous Infrared Galaxies

This thesis work is devoted to the analysis of compact star forming regions (knots) in a representative sample of 32 (U)LIRGs. The project is based mainly on optical high angular resolution images taken with the ACS and WFPC2 cameras on board the HST telescope, data from a high spatial resolution simulation of a major galaxy encounter, and with the combination of optical integral field spectroscopy (IFS) taken with the INTEGRAL (WHT) and VIMOS (VLT) instruments. A few thousand knots -a factor of more than one order of magnitude higher than in previous studies- are identified and their photometric properties are characterized as a function of the infrared luminosity of the system and of the interaction phase. These properties are compared with those of compact objects identified in simulations of galaxy encounters. Finally, and with the additional use of IFS data, we search for suitable candidates to tidal dwarf galaxies, setting up constraints on the formation of these objects for the (U)LIRG class. Knots in (U)LIRGs are likely to contain sub-strucutre. Evidence is found that in ULIRGs they are intrinsically more luminous than in less luminous interacting systems due to size-of-sample effects. Furthermore, their sizes and masses are similar to stellar complexes or clumps detected in galaxies at z > 1, unlike local stellar complexes. The star formation in (U)LIRGs is charaterized by a luminosity function with a slope consistent with \alpha = 2, independent of the luminosity of the system. However, it may flatten slightly due to, as simulations suggest, higher knot formation rates at early phases of the interaction. Candidates to tidal dwarf galaxies are identified in the sample. With a production rate of 0.1 candidates per (U)LIRG system, only a few fraction (< 10%) of the general dwarf satellite population could be of tidal origin

Vacuum energy and cosmological inflation

Treballs Finals de Grau de Física, Facultat de Física, Universitat de Barcelona, Curs: 2022, Tutor: Joan Solà PeracaulaWe study the cosmic evolution from the perspective of the Running Vacuum Models, in which the vacuum energy density is dynamic throughout the cosmic history. In this context, we find that there is an initial period of inflation, in which the vacuum decays into radiation and there is a huge entropy production. In contrast to the standard inflaton-based mechanism of inflation, there is a smooth transition between this period and the standard ΛCDM radiation epoch. We also test the model against the Generalised Second Law, finding it is fulfilled in the current universe but not in the early stages. This is a welcome feature, however, as it may provide a possible solution to both the entropy and horizon problems, in a context where the eventual thermodynamic equilibrium of the universe is not jeopardise

Toward a Unified Theory of Exclusionary Vertical Restraints

The law of exclusionary vertical restraints—contractual or other business relationships between vertically related firms—is deeply confused and inconsistent in both the United States and the European Union. A variety of vertical practices including predatory pricing, tying, exclusive dealing, price discrimination, and bundling are treated very differently based on formalistic distinctions that bear no relationship to the practices’ exclusionary potential. We propose a comprehensive, unified test for all exclusionary vertical restraints that centers on two factors, foreclosure and substantiality. We then assign economic content to these factors. A restraint forecloses if it denies equally efficient rivals a reasonable opportunity to make a sale or purchase (depending on whether the restraint affects access to customers or inputs). Market foreclosure is substantial if it denies rivals a reasonable opportunity to reach minimum viable scale. Where substantial foreclosure is shown, the restraint should generally be declared illegal unless it is justified by efficiencies that exceed the restraint’s anticompetitive effects

Changes in seed weight in response to different sources: sink ratio in oilseed rape

Little knowledge exists about the degree of source, sink and source: sink limitations on mean seed weight in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). The objective of this work was to analyze the nature and magnitude on seed weight response to assimilate availability during the effective seed-filling period in oilseed rape. Three Argentinean varieties, Eclipse, Impulse, and Master, were grown under field conditions, and at the beginning of the effective seed filling period, a broad range of source: sink manipulation combinations were produced. Source manipulations consisted of two incoming radiation (R) level reductions: 0% (Rn) and ~50% (Rs) combined with three different sources: sink treatments were applied: C, control; PR, ~50% pod removal, and D, 100% defoliation. Rs significantly reduced yield (15%) and MSW (12%) with respect to Rn, without significant effects on the rest of the sub yield components. Source:sink manipulation treatments significantly affected all yield components. PR diminished yield by 29%, reducing ca. 40% seeds pl-1 by reductions pods pl-1 (41%) with respect to Rn, whereas PR increased MSW by 19%, counterbalancing the reduction in seeds pl-1 and thereby in yield. When considering different seed positions along the main raceme, Rs reduced MSW by 12% independently of seed positions onto the raceme. On the contrary, PR increased MSW in average 17% with respect to C. Results reported here suggest that oilseed rape has source: sink co-limitation during the effective seed filling period, which is apparently higher than wheat and lower than maize. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijarit.v4i1.21091 Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. &amp; Tech. 4 (1): 44-52, June, 201

Integrating Micro and Macro Policy Levers in Response to Financial Crises

The 2008–09 Global Financial Crisis originated from a poor incentive structure in the asset market derived from subprime mortgages. The ultimate bursting and unwinding of an asset bubble (here highly overvalued real estate prices woven into a complex multilayer network of securitization, so called collateralized debt obligations or CDOs) put enormous stress on the financial system, spreading through the global network economy and ultimately resulting in the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Economists today agree that the severe economic fallout can be largely attributed to the poor systemic performance of international financial markets. Global macroeconomic imbalances, as well as market failures such as excessive risk taking, misaligned incentives of rating agencies, inefficient liquidity provisions within banks and systemic risk or contagion, i.e., the international and inter-sectoral public goods nature of financial stability, were not sufficiently accounted for by regulation and international macroeconomic policy. This combined financial and economic crisis environment not only put the intrinsic connection between the financial and the real economy back into the spotlight, but also opened up a policy debate about how to ensure macroeconomic and financial stability without jeopardizing microeconomic foundations of the real economy such as competition. In sum, the resulting policy challenge is twofold: First, a new and sustainable balance between free markets, macro industrial policies, and governmental regulation needs to be found in the financial sector, and second, strategic interactions between macro and microeconomic policy goals need to be identified, understood, and balanced. This article will focus on the interaction between macroeconomic crisis management and prudential regulatory responses on the one hand, and competition policy and market structure on the other. We provide a simple economic framework for thinking about the relationship between macro and micro policies as a function of the immediate policy environment, i.e., “extraordinary” financial instability and imminent economic crisis versus “ordinary,” stable economic circumstances. Specifically, we claim that— during severe financial crises—the overall success of policy responses depends on the coordination of three related decisional vectors. First, policy makers must coordinate the responses of multiple regulatory and political actors. Second, they need to follow a systematic, rather than ad hoc, approach that diminishes moral hazard and leaves open a reasonable exit strategy. Finally, policy makers need to consider time consistency. In other words, they need to avoid the temptation to excessively discount post-crisis effects. Overall, this work shall add structure to the ongoing policy debate and provide conceptual guidance for lawyers and economists trying to address the challenges of micro and macro policy integration. In Part I, we provide an overview of the relationship between the financial and real economic sectors and between systemic financial stability and micro-competitive effects. In Part II, we advance our core theoretical proposition—the strategic complementarity of macro and micro policy levers during financial crises. In particular, we demonstrate that policy responses that fail to consider and balance the three key dimensions—coordination among decision-makers, a systematic approach, and time consistency—run the risk of harming both macro and micro-economic well-being in the long run. Finally, in Part III, we illustrate the quite different responses to the financial crisis of the European Union and the United States along the three key dimensions. Our goal is not to provide a comparative assessment of the two systems’ responses or a trans-Atlantic scorecard, but rather to illustrate the possibilities and challenges of coordinating macro and micro responses along the three key dimensions

Trophoblasts, invasion, and microRNA.

International audienceMicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently become essential actors in various fields of physiology and medicine, especially as easily accessible circulating biomarkers, or as modulators of cell differentiation. To this respect, terminal differentiation of trophoblasts (the characteristic cells of the placenta in Therian mammals) into syncytiotrophoblast, villous trophoblast, or extravillous trophoblast constitutes a good example of such a choice, where miRNAs have recently been shown to play an important role. The aim of this review is to provide a snapshot of what is known today in placentation mechanisms that are mediated by miRNA, under the angles of materno-fetal immune dialog regulation, trophoblast differentiation, and angiogenesis at the materno-fetal interface. Also, two aspects of regulation of these issues will be highlighted: the part played by oxygen concentration and the specific function of imprinted genes in the developing placenta