AIRPA: An Architecture to Support the Execution and Maintenance of AI-Powered RPA Robots

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has quickly evolved from automating simple rule-based tasks. Nowadays, RPA is required to mimic more sophisticated human tasks, thus implying its combina tion with Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, i.e., the so-called intelli gent RPA. Putting together RPA with AI leads to a challenging scenario since (1) it involves professionals from both fields who typically have different skills and backgrounds, and (2) AI models tend to degrade over time which affects the performance of the overall solution. This paper describes the AIRPA project, which addresses these challenges by proposing a software architecture that enables (1) the abstraction of the robot development from the AI development and (2) the monitor, con trol, and maintain intelligent RPA developments to ensure its quality and performance over time. The project has been conducted in the Serv inform context, a Spanish consultancy firm, and the proposed prototype has been validated with reality settings. The initial experiences yield promising results in reducing AHT (Average Handle Time) in processes where AIRPA deployed cognitive robots, which encourages exploring the support of intelligent RPA development.Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades PID2019-105455GB-C31Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico Industrial EXP00118029/IDI-20190524Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico Industrial P011-19/E0

An Accurate, Easy to Use Abundace Scale for Globular Clusters Based on 2.2um Spectra of Giant Stars

We present a new method for the determination of [Fe/H] for globular clusters. This new method is based on moderate resolution (R~1500) near-IR spectroscopy in the K-band of 6 to 10 of the brightest giants in a cluster. Our calibration is derived from spectra of 105 stars in 15 globular clusters. From measurements of the equivalent widths of three features in these spectra, Na, Ca, and CO, we are able to reproduce the Zinn & West (1984) abundance scale as updated by Harris (1996) to better than 0.10 dex for clusters with near solar [Fe/H] down to an [Fe/H] of -1.8. Three advantages of this method are that it can be used for metal rich, heavily reddened globulars in crowded fields, it does not require any knowledge of any other cluster or stellar parameters such as reddening, distance, or luminosity, and it requires only minimal telescope time. If stellar (J-K)0 and MK values are available as well, the accuracy of the [Fe/H] estimate is further improved. Observations of as few as three stars per cluster still gives an [Fe/H] estimate wich is nearly as reliable as that based on two to three times as many stars. The accuracy of an [Fe/H] value based on observations of CO absorption alone is significantly less than that which results from the three spectroscopic indices. However, we predict that space-based observations of this feature in the integrated light of stellar systems will prove to be of great value for abundance determinations at distances as far as the Coma cluster of galaxies.Comment: 53 pages, 16 Postscript figures. Submitted to the A

Influence of Dietary Algae Meal on Lipid Oxidation and Volatile Profile of Meat from Lambs with Competent Reticular Groove Reflex

Dietary lipid sources influence intramuscular fatty acid composition, which in turn may affect the volatile profile of meat. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of marine algae supplementation (Aurantiochytrium limacinum) on volatile compounds of cooked lamb meat. Forty-eight lambs with 42 days of age were divided into three groups: lambs fed a conventional diet without algae meal supplementation (NOALG), lambs with competent reticular groove reflex (RGR) fed the same diet supplemented with 2.5% marine algae meal mixed in the concentrate (ALGCON), and lambs with competent RGR, receiving the same diet and fed with 2.5% marine algae meal in a milk replacer to bypass the rumen (ALGMILK). Lipid and protein oxidation in raw meat was assessed and volatile compounds in grilled meat were determined. The highest and lowest lipid oxidations were observed in the ALGMILK and NOALG groups, respectively. Protein oxidation was unaffected. Out of 56 identified compounds, 12 volatiles significantly increased in both algae groups and 6 of them exclusively in the ALGCON treatment. Algae meal supplementation and its form of administration, either protected or not from rumen degradation, are important factors to consider in lipid oxidation and the aromatic profile of lamb meat

Caracterización diatomológica en tres cuerpos de agua de los humedales de Jilotepec-Ixtlahuaca, Estado de México

The taxonomic and environmental characteristics of the diatom flora found in three bodies of water in the wetlands of Jilotepec-Ixtlahuaca, Estado de Mexico are described. Six samplings were made (January-October, 2001). Benthic and planktonic diatoms growth were collected.The samples were analyzed with a Light Microscope (LM) and a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). 45 species and 3 infraspecific taxa belonging to 32 genera were identified. Aulacoseira granulata, Cymbella affinis, Gomphonema acuminatum, G. angustatum, Pinnularia microstauron, Synedra ulna y Stephanodiscus niagarae were the dominat species. Craticula halophila, Cymatopleura solea, and Neidium iridis were rare species. Epithemia turgida, Eunotia curvata and Rhopalodia sp. were species specific to the permanent pond. Achnanthes pinnata, Cyclostephanos dubius, Eunotia faba and Planothidium ellipticum are new records for theTrans Mexican Volcanic Belt. We found a living population of S. niagarae from wetlands, suggesting that this species had once a much wider distribution towards the southern region of North America. 89% of the species were limnophilous with an indifferent and rheophilous tendency. 67% of the taxa were associated to the diversity of substrates and did not exhibit marked seasonality. Species richness was higher during dry season. Craticula halophila, Encyonema caespitosum, Frustulia vulgaris y Sellaphora pupula were found during the rainy season. All of the species were found to be meso-eurytherms with temperate affinity. pH was slightly basic (7.8), 65% of the species were alkaliphilous. Eunotia faba, acidophilous-circumneutral, Eunotia curvata and Surirella tenera circumneutral-indifferent. Stephanodiscus niagarae in association with Aulacoseira granulata, Fragilaria capucina and F. crotonensis showed a tendency to eutrophic condition. All of the species were characterized as being from freshwater and oligohalobous. Results from environmental analysis show that the water from study area has a low mineral contentSe representa la caracterización taxonómica y ambiental de las diatomeas de tres cuerpos de agua de los humedales de Jilotepec-Ixtlahuaca, Estado de México, a partir de seis muestreos (enero-octubre de 2001). Se colectaron crecimientos algales bentónicos y planctónicos. Los taxa se estudiaron con microscopio de luz y electrónico de barrido. Se identificaron 45 especies y 3 variedades de diatomeas distribuidas en 32 géneros. Aulacoseira granulata, Cymbella affinis, Gomphonema acuminatum, G. angustatum, Pinnularia microstauron, Synedra ulna y Stephanodiscus niagarae fueron especies dominantes. Por el contrario Craticula halophila, Cymatopleura solea y Neidium iridis fueron raras. Epithemia turgida, Eunotia curvata y Rhopalodia sp. fueron particulares del charco permanente. Achnanthes pinnata, Cyclostephanos dubius, Eunotia faba y Planothidium ellipticum son nuevos registros para la FVTM. La presencia de S. niagarae amplia su distribución como especie viviente hacia el sur de Norte América. El 89% de las especies fueron limnófilas, con tendencia a indiferentes y a reófilas. El 67% de los taxa estuvieron asociados con la diversidad de sustratos y no manifestaron marcada estacionalidad. La riqueza de especies fue mayor durante la época de secas. Craticula halophila, Encyonema caespitosum, Frustulia vulgaris y Sellaphora pupula se encontraron en época de lluvias. Todas las especies fueron meso-euritermales con afinidad templada. El pH fue ligeramente básico (7.8), el 65% de las especies fueron alcalífilas. Eunotia faba, acidófila-circumneutral, E. curvata y Surirella tenera circumneutral-indiferentes. Stephanodiscus niagarae en asociación con Aulacoseira granulata, Fragilaria capucina y F. crotonensis, indican una tendencia a condiciones eutróficas. Todas las especies son características de agua dulce y oligohalobias. Los resultados de las variables ambientales medidas indicaron que el agua del área de estudio es poco mineralizada

Bolometric correction and spectral energy distribution of cool stars in Galactic clusters

We have investigated the relevant trend of the bolometric correction (BC) at the cool-temperature regime of red giant stars and its possible dependence on stellar metallicity. Our analysis relies on a wide sample of optical-infrared spectroscopic observations, along the 3500A-2.5micron wavelength range, for a grid of 92 red giant stars in five (3 globular + 2 open) Galactic clusters, along the -2.2<[Fe/H]<+0.4 metallicity range. Bolometric magnitudes have been found within an internal accuracy of a few percent. Making use of our new database, we provide a set of fitting functions for the V and K BC vs. Teff and broad-band colors, valid over the interval 3300K<Teff<5000K, especially suited for Red Giants. No evident drift of both BC(V) and BC(K) with [Fe/H] is found. Things may be different, however, for the B-band correction, given a clear (B-V) vs. [Fe/H] correlation in place for our data, with metal-poor stars displaying a "bluer" (B-V) with respect to the metal-rich sample, for fixed Teff. Our empirical bolometric scale supports the conclusion that (a) BC(K) from the most recent studies are reliable within <0.1 mag over the whole color/temperature range considered in this paper, and (b) the same conclusion apply to BC(V) only for stars warmer than ~3800K. At cooler temperatures the agreement is less general, and MARCS models are the only ones providing a satisfactory match to observations.Comment: 18 pages with 12 color figures and 12 tables. To appear in the MNRAS. Full spectral catalog of stars available at http://www.bo.astro.it/~eps/home.htm

Dendronized Anionic Gold Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Antiviral Activity

Anionic carbosilane dendrons decorated with sulfonate functions and with a thiol moiety at the focal point have been used to synthesize water soluble gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) by direct reaction of dendrons, gold precursor and reducing agent in water and also by place-exchange reaction. These nanoparticles have been characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV, elemental analysis, and Z potential. Also, the interacting ability of the anionic sulfonate functions was investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) using copper(II) as a probe. It was found that the different structures and conformations of the AuNPs modulate the availability of sulfonate and thiol groups to be complexed by copper(II). Toxicity assays of AuNPs showed that those produced by direct reaction were less toxic than those obtained by ligand exchange. Inhibition of HIV-1 infection was higher for dendronized AuNPs than for dendrons.Ministerio de Economía y EmpresaComunidad de MadridUniversidad de Alcal

Uncertainty Estimation for Performance Evaluation of a Confocal Microscope as Metrology Equipment

Both in industry and research, the quality control of micrometric manufactured parts is based on the measurement of parameters whose traceability is sometimes difficult to guarantee. In some of these parts, the confocal microscopy shows great aptitudes to characterize a measurand qualitatively and quantitatively. The confocal microscopy allows the acquisition of 2D and 3D images that are easily manipulated. Nowadays, this equipment is manufactured by many different brands, each of them claiming a resolution probably not in accord to their real performance. The Laser Center (Technical University of Madrid) has a confocal microscope to verify the dimensions of the micro mechanizing in their own research projects. The present study pretends to confirm that the magnitudes obtained are true and reliable. To achieve this, a methodology for confocal microscope calibration is proposed, as well as an experimental phase for dimensionally valuing the equipment by 4 different standard positions, with its seven magnifications and the six objective lenses that the equipment currently has, in the x–y and z axis. From the results the uncertainty will be estimated along with an effect analysis of the different magnifications in each of the objective lenses

Thin film nanostructuring at oblique angles by substrate patterning

It is demonstrated that, besides classical nanocolumnar arrays, the oblique angle geometry induces the growth of singular structures in the nanoscale when using wisely designed patterned substrates. Well-ordered array of crosses, cylindrical nanorods or hole structures arranged in square or hexagonal regular geometries are reported as examples, among others. The fundamental framework connecting substrate topography and film growth at oblique angles is presented, allowing the use of substrate patterning as a feasible thin film nanostructuring technique. A systematic analysis of the growth of TiO2 thin films on 4 different lithographic patterned substrates in 4 different scale lengths is also presented. A first conclusion is the existence of a height-based selective growth in the initial stages of the deposition, by which the film preferentially develops on top of the tallest substrate features. This behavior is maintained until the film reaches a critical thickness, the so-called Oblivion Thickness, above which the film topography becomes gradually independent of the substrate features. A general formula relating the spatial features of the pattern, the coarsening exponent and the Oblivion Thickness has been deduced.The authors thank the financial support from MCIN/AEI/10.13039/ 501100011033 projects PID2019-110430GB-C21, PID2020-112620GBI00, PID2020-114270RA-I00 and RTI2018-098117-B-C21 (also financed by FEDER Una manera de hacer europa), the Junta de Andalucía (PAIDI- 2020 through projects P18-RT-3480 and P18-RT-6079, and through its 2019 PhD Researcher Hiring Program), the CSIC (2019AEP161 and 201860E050), the Regional Government of Madrid (project IND2017/ IND-7668 and YEI contract PEJ-2019-AI/IND-14451 with support from FSE), the H2020-EU.1.2.1-FET OPEN program (grant 899352, project SOUNDofICE, and the EFRE Infra-Pro project ChAMP), and the University of Seville (VI PPIT-US). The work is supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, grant Scha 632/24, “Tailored Disorder” and Scha 632/27, “DFGGer ¨atezentrum”). This work is also supported by the free state of Thuringia under grants 2015 FGI 0025 305 (FastμXRD) and B715-10009 (BioMacroNano2020), all co-financed by the European Union within the framework of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The service from the MiNa Laboratory at IMN-CNM (CSIC), funded from CM (project S2018/NMT-4291 TEC2SPACE), MINECO (project CSIC13-4E- 1794) and EU (FEDER, FSE), is also acknowledged.Peer reviewe

Entramados emocionales: cuidados, vivencias y redes sociales virtuales

Este volumen explora las emociones a partir de las narrativas y prácticas del cuidado, su relación estrecha y compleja con la vivencia y la experiencia o en sus nexos con las redes virtuales. Los autores, en su estudio, colocan en el centro el análisis del trabajo y regulación emocional de cuidadoras y cuidadores. Dirigido a profesionistas, investigadoras e investigadores, así como estudiantes de las ciencias sociales y humanidades, este libro aborda la virtualidad en las emociones, un ámbito poco explorado por lo que los expertos ensayan propuestas sobre su vinculación con las lógicas mercantiles o sobre el papel del humor virtual en la configuración de la política nacional.ITESO, A.C

Nanoestructuración a la Carta de Películas Delgadas en Geometría de Ángulo Oblicuo Mediante el Control Topográfico del Sustrato

Trabajo presentado en el XVI Congreso Nacional de Materiales CNMAT 2022, celebrado en Ciudad Real (España), del 28 de junio al 1 de julio de 2022La técnica de pulverización catódica operada en geometría de ángulo oblicuo es bien conocida por permitir el crecimiento de películas delgadas nanocolumnares sobre sustratos planos. En otro tipo de sustratos, e.g. rugosos o litografiados, la casuística es variada, apareciendo estructuras complejas y diversas, incluso para espesores del orden de la micra. Estos resultados sugieren la existencia de una fuerte conexión entre el crecimiento de la película y la topografía del sustrato, que podría utilizarse para obtener un mayor control nanoestructural. En esta presentación se analiza teórica y experimentalmente la relación entre ambos aspectos al utilizar la técnica de pulverización catódica a ángulo oblicuo. Se demuestra la posibilidad de crecer estructuras singulares como, por ejemplo, cruces nanopilares o incluso de huecos dentro de una matriz compacta, ordenados de acuerdo a un patrón regular con distancias típicas del orden de cientos de nanómetros (ver Figura 1). Se describe, por lo tanto, el marco conceptual que permitiría que las técnicas actuales de litografía superficial se puedan utilizar como técnicas efectivas de control nanoestructural de películas delgadas. Como resultado, se demuestran varios principios que definen los diferentes estadios de la deposición que servirían como guías para el diseño inteligente del sustrato e inducir crecimientos a la carta. Estos principios se han validado experimentalmente al crecer diferentes películas delgadas sobre un total de 16 sustratos litografiados con diferentes topografías, patrones y escalas típicas por debajo de la micra, así como en otros sustratos con rugosidad intrínseca sometidos a diferentes tipos de pulido