Premio Nobel de Economía del año 2017: Richard Thaler

En este trabajo se analiza la obra de Richad Thaler, galardonado con el premio Nobel de Economía en el año 2017 por su contribución a la economía conductual. El autor es reconocido por ser el coautor, junto con Cass Sunstein, del libro Nudge, traducido en español como “Un pequeño empujón”. La palabra “empujón” en el título del libro hace referencia a ayudar a la población a tomar las mejores decisiones en el largo plazo. Por ejemplo, a ahorrar de cara a una jubilación. Se basan en la premisa de que las personas eligen la opción más fácil sobre la opción más adecuada. El poco tiempo para pensar y la costumbre, entre otros factores, conllevan a una mala elección. Una de las consideraciones principales para darle el premio Nobel fue la creación de un puente que une los análisis económicos con los psicológicos en la toma de decisiones de los individuos. Se considera que, gracias a sus hallazgos, se han podido abrir grandes campos de investigación en la teoría del comportamiento que han tenido un gran impacto también dentro de la política económica.Grado en Economí

Efficient integral equation formulation for inductive waveguide components with posts touching the waveguide walls

In this paper a surface integral equation technique is employed for the analysis of inductive waveguide problems containing metallic or dielectric objects of arbitrary shape, focusing on the case where these objects are connected to the waveguide walls. Using the extinction theorem, the main problem is split into two problems. In the first one the parallel plate waveguide Green’s functions are used. Because of the choice of these functions, the side of the object touching the waveguide wall is not considered for discretization in a method of moments analysis. The second problem is applied inside the dielectric object, and uses the free space Green’s functions. It is shown that an additional spatial image is needed to impose the proper boundary conditions for the fields on the side touching the waveguide wall in the original problem. Results show the importance of including this additional image in the formulation for the correct behavior of the fields. With the proposed technique, the paper explores some alternatives for designing specific filter responses using dielectric posts inside cavity filters. Comparisons with a commercial finite elements tool demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed integral equation formulation.This work has been developed with support from the Spanish National Project (CICYT) with Ref TEC2004-04313-C02-02/TCM, and the Regional Seneca Project with Ref 02972/PI/05

Sustainability vs. Circular Economy from a Disposition Decision Perspective: A Proposal of a Methodology and an Applied Example in SMEs

[EN] Disposition Decision (DD) consists of deciding how to treat a recovered product, and it is one of the most important decisions in reverse logistics. Any of the selected disposition alternatives will have a significant impact on the enterprise sustainability. However, the most sustainable alternative may not be an alternative to make circular economy (CE) possible. In these cases, if the company wishes to adopt a CE strategy, it will have to switch from the most sustainable alternative to a less sustainable one that CE allows. Then, how much should be sacrificed for each sustainability dimension to make CE possible? This paper proposes a methodology for quantitatively comparing the most sustainable disposition alternative and the most sustainable CE alternative. This comparison allows small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to know how exactly all dimensions increase or decrease when selecting the most sustainable CE disposition alternative and to, therefore, assess the interest of adopting a CE policy. The proposed methodology is applied to a used tire recovery company. The results of this example show that the CE alternative offers a better environmental result but presents worst economic and social results. This example can be used as a guide for future applications other SMEs.The authors would like to acknowledge the predisposition of the recovery and treatment company of used tires by facilitating all necessary data to be used in the example application. The support of the Project GV/2017/065 "Development of a decision support tool for the management and improvement of sustainability in supply chains" funded by the Regional Government of Valencia is gratefully acknowledged. The authors also thank the anonymous reviewers and assistant editor who reviewed earlier versions of this paper.Alarcón Valero, F.; Cortés-Pellicer, P.; Pérez Perales, D.; Sanchis, R. (2020). Sustainability vs. Circular Economy from a Disposition Decision Perspective: A Proposal of a Methodology and an Applied Example in SMEs. Sustainability. 12(23):1-26. https://doi.org/10.3390/su122310109S1261223Pieroni, M. P. P., McAloone, T. C., & Pigosso, D. C. A. (2019). Business model innovation for circular economy and sustainability: A review of approaches. Journal of Cleaner Production, 215, 198-216. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.01.036Geissdoerfer, M., Savaget, P., Bocken, N. M. P., & Hultink, E. J. (2017). The Circular Economy – A new sustainability paradigm? Journal of Cleaner Production, 143, 757-768. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.12.048Geisendorf, S., & Pietrulla, F. (2017). The circular economy and circular economic concepts-a literature analysis and redefinition. Thunderbird International Business Review, 60(5), 771-782. doi:10.1002/tie.21924Millar, N., McLaughlin, E., & Börger, T. (2019). The Circular Economy: Swings and Roundabouts? Ecological Economics, 158, 11-19. doi:10.1016/j.ecolecon.2018.12.012Prieto-Sandoval, V., Jaca, C., & Ormazabal, M. (2018). Towards a consensus on the circular economy. Journal of Cleaner Production, 179, 605-615. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.12.224Kalmykova, Y., Sadagopan, M., & Rosado, L. (2018). Circular economy – From review of theories and practices to development of implementation tools. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 135, 190-201. doi:10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.10.034Korhonen, J., Honkasalo, A., & Seppälä, J. (2018). Circular Economy: The Concept and its Limitations. Ecological Economics, 143, 37-46. doi:10.1016/j.ecolecon.2017.06.041Mota, B., Gomes, M. I., Carvalho, A., & Barbosa-Povoa, A. P. (2015). Towards supply chain sustainability: economic, environmental and social design and planning. Journal of Cleaner Production, 105, 14-27. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.07.052Guarnieri, P., Camara e Silva, L., & Vieira, B. (2020). How to Assess Reverse Logistics of e-Waste Considering a Multicriteria Perspective? A Model Proposition. Logistics, 4(4), 25. doi:10.3390/logistics4040025Agrawal, S., & Singh, R. K. (2019). Analyzing disposition decisions for sustainable reverse logistics: Triple Bottom Line approach. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 150, 104448. doi:10.1016/j.resconrec.2019.104448Farahani, S., Otieno, W., & Barah, M. (2019). Environmentally friendly disposition decisions for end-of-life electrical and electronic products: The case of computer remanufacture. Journal of Cleaner Production, 224, 25-39. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.03.182Hazen, B. T., Hall, D. J., & Hanna, J. B. (2012). Reverse logistics disposition decision‐making. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 42(3), 244-274. doi:10.1108/09600031211225954Agrawal, S., Singh, R. K., & Murtaza, Q. (2015). A literature review and perspectives in reverse logistics. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 97, 76-92. doi:10.1016/j.resconrec.2015.02.009Kumar, S., & Malegeant, P. (2006). Strategic alliance in a closed-loop supply chain, a case of manufacturer and eco-non-profit organization. Technovation, 26(10), 1127-1135. doi:10.1016/j.technovation.2005.08.002Singh, R. K., & Agrawal, S. (2018). Analyzing disposition strategies in reverse supply chains: fuzzy TOPSIS approach. Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, 29(3), 427-443. doi:10.1108/meq-12-2017-0177Agrawal, S., Singh, R. K., & Murtaza, Q. (2016). Disposition decisions in reverse logistics: Graph theory and matrix approach. Journal of Cleaner Production, 137, 93-104. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.07.045Skinner, L. R., Bryant, P. T., & Glenn Richey, R. (2008). Examining the impact of reverse logistics disposition strategies. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 38(7), 518-539. doi:10.1108/09600030810900932Prahinski, C., & Kocabasoglu, C. (2006). Empirical research opportunities in reverse supply chains. Omega, 34(6), 519-532. doi:10.1016/j.omega.2005.01.003Thierry, M., Salomon, M., Van Nunen, J., & Van Wassenhove, L. (1995). Strategic Issues in Product Recovery Management. California Management Review, 37(2), 114-136. doi:10.2307/41165792Krikke, H. (2011). Impact of closed-loop network configurations on carbon footprints: A case study in copiers. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 55(12), 1196-1205. doi:10.1016/j.resconrec.2011.07.001Geissdoerfer, M., Morioka, S. N., de Carvalho, M. M., & Evans, S. (2018). Business models and supply chains for the circular economy. Journal of Cleaner Production, 190, 712-721. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.04.159Rizos, V., Behrens, A., van der Gaast, W., Hofman, E., Ioannou, A., Kafyeke, T., … Topi, C. (2016). Implementation of Circular Economy Business Models by Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs): Barriers and Enablers. Sustainability, 8(11), 1212. doi:10.3390/su8111212Reike, D., Vermeulen, W. J. V., & Witjes, S. (2018). The circular economy: New or Refurbished as CE 3.0? — Exploring Controversies in the Conceptualization of the Circular Economy through a Focus on History and Resource Value Retention Options. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 135, 246-264. doi:10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.08.027A. Narayana, S., A. Elias, A., & K. Pati, R. (2014). Reverse logistics in the pharmaceuticals industry: a systemic analysis. The International Journal of Logistics Management, 25(2), 379-398. doi:10.1108/ijlm-08-2012-0073Sarkis, J., Helms, M. M., & Hervani, A. A. (2010). Reverse logistics and social sustainability. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 17(6), 337-354. doi:10.1002/csr.220Fleischmann, M., Krikke, H. R., Dekker, R., & Flapper, S. D. P. (2000). A characterisation of logistics networks for product recovery. Omega, 28(6), 653-666. doi:10.1016/s0305-0483(00)00022-0Sangwan, K. S. (2017). Key Activities, Decision Variables and Performance Indicators of Reverse Logistics. Procedia CIRP, 61, 257-262. doi:10.1016/j.procir.2016.11.185Mangla, S. K., Kusi-Sarpong, S., Luthra, S., Bai, C., Jakhar, S. K., & Khan, S. A. (2020). Operational excellence for improving sustainable supply chain performance. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 162, 105025. doi:10.1016/j.resconrec.2020.105025Hazen, B. T., Wu, Y., Cegielski, C. G., Jones-Farmer, L. A., & Hall, D. J. (2012). Consumer reactions to the adoption of green reverse logistics. The International Review of Retail, Distribution and Consumer Research, 22(4), 417-434. doi:10.1080/09593969.2012.690777Krumwiede, D. W., & Sheu, C. (2002). A model for reverse logistics entry by third-party providers. Omega, 30(5), 325-333. doi:10.1016/s0305-0483(02)00049-xSouza, G. C. (2012). Closed-Loop Supply Chains: A Critical Review, and Future Research*. Decision Sciences, 44(1), 7-38. doi:10.1111/j.1540-5915.2012.00394.xKannan, G., Pokharel, S., & Sasi Kumar, P. (2009). A hybrid approach using ISM and fuzzy TOPSIS for the selection of reverse logistics provider. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 54(1), 28-36. doi:10.1016/j.resconrec.2009.06.004Wadhwa, S., Madaan, J., & Chan, F. T. S. (2009). Flexible decision modeling of reverse logistics system: A value adding MCDM approach for alternative selection. Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, 25(2), 460-469. doi:10.1016/j.rcim.2008.01.006Ziout, A., Azab, A., & Atwan, M. (2014). A holistic approach for decision on selection of end-of-life products recovery options. Journal of Cleaner Production, 65, 497-516. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.10.001Daugherty, P. J., Richey, R. G., Genchev, S. E., & Chen, H. (2005). Reverse logistics: superior performance through focused resource commitments to information technology. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 41(2), 77-92. doi:10.1016/j.tre.2004.04.002Stock, J. R., & Mulki, J. P. (2009). PRODUCT RETURNS PROCESSING: AN EXAMINATION OF PRACTICES OF MANUFACTURERS, WHOLESALERS/DISTRIBUTORS, AND RETAILERS. Journal of Business Logistics, 30(1), 33-62. doi:10.1002/j.2158-1592.2009.tb00098.xTibben‐Lembke, R. S., & Rogers, D. S. (2002). Differences between forward and reverse logistics in a retail environment. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 7(5), 271-282. doi:10.1108/13598540210447719Fleischmann, M., Bloemhof-Ruwaard, J. M., Dekker, R., van der Laan, E., van Nunen, J. A. E. E., & Van Wassenhove, L. N. (1997). Quantitative models for reverse logistics: A review. European Journal of Operational Research, 103(1), 1-17. doi:10.1016/s0377-2217(97)00230-0Jeswiet, J., & Hauschild, M. (2005). EcoDesign and future environmental impacts. Materials & Design, 26(7), 629-634. doi:10.1016/j.matdes.2004.08.016Goggin, K., & Browne, J. (2000). The resource recovery level decision for end-of-life products. Production Planning & Control, 11(7), 628-640. doi:10.1080/095372800432098Mollenkopf, D. A., Frankel, R., & Russo, I. (2010). Creating value through returns management: Exploring the marketing-operations interface. Journal of Operations Management, 29(5), 391-403. doi:10.1016/j.jom.2010.11.004MOYER, L. K., & GUPTA, S. M. (1997). ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS AND RECYCLING/DISASSEMBLY EFFORTS IN THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY. Journal of Electronics Manufacturing, 07(01), 1-22. doi:10.1142/s0960313197000026Staikos, T., & Rahimifard, S. (2007). A decision-making model for waste management in the footwear industry. International Journal of Production Research, 45(18-19), 4403-4422. doi:10.1080/00207540701450187Mangun, D., & Thurston, D. L. (2002). Incorporating component reuse, remanufacture, and recycle into product portfolio design. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 49(4), 479-490. doi:10.1109/tem.2002.807292Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo de 20 de noviembre de 2013 relativa al Programa General de Acción de la Unión en materia de Medio Ambiente hasta 2020 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/ES/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32013D1386Hazen, B. T., Cegielski, C., & Hanna, J. B. (2011). Diffusion of green supply chain management. The International Journal of Logistics Management, 22(3), 373-389. doi:10.1108/09574091111181372Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Resolution 70/1, Resolution Adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015 http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/RES/70/1Glavič, P., & Lukman, R. (2007). Review of sustainability terms and their definitions. Journal of Cleaner Production, 15(18), 1875-1885. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2006.12.006Santillo, D. (2007). Reclaiming the Definition of Sustainability (7 pp). Environmental Science and Pollution Research - International, 14(1), 60-66. doi:10.1065/espr2007.01.375Kirchherr, J., Reike, D., & Hekkert, M. (2017). Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 127, 221-232. doi:10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.09.005Stahel, W. R. (2016). The circular economy. Nature, 531(7595), 435-438. doi:10.1038/531435aZink, T., & Geyer, R. (2017). Circular Economy Rebound. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 21(3), 593-602. doi:10.1111/jiec.12545Gusmerotti, N. M., Testa, F., Corsini, F., Pretner, G., & Iraldo, F. (2019). Drivers and approaches to the circular economy in manufacturing firms. Journal of Cleaner Production, 230, 314-327. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.05.044Schroeder, P., Anggraeni, K., & Weber, U. (2018). The Relevance of Circular Economy Practices to the Sustainable Development Goals. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 23(1), 77-95. doi:10.1111/jiec.12732Vermunt, D. A., Negro, S. O., Verweij, P. A., Kuppens, D. V., & Hekkert, M. P. (2019). Exploring barriers to implementing different circular business models. Journal of Cleaner Production, 222, 891-902. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.03.052Govindan, K., Soleimani, H., & Kannan, D. (2015). Reverse logistics and closed-loop supply chain: A comprehensive review to explore the future. European Journal of Operational Research, 240(3), 603-626. doi:10.1016/j.ejor.2014.07.012Bufardi, A., Gheorghe, R., Kiritsis, D., & Xirouchakis, P. (2004). Multicriteria decision-aid approach for product end-of-life alternative selection. International Journal of Production Research, 42(16), 3139-3157. doi:10.1080/00207540410001699192Iakovou, E., Moussiopoulos, N., Xanthopoulos, A., Achillas, C., Michailidis, N., Chatzipanagioti, M., … Kikis, V. (2009). A methodological framework for end-of-life management of electronic products. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 53(6), 329-339. doi:10.1016/j.resconrec.2009.02.001Lee, S. G., Lye, S. W., & Khoo, M. K. (2001). A Multi-Objective Methodology for Evaluating Product End-of-Life Options and Disassembly. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 18(2), 148-156. doi:10.1007/s001700170086Chan, J. W. K. (2008). Product end-of-life options selection: grey relational analysis approach. International Journal of Production Research, 46(11), 2889-2912. doi:10.1080/00207540601043124Haji Vahabzadeh, A., Asiaei, A., & Zailani, S. (2015). Green decision-making model in reverse logistics using FUZZY-VIKOR method. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 103, 125-138. doi:10.1016/j.resconrec.2015.05.023Azapagic, A., Millington, A., & Collett, A. (2006). A Methodology for Integrating Sustainability Considerations into Process Design. Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 84(6), 439-452. doi:10.1205/cherd05007Silva, N. D., Jawahir, I. S., Jr., O. D., & Russell, M. (2009). A new comprehensive methodology for the evaluation of product sustainability at the design and development stage of consumer electronic products. International Journal of Sustainable Manufacturing, 1(3), 251. doi:10.1504/ijsm.2009.023973Hula, A., Jalali, K., Hamza, K., Skerlos, S. J., & Saitou, K. (2003). Multi-Criteria Decision-Making for Optimization of Product Disassembly under Multiple Situations. Environmental Science & Technology, 37(23), 5303-5313. doi:10.1021/es0345423Jaafar, I. H., Venkatachalam, A., Joshi, K., Ungureanu, A. C., De Silva, N., Rouch, K. E., … Jawahir, I. S. (s. f.). Product Design for Sustainability: A New Assessment Methodology and Case Studies. Environmentally Conscious Mechanical Design, 25-65. doi:10.1002/9780470168202.ch2Mateus, R., & Bragança, L. (2011). Sustainability assessment and rating of buildings: Developing the methodology SBToolPT–H. 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Methodology for sustainability strategic planning and management. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 110(2), 249-268. doi:10.1108/02635571011020331Bakar, M. S. A., & Rahimifard, S. (2007). Computer-aided recycling process planning for end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part B: Journal of Engineering Manufacture, 221(8), 1369-1374. doi:10.1243/09544054jem801scKusi-Sarpong, S., Gupta, H., & Sarkis, J. (2018). A supply chain sustainability innovation framework and evaluation methodology. International Journal of Production Research, 57(7), 1990-2008. doi:10.1080/00207543.2018.1518607Sienkiewicz, M., Janik, H., Borzędowska-Labuda, K., & Kucińska-Lipka, J. (2017). Environmentally friendly polymer-rubber composites obtained from waste tyres: A review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 147, 560-571. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.01.121SIGNUS Memoria Web https://www.signus.es/memoria2019/Horodytska, O., Kiritsis, D., & Fullana, A. (2020). Upcycling of printed plastic films: LCA analysis and effects on the circular economy. Journal of Cleaner Production, 268, 122138. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.12213

3D interactive applications on tablets for preschoolers: Exploring the human skeleton and the senses

Early years education is an important aspect for the future success of children in the education system. From this perspective, this paper describes the results of a study with preschool children using an interactive learning application on tablets. The project is arranged according to a three-phase process to promote the development of: (1) emergent literacy, (2) digital access for early years learners and (3) basic concepts in knowledge of the environment. The study was conducted with six classes of 87 students aged between 3 years to 6 years, over a 6-week period. During this period, the students were introduced to and engaged in the knowledge of the human skeleton and five senses by using a 3D interactive application on tablets. The quasi-experimental design was based on a nonequivalent groups pretest and posttest design. The interactive learning application was designed around three distinct interaction modes: presentation, exploration, manipulation and evaluation. These phases provided scaffolding for the students to engage with the technology and for the class teacher to develop her own skills. The results on the normalization tests for both control/experimental groups before the experiment were similar. The results after the experiment indicate that students who worked with tablets showed a slight improvement in results of learning outcomesCascales, A.; Laguna, I.; Pérez Lopez, DC.; Perona Ruiz, PD.; Contero, M. (2013). 3D interactive applications on tablets for preschoolers: Exploring the human skeleton and the senses. Lecture Notes in Computer Science. 8095:71-83. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-40814-4_7S71838095OECD: Investing in high-quality early childhood education and care (ECEC), http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/0/28/48980282.pdfChou, C.: Interactivity and interactive functions in web-based learning systems: A technical framework for designers. British Journal of Educational Technology 34, 265–279 (2003)Crowther, K., Waddoups, G.L.: Improving the quality and effectiveness of computer-mediated instruction through usability evaluations. British Journal of Educational Technology 35, 289–303 (2004)Hinostroza, J.E., Mellar, H.: Pedagogy embedded in educational software design: Report of a case study. Computers & Education 37, 27–40 (2001)Kearney, J.: Educating Young Children - Learning and teaching in the early childhood years. Early Childhood Teachers’ Association (ECTA Inc.) 3(18) (2012)Marco, J., Cerezo, E.: Bringing tabletop technologies to kindergarten children. In: HCI 2009 International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction– Celebrating people and technology, pp. 103–111. Springer, Heidelberg (2009)Heft, T.M., Swaminathan, S.: Using computers in early childhood classrooms: Teachers’ attitudes, skills and practices. Journal of Early Childhood Research 6(4), 169–188 (2006)Wang, X.C., Ching, C.C.: Social construction of computer experience in a first-grade classroom: Social processes and mediating artifacts. Early Education and Development 14(3), 335–361 (2003)Kearney, J.: Educating young children: Learning and teaching in the early childhood years. Early Childhood Teachers’ Association (ECTA Inc.) 3(17), 35–38 (2012)Couse, L.J., Chen, D.W.: A Tablet Computer for Young Children? Exploring Its Viability for Early Childhood Education. Journal of Research on Technology in Education 43(1), 75–98 (2012)Rankothge, W.H., Sendanayake, S.V., Sudarshana, R.G.P., Balasooriya, B.G.G.H., Alahapperuma, D.R., Mallawarachchi, Y.: Technology assisted tool for learning skills development in early childhood. In: 2012 International Conference on Advances in ICT for Emerging Regions (ICTer), pp. 165–168. IEEE (2012)Sandvik, M., Smørdal, O., Østerud, S.: Exploring iPads in practitioners’ repertoires for language learning and literacy practices in kindergarten. Nordic Journal of Digital Literacy 3(7), 204–221 (2012)Papert, S.: A critique of technocentrism in thinking about the shool of the future. MIT.Media, Cambridge (1990)Cook, T.D., Campbell, D.T., Day, A.: Quasi-experimentation: Design and Analysis Issues for Field Settings, pp. 19–21. Houghton Mifflin, Boston (1979)Buendía, L., Colás, P., Hernández-Pina, F.: Métodos de Investigación en Psicopedagogía. McGraw Hill, Madrid (1997

Effect of hypoxia on lung gene expression and proteomic profile: insights into the pulmonary surfactant response

Exposure of lung to hypoxia has been previously reported to be associated with significant alterations in the protein content of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung tissue. In the present work we have used a proteomic approach to describe the changes in protein complement induced by moderate long-term hypoxia (rats exposed to 10% O2 for 72h) in BAL and lung tissue, with a special focus on the proteins associated with pulmonary surfactant, which could indicate adaptation of this system to limited oxygen availability. The analysis of the general proteomic profile indicates a hypoxia-induced increase in proteins associated with inflammation both in lavage and lung tissue. Analysis at mRNA and protein levels revealed no significant changes induced by hypoxia on the content in surfactant proteins or their apparent oligomeric state. In contrast, we detected a hypoxia-induced significant increase in the expression and accumulation of hemoglobin in lung tissue, at both mRNA and protein levels, as well as an accumulation of hemoglobin both in BAL and associated with surface-active membranes of the pulmonary surfactant complex. Evaluation of pulmonary surfactant surface activity from hypoxic rats showed no alterations in its spreading ability, ruling out inhibition by increased levels of serum or inflammatory proteins.Ministerio de Ciencia BIO2012-30733Ministerio de Ciencia CSD2007-00010Gobierno de la Comunidad de Madrid S2009MAT-1507National Institutes of Health NIH HL3478

A Reference Model of Reverse Logistics Process for Improving Sustainability in the Supply Chain

[EN] The reverse logistics process (RLP) has become a key process for the supply chain (SC) given its importance for treating the increasing quantity of returned or recovered products and its impact on sustainability. However, the RLP is complex and involves a high degree of uncertainty and difficult decisions that affect SC efficiency. One of the aspects that can help the most to reduce this complexity and to improve SC efficiency is to formalize this process. The consulted studies agree on the numerous benefits of RLP formalization, but no tools, methodologies or specific solutions were found that help companies to advance in this matter. This work aims to develop a specific tool for RLP formalization so that its efficiency can be increased, leading to an improvement of SC sustainability. The main results comprise a reference model for RLP (RM-RLP) and an associated methodology so that any company can formalize its RLP by modeling its activities. The proposed tool (RM-RLP and methodology) is applied to a closed loop SC of relaxing chairs as an example of RLP formalization, proving its usefulness and, additionally, the improvements that can be reached in three RLP key indicators: total process duration, customer response time and the perceived autonomy and trust of the workers participating in the process.Alarcón Valero, F.; Cortés-Pellicer, P.; Pérez Perales, D.; Mengual Recuerda, A. (2021). A Reference Model of Reverse Logistics Process for Improving Sustainability in the Supply Chain. Sustainability. 13(18):1-29. https://doi.org/10.3390/su131810383S129131

Estudio exploratorio sobre lenguajes simbólicos de programación en tareas de resolución de problemas con Bee-bot

En los últimos años movimientos relacionados con la robótica educativa, el movimiento maker o el movimiento STEM han potenciado la integración en las aulas de contenidos de matemáticas con otros propios de las ciencias de la computación. El uso de entornos tecnológicos en educación, así como el resurgimiento de la programación en la escuela son tendencia consolidada en el panorama educativo. En este estudio pretendemos explorar la capacidad de estudiantes de infantil y primaria para elaborar esbozos de programas a partir de su lenguaje propio así como explorar la conveniencia del uso de un lenguaje de programación simbólico para resolver un problema. Así, desde la perspectiva de la resolución de problemas de matemáticas, observaremos actuaciones en las que el estudiante debe idear, generar, desplegar y gestionar estrategias que le permitan abordar el problema (con o sin éxito) con la restricción de que la solución obtenida debe poder implementarse en un entorno tecnológico

Ornithopter Trajectory Optimization with Neural Networks and Random Forest

Trajectory optimization has recently been addressed to compute energy-efficient routes for ornithopter navigation, but its online application remains a challenge. To overcome the high computation time of traditional approaches, this paper proposes algorithms that recursively generate trajectories based on the output of neural networks and random forest. To this end, we create a large data set composed by energy-efficient trajectories obtained by running a competitive planner. To the best of our knowledge our proposed data set is the first one with a high number of pseudo-optimal paths for ornithopter trajectory optimization. We compare the performance of three methods to compute low-cost trajectories: two classification approaches to learn maneuvers and an alternative regression method that predicts new states. The algorithms are tested in several scenarios, including the landing case. The effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithms are demonstrated through simulation, which show that the machine learning techniques can be used to compute the flight path of the ornithopter in real time, even under uncertainties such as wrong sensor readings or re-positioning of the target. Random Forest obtains the higher performance with more than 99% and 97% of accuracy in a landing and a mid-range scenario, respectively.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad MTM2016-76272- R AEI/FEDER,UEMinisterio de Ciencia e Innovación PID2020-114154RB-I00Unión Europea, Horizon 2020, Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement #73492

Spreading versus biomass production by colonies of the fish pathogen Flavobacterium psychrophilum: role of the nutrient concentration

Colonies of the fish pathogen Flavobacterium psychrophilum have gliding motility in media with low agar concentrations. Although gliding motility, particularly in Flavobacterium johnsoniae, has been well-studied, little is known about its regulation by environmental factors. The work described here shows that the ability of F. psychrophilum to spread over surfaces depends on nutrient availability. In fact, as the nutrient contents of the medium decreased, spreading was favored and the diameter of the colonies increased. Macroscopy examination revealed modifications in colony morphology as nutrient depletion increased: from a dense and defined colony to the formation of microcolonies inside a general colony structure. Additionally, colony expansion dynamics and population density across the colony radius varied inversely with bacterial biomass production. Motility was an immediate response when bacteria were transferred from a rich to a more diluted medium. Our results suggest that, when nutrients are limiting, F. psychrophilum activates a specific growth mode that enables it to colonize surfaces by means of gliding motility. The use of diluted media allowed the differentiation, among previously isolated F. psychrophilum non-gliding mutants, of those completely unable to glide and those with only partially impaired gliding ability. [Int Microbiol 2009; 12(4):207-214