Algorithms for identification and categorization

The main features of a family of efficient algorithms for recognition and classification of complex patterns are briefly reviewed. They are inspired in the observation that fast synaptic noise is essential for some of the processing of information in the brain.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figure

Approximate oblique dual frames

In representations using frames, oblique duality appears in situations where the analysis and the synthesis has to be done in different subspaces. In some cases, we cannot obtain an explicit expression for the oblique duals and in others there exists only one oblique dual frame which has not the properties we need. Also, in practice the computations are not exact. To give a solution to these problems, in this work we introduce and investigate the notion of approximate oblique dual frames first in the setting of separable Hilbert spaces. We focus then on approximate oblique dual frames in shift-invariant subspaces of L^2(R). We give different conditions on the generators that assure the existence of approximate oblique dual frames. We present an example that illustrates the results

Drawing the Architectural Heritage on the Coast of the Mediterranean (1936-39)

During the civil war (1936-39) was built a network of defensive settlements on the coast in anticipation of attacks enemies, forming the so-called 'wall Mediterranean', because of its similarity with the Wall Atlantic of the World War II. These enclaves were composed of groups of batteries, bunkers and buildings. This communication comes to inventory and draw the remains of more than 50 architectures that are located in the Valencian South Coast (from Denia to Torrevieja), documenting the first ruins of hormigion armed with our history. It's a set of military settlements anti-aircraft, mostly scattered coastal rural, which are a great heritage and landscape value, and from which planes haven't been preserved. It is to lift current state record of them all, proceeding to its typological classification, in order to contribute to its assessment and protection on the grounds that they constitute a legacy of architectural heritage that increases our cultural memory.history

Prevalence and Prognostic Influence of Peripheral Arterial Disease in Patients ≥40 Years Old Admitted into Hospital Following an Acute Coronary Event

AbstractObjectiveA significant proportion of patients with ischemic heart disease have associated peripheral arterial disease (PAD), but many are asymptomatic and this condition remains underdiagnosed. We aimed to study the prevalence of PAD in patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and to evaluate its influence in hospital clinical outcomes.MethodsThe PAMISCA register is a prospective, multicenter study involving patients ≥40 years old with ACS admitted to selected Spanish hospitals. All patients had their ankle-brachial index (ABI) measured between days 3 and 7 after the ischemic event.Results1410 ACS patients (71.4% male) were included. PAD determined by ABI was documented in 561 patients (39.8%). Factors independently related to PAD were age (OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.03–1.06; p<0.001), smoking (OR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.41–2.49; p<0.0001), diabetes (OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.02–1.65; p<0.05), previous cardiac disease (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.22–1.95; p<0.001) and previous cerebrovascular disease (OR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.28–2.80; p<0.001). Following the ACS, an ABI≤0.90 was associated with increased cardiovascular mortality (OR: 5.45; 95% CI: 1.16–25.59; p<0.05) and a higher risk of cardiovascular complications.ConclusionThe prevalence of PAD in patients ≥40 years presenting with ACS is high and it is associated with increased cardiovascular risk

Plant biomass ashes in cement-based building materials. Feasibility as eco-efficient structural mortars and grouts

The use of plant biomass ash, as partial replacing binder in cement-based structural mortars or grouts, is an interesting eco-friendly alternative within the building industry. Besides, recycling those ashes makes possible to reduce the polluting wastes that are accumulated in landfills, improving sustainability. On the basis of the data obtained from the literature, this paper analyses the feasibility of using plant biomass ashes in eco-efficient structural mortars or grouts. The research focuses on issues that are directly related to the pollution mitigation and to the structural performance. Physical-chemical properties (pozzolanic activity and mechanical characteristics), rheological behaviour, setting times and drying shrinkage, durability and environmental features are analysed. In addition, the global warming potential and embodied energy of the plant biomass ashes- based mixtures are calculated, assuming that they will be used to grout hollow concrete units (CMUs), in order to obtain green grouted blocks. Advantages and disadvantages of each waste as cement substitute are highlighted. Besides, the properties or characteristics that require additional research are pointed out (e.g. durability and environmental impact). Conclusions from this work could be used to foster further research on the use and development of those eco-efficient building materials

Multi-instrumental observations of the 2014 Ursid meteor outburst

The Ursid meteor shower is an annual shower that usually shows little activity. However, its Zenith hourly rate sometimes increases, usually either when its parent comet, 8P/Tuttle, is close to its perihelion or its aphelion. Outbursts when the comet is away from perihelion are not common and outbursts when the comet is close to aphelion are extremely rare. The most likely explanation offered to date is based on the orbital mean motion resonances. The study of the aphelion outburst of 2000 December provided a means of testing that hypothesis. A new aphelion outburst was predicted for 2014 December. The SPanish Meteor Network, in collaboration with the French Fireball Recovery and InterPlanetary Observation Network, set up a campaign to monitor this outburst and eventually retrieve orbital data that expand and confirm previous preliminary results and predictions. Despite unfavourable weather conditions over the south of Europe over the relevant time period, precise trajectories from multistation meteor data recorded over Spain were obtained, as well as orbital and radiant information for four Ursid meteors. The membership of these four meteors to the expected dust trails that were to provoke the outburst is discussed, and we characterize the origin of the outburst in the dust trail produced by the comet in the year AD 1392.Peer reviewe

A generic and practical wave overtopping model that includes uncertainty

Mean wave overtopping discharge is generally accepted to be a primary design criterion for assessing the performance of coastal structures. It is a boundary condition for many coastal flood risk assessments. Modern methods for assessing wave overtopping discharges and their consequences are well documented and reported. Among the various tools available for assessing wave overtopping, the use of artificial neural networks has become increasingly popular. This paper introduces the next stage in the development of these models. Using the same source data, the new generic meta-modelling overtopping model reduces uncertainties and gives clear guidance on the range and validity of the outputs

POSITION PAPER OF THE CATALAN SOCIETY OF GASTROENTEROLOGY ABOUT HEPATIC ELASTOGRAPHY 2022

After almost 20 years using transient elastography (TE) for the non-invasive diagnosis of liver fibrosis, its use has been extended to population screening, evaluation of steatosis and complications of cirrhosis. For this reason, the "Catalan Society of Digestology" commissioned a group of experts to update the first Document carried out in 2011.The working group (8 doctors and 4 nurses) prepared a panel of questions based on the online survey "Hepatic Elastography in Catalonia 2022" following the PICO structure and the Delphi method.The answers are presented with the level of evidence, the degree of recommendation and the final consensus after being evaluated by 2 external reviewers.TE uses the simplest and most reliable elastographic method to quantify liver fibrosis, assess steatosis, and determine the risk of complications in patients with cirrhosis.Copyright © 2022 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved

Scientific dissemination in the Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO): Best practices in recent years

There is a growing interest and obligations to bring the results of scientific research closer to society. In this sense, the Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO, CSIC) has acquired in recent years an institutional commitment with the scientific dissemination, carrying out some projects on this topic. The objective of these projects is to visualize and value their research and results in different formats increasing the scientific culture of society that demand and financed most of public research. In the present work four successful initiatives or projects are presented. Diversimar project is a citizen science tool for the observation of the marine and fishing biodiversity of Galicia and the Cantabrian Sea. Mar interior project brings activity of IEO to society with face-to-face conferences and workshops. Planet Tuna project combines science with art through an online platform to enhance the scientific knowledge of tuna and other big pelagics for their sustainability. To end, the interactive book “45 days on the Flemish Cap Bank” spreads the technical and human effort of an oceanographic survey that remains behind the fisheries management developed by the IEO. The objective of the present study is to make visible and put in value these projects and serve as inspiration.Versión del edito