Discrete Global Grid Systems with quadrangular cells as reference frameworks for the current generation of Earth observation data cubes

Discrete Global Grid Systems are spatial reference frameworks that associate information to multi-resolution grids of uniquely identified cells; they are proposed as mechanisms to facilitate the efficient integration of heterogeneous spatial data. They could provide an excellent reference system for Earth observation data cubes, technological infrastructures that provide analysis-ready access to Earth Observation big data, as long as they can be made compatible with them. In this paper, we demonstrate that this is currently feasible without requiring new technological developments. We show how a Discrete Global Grid System with quadrangular cells, rHEALPix, and an existing data cube platform, Open Data Cube, can be integrated without loosing the advantages of having all the data in a Discrete Global Grid System, while keeping a straightforward access to all of the analysis tools provided by an Earth Observation Data Cube

Optimization of the air cargo supply chain.

Purpose: This paper aims to evaluate and optimize the various operations within the air cargo chain. It pursues to improve the efficiency of the air cargo supply chain and to provide more information to the decision-makers to optimize their fields. Design/methodology/approach: The method used is a process simulation modelling software, WITNESS, which provides information to the decision-makers about the most relevant parameters subject to optimization. The input for the simulation is obtained from a qualitative analysis of the air cargo supply chain with the involved agents and from a study of the external trade by air mode, given that their behaviour depend on the location. The case study is focused on a particular location, the Case of Zaragoza Airport (Spain). Findings: This paper demonstrates that efficiency of the air cargo supply chain can increase by leveraging several parameters such as bottlenecks, resources or warehouses. Originality/value: It explores the use of a simulation modeling software originally intended for manufacturing processes and extended to support decision making processes in the area of air cargo

Procedimiento de planificación operativa como alternativa de articulación de los niveles de la planificación

Objective: To design an operational planning procedure as an alternative for the articulation of the planning levels applied in the "Julio Antonio Mella" Sugar Mill, within the framework of the resizing process of the Cuban sugar industry. Methods and techniques: Historical-logical, induction-deduction, as well as empirical level methods such as: expert evaluation, group work techniques, computer systems, among others. Main results: It started from a diagnosis that allowed to identify the problems of the strategic, tactical and operational levels, which in turn defines a methodological route as an alternative for the solution of the same that goes from the operational planning to the strategic one, going through the tactic. Conclusions: The success of the planning can be achieved if the integration of the different levels is taken into account in the process; attributing to operational planning a vital importance for the fulfillment of the remaining plans.Objetivo: Diseñar un procedimiento de planificación operativa como alternativa para la articulación de los niveles de la planificación, aplicado en el Central Azucarero “Julio Antonio Mella”, en el marco del proceso de redimensionamiento de la industria azucarera cubana. Métodos y técnicas: Histórico-lógico, inducción-deducción, así como métodos del nivel empírico tales como: evaluación de expertos, técnicas de trabajo en grupos, sistemas computacionales, entre otros. Principales resultados: Se partió de un diagnóstico que permitió identificar los problemas de los niveles estratégicos, tácticos y operativos, que a su vez define una ruta metodológica como alternativa para la solución de los mismos, que transita desde la planeación operativa hacia la estratégica, recorriendo por la táctica. Conclusiones: El éxito de la planificación se puede lograr si se tiene en cuenta en el proceso, la integración de los diferentes niveles; atribuyéndole a la planeación operativa una importancia vital para el cumplimiento de los planes restantes

Impact of crestal and subcrestal implant placement in peri-implant bone: a prospective comparative study

Background: To assess the influence of the crestal or subcrestal placement of implants upon peri-implant bone loss over 12 months of follow-up. Material and Methods: Twenty-six patients with a single hopeless tooth were recruited in the Oral Surgery Unit (Valencia University, Valencia, Spain). The patients were randomized into two treatment groups: group A (implants placed at crestal level) or group B (implants placed at subcrestal level). Control visits were conducted by a trained clinician at the time of implant placement and 12 months after loading. A previously established standard protocol was used to compile general data on all patients (sex and age, implant length and diameter, and brushing frequency). Implant success rate, peri-implant bone loss and the treatment of the exposed implant surface were studied. The level of statistical significance was defined as 5% (α=0.05). Results: Twenty-three patients (8 males and 15 females, mean age 49.8±11.6 years, range 28-75 years) were included in the final data analyses, while three were excluded. All the included subjects were non-smokers with a brushing frequency of up to twice a day in 85.7% of the cases. The 23 implants comprised 10 crestal implants and 13 subcrestal implants. After implant placement, the mean bone position with respect to the implant platform in group A was 0.0 mm versus 2.16±0.88 mm in group B. After 12 months of follow-up, the mean bone positions were -0.06±1.11 mm and 0.95±1.50 mm, respectively - this representing a bone loss of 0.06±1.11 mm in the case of the crestal implants and of 1.22±1.06 mm in the case of the subcrestal implants (p=0.014). Four crestal implants and 5 subcrestal implants presented peri-implant bone levels below the platform, leaving a mean exposed treated surface of 1.13 mm and 0.57 mm, respectively. The implant osseointegration success rate at 12 months was 100% in both groups. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, bone loss was found to be greater in the case of the subcrestal implants, though from the clinical perspective these implants presented bone levels above the implant platform after 12 months of follow-u

Optimización de la distribución de las tierras para la producción de café en una empresa serrana

La investigación que aquí se describe se llevó a cabo en la Empresa Agropecuaria y Forestal “Sierra Cristal”, ubicada en el municipio Segundo Frente y perteneciente al Ministerio de la Agricultura (MINAG). Tiene como objetivo fundamental perfeccionar el proceso de planificación de la entidad, mediante el empleo de la modelación económico-matemática. Puntualmente se utilizó un modelo de Programación Lineal, resuelto a partir del uso del Sistema Informático Profesional “LINDOW”. La aplicación realizada permite, desde el punto de vista de la planificación,aumentar los niveles de producción en la entidad estudiada a través de una mejor distribución de las tierras disponibles, lo cual representa un aporte significativo al programa de recuperación cafetalera que se desarrolla en el territorio. El empleo de la modelación económicomatemática mediante el referido sistema permite obtener soluciones avanzadas a los problemas, a través de los medios de procesamiento de datos e introducción de los parámetros fundamentales. En comparación con los planes de la empresa, se aprecian niveles de producción superiores en los modelos planteados. La distribución que se propone permite una producción de 508,91 toneladas (t), lo cual indica un aumento con respecto al plan de la entidad de un 17,8 %

Prepolarized MRI of Hard Tissues and Solid-State Matter

[EN] Prepolarized MRI (PMRI) is a long-established technique conceived to counteract the loss in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) inherent to low-field MRI systems. When it comes to hard biological tissues and solid-state matter, PMRI is severely restricted by their ultra-short characteristic relaxation times. Here we demonstrate that efficient hard-tissue prepolarization is within reach with a special-purpose 0.26 T scanner designed for ex vivo dental MRI and equipped with suitable high-power electronics. We have characterized the performance of a 0.5 T prepolarizer module, which can be switched on and off in 200 mu s. To this end, we have used resin, dental and bone samples, all with T1$${\mathbf{T}}_{\mathbf{1}}$$ times of the order of 20 ms at our field strength. The measured SNR enhancement is in good agreement with a simple theoretical model, and deviations in extreme regimes can be attributed to mechanical vibrations due to the magnetic interaction between the prepolarization and main magnets.Agencia Valenciana de la Innovaci~o; European Regional Development Fund; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion; This work was supported by the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovaci~on of Spain through research grant PID2019-111436RBC21. Action co-financed by the European Union through the Programa Operativo del Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) of the Comunitat Valenciana 2014-2020 (IDIFEDER/2018/022). JMG and JB acknowledge support from the Innodocto program of the Agencia Valenciana de la Innovacion (INNTA3/2020/22 and INNTA3/2021/17); Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovaci~on of Spain, Grant/Award Number: PID2019-111436RB-C21; Programa Operativo del Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) of the Comunitat Valenciana, Grant/Award Number: IDIFEDER/2018/022; Innodocto program of the Agencia Valenciana de la Innovacion, Grant/Award Numbers: INNTA3/2020/22, INNTA3/2021/17Borreguero-Morata, J.; González Hernández, JM.; Pallás Lodeiro, E.; Rigla, JP.; Algarín-Guisado, JM.; Bosch-Esteve, R.; Galve, F.... (2022). Prepolarized MRI of Hard Tissues and Solid-State Matter. NMR in Biomedicine. 35(8):1-10. https://doi.org/10.1002/nbm.473711035

MaRCoS, an open-source electronic control system for low-field MRI

Every magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device requires an electronic control system that handles pulse sequences and signal detection and processing. Here we provide details on the architecture and performance of MaRCoS, a MAgnetic Resonance COntrol System developed by an open international community of low-field MRI researchers. MaRCoS is inexpensive and can handle cycle-accurate sequences without hard length limitations, rapid bursts of events, and arbitrary waveforms. It can also be easily adapted to meet further specifications required by the various academic and private institutions participating in its development. We describe the MaRCoS hardware, firmware and software that enable all of the above, including a Python-based graphical user interface for pulse sequence implementation, data processing and image reconstruction.Comment: 10 pages, 4 figure