Real time vehicle recognition: a novel method for road detection

Knowing the location of the road in an intelligent traffic systems is one of the most used solutions to ease vehicle detection. For this purpose we propose a vehicle recognition algorithm which performs a real time automatic detection of the zones which vehicles occupy. Such algorithm is capable of functioning under extreme conditions such as low resolution, low capture angle and gray scale images.Peer ReviewedPreprin

E-Commerce, social media and Social Inclusion: A Typology of Users Over 60 Years of Age in Spain

The growth of e-commerce and the ageing of the world population converges in a situation which represents significant challenges for the economy: a large population of over 65year-olds with major limitations for online shopping. The digital division, although reduced in certain sectors, in others, such as e-commerce persists. This research involves the study of 405 subjects, Spanish seniors aged between 60 and 79, to discover and analyse the barriers, motivators and behaviour with regards to shopping online. Using a telephone survey and a random sample, a typology of users was established as per their behaviour and perception of e-commerce. The main finding is the segmentation in eleven typologies of users, identified through cluster analysis. The major conclusions confirm the barriers related to data security or levels of confidence. Furthermore, with basic digital skills, seniors consider themselves capable of completing purchases on the Internet. Online shoppers feel empowered being digitally self-sufficient, while non-shoppers desiring to be independent, require the implementation of measures to aid the process on commercial websites.El crecimiento del comercio electrónico y el envejecimiento de la población mundial convergen en una situación que representa importantes retos para la economía: una gran población de mayores de 65 años con grandes limitaciones para realizar compras en línea. La brecha digital, aunque se ha reducido en algunos sectores, en otros, como el del comercio electrónico, persiste. Esta investigación consiste en un estudio de 405 sujetos, españoles de entre 60 y 79 años, para conocer y analizar las barreras, las motivaciones y el comportamiento ante las compras online. Mediante una encuesta telefónica y con una muestra aleatoria, se estableció una tipología de usuarios según su comportamiento y percepción del comercio electrónico. El principal hallazgo es la segmentación en once tipologías de usuarios, identificadas a través del análisis de clúster. Las principales conclusiones confirman las barreras relacionadas con la seguridad de los datos o los niveles de confianza. Por otro lado, con unas habilidades digitales básicas, los mayores se consideran capaces de realizar compras en Internet. Los compradores online se sienten capacitados siendo autosuficientes digitalmente, mientras que los no compradores que desean ser independientes, requieren la implementación de medidas de ayuda al proceso en los sitios web comerciales

Interface double-exchange ferromagnetism in the Mn-Zn-O system: New class of biphase magnetism

In this Letter, we experimentally show that the room temperature ferromagnetism in the Mn-Zn-O system recently observed is associated with the coexistence of Mn^(3+) and Mn^(4+) via a double-exchange mechanism. The presence of the ZnO around MnO_2 modifies the kinetics of MnO_2 →Mn_2O_3 reduction and favors the coexistence of both Mn oxidation states. The ferromagnetic phase is associated with the interface formed at the Zn diffusion front into Mn oxide, corroborated by preparing thin film multilayers that exhibit saturation magnetization 2 orders of magnitude higher than bulk samples

Insights into the room temperature magnetism of ZnO/Co3O4 mixtures

The origin of room temperature (RT) ferromagneticlike behavior in ZnO-based diluted magnetic semiconductors is still an unclear topic. The present work concentrates on the appearance of RT magnetic moments in just mixed ZnO/Co3O4 mixtures without thermal treatment. In this study, it is shown that the magnetism seems to be related to surface reduction of the Co3O4 nanoparticles, in which, an antiferromagnetic Co3O4 nanoparticle (core) is surrounded by a CoO-like shell. This singular superficial magnetism has also been found in other mixtures with semiconductors such as TiO2 and insulators such as Al2O3

A proper generalized decomposition approach for high-order problems

En este artículo se desarrollan dos aproximaciones distintas para la resolución de problemas de alto orden mediante métodos de descomposición propia generalizada (PGD, del inglés Proper Generalized Decomposition ). La primera está basada en el uso de técnicas de colocación y polinomios de Chebyshev, mientras que la segunda se basa en el uso de polinomios de Hermite en el marco de una formulación de Galerkin. Ambas poseen ventajas e inconvenientes, que se analizan en detalle con la ayuda de distintos problemas clásicos de validación.In this paper two different approximations for the solution of high-order problems by proper generalized decompositions (PGD) are developed. The first one is based upon the use of collocation techniques, along with Chebyshev polynomials, while the second employs Hermite polynomials in a Galerkin framework. Both approaches having pros and cons, they are studied with the help of some classical benchmark tests.Peer Reviewe

On the apparent visible-light and enhanced UV-light photocatalytic activity of nitrogen-doped TiO₂ thin films

Nitrogen-doped titania (N—TiO₂) thin films were synthesized using atmospheric-pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) using ammonia, tert-butylamine or benzylamine as the nitrogen source. The influence of these precursors on the structural, morphological and optical absorption properties of the films was studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV/Vis spectroscopy. The chemical state and location of the nitrogen species in the films was investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The photocatalytic activity of films with similar structural properties was evaluated during degradation of stearic acid under UVA and visible light illumination. A previous study established a potential photosensitization mechanism involving surface N groups with binding energy of ∼400 eV, which would result in extrinsic enhanced UV activity of the N—TiO₂ films. Here, an empirical approach was adopted in order to establish correlation between structural features, nitrogen content and photocatalytic properties of these films. Within the thickness range considered, the photocatalytic activities of the undoped TiO₂ ilms were consistent with their diffraction features (peak intensities and sharpness). Nevertheless, the activities of the N—TiO₂ films did not follow the same trend but it was consistent with their nitrogen content. Further evidence is provided on the participation of nitrogen species on the enhanced UV activity of N—TiO₂ films and the impact of surface N—O groups such as N—O—Ti—O (or O—N—Ti—O) and bulk substitutional nitrogen groups is discussed. Discussion is also provided on the apparent visible light activity of the N—TiO₂ films

Magnetic properties of ZnO nanoparticles

[EN] We experimentally show that it is possible to induce room-temperature ferromagnetic-like behavior in ZnO nanoparticles without doping with magnetic impurities but simply inducing an alteration of their electronic configuration. Capping ZnO nanoparticles (∿10 nm size) with different organic molecules produces an alteration of their electronic configuration that depends on the particular molecule, as evidenced by photoluminescence and X-ray absorption spectroscopies and altering their magnetic properties that varies from diamagnetic to ferromagnetic-like behavior. © 2007 American Chemical Society.This work has been supported by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science (project NAN2004-09125-C07-05)

Evaluación de la competencia clínica de tutores de residentes de medicina familiar y comunitaria

ObjetivoDescribir la primera experiencia de una evaluación clínica objetiva y estructurada (ECOE) a tutores de residentes realizada en la comunidad autónoma de AndalucíaDiseñoObservacional descriptivoEmplazamientoUnidad Docente de Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria de HuelvaParticipantesTutores de residentes de medicina familiar y comunitariaMediciones principalesLos componentes competenciales que se consensuaron y ponderaron fueron los siguientes: anamnesis, exploración física, comunicación,habilidades técnicas, manejo, atención a la familia y actividades preventivas. La selección de las 10 situaciones clínicas de las que constaba la prueba se realizó utilizando unos criterios de priorización según la prevalencia, gravedad clínica, importancia de la prevención y del diagnóstico precoz, complejidad del caso, evaluación de la capacidad resolutiva del médico y simplicidad evaluativaResultadosRealizaron la ECOE 13 tutores. La edad media ± desviación estándar de los participantes fue de 42,8 ± 3,64 años. La prueba tuvo un coeficiente de fiabilidad (alfa de Cronbach) de 0,73. Por lo que se refiere a los resultados por participantes, la media global fue de 73 ± 6,2. Al analizar los resultados para los diferentes componentes competenciales, los mejores resultados se obtuvieron en la atención a la familia, la comunicación y las habilidades técnicasConclusionesLas pruebas de evaluación clínica objetiva y estructurada pueden ser útiles para la valoración de los tutores, con el objetivo de orientar su formación en los puntos débiles e incluso para, en un futuro no muy lejano, servir como instrumento para acreditar y reacreditar a los tutores de residentes de medicina familiar y comunitariaObjectivesWe show the first experience of the application of an objetive and structured clinical evaluation (OSCE) procedure to family medicine trainers, that has been carried out in Andalucia. The objective is to use a competence evaluation instrument that, in the short term, will be used not only for trainer accreditation but also for other public sanitary professionalsParticipantsTutors of family and commnity medicine residentsDesignObservational descriptiveSettingEducational unity of family medicinePrincipal measurementsThe competencial components to be assessed are the following: anamnesis, physical exploration, communication, technical skill, management, family attention y preventive activities. The clinical situations were selected using the following priority criteria: prevalence, clinical gravity, prevention and early diagnosis importance, case complexity, doctor's capacity of evaluation and simplicityResultsThirteen family medicine trainers took part in the OSCE. Their average age was 42.8±3.6 years. The test had an overall reliability coefficient (Cronbach's alpha) of 0.73. The overall mean score of the participants was 73±6.2. The best results about the competencial components were family attention, communication and technical skillConclusionsThe OSCE can be a convenient tool for family medical trainer evaluation, helping to orientate their education in the weak points and, in the near future, it can also be used as an instrument do accredit family medicine trainer

Efecto de la utilización de pulseras inteligentes para el incremento de la actividad física en adolescentes de un entorno rural: Estudio Piloto

Physical activity (PA) levels are getting lower and lower. Recommendations of 60 minutes of moderate-to-severe physical activity (MVPA) and 10,000-16,000 steps per day for children and adolescents are only met by minority groups. Intervention programs using smart devices are a good option for increasing PA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using smart devices to increase PA in a rural setting sample. A total of eight students aged 14-16 years participated in this study. Subjects wore a Xiaomi Mi Band 4 physical activity bracelet for two weeks, where the number of steps and minutes of MVPA were recorded. The first Control Week (CW) was a week of the regular school routine. The second Intervention Week (IW) was a PA promotion intervention to increase it through challenges. The subjects showed an average of 7200 steps/day and 173 minutes/day during the first week and an average of 12300 steps/day and 212 minutes/day of MVPA during the second week, showing a significant increase during the second week, compared to the first week. Different studies show large increases of MVPA when applying for intervention programs, thus achieving the minimum daily recommendations of MVPA minutes and steps. It is found that PA bracelets positively influence PA intervention programs, and be a motivating instrument for students. Los niveles de actividad física (AF) cada vez son más bajos. Las recomendaciones de 60 minutos de actividad física moderada-vigorosa (AFMV) y entre 10.000 y 16.000 pasos al día para niños y adolescentes, solo son cumplidas por grupos minoritarios. Los programas de intervención utilizando dispositivos inteligentes son una buena opción para el incremento de la AF. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la utilización de pulseras inteligentes para el incremento de AF en una muestra de un entorno rural. Un total de ocho estudiantes de entre 14 y 16 años participaron en este estudio. Los sujetos portaron una pulsera de actividad física Xiaomi Mi Band 4 durante dos semanas, donde se registró el número de pasos y los minutos de AFMV. La primera Semana de Control (S1), fue una semana de rutina escolar habitual. La segunda Semana de Intervención (S2), fue una intervención de promoción de la AF orientada al incremento de la misma por medio de retos. Los sujetos mostraron en la primera semana una media de 7.200 pasos/día y 173 minutos/día y, durante la segunda, una media de 12.300 pasos/día y 212 minutos/día de AFMV, mostrando así un aumento importante durante la segunda semana, respecto a la primera semana. Diferentes estudios muestran grandes incrementos de AFMV al aplicar programas de intervención, consiguiendo así que se cumplan las recomendaciones mínimas diarias de minutos de AFMV y de pasos. Se evidencia que las pulseras de AF influyen de manera positiva para el aumento de los niveles de AF, además de resultar un instrumento motivante para el alumnado.&nbsp