Global design of analog cells using statistical optimization techniques

We present a methodology for automated sizing of analog cells using statistical optimization in a simulation based approach. This methodology enables us to design complex analog cells from scratch within reasonable CPU time. Three different specification types are covered: strong constraints on the electrical performance of the cells, weak constraints on this performance, and design objectives. A mathematical cost function is proposed and a bunch of heuristics is given to increase accuracy and reduce CPU time to minimize the cost function. A technique is also presented to yield designs with reduced variability in the performance parameters, under random variations of the transistor technological parameters. Several CMOS analog cells with complexity levels up to 48 transistors are designed for illustration. Measurements from fabricated prototypes demonstrate the suitability of the proposed methodology

Plasmon spectroscopy: Theoretical and numerical calculations, and optimization techniques

30 págs.; 22 figs.; 1 tab.; Open Access funded by Creative Commons Atribution Licence 3.0We present an overview of recent advances in plasmonics, mainly concerning theoretical and numerical tools required for the rigorous determination of the spectral properties of complex-shape nanoparticles exhibiting strong localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs). Both quasistatic approaches and full electrodynamic methods are described, providing a thorough comparison of their numerical implementations. Special attention is paid to surface integral equation formulations, giving examples of their performance in complicated nanoparticle shapes of interest for their LSPR spectra. In this regard, complex (single) nanoparticle configurations (nanocrosses and nanorods) yield a hierarchy of multiple-order LSPR s with evidence of a rich symmetric or asymmetric (Fano-like) LSPR line shapes. In addition, means to address the design of complex geometries to retrieve LSPR spectra are commented on, with special interest in biologically inspired algorithms. Thewealth of LSPRbased applications are discussed in two choice examples, single-nanoparticle surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and optical heating, and multifrequency nanoantennas for fluorescence and nonlinear optics.J.A.S.-G. and R.P.-D. acknowledge the Spanish >Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad>, through the Consolider-Ingenio project EMET (CSD2008- 00066) and NANOPLAS+ (FIS2012-31070), for financial support.Peer Reviewe

Analysis of homophobia during physical education lessons in Spain

While the study of homophobia in sport is a settled matter within the scientific background of various countries, there are not any Spanish studies analyzing and deepening into the situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transsexual in an educational context. The present chapter is the result of a research conducted in Spain in relation to the opinions and beliefs about homosexuality during physical education lessons. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies have been applied to a sample of both physical education teachers and college-aged students. The results highlight that, as is the case of other countries, physical education teachers claim to have a sensitivity and respect for sexual diversity in the classroom. However, these statements are contradicted by other statements by the same teachers as well as by the opinions and beliefs of college-aged students, who often affirm that physical education lessons are still reproducing stereotypes and making an offensive use of language. Homophobic behaviors among students and even towards physical education teachers on occasion still take place in the classroom. As a result, this chapter brings attention to the need for more awareness and training of physical education teachers, providing them with appropriate strategies in this area. Furthermore, it is important to foster the study and the production of knowledge about homophobia in the field of physical education

Synthesis, antibacterial and antifungal activities of naphthoquinone derivatives: a structure–activity relationship study

The synthesis of 1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives is of great interest since these compounds exhibit strong activity as antimalarial, antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer agents. A series of 50 naphthoquinone derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for antibacterial and antifungal activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis and Cryptococcus neoformans using the broth microdilution method. The Candida species were the most susceptible microorganisms. Halogen derivatives of 1,4-naphthoquinone presented strong activity, e.g., 2-bromo-5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, which exhibited inhibition at an MIC of 16 lg/ mL in S. aureus, and 2-chloro-5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, with an MIC of 2 lg/mL in C. krusei. These compounds showed higher activity against fungi, but the antibacterial activities were very low. The study of structure–activity relationships is very important in the search for new antimicrobial drugs due to the limited therapeutic arsenal

Modelo de gestión para un control de calidad eficiente en edificios de nueva planta

The management of the quality control of each building process is usually set up in Spain from different levels of demand. This work tries to obtain a model of reference, to compare the quality control of the building process of a specific product (building), and to be able to evaluate its warranty level. In the quest of this purpose, we take credit of specialized sources and 153 real cases of Quality Control were carefully revised using a multi-judgment method. Applying different techniques to get a specific valuation (impartial) of the input parameters through Delphi’s method (17 experts query), whose matrix treatment with the Fuzzy-QFD tool condenses numerical references through a weighted distribution of the selected functions and their corresponding conditioning factors. The model thus obtained (M153) is useful in order to have a quality control reference to meet the expectations of the quality.La gestión del control de calidad en cada proceso edificatorio se plantea habitualmente en España desde distintos niveles de exigencia. El presente trabajo tiene por objeto obtener un modelo de referencia para comparar el control del proceso edificatorio realizado sobre un producto concreto (edificio) y poder evaluar su nivel de garantía. Para ello recurrimos a fuentes especializadas así como al estudio de 153 casos reales de expedientes de control de calidad utilizando una metodología del tipo multicriterio. Se aplican técnicas conducentes a una valoración concreta (objetiva) de los parámetros de entrada mediante el método Delphi (consulta a 17 expertos), cuyo tratamiento matricial con la herramienta Fuzzy-QFD condensa referencias numéricas a través de un reparto de pesos entre las funciones seleccionadas y sus correspondientes factores intervinientes. El modelo así obtenido (M153) es útil como referente óptimo de las actuaciones de control que conllevan el cumplimiento de las expectativas de calidad

MEXICAN WILD LUPINES AS A SOURCE OF QUINOLIZIDINE ALKALOIDS OF ECONOMIC POTENTIAL

Quinolizidine alkaloids such as lupanine,13-hydroxylupanine, multiflorine, angustifoline and sparteine, which are present inthe species of the genus Lupinus, have beenreported to have biopesticide and pharmacological activities. The aim of this studywas to quantify the content and variationof the individual alkaloids in seeds of L.mexicanus, L. exaltatus, L. montanus andL. stipulatus collected in different states ofMexico. Lupanine was the major (5.05 ±0.37 mg/g) alkaloid found in L. mexicanus,whereas sparteine was the main alkaloidpresent in L. montanus (3.97 ± 0.49 mg/g).Conversely, L. stipulatus contained onlysmall quantities of lupanine and sparteine(0.1 ± 0.002 and 0.04 ± 0.01 mg/g, respectively). Angustifoline was detected only in L.montanus, but in a very low amount (0.048± 0.03). The results of this study indicatethat L. mexicanus and L. montanus can beconsidered as important sources of lupanine and sparteine for their use as natural pesticide or pharmacological agents.Los alcaloides quinolizidinicos lupanina,13-hidroxilupanina, multiflorina, angustifolina y esparteina, presentes en el géneroLupinus poseen actividades bioplagiciday farmacológica. El objetivo del presenteestudio fue cuantificar el contenido y variación de los alcaloides mencionados ensemillas de L. mexicanus, L. exaltatus, L.montanus y L. stipulatus, colectados endiferentes estados de México. La lupaninafue el principal (5.05 ± 0.37mg /g) alcaloideencontrado en L. mexicanus, mientras que laesparteína fue el mayor alcaloide presente en L. montanus (3.97 ± 0.49 mg/g). Sinembargo, en L. stipulatus se encontraron pequeñas cantidades de lupanina y esparteína(0.1 ± 0.002 y 0.04 ± 0.01 mg/g, respectivamente). La angustifolina sólo se detectóen bajos niveles en L. montanus (0.048 ±0.03). Los resultados de este estudio indicanque L. mexicanus y L. montanus pueden serconsiderados como una fuente importantede lupanina y esparteína, los cuales puedenser utilizados como pesticidas o hipoglucé-micos naturales

Early and Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions to Paclitaxel: Desensitization as A challenge

Reacciones de hipersensibilidad secundarias a taxanos y su tratamiento a base de desensibilización

Biological aspects of little tunny Euthynnus alletteratus from Spanish and Portuguese waters.

This study provides information on some biological aspects of Euthynnus alletteratus from the western Mediterranean (Spanish coast) and in the Atlantic Ocean (south of Iberian Peninsula). A total of 1266 individuals were measured between 2003 and 2017. The L-W relationship was calculated with W equal to 0.01242 FL3.058 . Histological analysis of the ovaries and the monthly variation of the gonadosomatic index for both sexes suggested that the spawning season for Euthynnus alletteratus in the western Mediterranean Sea takes place from June to August. The lengths at first maturity (L50) were estimated to be 50.1 cm and 43.4 cm FL for female and male, respectively. Age at first maturity (A50) was calculated

Razões para a atividade física no tempo livre e sua relação o cumprimento das recomendações

Los objetivos del estudio fueron: describir los motivos para practicar actividad física en el tiempo libre (AFTL) en adultos de Madrid y analizar su asociación con el sexo y la edad y con la posibilidad de cumplir las recomendaciones de AF. Se realizó un estudio transversal con 1500 personas de Madrid (15-74 años). La AFTL se evaluó con la versión 2 del Global Physical Activity Questionnaire y los motivos de práctica mediante la versión española de la escala Motives for Physical Activity Measure-Revised. Los motivos se ordenaron así: salud (6.19±.87), disfrute (5.67±1.05), competencia (4.84±1.31), social (4.81±1.70) y apariencia (4.63±1.52). Conceder una relevancia alta a los motivos salud y competencia se asoció con mayor probabilidad de cumplir las recomendaciones (OR=1.69 y OR=1.83, respectivamente). La salud es el motivo más importante para la práctica de AFTL en la muestra estudiada. Le siguen: disfrute, competencia, relaciones sociales y apariencia. Las mujeres conceden importancia alta a la salud y a la apariencia, más que los hombres. El protagonismo del motivo salud aumenta con la edad. Para los motivos de competencia, social y apariencia la tendencia es opuesta. La probabilidad de alcanzar las recomendaciones es mayor cuando se concede una importancia alta a la salud o a la competenciaThe aim of the study was to describe the motives for Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) in Madrid adults; analyse their association to gender and age, and with the possibility of meeting the physical activity recommendations. A cross-sectional study from 1500 subjects living in Madrid (age: 15-74 years). LTPA was assessed using Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (version 2), and practice motives using the Spanish version of the Motives for Physical Activity Measure-Revised scale. Motives for LTPA were reported in the following order: fitness (6.19±.87), enjoyment (5.67±1.05), competence (4.84±1.31), social (4.81±1.70) and appearance (4.63±1.52). Conceding a high relevance to the motives of fitness or competence was associated to a higher possibility of meeting the recommendations (OR=1.69 y OR=1.83, respectively). Based in the studied sample, health is the main important motive for LTPA practice. Followed by enjoyment, competence, social relations and appearance. Women concede a higher importance to health and appearance than men. The importance of health motive increase with the age, while the competence, social and appearance motives have the opposite tendency. The possibility of meeting the PA recommendations is higher when a higher importance to health or competence is concededOs objetivos do estudo foram descrever as razões para a prática de atividade física no tempo livre entre adultos em Madrid e analisar sua associação com sexo e idade e a possibilidade de implementar as recomendações do AF. Um estudo cruz com 1500 pessoas em Madrid (15-74 anos) foi realizada. LTPA foi avaliada com a versão 2 da Global Physical Activity Questionnaire e as razões para a prática pela versão em espanhol dos motivos de escala para a atividade física Medida-Revised. As razões são ordenados da seguinte forma: saúde (6.19 ± .87), prazer (5.67 ± 1.05), a concorrência (4.84 ± 1.31), social (4.81 ± 1.70) e aparência (4,63 ± 1,52). Concedesse uma alta relevância a razões de saúde e à concorrência foi associado com cumprir as recomendações (OR = 1.69 e OR = 1.83, respectivamente). A saúde é a prática mais importante da AFL na mostra estudada. Pelar seguintes razões: Prazer, Competição, relações sociais e aparência. As mulheres dão mais importância a saúde e aparência, mais do que os homens. O papel da razão da saúde aumenta com a idade. Por razões de concorrência, social e aparência a tendência é oposta. A probabilidade de alcançar as recomendações é maior quando uma elevada importância foi anexada para a saúde ou a concorrênci

Macroscopic and microscopic maturity stages. living working document for small tuna species.

Maturity ogives are usually estimated using different methods, including macroscopical and microscopical maturity data. Differences in maturity ogives estimations are found for species and by area/stock. So those differences may be a consequence of the use of different methodological techniques (criteria) or due to different spawning tactics. Taking this into account is essential to guarantee that the maturity criteria for each species are consistent across the laboratories and countries involved in stock assessment. The objective of this document is to show a large amount of detailed photos (macro and microphotographs) of the different gonad stages of Auxis rochei, Sarda sarda and Euthynnus alletteratus, for females and males, which will be an enhancement to the descriptions of maturity stages given in the maturity tables