Nanometric displacement measurement based on interference fringes deflection

A hybrid method to obtain nanometric displacements based on interference fringes movement by optical beam deflection is proposed. A proof-of-principle experiment is described as a new method for real-time detection and measurement of small vibrations, experimental results shows an increase in the resolution compared with a simply optical beam deflection read out. Also, there is minimum detectable displacement in an assumed noise environment

Reassessing the LIS approach to traditional knowledge: learning from Xochimilco, Mexico city

Purpose – The study aims to understand the nature of traditional knowledge by examining how it is used and reinvented in the context of Xochimilco in Mexico City. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on field site visits and focus group interviews. Findings – Traditional knowledge was being reinvented in two contrasting ways. One was based on heritage tourism drawing on syncretism between Aztec and Spanish culture in the formation of Xochimilco. The other was agro-ecological focussed on traditional farming practices on the chinampas, their productivity, their ability to sustain biodiversity and their link to social justice. There were some common elements, such as a passionate concern with retaining a valued past in the face of growing threat. Research limitations/implications – Traditional knowledge is often seen as a static heritage, under threat. But it also has the potential to be a fertile source of strong identities and sustainable practices. Originality/value – The paper helps to conceptualise the dynamic character of traditional knowledge

Analyse von Funktionen des prä-B-Zell-Rezeptors anhand induzierbarer Expression von Immunglobulin-Schweren-Ketten

In this paper, we investigate the loss of asymptotic efficiency of semiparametric and quasi-maximum-likelihood estimators relative to maximum-likelihood estimators in models with generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH). For a general time-varying location}scale model, the factors that contribute to differences in efficiency among the estimators can be divided in two categories. One pertains to the parametric speci"cations of the conditional mean and the conditional variance. The other corresponds to the shape characteristics of the conditional density of the standardized errors, summarized in the coefficients of skewness and kurtosis together with the Fisher information for location and scale. The quantification of these factors has practical implications since it can help to decide if the more complex semiparametric estimator provides sufficient efficiency gains with respect to the simplest quasi-maximum-likelihood estimator. We also prove that there is no probability density function, with the exception of the normal, for which the asymptotic efficiency of the three estimators is the same. Particular models are also considered, for which the efficienc

Marchitez por Fusarium oxysporum Schlthl en masaguaro (Pseudosamanea guachapele) (Kunth).

Wilting by Fusarium oxysporum Schlthl in masaguaro (Pseudosamanea guachapele) (Kunth).Introducción: El masaguaro (Pseudomanea Guachapele) fue utilizado en la reforestación por la ”Fundación Orinoquia Biodiversa” en Arauca y presentó un marchitamiento desconocido.Objetivo. Caracterizar la enfermedad y su agente causal, y evaluar el posible control químico y biológico de la enfermedad.Metodología: La investigación se realizó en el barrio Campo Alegre Arauquita, Arauca, Colombia. Las muestras se analizaron en el laboratorio de microbiología de la Universidad de Pamplona. Se caracterizó la enfermedad y su agente causal, se determinó la incidencia y severidad de la enfermedad y se estimaron las pérdidas monetarias considerando las plantas muertas. Se realizó un experimento de control de marchitez utilizando benomyl y Bacillus subtilis, comparándolos con un control sin tratamiento. Resultados: Fusarium oxysporum fue identificado como agente causal de la enfermedad. El marchitamiento alcanzó entre el 13 y el 54% de incidencia. Las pérdidas económicas se estimaron en más de 19 millones de pesos / ha. Conclusión: Se verificó la acción preventiva y erradicativa de benomyl y solo acción preventiva de B. subtilis

Asesoramiento y evaluación nutricional en línea: Una herramienta potencial para el presente y el futuro cercano

Introduction: Care and attention to people’s health is an objective of professionals in this area. Comprehensive strategies are being sought to reduce the alarming prevalence of obesity in populations around the world, coupled with the restructuring of the health system that came as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, different tools, such as online nutrition counseling, have been incorporated to embrace the needs and provide a service in favor of the population. Objective: To evaluate the effect of online nutrition counseling on anthropometric parameters of overweight and obese adults. Methodology: Thirty individuals were enrolled in an online nutritional intervention and followed a weight control diet for 8 weeks. Every 15 days, the participants received nutritional counseling through virtual platforms. Anthropometric parameters were evaluated at the beginning, middle and end of the intervention, the physical activity performed by the participants was calculated, and an emotional eating questionnaire was applied. Results: Significant changes were observed in baseline versus final anthropometric parameters. 30% of participants reported an increase in the physical activity performed, and 31% indicated improvements in the influence of emotions on their eating habits. Conclusion: Online nutrition counseling is a feasible and reliable strategy to provide and receive nutritional care remotely.Introducción: El cuidado y atención a la salud de las personas es un objetivo de los profesionales de esta área. Se buscan estrategias integrales para reducir la alarmante prevalencia de obesidad en poblaciones de todo el mundo, aunado a la reestructuración del sistema de salud que vino como consecuencia de la pandemia del COVID-19, se han incorporado diferentes herramientas, como el asesoramiento nutricional en línea, para abrazar las necesidades y brindar un servicio en favor de la población. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la asesoría nutricional en línea sobre parámetros antropométricos de adultos con sobrepeso y obesidad. Metodología: Treinta personas se inscribieron en una intervención nutricional en línea y siguieron una dieta de control de peso durante 8 semanas. Cada 15 días los participantes recibieron asesoría nutricional a través de plataformas virtuales. Se evaluaron parámetros antropométricos al inicio, mitad y final de la intervención, se calculó la actividad física realizada por los participantes y se aplicó un cuestionario de alimentación emocional. Resultados: Se observaron cambios significativos en los parámetros antropométricos finales versus iniciales. El 30% de los participantes informó un aumento en la actividad física realizada y el 31% indicó mejoras en la influencia de las emociones en sus hábitos alimenticios. Conclusión: La consejería nutricional en línea es una estrategia factible y confiable para brindar y recibir atención nutricional a distancia

Implementation of an Artificial Neural Network on the Test Barcelona Workstation As a Predictive Model for the Classification of Normal, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease Subjects Using the Neuronorma Battery

Objective: To develop and implement an online Artificial Neural Network (ANN) that provides the probability of a subject having mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Method: Different ANNs were trained using a sample of 350 controls (CONT), 75 MCI and 93 AD subjects. The ANN structure chosen was the following: (1) an input layer of 33 cognitive variables from the Neuronorma battery plus two sociodemographic variables, age and education. This layer was reduced to a 15 features input vector using Multiple Discriminant Analysis method, (2) one hidden layer with 8 neurons, and (3) three output neurons corresponding to the 3 expected cognitive states. This ANN was defined in a previous study [28]. The ANN was implemented on the web site www.test-barcelona.com (Test Barcelona Workstation) [9]. Results: When comparing CONT, MCI and AD participants, the best ANN correctly classifies up to 94,87% of the study participants. Conclusions: The online implemented ANN, delivers the probabilities (%) of belonging to the CONT, MCI and AD groups of a subject assessed using the 35 characteristics (variables) of the Neuronorma profile. This tool is a good complement for the interpretation of cognitive profiles. This technology improves clinical decision making. Keywords: Artificial Neural Network, Probability, Alzheimer disease, Test Barcelona Workstation

Strain driven migration of In during the growth of InAs/GaAs quantum posts

Using the mechano-optical stress sensor technique, we observe a counter-intuitive reduction of the compressive stress when InAs is deposited on GaAs (001) during the growth of quantum posts. Through modelling of the strain fields, we find that such anomalous behaviour can be related to the strain-driven detachment of In atoms from the crystal and their surface diffusion towards the self-assembled nanostructures.We acknowledge the financial support by Spanish MINECO through Grant Nos. ENE2012-37804-C02-02 and TEC2011-29120-C05-04, and by Spanish CAM through Grant Nos. S2009/ESP-1503 and S2009/ENE-1477.Peer Reviewe