3D Visualization Techniques in Health Science Learning. Application case of Thermographic Images to Blood Flow Monitoring

The present work proposes a new learning methodology based on the combination of geotechnologies for the acquisition of competence in the studies of physiotherapy and nursery. The approach is based on three-dimensional visualization techniques over thermographic images to improve the comprehension and interpretation of blood flow. The proposal is aimed to be applied in practical sessions of subjects of the area of knowledge of the Physiology, to demonstrate through the geotechnologies, the effect of the application of the changes of the flow blood. The present approach is related to the virtual laboratories field, since the generated virtual material can be used for acquisition of practical skills and competences, as well as evaluation of competencies in e-learning courses. The learning material is structured to be easily deployed in a learning management system, allowing the students to work with the models by means of open-source solutions without an additional effor

Gut–brain axis in the executive function of austism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired communication and social interactions, and repetitive behavioural patterns. These patterns are believed to be dysfunctional symptoms in executive processing, which impact other cognitive functions such as attention or cognitive flexibility. In recent years, several studies have shown that certain intestinal bacteria may play a role in shaping cognitive networks encompassing emotional and social domains. A microbiota–gut–brain axis is known to exist, establishing several mechanisms by which microbiota may modulate brain development, function and behaviour, including immune, endocrine and neural pathways. As the aetiology of ASD is largely unknown, some studies have shown that intestinal bacteria may be involved in its pathogenesis. The aim of this review was to focus on the role of the gut–brain axis in ASD and, specifically, on its role in executive functions. First, we summarize the relationship between the gastrointestinal and cognitive symptoms of ASD patients. In addition, we highlight the evidence that supports and emphasizes the involvement of gut microbiota, and the putative underlying mechanisms in this population. Finally, we present evidence from preclinical and clinical studies on the modulation of microbiota and their effects on cognitive symptoms, specifically in relation to executive function. In conclusion, manipulation of microbiota could be a positive intervention to improve ASD symptoms. However, more research evaluating the role of microbiota in the cognitive symptoms ASD is needed

Use of a genetic algorithm for building efficient choice designs

Choice design building based on D-error minimization can be accomplished either by using predefined β values or by assuming probabilistic distributions for them. Several mathematical techniques have been used for both approaches in the past, resulting in algorithms that obtain efficient designs, which guarantee the high quality of the information that will be provided by the respondents. This paper proposes the use of a genetic algorithm for dealing with the problem of building designs with minimum D-error, describing the technique and applying it successfully to several benchmark cases. Design matrices, D-error values, percentages of level overlap and computation times are provided for each case

Elastic Smart Contracts across Multiple Blockchains

In this paper, we deal with questions related to blockchains in complex Internet of Things (IoT)-based ecosystems. Such ecosystems are typically composed of IoT devices, edge devices, cloud computing software services, as well as people, who are decision makers in scenarios such as smart cities. Many decisions related to analytics can be based on data coming from IoT sensors, software services, and people. However, they typically are based on different levels of abstraction and granularity. This poses a number of challenges when multiple blockchains are used together with smart contracts. This paper proposes to apply our concept of elasticity to smart contracts and thereby enabling analytics in and between multiple blockchains in the context of IoTMinisterio de Economía y Competitividad BELI (TIN2015-70560-R)Junta de Andalucia COPAS (P12–TIC-1867)

An Elasticity Framework for Smart Contracts

Smart contracts provide computation facilities to blockchains, enabling many application scenarios where au tomatic analysis and complex transactions can be performed. However, in situations where the flow of information is variable and there are time, quality, and/or cost constraints imposed, smart contracts do not usually offer enough performance. In this article, we describe an elasticity framework that enables dynamic adaptation of smart contracts with respect to used resources, analytics quality, and incurred costs in a transparent manner for both smart contract developers and users. We validate our framework in an Internet of Things and Smart City scenario where several analytics are computed using Elas tic Smart Contracts that dynamically adapt the appropriate elasticity variables.Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación RTI2018101204-B-C21 (HORATIO)Junta de Andalucía APOLO (US-1264651)Junta de Andalucía EKIPMENT-PLUS (P18-FR-2895

Elastic Smart Contracts in Blockchains

In this paper, we deal with questions related to blockchains in complex Internet of Things (IoT)-based ecosystems. Such ecosystems are typically composed of IoT devices, edge devices, cloud computing software services, as well as people, who are decision makers in scenarios such as smart cities. Many decisions related to analytics can be based on data coming from IoT sensors, software services, and people. However, they are typically based on different levels of abstraction and granularity. This poses a number of challenges when multiple blockchains are used together with smart contracts. This work proposes to apply our concept of elasticity to smart contracts and thereby enabling analytics in and between multiple blockchains in the context of IoT. We propose a reference architecture for Elastic Smart Contracts and evaluate the approach in a smart city scenario, discussing the benefits in terms of performance and self-adaptability of our solution.Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades RTI2018-101204-B-C21 (HORATIO)Junta de Andalucía APOLO (US-1264651)Junta de Andalucía EKIPMENT-PLUS (P18-FR-2895

Substantial loss of isoprene in the surface ocean due to chemical and biological consumption

Isoprene contributes to the formation of ozone and secondary organic aerosol in the atmosphere, and thus influences cloud albedo and climate. Isoprene is ubiquitous in the surface open ocean where it is produced by phytoplankton, however emissions from the global ocean are poorly constrained, in part due to a lack of knowledge of oceanic sink or degradation terms. Here, we present analyses of ship-based seawater incubation experiments with samples from the Mediterranean, Atlantic, tropical Pacific and circum-Antarctic and Subantarctic oceans to determine chemical and biological isoprene consumption in the surface ocean. We find the total isoprene loss to be comprised of a constant chemical loss rate of 0.05¿±¿0.01 d-1 and a biological consumption rate that varied between 0 and 0.59 d-1 (median 0.03 d-1) and was correlated with chlorophyll-a concentration. We suggest that isoprene consumption rates in the surface ocean are of similar magnitude or greater than ventilation rates to the atmosphere, especially in chlorophyll-a rich waters.Postprint (published version

Effects of Biodanza on Stress, Depression, and Sleep Quality in University Students

Background: The existing literature shows dance to be an innovative and successful form of stress management. Previous research indicates that Biodanza is able to increase well-being and personal resources and prevent stress. However, Biodanza has not yet been empirically tested as a possible therapy for application outside the clinical context in young adults with perceived stress. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Biodanza in reducing symptoms of perceived stress and depression and in promoting sleep quality in young adults, comparing the changes with those observed in a control group. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Settings/Location: This study was carried out at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Almería. Subjects: One hundred and twenty-one university students with perceived stress were randomly placed into either a Biodanza group or a wait-list control group. Intervention: Study participants attended Biodanza sessions for 90 min a week, over a period of 4 weeks. Outcome measures: Depression, perceived stress, and sleep quality were assessed both before and after intervention. Results: Ninety-five participants completed the program and were included in the statistical analysis. Significant differences in perceived stress [t (93) = 2.136; p = 0.015] and depression [t (93) = 2.738; p = 0.000] were observed after the Biodanza period. Pre/post analysis found that Biodanza also had a significant effect on depression (Cohen d = 1.88; p < 0.05) and perceived stress (Cohen d = 0.79; p < 0.05). Conclusion: The Biodanza program is an effective stress management strategy for students. The results of this study showed Biodanza to have a positive effect on perceived stress and depression in young adults. This demonstrates how artistic, collaborative, and psychophysical interventions are an effective means of preventing and managing these problems in university students

Automatic Generation of Purchasing Plans for Cloud Services

The myriad of cloud service providers, as well as their overwhelming variety of configuration and purchasing options, result in a highly complex purchasing scenario. Furthermore, users may specify their needs for cloud services provisioning with a certain scheduling restrictions. There is a need for an automatic support for obtaining an appropriate purchasing plan, which takes into account both service configurations and scheduling needs, while allowing the comparison among different providers and their various offerings. In this work, we present an automatic purchasing plan generator, which analyzes cloud service offerings from several providers to obtain an optimized purchasing plan according to user needs. From the obtained purchasing plan, our solution can provide the corresponding charge plan, possibly including discounts, which serves the purpose of comparing offerings to get the best option.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad BELI (TIN2015-70560-R)Junta de Andalucía P12--TIC--1867Junta de Andalucía P10-TIC-590

Towards a Comprehensive Purchasing Model for Cloud Services

The Cloud Service Market has evolved into a complex landscape that challenges the decision making of users as they develop their purchasing process. In particular, we explore the case of cloud infrastructure (IaaS) providers as an example of heterogeneous variety of purchasing options and discounts; this variability represents an important drawback during the decision making process where there is a need to compare and select the best option. In this work, we define a common model to describe purchasing models from different providers taking into account such heterogeneity. This purchasing model represents a first step towards the automated support of decision making problems during the purchasing process. In order to illustrate our approach we apply the model in a real case study of IaaS purchasing.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad TIN2012-32273Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad TIN2014-53986-REDTJunta de Andalucía TIC-5906Junta de Andalucía P12--TIC--186