Neuro-Architecture

Architectural design and neuroscience at first glance may appear to be two seemingly different fields but for centuries intuitively, architects have been designing based on the principles of neuroscience. Architects through trial and error have gained knowledge of specific architectural elements and the potential these elements have to affect the user. Recently this intuition has been coined “neuro-architecture”. With the advancement of technology neuroscientist can accurately conclude how the human body will react to specific architectural stimuli. The proposal is focused on encouraging and furthering the symbiotic relationship between architecture and neuroscience in an attempt to promote architectural design that moves and elevates the human condition. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the findings of neuroscience and promote their implementation into architectural design, creating a deeper understanding of how the human body relates to architectural surroundings. The methodology assumed closely follows the research typologies used in evidence-based design. The first is a literature review of the findings in neuroscience research and their application to architectural design. Second is an understanding of the anatomy of the body, the senses, and neurobiology as this is the basis in determining the body’s primal reaction to architectural stimuli. The final step of the process will be to create a prototypical design in which research findings bridged and reinforce the connection between neuroscience and architecture, resulting in a design that potentially has the ability to elevate the human experience

Novel Methods Based on Deep Learning Applied to Condition Monitoring in Smart Manufacturing Processes

The Industry 4.0 is the recent trend of automation and the rotating machinery takes a role of great relevance when it comes to meet the demands and challenges of smart manufacturing. Condition-based monitoring (CBM) schemes are the most prominent tool to cover the task of predictive diagnosis. With the current demand of the industry and the increasing complexity of the systems, it is vital to incorporate CBM methodologies that are capable of facing the variability and complexity of manufacturing processes. In recent years, various deep learning techniques have been applied successfully in different areas of research, such as image recognition, robotics, and the detection of abnormalities in clinical studies; some of these techniques have been approaching to the diagnosis of the condition in rotating machinery, promising great results in the Industry 4.0 era. In this chapter, some of the deep learning techniques that promise to make important advances in the field of intelligent fault diagnosis in industrial electromechanical systems will be addressed

TECHNICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF SWIMMING CRAWLSTROKE USING HAND PADDLES, FINS AND SNORKEL IN SWIMMING FLUME: A PILOT STUDY

We evaluated the effect on front-crawl during a 5 minutes effort in a swimming flume, at a speed 95% of 400m wearing swimming paddles, fins or frontal snorkel. It was evaluated measuring changes on stroke frequency, stroke length, ERP, lactate concentration and pulse rate post-effort. An one-way repeated measures ANOVA showed the stroke frequency was significantly affected F(2.3, 27.6) = 20.69

Un procedimiento simple para evaluar el comportamiento de aceites y grasas a temperaturas de fritura

5 pages, 5 tables.[EN] A standard procedure is proposed to evaluate the performance of fats and oils at frying temperatures, taking the advantages provided by the Rancimat apparatus, i. e., standard vessels, temperature correction and temperature homogenity in all vessels resulting from the particular characteristics of the heating block. The results obtained in oil samples of 8 g heated at 180° C for 10 h in triplicate gave coefficients of variation lower than 6% for total polar compounds and polymers. In case of limited amount of oil, it is additionally proposed to use only 2 g of sample provided that a similar surface-to-oil volume ratio is maintained, and coefficients of variation of the same order than those for 8 g samples were thus obtained. Advantages of the procedure as well as potential applications for evaluation of frying fats and oils are Included. As an example, the effect of a-tocopherol on performance of sunflower oils was analyzed.[ES] Se propone un procedimiento estándar para evaluar el comportamiento de aceites y grasas a temperaturas de fritura. En este procedimiento se utilizan las ventajas del aparato Rancimat, que permite el uso de tubos estándar, la corrección de la temperatura, en su caso, y la igualdad de temperatura en todos los tubos dadas las características del bloque de calentamiento. De los resultados obtenidos en muestras de 8 g de aceite calentadas a 180° C durante 10 h, analizadas por triplicado, se obtuvieron coeficientes de variación inferiores al 6% para la determinación de compuestos polares y polímeros. En caso de limitación en la cantidad de aceite, se propone utilizar 2 g de muestra, manteniendo similares valores para la relación superficie a volumen de aceite, lo que permite obtener valores de alteración y coeficientes de variación del mismo orden. Se analizan finalmente las ventajas globales del procedimiento y sus distintas posibilidades en la evaluación de grasas de fritura. Como ejemplo, se aplica el procedimiento a la evaluación del efecto de los antioxidantes naturales de los aceites de girasol.This study was funded by CICYT (Project ALI-95- 0736). Daniel Barrera Arellano was supported by a postdoctoral fellowship (95/9304-2) from Fundaçao de Apoío à Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP).Peer reviewe

Turn Performance Variation in European Elite Short-Course Swimmers

This study was supported by a grant awarded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (Spanish Agency of Research) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF); PGC2018-102116-B-I00 'SWIM II: Specific Water Innovative Measurements: Applied to the performance improvement' and the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport: FPU17/02761 grants.Turn performances are important success factors for short-course races, and more consistent turn times may distinguish between higher and lower-ranked swimmers. Therefore, this study aimed to determine coefficients of variation (CV) and performance progressions ( increment %) of turn performances. The eight finalists and eight fastest swimmers from the heats that did not qualify for the semi-finals, i.e., from 17th to 24th place, of the 100, 200, 400, and 800 (females only)/1500 m (males only) freestyle events at the 2019 European Short Course Championships were included, resulting in a total of 64 male (finalists: age: 22.3 +/- 2.6, FINA points: 914 +/- 31 vs. heats: age: 21.5 +/- 3.1, FINA points: 838 +/- 74.9) and 64 female swimmers (finalists: age: 22.9 +/- 4.8, FINA points: 904 +/- 24.5 vs. heats: age: 20.1 +/- 3.6, FINA points: 800 +/- 48). A linear mixed model was used to compare inter- and intra-individual performance variation. Interactions between CVs, increment %, and mean values were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed impaired turn performances as the races progressed. Finalists showed faster turn section times than the eight fastest non-qualified swimmers from the heats (p < 0.001). Additionally, turn section times were faster for short-, i.e., 100 and 200 m, than middle- and long-distance races, i.e., 400 to 1500 m races (p < 0.001). Regarding variation in turn performance, finalists showed lower CVs and increment % for all turn section times (0.74% and 1.49%) compared to non-qualified swimmers (0.91% and 1.90%, respectively). Similarly, long-distance events, i.e., 800/1500 m, showed lower mean CVs and higher mean increment % (0.69% and 1.93%) than short-distance, i.e., 100 m events (0.93% and 1.39%, respectively). Regarding turn sections, the largest CV and increment % were found 5 m before wall contact (0.70% and 1.45%) with lower CV and more consistent turn section times 5 m after wall contact (0.42% and 0.54%). Non-qualified swimmers should aim to match the superior turn performances and faster times of finalists in all turn sections. Both finalists and non-qualified swimmers should pay particular attention to maintaining high velocities when approaching the wall as the race progresses.Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (Spanish Agency of Research)European Commission PGC2018-102116-B-I00Spanish Government FPU17/0276

Agilización de los procesos productivos de la empresa Textilera Marcotex, a través del diseño y desarrollo de sistemas informáticos

Agilitar los procesos productivos de la empresa textilera Marcotex, a través del diseño y desarrollo de sistemas informáticos.MARCOTEX es una empresa que se especializa en la fabricación de productos terminados para marcas, empresas e instituciones, adaptándose a las exigencias y presupuestos de sus clientes, para esto cuentan con un equipo de diseñadores y control de calidad logrando productos originales y diferentes junto con personal calificado y altamente equipado con la última tecnología. Comprometidos con el diseño y el desarrollo, se ha logrado el equilibrio justo entre lo industrial y la nueva tecnología, se posee personal altamente calificado en todas las áreas de la secuencia productiva: diseño, terminación, corte, confección, estampación, bordado. Los productos cuentan con control de calidad y expedición llegando al lugar donde los clientes lo soliciten realizando un servicio integral, y cumpliendo con la expectativa de los mercados más exigentes. Mediante la observación directa y de conversaciones mantenidas con personas que se relacionan directamente con las empresas, se ha podido detectar que una de las principales problemáticas que aqueja al ámbito empresarial es el no contar con un sistema Informático. La implementación del sistema informático, permite la optimización de recursos retirando procesos obsoletos, esto se ve reflejado en el aumento de la calidad de los productos, obreros mejor remunerados, mayores ingresos económico para la empresa MARCOTEX, lo cual permite tener un mejor control en el área productiva, repotenciando la marca a nivel provincial y nacional

How post-activation performance enhancements affect semi-tethered swimming kinetics

Introduction: When an action induces acute fatigue, it may be followed by a period of potentiated force production capability, termed as Post-activation Potentiation (PAP). One of the training philosophy principles PAP is based on is complex training, which consists on providing a resistive conditioning exercise as similar as possible to the real action before performing a sport-specific activity involving similar muscle groups. Nevertheless, a key criticism of inducing PAP in swimming is that the conditioning exercises applied in dry-land conditions may reduce the stimulus intensity or effectiveness. This study aimed to test if muscular performance might be elevated in semi-tethered swimming test by using a specific dry-land resistance warm-up simulating the arm-stroke pull of swimming. Methods: Ten competitive swimmers conducted an incremental semi-tethered swimming test on a Smith Machine adapted through a pulley system. Six minutes of rest were given between every maximal swimming effort (to 15m). Kinetic variables were obtained through a linear encoder connected to the Smith Machine’s bar, which allowed to individually identifying the related results according to the load that maximized maximal power output. On a different day, a trial with the same aforementioned load was performed after the experimental warm-up (3 arm-stroke repetitions at 85% 1RM). Statistical differences between the variables were determined using a repeated measures 1-way ANOVA. Results: The values were better when obtained during incremental testing, rather than obtained after PAP; the Intracyc Acceleration Variation delivered to the load was lower after PAP warm-up (p = 0.012; 6.08 ± 1.32 vs 4.68 ± 1.25 m/s2), mainly because the Force and Impulse applied per stroke were lower (p = 0.013; -20.71%; p = 0.002; -21.72%, respectively). Swimming Velocity (p = 0.001; 1.20 ± 0.14 vs 0.99 ± 0.15 m/s) and Swimming Power (p = 0.002; 51.35 ± 15.43 vs. 42.33 ± 13.03 W) were lower after PAP and kinematic variables were also negatively affected. Conclusion: A dry-land warm-up may not be an efficient approach to stimulate performance skills on swimming. Possibly an attenuation effect is obtained on muscle fibers from a high-resistance isokinetic exercise performed at low speed. Nevertheless, is worthy of review that maximal swimming power output was achieved at 56% of the maximal load. It meant that at least 1 to 3 efforts were performed by every subject prior the execution of the selected trial. As fatigue impairs performance, more fatigue accumulation was expected to occur during that trial in comparison to the only trial performed after PAP; however it did not happen. Possibly, the combination of specific in-water resistance exercise and the time of rest given between trials constituted an effective way to get recovered from fatigue while potentiation still existed. Future studies should consider if swimmers may benefit of semi-tethered low loaded swimming as a way to induce PAP. Acknowledgements: DEP2014-59707-P: SWIM: Specific Water Innovative Measurements, applied to the development of International Swimmers in Short Swimming Events (50and100m).CTS-527: Actividad física y deportiva en el medio acuátic

Strength-velocity relationship of resisted swimming: A regression analysis

This study explored how external loads affect semi-tethered resisted swimming (STRS). Twenty national competitive swimmers (age: 18.31 ± 1.42 years) participated in an incremental STRS test. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients between the load and the swimming variables were obtained, and simple linear regression analyses were applied to evaluate the associations. The results showed that less velocity and acceleration were delivered at high loads (p < 0.001). It increased the velocity fluctuation, affecting the swimming patterns adversely. A decrease in the impulse relative to the load pulled is obtained, especially after 20-30% of the maximal load (R2 = 0.724, p < 0.000). Coaches should reconsider using STRS, as little benefits may be obtained in performance.This work was supported by the projects DEP 2014-59707-P “SWIM: Specific Water Innovative Measurements” and PGC2018-102116-B-I00 “SWIM II”, granted by the Spanish Research Agency and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

STRENGTH-VELOCITY RELATIONSHIP OF RESISTED SWIMMING: A REGRESSION ANALYSIS

This study explored how external loads affect semi-tethered resisted swimming (STRS). Twenty national competitive swimmers (age: 18.31 ± 1.42 years) participated in an incremental STRS test. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients between the load and the swimming variables were obtained, and simple linear regression analyses were applied to evaluate the associations. The results showed that less velocity and acceleration were delivered at high loads (p \u3c 0.001). It increased the velocity fluctuation, affecting the swimming patterns adversely. A decrease in the impulse relative to the load pulled is obtained, especially after 20-30% of the maximal load (R2 = 0.724, p \u3c 0.000). Coaches should reconsider using STRS, as little benefits may be obtained in performance

Post-eccentric flywheel underwater undulatory swimming potentiation in competitive swimmers

Underwater undulatory swimming (UUS) influences overall swimming performance, therefore swimmers should try to maximize it. This research aimed to: 1) assess the effects of an activation protocol based on post-activation performance enhancements upon UUS; and 2) evaluate the differences between males and females. Seventeen competitive swimmers (male = 10; female = 7) participated in a cross-sectional study designed to test performance in UUS at 10 m after a traditional swimming warm-up (TRA) and after adding to the TRA 4 maximal half-squat repetitions on an inertial flywheel device (PAPE). A speedometer and an electronic timing system were used to obtain kinematic variables such as time, frequency and velocity at 10-m, which were processed with MATLAB®. A paired sample t test was applied to determine the differences of the kinematic variables between the TRA and PAPE. An independent sample t test was used to determine the effects of the PAPE in males and females. Participants reduced the time to cover 10 m after PAPE compared to the TRA (males: 5.77 ± 0.44 to 5.64 ± 0.46; females 6.34 ± 0.80 to 6.09 ± 0.66; p < 0.05). In addition, trends towards improvements in UUS velocity were obtained for males and females. However, push-off velocity and frequency showed a different tendency between genders (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the warm-up including repetitions on the flywheel device improved UUS performance. Some differences were obtained between genders after PAPE. Further research should confirm if the benefits obtained after the eccentric overload would depend either on gender or on other components such as fiber type composition