Highly-complex optical signal generation using electro-optical systems with non-linear, non-invertible transmission functions

We present a scheme whereby a static non-linear, non-invertible transmission function performed by the electro-optic Mach-Zehnder modulator produces highly complex optical chaos. The scheme allows the deterministic transformation of low-dimensional band-limited chaotic signals into much higher-dimensional structures with broadband spectra and without using any delay elements or feedback. Standard benchmark tests show that all the considered complexity indices are highly increased due to this transformation in a controlled fashion. This mechanism allows the design of simple optoelectronic delayed oscillators with extremely complex chaotic output.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figures. To appear in Applied Physics Letters (August 2012

Crustaceans (Decapoda & Stomatopoda) from Golfo Dulce (Pacific, Costa Rica) in the collection of the Museum of Zoology, University of Costa Rica

Introduction: The availability of recently updated lists of species from a particular area is an important first step to evaluate changes in species composition and abundance. Golfo Dulce is a fjord-like embayment with relatively pristine shores and relatively deep waters (200m) that have been sampled occasionally for crustaceans. Methods: In this study the all species from Golfo Dulce deposited in the collection of the University of Costa Rica Museum of Zoology were listed and scientific names were updated. The MZUCR catalog number, station, substrate type, and year or collection were included for each species. Results: A total of 106 species were listed. Neogonodactylus zacae was present in four of the 19 stations represented in the collections for Golfo Dulce. Nine species were present in three stations, 19 in two stations and the remaining 77 in one station each. The families with most species were Ocypodidae y Palaemonidae (7) and Porcellanidae (14). Conclusions: Is necessary to improve our knowledge of the decapods and stomatopods fauna from Golfo Dulce through further samplings. Intertidal sites such as Golfito and Rincón bays have been poorly sampled as well as intertidal and subtidal environment from the western and eastern shores. However, the fauna is relatively rich when it is related to the area of Golfo Dulce (750km2) and is indicative of a relatively undisturbed environment. Updated management policies are urgently needed and this list of species is a step towards this goalRESUMEN. “Crustáceos (Decapoda & Stomatopoda) del Golfo Dulce (Pacífico, Costa Rica) en la colección del Museo de Zoología, Universidad de Costa Rica”.Introducción: Laslistas actualizadas de especies son un primer paso para evaluar cambios temporales en composición y abundancia. Golfo Dulce es un cuerpo de agua marino semejante a un fiordo, con costas poco alteradas y aguas relativamente profundas (200m). Métodos: Elaboramosuna lista taxonómicamente actualizada de las especies de macro-crustáceos recolectados en Golfo Dulce y depositadas en la colección del Museo de Zoología de la Universidad de Costa Rica (MZUCR). El número de catálogo del MZUCR, estación, tipo de sustrato, y año de colecta fueron anotados para cada especie. Resultados: Hay106 especies en la lista. Neogonodactylus zacaeestuvo en cuatro de las 19 estaciones representadas en las colecciones para Golfo Dulce. Nueve especies en tres estaciones, 19 en dos estaciones y las restantes 77 en una estación cada una. Las familias conmás especies fueron Ocypodidae y Palaemonidae (7) y Porcellanidae(14). Conclusiones: Se requieren más muestreos, particularmente en sitios entre mareas como las bahías de Golfito y Rincón; y fondos de entre mareas y submareales de las costas oeste y este. La fauna es relativamente rica considerando el área de Golfo Dulce (750 km2) y es indicadora de un ambiente relativamente inalterado. Se requiere urgentemente de políticas de manejo actualizadas y esta lista en un paso hacia ese objetivoUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Básicas::Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Ecología Tropical (CIBET)UCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Básicas::Facultad de Ciencias::Escuela de BiologíaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Básicas::Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología (CIMAR

Sectorial Economic Growth and Employment in Mexico, 1996-2001

This paper shows the results from a study of the impact of sectorial economic growth on unemployment in Mexico for 1996-2001, by applying a disaggregate approach on data from the National Employment Survey (Encuesta Nacional de Empleo). The paper includes a discussion of the theoretical aspects of the sectorial contributions to growth (emphasizing the case of agriculture), as well as of the relationship between production and employment and the working of labor markets, but also describes the recent evolution of unemployment in Mexico. The core of the paper rests upon the analysis of panel data to estimate the open unemployment rate; it also includes the study of regional urban/rural growth through the analysis of unemployment in different sectors for ten different mexican regions. The results from the estimations at the regional level show that unemployment in Mexico has a statistically significant negative effect on sectorial economic growth. Also, evidence was found suggesting that promoting sectorial-regional (urban/rural) growth is an effective way to reduce unemployment. The paper, which is divided into five sections and draws upon some previous work on Okun’s law, also shows the impact that growth among economic activities within sectors has upon unemployment for the period.Sectorial Growth, Unemployment, Okun’s Law, Panel Data, National Employment Survey

Luminescent and Scintillating Properties of Lanthanum Fluoride Nanocrystals in Response to Gamma/Neutron Irradiation: Codoping with Ce Activator, Yb Wavelength Shifter, and Gd Neutron Captor

A novel concept for detection and spectroscopy of gamma rays, and detection of thermal neutrons based on codoped lanthanum fluoride nanocrystals containing gadolinium is presented.The trends of colloidal synthesis of the mentioned material, LaF3 co-doped with Ce as the activator, Yb as the wavelength-shifter and Gd as the neutron captor, is reported. Nanocrystals of the mentioned material were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), optical absorption, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Gamma detection and its potential spectroscopy feature have been confirmed. The neutron detection capability has been confirmed by experiments performed using a 252Cf neutron source.Comment: 5 figures, 16 page

Aplicaciones Innovadoras De La Robótica Y Biomédica En La Salud Pública Durante La Pandemia Del COVID-19: Robotics and Biomedical Innovative Applications in Public Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic

In the current situation of the large-scale spread of COVID-19, whereas contagion increases, the role of robots (designed with Teleoperation and Artificial Intelligence technology) in society becomes essential, because they need to be used in hospital settings, urban environment, and also using Telemedicine consultancy to have access to all communities in the world, in order to avoid the spread of the virus. In addition, multidisciplinary work could be promoted, among the engineering and health sciences in the American Continent and Worldwide, through research, development and innovation projects in Biomedical Engineering, with the proposal of being ready to face a global and national emergency like the current Pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2.En la situación actual de propagación a gran escala del COVID-19, mientras aumenta el contagio, el papel de los robots (diseñados con tecnología de Teleoperación e Inteligencia Artificial) en la sociedad se vuelve fundamental, pues necesitan ser utilizados en entornos hospitalarios, entornos urbanos, y también utilizar la consultoría de Telemedicina para tener acceso a todas las comunidades del mundo, a fin de evitar la propagación del virus. Además, se podría promover el trabajo multidisciplinario, entre la ingeniería y las ciencias de la salud en el Continente Americano y a nivel mundial, a través de proyectos de investigación, desarrollo e innovación en Ingeniería Biomédica, con la propuesta de estar preparados para enfrentar una emergencia global y nacional como la actual Pandemia. causado por el SARS-CoV-2

Sistema de apoio à decisão para a gestão escolar

Os Sistemas de Informação com recursos às Tecnologias da Informação e da Comunicação contribuem de forma decisiva para o sucesso das organizações. A Escola não é excepção. A Gestão da Informação e do Conhecimento assumem um papel relevante nas organizações para que estas possam responder a um mundo em constante mudança. É, portanto, necessário que as organizações e os seus profissionais desenvolvam novas posturas e novas formas de gerir a inteligência organizacional, investindo na melhoria conjunta e equilibrada dos seus recursos tecnológicos e humanos. Neste contexto, tendo presente o papel relevante que os Sistemas de Apoio à Decisão podem desempenhar no Ensino, surge esta dissertação que se pretende que contribua para enriquecer o Sistema de Informação existente na Escola Secundária das Laranjeiras, numa perspectiva sociotécnica. Desenvolvemos um Sistema de Apoio à Decisão para o Conselho Executivo da Escola que integra: (1) um sistema de classificação automática de alunos com base em parâmetros de comportamento e rendimento, capaz de caracterizar o perfil/rendimento de cada aluno, com uma interface gráfica de fácil utilização e uma base de dados para armazenamento de dados e resultados; (2) um sistema de contactos de funcionários docentes e não docentes com uma base de dados e uma interface gráfica que permite efectuar consultas com facilidade; (3) uma interface gráfica que permite o acesso directo a uma multiplicidade de aplicações utilizadas pelos vários serviços da Escola, ao sistema de classificação de alunos, ao sistema de contactos e ao sítio Web da Escola.N/

Tratamiento farmacológico y deterioro de la función pulmonar en pacientes con diabetes de tipo 2: Un estudio de corte transversal

Introduction: There is no clear relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus and lung function decline; it is also unclear whether the type of treatment can modify spirometric variables and levels of inflammatory biomarkers. Objectives: To compare pulmonary function in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with an insulin-sensitizing agent (metformin) and in those treated with secretagogues, as well as combined with insulin, and to evaluate differences in inflammatory biomarkers between treatment groups. Material and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analytic study in 196 diabetic patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus. Spirometric variables and levels of inflammatory biomarkers (ferritin, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha), were obtained. Residual values (observed minus expected) for forced vital capacity and for forced expiratory volume were calculated and compared between treatment types. Differences in median levels of biomarkers were also compared. Results: After adjustment by known determinants of lung function, and by the control and duration of type 2 diabetes, patients treated with the insulin-sensitizing agent had statistically significant lower differences against expected values for forced vital capacity compared with secretagogues (-212.1 ml vs 270.2 ml, p=0.039), as well as for forced expiratory volume, but without statistical significance (-133.2 mL vs -174.8 mL, p>0.05). In the group of patients treated with the insulin-sensitizing agent, ferritin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels were lower (p less than 0.01). Conclusion: This study supports the hypothesis that insulin-sensitizing agents appear to be associated with less deterioration of lung function and less systemic inflammation in type 2 diabetes. The present study serves to formulate new hypothesis and research projects

La revolución de la cirugía robótica en latino américa y la futura implementación en el sistema de salud del perú: The revolution of robotic surgery in latin america and the future implementation in the healthcare system of Peru

Surgery has marked a milestone in history, from its origins and for many centuries, this specialty a close relationship with the healing of wounded in combat case presented during the beginning of Open Surgery, with the so-called Trepanaciones Craniaas that were made in the 700 a.C. - 200 AD for the Paracas Culture in Peru; with the During the time the techniques that were complemented with the use were perfected of new instruments and the development of technology leading to a revolution in the various Surgical specialties   DOI 10.25176/RFMH.v19.n1.1800La Cirugía ha marcado un hito en la historia, desde sus orígenes y durante muchos siglos, esta especialidad estaba en estrecha relación con la curación de heridos en combate, una gran evidencia se denota en el caso presentado durante los inicios de la Cirugía Abierta, con las intervenciones llamadas Trepanaciones Craneanas que fueron realizadas en los años 700 a.C. – 200 d.C. por la Cultura Paracas en el Perú; con el transcurso del tiempo se fueron perfeccionando diversas técnicas que se complementaron con el uso de nuevos instrumentos y el desarrollo de la tecnología dando lugar a una revolución en las diversas especialidades quirúrgicas.   DOI 10.25176/RFMH.v19.n1.180