Guidelines for Weighting Factors Adjustment in Finite State Model Predictive Control of Power Converters and Drives

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY () (.2009.VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA)Model Predictive Control with a finite control set has emerged as a promising control tool for power converters and drives. One of the major advantages is the possibility to control several system variables with a single control law, by including them with appropriate weighting factors. However, at the present state of the art, these coefficients are determined empirically. There is no analytical or numerical method proposed yet to obtain an optimal solution. In addition, the empirical method is not always straightforward, and no procedures have been reported. This paper presents a first approach to a set of guidelines that reduce the uncertainty of this process. First a classification of different types of cost functions and weighting factors is presented. Then the different steps of the empirical process are explained. Finally, results for several power converters and drives applications are analyzed, which show the effectiveness of the proposed guidelines to reach appropriate weighting factors and control performance

Efecto del tamaño y el tiempo de conservación en la calidad de la semilla de papaya (carica papaya l.) (Original)

The seed quality is a determining element to achieve high percentages of germination and seed vigor, which is influenced, as in the case of papaya, by size and conservation time. In order to evaluate the papaya seed size effect on its quality; and its influence through the storage time under conservation conditions, an investigation was carried out with fruit seeds from a commercial plantation at the Jucaibama Experimental Station of the Jorge Dimitrov Agricultural Research Institute. The experiment was carried out in the Laboratory of Trial of Seeds of the State Unit Base of Seeds, both located in the Bayamo municipality, Granma province, Cuba. Were preparated  6,  T1 treatments (less than 3.0 mm);  T2 (3.0 mm); T3 (3.25 mm); T4 (3.50 mm); T5 (3.75 mm) and T6 (greater than 4.0 mm), to which the physical and sanitary quality were evaluated by the visual method, and the physiological quality through the variables Vigor, germination, affectation by harmful microorganisms, time of germination and synchronization index at 0; 120; 240 and 360 days after produced seed, where the results showed significant differences for all the variables studied between the seeds with calibers lower than three millimeters with the rest of the treatments, except for the incidence of harmful organisms to which the seed size was indifferent.La calidad de la semilla es un elemento determinante para lograr altos porcentajes de germinación y vigor de la semilla, la cual está influenciada como en el caso de la papaya por el tamaño y el tiempo de conservación. Con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto del tamaño de la semilla de papaya en la calidad de la misma y su influencia a través del tiempo de almacenamiento bajo condiciones de conservación se realizó esta investigación con semillas de frutos procedentes de una plantación comercial en la Estación Experimental de Jucaibama del Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias Jorge Dimitrov. El experimento se realizó en el Laboratorio de Ensayo de Semillas de la Unidad Estatal de Base Semillas ambas ubicadas en el municipio Bayamo, provincia de Granma. Se montaron 6 tratamientos T1 (inferior a 3.0 mm); T2 (3 mm); T3 (3.25 mm); T4 (3.50 mm); T5 (3.75 mm) y T6 (superior a los 4.0 mm), al cual se les evaluó la calidad física y sanitaria por el método visual, y la calidad fisiológica a través de las variables vigor, germinación,  afectación por microorganismos nocivos, tiempo de germinación e índice de sincronización a los 0; 120; 240 y 360 días de producidas las semillas. Los resultados mostraron diferencias significativas para todas las variables estudiadas entre las semillas con calibres inferiores a los tres milímetros con el resto de los tratamientos, excepto para la incidencia de los organismos nocivos al cual les fue indiferente el tamaño de la semilla. &nbsp

Oleoylethanolamide restores alcohol-induced inhibition of neuronal proliferation and microglial activity in striatum

Previous findings demonstrate a homeostatic role for oleoylethanolamide (OEA) signaling in the ethanol-related neuroinflammation and behavior. However, extensive research is still required in order to unveil the effects of OEA on a number of neurobiological functions such as adult neurogenesis, cell survival and resident neuroimmunity that become notably altered by alcohol. Daily consumption of ethanol (10%) for 2 weeks (6.3& #x202F;± 1.1 g/kg/day during last 5 days) caused hypolocomotor activity in rats. This effect appears to rely on central signaling mechanisms given that alcohol increased the OEA levels, the gene expression of OEA-synthesizing enzyme Nape-pld and the number of PPARα-immunoreactive neurons in the striatum. Ethanol-related neurobiological alterations such as a reduction in the number of microglial cells expressing iNOS (a cytokine-inducible immune defense) and in adult neural stem/progenitor cell (NSPC) proliferation (phospho-H3 and BrdU) and maturation (BrdU/β3-tubulin), as well as an increase in damage cell activity (FosB) and apoptosis (cleaved caspase 3) were also observed in the rat striatum. Pharmacological administration of OEA (10 mg/kg) for 5 days during ethanol exposure exacerbated ethanol-induced hypolocomotion and cell apoptosis in the striatum. Interestingly, OEA abrogated the impaired effects of ethanol on PPARα-positive cell population and NSPC proliferation and maturation. OEA also decreased astrocyte-related vimentin immunoreactivity and increased microglial cell population (Iba-1, iNOS) in the striatum. These results suggest that OEA-PPARα signaling modulates glial activation, cell apoptosis and NSPC proliferation and maturation in response to striatal-specific neurobiological alterations induced by prolonged ethanol intake in rats.This work was supported by RETICS Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad and European Regional Development Funds-European Union (ERDF-EU) (RD16/0017/0001); ISCIII, MINECO, ERDF-EU (JS: PI16/01374; FRF: PI16/01698; FJP: PI16/01953; AS: PI17/02026); Ministerio de Sanidad, Servicios Sociales e Igualdad and Plan Nacional sobre Drogas (JS: PNSD2015/047; AS: PND2017/043); Consejería de Economía, Innovación y Ciencia, Junta de Andalucía, ERDF-EU (FRF: CTS-8221); Consejería de Salud, Junta de Andalucía, ERDF-EU (FRF: SAS111224); German Research Foundation DFG (BL: FOR926, project CP1). FJP (CP14/00212) and AS (CP14/00173) are recipients of a research contract from “Miguel Servet” Program of ISCIII, ERDF-EU. JS holds a “Miguel Servet II” research contract from the National System of Health, ISCIII, ERDF-EU, FIMABIS (CPII17/00024). PR holds a “Sara Borrel” research contract from ISCIII, ERDF-EU (CD16/00067)

Caracterización de residuos de maíz del municipio de Ventaquemada Colombia

Con el objetivo de someter los residuos de maíz al proceso termoquímico llamado gasificación, en este trabajo se muestran resultados de diferentes análisis para conocer algunas propiedades físico-químicas que son de gran importancia antes de realizar este proceso. Se determinó el contenido de lignina la cual registro un valor de 14,7%, se determinó el poder calorífico de esta biomasa obteniendo un valor de 17,965 MJ kg-1, análisis TGA con tres velocidades de calentamiento diferentes, se realiza un análisis ultimo para revelar la composición química de la biomasa; estos resultados fueron comparados con estudios realizados en otros países. Los resultados obtenidos contribuyen a la investigación de este tipo de biomasa en Colombia, ya que no se registra información bibliográfica de la caracterización de esta; se debe aprovechar su uso en la utilización en el proceso de gasificación, ya que poseen las características necesarias para obtener un producto como el “syngas”.In order of undergo the waste corn to the thermochemical process called gasification, this work shows results of different analyzes to know some physico-chemical properties that are of great importance before performing this process. The lignin content was determined, which register a value of 14.7%, the calorific value of this biomass was determined obtaining a value of 17,965 MJ kg-1, , TGA analysis with three different heating rates, a last analysis is carried out to reveal the chemical composition of the biomass; these results were compared with studies conducted in other countries. The results obtained contribute to the research of this type of biomass in Colombia, since there is no bibliographic information of the characterization of this biomass; their use must be exploited in the use in the gasification process, since they possess the necessary characteristics to obtain a product like the "syngas"

Highly enantioselective imine hydrogenation catalyzed by ruthenium phosphane-phosphite diamine complexes

Mildly does it: A highly enantioselective catalyst for the hydrogenation of N-aryl imines is described (see scheme). This catalyst offers practical advantages because it operates under very mild conditions and is based on an Ru complex with a diamine as the sole chiral ligand.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad CTQ2009-11867, CSD2007-00006European Union PITN 2008-215193Junta de Andalucía 2008/FQM-383

One-pot synthesis of ZnO–Ag and ZnO–Co nanohybrid materials for photocatalytic applications

ZnO–Ag and ZnO–Co nanohybrid materials with different Ag and Co contents were successfully prepared through a simple one-pot method at room temperature in the absence of surfactants. This synthesis route is effective and environmentally friendly and can produce spherical nanoparticles with sizes between 7 and 20 nm. The nanohybrid materials were characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Their photocatalytic activity was evidenced by discoloration of the synthetic diazo dye Bismarck brown Y; ZnO–Ag nanohybrid materials had greater efficiency for decolorization of the dye compared with ZnO–Co, ZnO, and TiO2. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the ZnO–Ag nanohybrid material is due to three important aspects: (1) the oxygen vacancies present on the ZnO surface, (2) the efficient absorption of visible light due to the interaction of the semiconductor and the surface plasmon resonance of Ag, and (3) the effective separation of charges due to the formation of the Schottky barrier between ZnO and Ag, where Ag acts as an electron trap, and thereby reduces recombination. When the ZnO–Co nanohybrid is used, the addition of Co introduces intermediate energy levels between the valence and conduction bands on the semiconductor surface, which results in a recombination that reduces the photocatalytic activity, making the azo dye decolorization less efficient

Localization of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARa) and N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) in cells expressing the Ca(2+)-binding proteins calbindin, calretinin, and parvalbumin in the adult rat hippocampus

The N-acylethanolamines (NAEs), oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmithylethanolamide (PEA) are known to be endogenous ligands of PPARα receptors, and their presence requires the activation of a specific phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) associated with intracellular Ca(2+) fluxes. Thus, the identification of a specific population of NAPE-PLD/PPARα-containing neurons that express selective Ca(2+)-binding proteins (CaBPs) may provide a neuroanatomical basis to better understand the PPARα system in the brain. For this purpose, we used double-label immunofluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy for the characterization of the co-existence of NAPE-PLD/PPARα and the CaBPs calbindin D28k, calretinin and parvalbumin in the rat hippocampus. PPARα expression was specifically localized in the cell nucleus and, occasionally, in the cytoplasm of the principal cells (dentate granular and CA pyramidal cells) and some non-principal cells of the hippocampus. PPARα was expressed in the calbindin-containing cells of the granular cell layer of the dentate gyrus (DG) and the SP of CA1. These principal PPARα(+)/calbindin(+) cells were closely surrounded by NAPE-PLD(+) fiber varicosities. No pyramidal PPARα(+)/calbindin(+) cells were detected in CA3. Most cells containing parvalbumin expressed both NAPE-PLD and PPARα in the principal layers of the DG and CA1/3. A small number of cells containing PPARα and calretinin was found along the hippocampus. Scattered NAPE-PLD(+)/calretinin(+) cells were specifically detected in CA3. NAPE-PLD(+) puncta surrounded the calretinin(+) cells localized in the principal cells of the DG and CA1. The identification of the hippocampal subpopulations of NAPE-PLD/PPARα-containing neurons that express selective CaBPs should be considered when analyzing the role of NAEs/PPARα-signaling system in the regulation of hippocampal functions.This work was supported by the 7th Framework Programme of European Union [grant number HEALTH-F2-2008-223713, REPROBESITY], Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación [grant numbers SAF2010-19087, SAF 2010-20521], Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, UE-ERDF [grant number CP12/03109], Red de Trastornos Adictivos [grant numbers RD12/0028/0001, RD12/0028/0009], CIBERobn, Plan Nacional Sobre Drogas, Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo [grant number PNSD2010/143], Consejería de Economía, Innovación y Ciencia, Junta de Andalucía, UE/ERDF [grant number CTS-433, P-11-CVI-07637], Consejería de Salud, Junta de Andalucía [grant numbers PI0232/2008, PI0029/2008, SAS111224], and Fundació La Marató de TV3 [grant number 386/C/2011]. Juan Suárez is recipient of a “Miguel Servet” research contract from the National System of Health (Instituto de Salud Carlos III, grant number CP12/03109)

Estrategia para el desarrollo de aprendizajes en ingeniería basado en robótica educativa y competitiva: caso Universitaria de Investigación y Desarrollo, UDI

In the context of developing engineering skills across the full spectrum of the discipline, methodologies, tools, strategies and experiments have been implemented over the years to consolidate these kills in students finishing in the final stages of their university studies. The project in this paper is presented against this background, and consists of the developement of a pilot program to incorporate information and communication technology (ICT) into the curriculum, resulting in a clear strategy of innovation for education. It was of Bucaramanga, and for electrical engineering students at the students -as well as academic requirements and their productive enviroment - robotics, and specifacally competitive robotics, have been used to simulate modeling, desing and product implementation skills. This work has allowed the incorporation of an integrating strategy in which students carry out different stages of engineering projects: 1. Analysis of the challenge set, 2) The mechanical design of a device, generally moving, 3) The electronic stage, including control and direct manipulation of actuators; with these elements it is possible to create, 4) A competitive prototype that can be validated to provide feedback data and propose strategies of continuos improvementEn el marco del desarrollo de competencias propias y transversales de ingeniería, se han venido implementado durante décadas metodologías, herramientas, estrategias y experimentos para su consolidación en los estudiantes de grados finales de la media vocacional y en los primeros semestres de las universidades. Dentro de esta noción se presenta el actual proyecto, el cual desarrolla una experiencia piloto de incorporación de las TIC en el currículo, generando una clara estrategia de innovación para la formación. Esto establecido en el entorno de colegios públicos y privados en el área metropolitana de Bucaramanga, así como en la realidad de los estudiantes de Ingeniería Electrónica de la Universitaria de Investigación y Desarrollo (UDI). Para lograr un proceso de implementación viable y coherente con las aptitudes y actitudes de los estudiantes, así como los requerimientos académicos y del entorno productivo de estos, se ha recurrido a la robótica, y más específicamente a la competitiva, para estimular competencias propias de modelado, diseño e implementación de productos. Este trabajo ha permitido recurrir a una estrategia integradora donde los estudiantes realizan diferentes fases propias de proyectos de ingeniería: 1. analizan el reto dispuesto, 2. el diseño mecánico de un dispositivo, generalmente móvil, 3. La etapa electrónica, tanto de control como de manipulación directa de actuadores; con estos elementos es posible generar 4. Un prototipo competitivo, que se pueda validar para realimentar información y plantear estrategias de mejoramiento continuo

Analysis of the Effect of Scarification Process on Papaya (<em>Carica papaya</em> Lin.) Seeds Germination

The presence of the aril (sarcotesta) in the papaya causes a slow and low germination, being necessary to break the state of dormancy. Calcium hydroxide that was applied in order to evaluate its scarifying effect was the objective. The sample consisted of 60 randomly selected fruits of hermaphrodite plants in a commercial production batch of approximately 1 ha (2222 plants) showing commercial maturity, of homogeneous size (±2 kg). The treatments were calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2 at three doses, dipping the seed for a period of 24 h; the standardized sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 25% with a 15 min immersion time. The highest germination and vigor seeds were obtained applied Ca(OH)2 with highly significant differences respect to the rest treatment, especially for the dose of 60 g l−1 of water for reasons of diminishing expenses. Significant correlations were found, with direct relations (aril and mechanical damage) and inverse relations (abnormal seeds) between the variables evaluated related to the vigor and germination of the seeds. It can be an ecological and not expensive methodology to improve the germination and vigor of papaya seeds in relation to other chemical compounds to scarify

Pharmacological blockade of either cannabinoid CB1 or CB2 receptors prevents both cocaine-induced conditioned locomotion and cocaine-induced reduction of cell proliferation in the hippocampus of adult male rats

Addiction to major drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, has recently been linked to alterations in adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus. The endogenous cannabinoid system modulates this proliferative response as demonstrated by the finding that pharmacological activation/blockade of cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors not only modulates neurogenesis but also modulates cell death in the brain. In the present study, we evaluated whether the endogenous cannabinoid system affects cocaine-induced alterations in cell proliferation. To this end, we examined whether pharmacological blockade of either CB1 (Rimonabant, 3 mg/kg) or CB2 receptors (AM630, 3 mg/kg) would affect cell proliferation (the cells were labeled with BrdU) in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricle and the dentate subgranular zone (SGZ). Additionally, we measured cell apoptosis (as monitored by the expression of cleaved caspase-3) and glial activation (by analyzing the expression of GFAP and Iba-1) in the striatum and hippocampus during acute and repeated (4 days) cocaine administration (20 mg/kg). The results showed that acute cocaine exposure decreased the number of BrdU-immunoreactive (ir) cells in the SVZ and SGZ. In contrast, repeated cocaine exposure reduced the number of BrdU-ir cells only in the SVZ. Both acute and repeated cocaine exposure increased the number of cleaved caspase-3-, GFAP- and Iba1-ir cells in the hippocampus, and this effect was counteracted by AM630 or rimonabant, which increased the number of BrdU-, GFAP- and Iba1-ir cells in the hippocampus. These results indicate that the changes in neurogenic, apoptotic and gliotic processes that were produced by repeated cocaine administration were normalized by pharmacological blockade of CB1 and CB2. The restorative effects of cannabinoid receptor blockade on hippocampal cell proliferation were associated with the prevention of the induction of conditioned locomotion but not with the prevention of cocaine-induced sensitization.Fil: Blanco Calvo, Eduardo. Universitat de Lleida; EspañaFil: Rivera, Patricia. Universidad de Malaga; EspañaFil: Arrabal, Sergio. Universidad de Malaga; EspañaFil: Vargas, Antonio. Universidad de Malaga; EspañaFil: Pavon, Francisco Javier. Universidad de Malaga; EspañaFil: Serrano, Antonia. Universidad de Malaga; EspañaFil: Castilla Ortega, Estela. Universidad de Malaga; EspañaFil: Galeano, Pablo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Cardiológicas (i); ArgentinaFil: Rubio, Leticia. Universidad de Malaga; EspañaFil: Suaréz, Juan. Universidad de Malaga; EspañaFil: Rodríguez de Fonseca, Fernando. Universidad de Malaga; Españ