Machine translation based on neural network language models

Este trabajo describe un sistema de traducción que integra n-gramas conexionistas en la etapa de decodificación, motivado por los buenos resultados obtenidos en los últimos años usando estos modelos de lenguaje. Hasta el momento todos los resultados publicados delegan el modelo de lenguaje conexionista a una segunda etapa desacoplada en la que se repuntúan listas de N-best o bien se utilizan sobre grafos de palabras que contienen las N-best. Nuestro objetivo es mostrar la viabilidad de utilizar estos modelos de lenguaje dentro de un sistema totalmente acoplado.This paper describes a Machine Translation system that integrates a Neural Network Language Model in the decoding process. This work is motivated by the excellent performance of these connectionist language models. So far, the use of Neural Network Language Models in the translation systems is uncoupled: they are used in a second stage to rerank a N-best hypothesis list or to parse a word graph containing the N-best list. Our goal is to show the feasibility of using these language models within a fully integrated system

Análisis y métodos numéricos con Geogebra

Cuaderno de prácticas de Matemáticas II, Grado en Ingeniería Informática, Universidad de Alicante

Improving the Statistical Qualities of Pseudo Random Number Generators

Pseudo random and true random sequence generators are important components in many scientific and technical fields, playing a fundamental role in the application of the Monte Carlo methods and stochastic simulation. Unfortunately, the quality of the sequences produced by these generators are not always ideal in terms of randomness for many applications. We present a new nonlinear filter design that improves the output sequences of common pseudo random generators in terms of statistical randomness. Taking inspiration from techniques employed in symmetric ciphers, it is based on four seed-dependent substitution boxes, an evolving internal state register, and the combination of different types of operations with the aim of diffusing nonrandom patterns in the input sequence. For statistical analysis we employ a custom initial battery of tests and well-regarded comprehensive packages such as TestU01 and PractRand. Analysis results show that our proposal achieves excellent randomness characteristics and can even transform nonrandom sources (such as a simple counter generator) into perfectly usable pseudo random sequences. Furthermore, performance is excellent while storage consumption is moderate, enabling its implementation in embedded or low power computational platforms.This research was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MCIU), the State Research Agency (AEI), and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under project RTI2018-097263-B-I00 (ACTIS)

Efficient Embedded Decoding of Neural Network Language Models in a Machine Translation System

[EN] Neural Network Language Models (NNLMs) are a successful approach to Natural Language Processing tasks, such as Machine Translation. We introduce in this work a Statistical Machine Translation (SMT) system which fully integrates NNLMs in the decoding stage, breaking the traditional approach based on n-best list rescoring. The neural net models (both language models (LMs) and translation models) are fully coupled in the decoding stage, allowing to more strongly influence the translation quality. Computational issues were solved by using a novel idea based on memorization and smoothing of the softmax constants to avoid their computation, which introduces a trade-off between LM quality and computational cost. These ideas were studied in a machine translation task with different combinations of neural networks used both as translation models and as target LMs, comparing phrase-based and N-gram-based systems, showing that the integrated approach seems more promising for N-gram-based systems, even with nonfull-quality NNLMs.This work was partially supported by the Spanish MINECO and FEDER found under project TIN2017-85854-C4-2-R.Zamora Martínez, FJ.; Castro-Bleda, MJ. (2018). Efficient Embedded Decoding of Neural Network Language Models in a Machine Translation System. International Journal of Neural Systems. 28(9). https://doi.org/10.1142/S0129065718500077S28

Developing Project Managers’ Transversal Competences Using Building Information Modeling

The emergence of building information modeling (BIM) methodology requires the training of professionals with both specific and transversal skills. In this paper, a project-based learning experience carried out in the context of a project management course at the University of Extremadura is analyzed. To that end, a questionnaire was designed and given to students who participated in the initiative. Results suggest that BIM can be considered a virtual learning environment, from which students value the competences developed. The emotional performance observed was quite flat. Similarly, students valued the usefulness of the initiative. Students expressed a desire for the methodological change of the university classes, and thought that BIM methodology could be useful for other courses. The results obtained show a line of work to be done to improve the training of students and university teaching

Enhancement of bioactive compounds of sprouts during self-life by combined abiotic stresses

[SPA] Los brotes de semillas germinadas suelen tener un alto contenido de nutrientes y son una buena fuente de antioxidantes, aminoácidos y fibra dietética. La germinación puede eliminar los anti-nutrientes tóxicos presentes en las semillas y aumentar la actividad enzimática. El objetivo principal de este trabajo es estudiar diferentes tratamientos pre y postcosecha para mejorar la biosíntesis de compuestos bioactivos en semillas germinadas. Para ello, se abordará la aplicación de tensiones abióticas combinadas, como luces LED o UV y la aplicación de aceites esenciales. Esperamos mejorar la calidad nutricional de estos productos para aumentar su consumo global aumentando la salud de los consumidores. [ENG] Sprouts (germinated seeds) usually have a high content of nutrients and are a good source of antioxidants, amino acids, and dietary fiber. Germination can eliminate the toxic anti-nutrients present in the seeds and increase the enzymatic activity. The main objective of this work is to study different pre and postharvest treatments to improve biosynthesis of bioactive compounds in germinated seeds. For this purpose, the application of combined abiotic stresses will be addressed, such as LED or UV lights and the application of essential oils. We expect to enhance the nutritional quality of these products to increase their global consumption increasing healthiness of consumers.The project was financed by the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia (no. 20 849/PI/18) through the grant call for projects for the development of scientific and technical research by competitive groups, included in the Regional Programme for the Promotion of Scientific and Technical Research (Action Plan 2018) of the Seneca Foundation – Science and Technology Agency of the Region of Murcia (Spain)

Periodical UV-B radiation hormesis in biosynthesis of kale sprouts nutraceuticals

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the periodical UV-B radiation hormesis during kale seeds germination in their main content of secondary metabolite compounds (phenols; glucosinolates; total antioxidant capacity –TAC–) and their changes during a refrigerated shelf-life. The total UV-B doses received were 0, 5, 10, and 15 kJ m−2 (CTRL, UVB5, UVB10, and UVB15) in where the 25% was applied on the 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 10th sprouting day. UV radiation did not affect the morphological development of the sprouts. UVB10 and UVB15 treatments increased their phenolic content (>30%). Likewise, TAC was increased by UV-B lighting ~10% (DPPH) and ~20% (FRAP). The hydroxycinnamic acid content in UVB15-treated sprouts increased by 52%, while UVB5 reported an increase of 34% in the kaempferol-3,7-di-O-glucoside concentration, compared to CTRL. After 10 d at 4 °C of shelf-life, content of gallic acid hexoside I and gallic acid increased by 55 and 78% compared to UV-untreated kale sprouts, respectively. Glucoraphanin was the main glucosinolate found in kale sprouts and seeds, followed by 4-hydroxy-glucobrassicin, whose biosynthesis was enhanced by UVB10 (~24 and ~27%) and UVB15 (~36 and ~30%), respectively, compared to CTRL. In conclusion, periodical low UV-B illumination represents a useful tool to stimulate phytochemicals biosynthesis in kale sprouts as an important source of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits.Noelia Castillejo was funded by a predoctoral grant (FPU16/04763) from the Spanish Ministry of Education. Lorena Martínez-Zamora's contract (21322/PDGI/19) is part of the Regional Programme for research talent and its employability of the Seneca Foundation, co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF) through the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI). The technical assistance of Francisca Andreo is highly appreciated

Postharvest UV radiation enhanced biosynthesis of flavonoids and carotenes in bell peppers

UV abiotic stresses have beneficial effects in plants inducing the synthesis of secondary metabolites when low doses were applied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 6 kJ m−2 UV (B or C) and 6 + 6 kJ m−2 UV (B + C) on the main bioactive compounds of red bell peppers during a refrigerated shelf-life period. Changes in carotenoids, phenolics, and flavonoids were studied after 8 and 14 d at 7 °C, an after an additional retail sale period of 4 d at 18 °C. Physicochemical quality attributes were not affected by any UV treatment. Generally, UV treatments induced carotenoid accumulation, highlighting that after 14 d at 7 °C, UVB and UVC increased by 59 % the total carotenoid content, and UVB + C did it by 94 % compared to non-UV-treated peppers as control (CTRL). UVC, UVB, and UVB + C are good elicitors of the flavonoid biosynthesis with 42, 66, and 43 % increases just after treatment, respectively, compared to CTRL. This behaviour was enhanced in UVC and UVB + C treated peppers after 8 d at 7 °C (15 and 44 %, respectively) and after 14 d at 7 °C (146 and 137 %) regarding CTRL peppers, which was also shown after the retail period assayed of 4 d at 18 °C. In conclusion, a postharvest 6 kJ m-2 UV-C treatment could be a great tool for increasing the accumulation of carotenoids and flavonoids in red bell peppers.This research received no external funding. Noelia Castillejo contract was funded by a predoctoral grant (FPU16/04763) from the Spanish Ministry of Education. Lorena Martínez-Zamora contract has been co-financed by the European Social Fund and the Youth European Initiative under the Spanish Seneca Foundation (21322/PDGI/19). Authors thanks Henarejos y Tárraga, S.L. and the Asociación Eco-innovadora Agrícola de la Región de Murcia for the kindly supply of bell peppers

Postharvest UV-B and photoperiod with blue + red LEDs as strategies to stimulate carotenogenesis in bell peppers

Background: Our objective was to evaluate carotenoid accumulation in bell peppers during shelf life under different light conditions. Methods: Fruit stored for 6 d at 7 °C received a 9 kJ m−2 UV-B treatment, while non-UV-treated were used as control (CTRL). Subsequently, all peppers were disposed for a retail sale period of 4 d at 20 °C with a photoperiod of 14 h under fluorescent light (FL) + 10 h under darkness (D), FL, or blue + red LEDs (BR LED). Results: Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was increased by the UV-B treatment and the photoperiods supplemented with FL and BR LED, which was directly related to the carotenoid content. In fact, CTRL peppers (225 mg β-carotene kg−1) under FL+BR LED showed an increase of ~33% of 13-cis-β-carotene, ~24% of all-trans-β-carotene, and ~27.5% of 9-cis-β-carotene compared to FL + D and FL + FL. Capsaicinoids showed an increase by ~22%, ~38%, and ~27% in the content of capsanthin, capsanthin laurate, and capsanthin esters, respectively, after the UV-B treatment, which was even enhanced after the LED-supplemented photoperiod by ~18% compared to FL+D. Conclusions: Illumination with BR LEDs + UV-B during the retail sale period nights is recommended to increase the bioactive content of bell peppers via carotenoid accumulation to 270 mg β-carotene kg−1

Effect of postharvest visible spectrum LED lighting on quality and bioactive compounds of tomatoes during shelf life

The objective was to evaluate the effect of visible spectrum LED lighting during shelf-life on physicochemical quality and the main bioactive compounds of Kumato® cherry tomatoes. Tomatoes were stored 13 days at 5 °C under white (W), blue (B), blue + red (B + R), green + red (G + R), and green + far-red (G + FR) LED lights. Darkness (D) was used as control. Tomatoes under illumination showed higher weight losses and firmness decreases (30–35%). No chilling injury was observed. B + R lighting increased the carotenoid content by ∼27%, while G + R and G + FR reported an increase ∼30% in phenolics. B and B + R showed the highest increase in the phytochemical biosynthesis (lycopene and naringenin, as main carotenoid and flavonoid found) compared to D and W. Conclusively, illumination with B + R or B during shelf-life is recommended to enhance the main bioactive compounds. G + R and G + FR, also reported to be good elicitors of the phenolics and carotenoids biosynthesis.During the development of this research, Noelia Castillejo contract was funded by a predoctoral grant (FPU16/04763) from the Spanish Ministry of Education (until March 2022). Lorena Martínez-Zamora contract was co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Youth European Initiative (YEI) under the Spanish Seneca Foundation (21322/PDGI/19) until December 2021. Currently, Lorena Martínez-Zamora contract is financed by the Programme for the Re-qualification of the Spanish University System during the three-year period 2021–2023, Margarita Salas modality for the University of Murcia. Authors thanks to G's España Holdings SL for the kindly supply of the Kumato® cherry tomatoes. The technical assistance during experiments of Cristina Martínez Moreno is also appreciated