Dialectometric analysis of language variation in Twitter

In the last few years, microblogging platforms such as Twitter have given rise to a deluge of textual data that can be used for the analysis of informal communication between millions of individuals. In this work, we propose an information-theoretic approach to geographic language variation using a corpus based on Twitter. We test our models with tens of concepts and their associated keywords detected in Spanish tweets geolocated in Spain. We employ dialectometric measures (cosine similarity and Jensen-Shannon divergence) to quantify the linguistic distance on the lexical level between cells created in a uniform grid over the map. This can be done for a single concept or in the general case taking into account an average of the considered variants. The latter permits an analysis of the dialects that naturally emerge from the data. Interestingly, our results reveal the existence of two dialect macrovarieties. The first group includes a region-specific speech spoken in small towns and rural areas whereas the second cluster encompasses cities that tend to use a more uniform variety. Since the results obtained with the two different metrics qualitatively agree, our work suggests that social media corpora can be efficiently used for dialectometric analyses.Comment: 10 pages, 7 figures, 1 table. Accepted to VarDial 201

Fully-automatic inverse tone mapping algorithm based on dynamic mid-level tone mapping

High Dynamic Range (HDR) displays can show images with higher color contrast levels and peak luminosities than the common Low Dynamic Range (LDR) displays. However, most existing video content is recorded and/or graded in LDR format. To show LDR content on HDR displays, it needs to be up-scaled using a so-called inverse tone mapping algorithm. Several techniques for inverse tone mapping have been proposed in the last years, going from simple approaches based on global and local operators to more advanced algorithms such as neural networks. Some of the drawbacks of existing techniques for inverse tone mapping are the need for human intervention, the high computation time for more advanced algorithms, limited low peak brightness, and the lack of the preservation of the artistic intentions. In this paper, we propose a fully-automatic inverse tone mapping operator based on mid-level mapping capable of real-time video processing. Our proposed algorithm allows expanding LDR images into HDR images with peak brightness over 1000 nits, preserving the artistic intentions inherent to the HDR domain. We assessed our results using the full-reference objective quality metrics HDR-VDP-2.2 and DRIM, and carrying out a subjective pair-wise comparison experiment. We compared our results with those obtained with the most recent methods found in the literature. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method outperforms the current state-of-the-art of simple inverse tone mapping methods and its performance is similar to other more complex and time-consuming advanced techniques

Propuesta de aplicación de un sistema de producción híbrido Push-Pull para piezas de módulos de cocinas Madeval

This thesis project has the goal to suggest a Push-Pull Hybrid Production System to be applied in Madeval’s production facility. This company manufactures modular furniture for closets, kitchen, restrooms, and Ready to Assembly Modules (RTA). In order to begin the development of the proposal it was mandatory to generate the flowcharts corresponding to the Cutting, Laminating and Perforating processes. Additionally, it was required a study of the actual production capacities of the facility. To work in the suggested system, it was essential to review the literature involving the following topics: inventory systems, forecasting and Push-Pull Hybrid Production Systems.El presente proyecto de tesis tiene la finalidad de realizar una aplicación de la administración de inventarios basados en pronósticos de demanda histórica con el fin de proponer un sistema de producción híbrido Push-Pull para los muebles de cocinas de la Empresa Madeval. Esta empresa fabrica muebles modulares para cocina, closets, baños y muebles RTA (Ready to Assemble). Para la realización del nuevo sistema de producción se encontró la necesidad de iniciar con un levantamiento de los procesos de Corte, Laminado y Perforado. De igual manera, se requirió un estudio de las capacidades de producción actuales de la fábrica. Para desarrollar la propuesta, fue necesaria la indagación de la literatura relacionada con los temas de pronósticos, inventarios y sistemas de producción combinados Push-Pull, la misma que se presenta como marco teórico referencial

Assessing the ecological relevance of organic discharge limits for constructed wetlands by means of a model-based analysis

Polder watercourses within agricultural areas are affected by high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD5) concentrations, due to intensive farming activities and runoff. Practical cases have shown that constructed wetlands (CWs) are eco-friendly and cost-effective treatment systems which can reduce high levels of organic and nutrient pollution from agricultural discharges. However, accumulated recalcitrant organic matter, originated by in-situ sources or elements of CWs (i.e., plants or microbial detritus), limits the fulfilment of current COD discharge threshold. Thus, to evaluate its relevance regarding rivers ecosystem health preservation, we analysed the response of bio-indicators, the Multimetric Macroinvertebrate Index Flanders (MMIF) and the occurrence of organic pollution sensitive taxa towards organic pollutants. For this purpose, statistical models were developed based on collected data in polder watercourses and CWs located in Flanders (Belgium). Results showed that, given the correlation between COD and BOD5, both parameters can be used to indicate the ecological and water quality conditions. However, the variability of the MMIF and the occurrence of sensitive species are explained better by BOD5, which captures a major part of their common effect. Whereas, recalcitrant COD and the interaction among other physico-chemical variables indicate a minor variability on the bio-indicators. Based on these outcomes we suggest a critical re-evaluation of current COD thresholds and moreover, consider other emerging technologies determining organic pollution levels, since this could support the feasibility of the implementation of CWs to tackle agricultural pollution

Modelo de distribución comercial: una mirada a la logística del retail en los supermercados

Tesis (Ingeniero Civil Industrial)Sin el ánimo de buscar definiciones tipo, podemos decir que la logística es el conjunto de conocimientos y actitudes que prestan apoyo al desarrollo más conveniente de la actividad empresarial. Bajo este punto de vista, muchas son las teorías y ciencias, en definitiva herramientas, de que puede disponerse para conseguir dicho cometido. Pero prestaremos atención a aquellas encaminadas a disminuir costos innecesarios o actividades sin valor añadido. Son muchas las doctrinas que existen para mejorar el beneficio empresarial. Sin embargo, siempre llegamos al pensamiento de ganar sin gastar mucho y de trabajar bajo un método de forma limpia y ordenada (Método Kaizen). El modelo está dividido en nueve capítulos de los cuales en el primero realizamos una introducción, explicando brevemente el avance doctrinal que ha pasado en las distintas épocas sobre como considerar el manejo logístico, luego de ello nos orientamos hacia el sistema de valor que será nuestro eje conductor del trabajo. En el segundo capítulo, ya empezamos a entregar un análisis del medio, informando de cuál es la situación a nivel mundial y local del escenario que vamos a estudiar (retail). Demostramos el mercado, desarrollamos conceptos logísticos asociados al modelo que nos ayudaran a conocer más sobre los actores que participan de este estudio. En el tercer capítulo, se realizara un estudio de herramientas para analizar el problema, en función de la logística interna – externa, y sus distintos modelos que existen para buscar la solución de problemas logísticos (Kaizen, Pareto y sistema programación lineal). Todos ellos bajo la lupa de buscar una solución a nuestro modelo. Realizamos un análisis foda para visualizar nuestras fortalezas, oportunidades, debilidades y amenazas, delimitamos nuestras limitaciones y alcances, y por último, revisamos las normas asociadas al proyecto. En el cuarto capítulo, identificamos nuestro problema de forma cualitativa ocupando método causa – efecto, analizamos cada uno de los actores descubiertos y establecemos nuestras oportunidades de mejora. En el quinto, se realiza la ingeniería del proyecto donde procedemos a dar solución a nuestros objetivos específicos planteados para el modelo ocupando nuestro análisis causa – efecto y respondiendo a él con medidas de control KPIs que son consideradas imprescindibles para corregir el procedimiento agregando un Balance Scorecard explicativo. Y finalmente, procedemos a definir la mejora al sistema de valor. Agregamos también al análisis un balance Scorecard con la intensión de reflejar el aporte de nuestros KPIs al sistema. En el sexto, procedemos a comentar nuestras conclusiones obtenidas para dicho modelo

Assessment of microalgae and nitrifiers activity in a consortium in a continuous operation and the effect of oxygen depletion

AbstractBackgroundIndustrial wastewaters with a high content of nitrogen are a relevant environmental problem. Currently, treatments to remove nitrogen are not efficient, so is necessary to develop alternative methods. The objective of this study is to investigate a consortium of microalgae — nitrifying, that due to the symbiosis between them could be an interesting alternative.ResultsIn this study, it was possible to obtain a consortium of nitrifying bacteria (NB) and microalgae (MA) capable of operating with low requirements of dissolved oxygen, using aerobic sludge from wastewater treatment plants. During the operation, this consortium presents removal percentages above 98% of ammonia, even at concentrations of DO of 0.5mgO2L-1. It is estimated that the removal was caused both by the action of nitrifying bacteria and microalgae. It was determined that approximately 60% of the ammonia feed was oxidized to nitrate by nitrifying bacteria, while the algae assimilated 40% of the nitrogen feed at steady state. A methodology for measuring the specific activities of nitrifying bacteria and microalgae by comparing the rates in the variation inorganic nitrogen compounds was established with satisfactory results. An average specific activity of 0.05 and 0.02gNH4+gVSS-1d-1 for nitrifying bacteria and microalgae was determined, respectively.ConclusionsThe consortium it can be obtained in a single continuous operation, and has a high capacity for nitrogen removal with low oxygen content. The consortium could prove to be a more economical method compared to traditional

Desafios para la gestión de centros de educativos de enseñanza secundaria tecnico profesional en Chile

El texto describe algunos de los principales desafíos de la enseñanza secundaria técnico- profesional en Chile, insertos en el panorama mundial, bajo un escenario cambiante y dinámico, con crecientes demandas sociales, políticas y productivas que implican que la gestión de la educación deba repensarse, tanto desde el ámbito de su contribución al pacto social, como por su aporte al desarrollo de las personas y su empleabilidad laboral, materias que están en debate, al tenor de los problemas de atractividad que enfrenta el sector: pérdida de matrícula, menor valor social de la formación técnica, problemas de empleabilidad y otros que implican un problema estructural. En este escenario se requiere delinear algunas transformaciones profundas tanto de la organización de los procesos formativos, como en las competencias que se busca potenciar en los estudiantes, y en razón de ello, en las capacidades que la docencia debe fortalecer para enfrentar este reto que es de suma complejidad en todas sus dimensiones

Treatment of low strength sewage with high suspended organic matter content in an anaerobic sequencing batch reactor and modeling application

In this work, an anaerobic sequencing batch reactor (ASBR) was operated for 8 months to treat low strength sewage with high suspended organic matter content. Three phases of operation with increasing organic loading rates (OLR) were performed: 0.4 kg COD/m³ x d (phase I), 0 .8 kg COD/m³ x d (phase II) and 1.2 kg COD/m³ x d (phase III). Adequate stability parameters (pH, total alkalinity) were obtained through all three experimental phases. During phases I and II, the removal efficiencies of organic matter (expressed as total chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total suspended solids ranged between 50-60%. However, these values decreased to 15-25% in phase III. In addition, a non-complex model, including hydrolysis, acidogenesis and methanogenesis, was applied to predict the reactor behavior

SIG_PDUT, aplicación para la planificación territorial de La Araucanía

The development of GIS tools involves the generation of territorial information, organized according to the specific consultation, input and processing requirements of a group of users, and must be sufficiently flexible to meet both present and future requirements. In the context of the Regional Urban Development Plan (UDRP) for the Araucanía Region, a GIS application has been developed as a set of Avenue scripts for ArcView(c) 3.x, in order to administer the information generated by the project, making use of the potential offered by GIS and its extensions, in a customized GUI, oriented towards loading, display, consultation, cleanliness and graphic productsPeer Reviewe