On Real-Time AER 2-D Convolutions Hardware for Neuromorphic Spike-Based Cortical Processing

In this paper, a chip that performs real-time image convolutions with programmable kernels of arbitrary shape is presented. The chip is a first experimental prototype of reduced size to validate the implemented circuits and system level techniques. The convolution processing is based on the address–event-representation (AER) technique, which is a spike-based biologically inspired image and video representation technique that favors communication bandwidth for pixels with more information. As a first test prototype, a pixel array of 16x16 has been implemented with programmable kernel size of up to 16x16. The chip has been fabricated in a standard 0.35- m complimentary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) process. The technique also allows to process larger size images by assembling 2-D arrays of such chips. Pixel operation exploits low-power mixed analog–digital circuit techniques. Because of the low currents involved (down to nanoamperes or even picoamperes), an important amount of pixel area is devoted to mismatch calibration. The rest of the chip uses digital circuit techniques, both synchronous and asynchronous. The fabricated chip has been thoroughly tested, both at the pixel level and at the system level. Specific computer interfaces have been developed for generating AER streams from conventional computers and feeding them as inputs to the convolution chip, and for grabbing AER streams coming out of the convolution chip and storing and analyzing them on computers. Extensive experimental results are provided. At the end of this paper, we provide discussions and results on scaling up the approach for larger pixel arrays and multilayer cortical AER systems.Commission of the European Communities IST-2001-34124 (CAVIAR)Commission of the European Communities 216777 (NABAB)Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia TIC-2000-0406-P4Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia TIC-2003-08164-C03-01Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia TEC2006-11730-C03-01Junta de Andalucía TIC-141

Spike Events Processing for Vision Systems

In this paper we briefly summarize the fundamental properties of spike events processing applied to artificial vision systems. This sensing and processing technology is capable of very high speed throughput, because it does not rely on sensing and processing sequences of frames, and because it allows for complex hierarchically structured cortical-like layers for sophisticated processing. The paper includes a few examples that have demonstrated the potential of this technology for highspeed vision processing, such as a multilayer event processing network of 5 sequential cortical-like layers, and a recognition system capable of discriminating propellers of different shape rotating at 5000 revolutions per second (300000 revolutions per minute)

Promoting Sustainable and Resilient Constructive Patterns in Vulnerable Communities: Habitat for Humanity’s Sustainable Housing Prototypes in El Salvador

The global challenges regarding sustainability and the guarantee of minimum habitability requirements have led to the transformation of construction practices, where research has failed to achieve sufficient dissemination and findings. The purpose of this research is to promote sustainable and resilient patterns in construction in vulnerable neighbourhoods in emerging countries by disseminating techniques and mechanisms through in situ transfer workshops and by raising awareness of the environmental importance of construction. Regarding materials and methods, this paper contributes innovative insights by combining training workshops and awareness-raising sessions to promote both environmental education and sustainable and optimised habits in construction. These methods are applied and tested in a real case study in El Salvador. Subsequent to carrying out a multi-disciplinary assessment analysis, the outcomes and results have led to the design of prototypes that have obtained a global EDGE certificate on sustainable construction and efficient use of resources once the users’ testimonies, weaknesses, and strengths have been addressed. The conclusions indicate that families, volunteers, and technical workers need to be trained by promoting environmental awareness in social housing and establishing a plan for dissemination to communicate across universities and public and private institutions in order to replicate guidelines across American dry-corridor countries.University of Seville US-AYP/18/2022 US-2020UI003 US-d07/201

Decision-support method for profitable residential energy retrofitting based on energy-related occupant behaviour

Low-carbon energy retrofitting in buildings plays an important role because 75% of European buildings are considered inefficient and more than 40% are currently over 50 years old. The economic reinvestment of energy retrofit actions through reduced energy bills, as energy directives promote, greatly depends upon the energy consumption patterns. In support of the decision-making process towards a low-carbon energy transition in multi-family buildings, this paper introduces a novel assessment method that evaluates the profitability of energy efficiency measures, according to standard operating conditions derived from energy performance certificate procedures and real occupant energy consumption scenarios, through a parametric analysis. The aim is to assess the real energy and economic savings of retrofitting actions, depending on different energy-related occupant scenarios, and to enable comparisons with other buildings, providing a valuable model to identify the most feasible and low-carbon energy strategies in residential energy retrofitting. A Spanish multi-family building from 1942 is taken as the reference case study. The results show that energy savings for dwellings vary up to 80%, and the net present value per dwelling differs by up to 20,000V between different energy consumption patterns. The most appropriate energy efficiency measures according to low, medium or high consumption scenarios are highlighted

Housing renovation to provide the implementation of active ageing policies: Tools and strategies for diagnosis, multi-criteria decision support, and integral management

El continuo aumento de la población urbana mundial, la inversión de la pirámide demográfica y la progresiva obsolescencia del parque residencial edificado, con amplias necesidades de renovación arquitectónica, conforman tres de los principales desafíos que arquitectos y urbanistas deben afrontar en el siglo XXI a través de la renovación y adaptación del tejido residencial existente en las ciudades, que consecuentemente garantice la calidad de vida de una población cada vez más envejecida. Existe una línea de investigación científica emergente que, desde la arquitectura, demanda nuevos mecanismos y fórmulas para el estudio de la idoneidad y viabilidad de las intervenciones de rehabilitación residencial, desde sus diferentes disciplinas de influencia, como promueve en España la Ley 8/2013, de 26 de junio, de rehabilitación, regeneración y renovación urbanas. La tesis doctoral pretende contribuir a la optimización de los procesos de regeneración urbana con el diseño, desarrollo y aplicación de nuevas herramientas, procedimientos y estrategias para promover una gestión efectiva y sostenible de la rehabilitación residencial, considerando los diferentes tipos de actuaciones, desde la adecuación residencial en actuaciones que faciliten la accesibilidad y movilidad, a las medidas de eficiencia energética que garanticen el confort, promoviendo propuestas de rehabilitación satisfactorias para los residentes y el conjunto de agentes implicados, especialmente en las personas mayores, favoreciendo el concepto de “envejecer en casa”. La investigación ha permitido identificar, clasificar y cuantificar el impacto de los principales factores influyentes en la rehabilitación residencial, desde el proceso previo, durante y posterior al desarrollo de las obras, poniendo de manifiesto la necesidad de integrar valoraciones multidisciplinares, integrando disciplinas como la Psicología Ambiental, la Sociología o la Economía, en los sistemas de apoyo a la toma de decisiones de las propuestas. Además, se establecen mecanismos para garantizar la viabilidad integral de las actuaciones de rehabilitación, teniendo en cuenta la influencia del comportamiento de los ocupantes, a través de estrategias o niveles de intensidad según las diferentes circunstancias socioeconómicas. El ámbito de estudio de la investigación se ha extendido a un contexto internacional, con estancias de investigación en universidades de Portugal y Suecia, países del sur y del norte Europa, lo que ha servido para desarrollar estudios comparativos e identificar particularidades, similitudes y diferencias en el desarrollo de la investigación. Los resultados obtenidos incorporan aportaciones de gran utilidad a nivel técnico, social e institucional desde una perspectiva autonómica, nacional y europea, garantizando la idoneidad y viabilidad de los programas rehabilitación arquitectónica y regeneración urbana, y demostrando la utilidad de integrar en la arquitectura nuevas disciplinas que permitan obtener un diagnóstico exhaustivo y un diseño de propuestas satisfactorio. Las conclusiones de la investigación incorporan implicaciones para el desarrollo e implementación de las políticas de vivienda y ciudad, promoviendo la eficacia de los programas de rehabilitación arquitectónica y regeneración urbana desde los ámbitos de la arquitectura y otras disciplinas afines. Los principales avances y resultados de la tesis han sido publicados en artículos científicos de revistas indexadas de primer nivel internacional, con un alto factor de impacto.The continuous increase of the world’s urban population, the reversal of the demographic pyramid, and the progressive obsolescence of the built environment with its major requirements for building renovation, form three of the principal challenges faced by architects and urban planners in the 21st century through the renovation and adaptation of existing urban housing stock, which consequently ensures the quality of life of an increasingly ageing population. In architecture, this emerging research topic demands new mechanisms and formulae for the evaluation of the suitability and viability of housing renovation proposals, as promoted by Law 8/2013 in Spain, on urban refurbishment, regeneration, and renovation. This research aims to contribute towards the optimization of urban regeneration processes in the design, development, and application of new tools, procedures, and strategies for the promotion of the effective and sustainable management of housing renovation. To this end, a variety of actions are considered, including residential adequacy, mobility needs, and energy- efficiency measures that guarantee comfort, in order to provide satisfactory renovation proposals for residents and all agents involved, especially the elderly, thereby promoting the "ageing at home" concept. This work enables the identification, classification, and quantification of the impact of the main influential factors in housing renovation to cover the previous, ongoing, and post processes of the renovation work, thereby highlighting the need to develop multidisciplinary assessments that integrate Environmental Psychology, Sociology, and Economics in decision-support systems for the design of renovation proposals. Furthermore, mechanisms are established to guarantee the integral feasibility of the renovation actions, which take the influence of the occupants’ behaviour into account, through strategies or intensity levels according to their socio-economic circumstances. The scope of the research has been extended to an international context with case studies carried out in Portugal and Sweden, countries in southern and northern Europe, which provide a base for comparative studies and the identification of particularities, similarities, and differences in the development of research. The results obtained incorporate contributions of great utility at a technical, social, and institutional level from autonomic, national, and European perspectives by ensuring the feasibility and suitability of the building renovation and urban regeneration programs, and by demonstrating the usefulness of integrating new disciplines into architecture, thereby allowing an exhaustive diagnosis and satisfactory renovation proposals to be attained. The conclusions of this research include implications for the development and implementation of both housing and city policies, and promote the effectiveness of housing renovation and urban regeneration programs from the fields of architecture together with other related disciplines. The main findings of the research have been published in several scientific articles by indexed journals of the first international level, with high impact factors

A Study on the Parametric Design Parameters That Influence Environmental Ergonomics and Sustainability

The publication is part of Grant FJC2021-047711-I, funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/5011000 11033 and by the European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR awarded to Carmen Díaz-López through contract reference USE-23442-MThe parametric design applied to the built environment is critical to creating sustainable and resilient spaces. However, this research field involves a vast and complex amount of disconnected information. Therefore, this paper aims to analyse research trends in applying parametric design to optimise sustainability and environmental ergonomics parameters in built environments. The following specific objectives are identified to meet this objective: (i) a quantitative analysis based on a systematic literature review; (ii) a qualitative review based on a performance analysis and scientific mapping; and (iii) a comparative analysis of case studies applying parametric language for the optimisation of sustainability and environmental ergonomics parameters. The 1045 research records covering 1974 to 2021 illustrate a field in development that evolves from early digital advances to climate change adaptations, the circular economy and resilience. It highlights the importance of applying bioclimatic techniques in the built environment, identifying the most optimised measures and encouraging the creation of guidelines to serve as a protocol for future studies, contributing to the existing body of knowledge by highlighting trends, establishing research themes, outlining research networks and suggesting areas for further studies.MCIN/AEI FJC2021-047711-IEuropean Commission USE-23442-

Integrated urban regeneration for high-rise multi-family buildings by providing a multidimensional assessment model and decision support system

Data availability Data will be made available on request. Acknowledgements This work was supported through funds, materials, and technical equipment as part of the 68/83 LOU contract through the project entitled: Multidimensional evaluation model for integrated urban regeneration as climate change mitigation strategies. (Contract art.68/83 with project code FIUS23/0210 and CGT:0632) . Finally, the authors would also like to thank David Dolbear for the native English proofreading.Current urban challenges on promoting an integrated urban regeneration demand new decision support systems to adjust and optimise renovation strategies in the housing stock. This research aims to provide a multidimensional decision support system, specifically focused on high-rise multi-family buildings, which entails an added complexity in the design and decision-making stages of building renovation. The need to promote assessment protocols of key parameters that promote a viable and efficient renovation in high-rise multi-family buildings constitutes a research gap to be fulfilled in this study. This research contributes with an assessment and weighting model based on 12 indicators, both during and after renovation works, under 4 multidisciplinary dimensions: Technical; Social; Economic; and Environmental, in a-5 to 5 drawback-benefit index scale. An application procedure has been tested in two representative neighbourhoods in Argentina and Spain, identified by GIS resources, and demonstrating its operation and usefulness for vulnerable neighbourhoods due to global inflation. The implications of the graphic output of results, weighted for Mild, Moderate, Intense and Deep action strategies, allows us to identify drawbacks and benefits of each strategy independently, for each of the 12 indicators, visualising the trend, performance and variations between dimensions and strategies in large-scale buildings. Conclusions generate key recommendations and insights on decision-making patterns to urban policymakers by ensuring feasible and satisfactory renovation strate-gies in high-rise multi-family buildings.Contract art.68/83: FIUS23/0210, CGT:063

Valorization of strawberry extrudate waste: Recovery of phenolic compounds by direct-hydrothermal treatment and subsequent methane production by mesophilic semi-continuous anaerobic digestion

This research was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Competitiveness through Project CTM2017-83870-R. The authors are grateful to the Regional Government of Andalusia, Junta de Andalucia, Consejeria de Economia y Conocimiento (Project UHU-1257728) , for providing additional financial support.Strawberry extrudate (SE) is an underused by-product from strawberry industry. Recovery of the phenolic compounds present in SE would represent a very interesting valorisation option. Two main challenges need to be solved, firstly, the solubilisation and recovery of the phenolic compounds contained in SE, and, after that, the stabilisation of the resulted de-phenolized SE. The present research evaluates the potential of a biorefinery process combining a hydrothermal pre-treatment, followed by a phenolic extraction process and, finally, the anaerobic digestion of the remaining SE for producing energy that will contribute to compensate the energy requirements of the whole system. Following the hydrothermal pre-treatment at 170 degrees C for 60 min, an extraction of 0.6 +/- 0.1 g of gallic acid per kilogram of SE was achieved using an adsorbent resin, representing a recovery rate of 64 %. Long-term semi-continuous anaerobic digestion of de-phenolized SE was evaluated at different organic loading rates to evaluate the stability of the process. The anaerobic digestion of pre-treated SE achieved a stable methane production value of 243 +/- 34 mL CH4.g volatile solids.L-1.d(-1) at an organic loading rate (ORL) of 1.25 g volatile solids.L-1.d(-1). During the operation at this ORL, the control parameters including pH, alkalinity, soluble chemical organic demand (sCOD), and volatile fatty acid (VFA) remained stable and consistently constant. Specifically, the VFA in the reactor during this stable period achieved a value of 102 +/- 128 mg O2/L. Also, an economic balance showed that the minimal price of the generated phenolic extract for having benefited from the proposed biorefinery system was 0.812 epsilon.(g of gallic acid equivalents)(-1), a price within the range of phenolic compounds used in the food industry.Spanish Government CTM2017-83870-RRegional Government of Andalusia UHU-125772

Olfactory function in focal epilepsies: Understanding mesial temporal lobe epilepsy beyond the hippocampus

Several lines of research have linked olfactory regions with the pathophysiology of focal epilepsies. Among those regions, the piriform cortex represents the major part of the primary olfactory cortex. According to these data, we raised the hypothesis that in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy associated with hippocampal sclerosis exists an interictal dysfunction of olfactory processing that could be more significant compared to patients with extra‐hippocampal focal epilepsy and healthy controls. This could be the consequence of a dysfunctional epileptogenic network that extends beyond the hippocampus and affects other structures, including the piriform cortex. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the olfactory function with the Sniffin' Sticks test in 32 patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy associated with hippocampal sclerosis, 30 patients with extra‐hippocampal focal epilepsy, and 22 healthy controls. Compared to the other study groups, patients with temporal lobe epilepsy due to hippocampal sclerosis showed a basal olfactory dysfunction characterized by an impairment in odor discrimination and odor identification. We also found that high seizure frequency had a strong correlation with the evaluated olfactory tasks. Our results are consistent with neuroimaging and neuropathological data that establish a link between olfactory regions and the pathophysiology of temporal lobe epileps